Welcome back! I don't post much but have been on this forum for more than 10 years, LOL! It is a shame that there is less trading due to these Hosta problems.....it was always fun sending and receiving Hostas in the mail. Of course it can still be done.....and with caution. Actually the fact that all your plants have been there for so long shows they are clean and healthy.......just be careful that what you get in return is healthy and maybe keep the isolated in another part of the garden for a year or two to be sure.

marie, I would def have the rough-in work for the island done now. Since you have access through the basement (is it finished?) you can just leave the capped runs waiting in the joist space below your future island. Welcome back! Sandy

The first one is AWESOME, especially if you slide the decor of the dining room towards Craftsman ... the other two not so much. The "pool table light" looks more 1980s than 1920s, and the other one not nearly farmhouse enough. I had a 1920s bungalow with mostly original lighting, and the kitchen had what we now call "Schoolhouse" lighting. the bedrooms had center fixtures with 3 small pendant lights from it. Much like this: http://sduptownnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Housecalls-Photo-0169.jpg Or maybe these: http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8f/8c/b0/8f8cb01d34ec2a4556f402e8171d2781.jpg

Well, I bought it! It was truly stunning in person--the owners bought it at an estate sale about 12 years ago and had it completely refinished. The table has been protected with pads since they've owned it, and there was barely a scratch on it. The chairs are very comfortable--they were reupholstered as well. I do plan to have some linen box pleat skirted seat covers made. It comes with two 21" leaves, so it opens to over 90". Without the leaves it's 50" diameter, which is a good every day size for my room. It's definitely Baker Furniture--I saw the brass plate under the table top. I paid their full price--$1,300. They weren't open to offers. I found the same table (without chairs) on Ebay. It sold for $1,500. Mine appears in much better condition. I'm picking it up next Saturday. Just need to find a place to store it while we finish the remodel. Now I can start thinking about a chandelier--I'll be back asking for help with that Here is a link that might be useful: Same Table on Ebay