I have the Miele Diamante' dishwasher (3 years now) and LOVE it! Best one I've ever owner. Sister-in-law has had a Miele dishwasher 8 years no problems. Our last "Maytag" lasted 4 years. Miele makes fantastic appliances even though they are more expensive. Saves money in the long run when you don't have to replace it. Make sure Miele certified guy puts it in if you get one. I am having a Miele single oven installed next week. Good luck! ps- my repairman told me to STAY AWAY FROM LG AND SAMSUNG. He said the parts they use look like toys and they are pieces of junk. He said if you American go GE or Whirlpool and get the longest service plan you can get because American made appliances are built these days to last 5 years. If you go Foreign expect to have more difficulty finding certified tecs and longer waiting time for parts.

Got an email back from Ikea today. They do not consider Knodd to be food safe. It's so cute, though! Oh well.... For the time being I just placed the entire bag inside it, bag and all. I'm going to check out vacuum packaging. Really, we don't need this much rice, but dh's favorite (Kokohu Rose) is only available here in huge bags - which lasts us about 3 months. I'm going to check out vacuum packaging. It would be better to break the quantity down into smaller, more manageable amounts for storage. Thanks SO much for your ideas - you guys are great! I don't post often but do love to read this forum. Linda

Best of luck to you. Seattle is marvelous.

Glad you are having a good time. I love blood pudding. Actually they also call it black pudding. It taste like sausage. At least try one bite just to say you did. I love pub grub too. My first DH was from Belfast and I've been to Ireland 4 times. It really is very green. My DD's cousin now lives in England but was home for a visit a couple of week ago. He posted pictures on facebook. Made me want to hop a plane for a visit. Linda