Grapevines are highly unlikely to get too much sun in Idaho - they normally get way more in the Meditarranean and California. I would suspect not enough sun, too much water and bad drainage (though e.g. spider mites could also be a factor).

baymee-- Unless this Lawn-Boy has a DuraForce engine (identifiable by the above-deck muffler), the only way I can think of to remove the fuel from the crankcase (other than letting the engine burn it out) is to remove the muffler and let the fuel drain out of the exhaust ports. For a DuraForce engine, you can either remove the exhaust transfer tube to let the fuel drain out of the exhaust port, or you can remove the cylinder head and lift up the back wheels. The air vane governor on these machines (i.e., "the contraption connected to the carb") does make carb removal an exercise in patience. Hope this helps.

Ok, now the rest. janetr, I don't think I want my DH anywhere near ANYTHING any more. He knows how much work I put into these, he knows what's needed. There are days when I could cheerfully strangle him, but I'll aways admit that he is far from stupid or clueless. Forgive him? Eventually I will, I'm sure. I just feel too rotten to go there right now. raptorfan, mora, and peatpod: you're very sweet to offer, but I don't have anything I can send you in return (at least not until fall, when my Columbines and Jacob's Ladder set seeds). I used up my heirloom seeds from last year and I was counting on harvesting a new batch this fall. There were many plants of each type (in the hope that at least ONE would thrive and be a seed doner), but now....nothing except some Honeywort seeds (annual) and my "straight to field" seeds (carrots, peas, that sort of thing). Some of you have asked for my mailing address. I don't mind giving it out; I'll head to my email and send it now. It'll be mostly as an FYI for future reference, I guess. I wish I had a million wierd and wonderful seeds for everyone....I'm not much of a trade-buddy right now. :-( When I think of them all I could cry. Sasha's Altai and Gregori's Altai, German Green, Yellow Stuffer, White Beauty (that one really hurts), Purple passion, Yellow Russian, Black Prince, Black Krim, Moskovich, Urbikani, Ace, and two dozen more. They came to me through trades, really good online sales, and just plain dumb luck (the Rare Seed Round Robin introduced me to 3 new types). All dead. Bonnie, I hope to Amida that at least a few will revive. On your advice, I've left them in the pots, hoping for a small miracle. The RR also had some amazing eggplants (orange, yellow, great wierd shapes), and melons and peppers, all of which...you guessed it. It's not losing the plants themselves that hurts most. As any gardener knows, "There's Always Next Year" is the mantra to live by when disappointment hits. Trouble is, I would have to spend a fortune for new seed (*IF* I could find them all). So the collection that I've spent so much time and care on was decimated in one swoop. And it's my own stupid fault: I shouldn't have listened when DH said he'd keep an eye on things while I worked. Now I have to get in touch with a dozen people who I was looking forward to introducing to heirlooms (I've already sent at least 10 emails, but there are lots to go). And then there's the locals who count on me each spring: the Senior's Residence, elderly neighbors (I grow them flowers from seed) and the food bank and our families - 4 in total - to whom the vegetables go to each fall. I'll make those phone calls today. If that wasn't enough, I don't have a clue what to do about our Temple offering. I know no-one is going to say anything bad, no one will accuse me of trying to duck out on my annual promise, but the fact remains: I AM breaking that promise. BLIA (Buddha's Light) has been there for me during dark and horrible times, and they know I can't offer financial support. They've never tried to make me feel bad about how they tend to "forget" to charge me for various things. They're gracious and caring and very happy when I bring in my plants and produce, and this helps me be part of the Sangha ("Community" or "Congregation") in spirit and person both. So many domino effects from one little greenhouse. Augh. I'm going around in circles. I'm going to go see if my daffodils or have shown up. So far I haven't seen anything, but they can't ALL be dead! .....could they? Bless you all for your support (and sorry for rambling on yet AGAIN).

Thanks for the re-welcoming responses everyone! :) Skip the individual replies below and go to the next post to read more about kitchen details... Julie - the crossing of your body parts is WORKING! Dianalo - thanks for the fingers crossing - it's totally working - and yes I agree there has been too much drama! Johnliu - thank you! That's a major super kind compliment - especially considering how many pictures you see on this forum! :) I really appreciate it and thanks for thinking of me. It's going better now, at least re. the kitchen! Aliris19 - I KNOW! Crazy weird. I don't get it - the best I can come up with is that I somehow acquired some bad karma! Kathe - thank you. It's finally working out - yay! More details below, about the kitchen. Re. my husband, I'd love to give you some better news but yesterday we went to the doc after he had a second echocardiogram (sp?) and much to our surprise (since he's feeling and looking better and has adjusted well to the meds) they said he wasn't doing as well as they'd hoped - especially for his relatively younger age and relative health. His heart hasn't decreased in size and his EF% did get to a safer/higher number (between 30-35 as opposed to the 20-25 it was before) but it has to be 40 or above to be able to prevent getting a pacemaker put in. :( So now he's facing that and he's incredibly discouraged after how well he was feeling. Also, some of his heart is apparently dead now (?) - forget the terminology - so a second advantage of the pacemaker is that a third wire can be put in which will help sort of stimulate that area, if I'm understanding correctly. The doc says the way my husband's heart is now, he has a 5-10% chance of dying which is of course high, though he thinks on the low end cause of his general health. But still that's high!!! I forgot what the number is after the pacemaker though. He said he recommends doing it soon but he said an alternative would be up the meds (which is happening either way/regardless) and then wait 6 weeks to see if his EF# gets up to 40 but he said that's very unlikely and that postponing things is a risk, especially since we have 3 kids (and no life insurance, thank you very much...or you can thank my husband very much...we fought about this so many times prior to his diagnosis - it kills me to think about!). My husband wants to wait the 6 weeks, which is a pretty big concern - I'm pretty worried about this. I mean if you look at this as "how much luck is this couple having lately" - it points to HAVE THE SURGERY DONE NOW. Doesn't it?! Thanks for inquiring, and sorry to have such a long reply! Marcolo - thank you! You can see the details about the hubby in the above post - and thanks for thinking of him! As for the Jaclo faucet, here's what I have to say about it TODAY anyway: I love so much about it, but the particular one I ordered has had some issues which appear to be a major fluke based on everything I've read and heard about them. The company has been very good about responding appropriately and they're about to send me a brand spanking new one. They've send some individual replacement parts which have worked out relatively well but not well enough for the amount the faucet costs! In other words for the price, this thing needs to be tight and working beautifully in every way, IMO! The man who's helping me said that the moment the order comes in from my local store (I won't be charged) he's going to take it off the shelf himself and make sure there's no jiggling in the neck and that everything else looks and works perfectly. I've been wanting to talk about the faucet on here but have been waiting to see if the issues could get resolved first so that I can give a thorough and fair review. I do love the faucet though, even with the issues. I just love how funky and different it is while also appearing period-appropriate...I love the hidden sprayer that doesn't require putting holes in your countertop, I love the choice of very high-end levers/colors or the stainless wheels option and I love love love the gorgeous polished solid stainless body that isn't as cold as chrome - it's much more like polished nickel warmth-wise but more durable. Also, because my countertop is stainless, it's a perfect match. Not blue as chrome or yellow as nickel. :) Fori - thank you! Flwrs n co - your positive juju is working! I'm going to be able to show pics soon it appears. The paint on the upper original cabs and crappy old windows (lead paint, mind you) is another matter. Not sure how to afford that but it looks terrible compared to all the other nice work. But you'll just have to look past that! :) Thank you for the well-wishes. We'll take any and all that we (he) can get right now. Honorbiltkit - I can picture this dance in my mind, perfectly. Why do I have a feeling you're a writer? Cluelessincolorado - it's good to know if I'm gone too long, you'll head up the search party! ;) #3 is making me so happy. Read below to hear all about it. Thank you for the well-wishes, including for my badly-needed sanity...you have NO IDEA, honestly (they're talking about sending me away for a week so I can get some respite - but that's mostly cause the kids are making me crazy. I think I'm developing a tick!!)!!!! Details about kitchen in the next post below...