OP here. Thanks for all the helpful responses. Still no decision, but leaning toward building in a cabinet that could be removed easily in the future while installing a large double-bowl sink with built-in drain/prep board now. Explanations for some of my statements: size of "small galley kitchen" is 7.5 x 10' re. Things that aren't appropriate for a dishwasher. Handmade ceramic dishes by experimental artists. Antique dishes. Fine quality modern glassware. Antique sterling silver flatware. Any dishware with gold or silver details. Good cooking knives. And, according to postings in the Appliance Forum, cooking pots that you don't want to become pitted by enzymatic DW detergents. Several people have commented that they have had no problems putting some of the materials listed above in their DW. How often have they been run through with success? Etching of glass and pitting of metal is a gradual process: by the time you see it, you have lost the piece. Originally, DH and I assumed that we would install a DW even though we had run ours only about once every 10 days. Reading all the information on the Appliance Forum, I decided that we would not want to live with the constraints described for the European-type DWs. Also have friends who are unhappy with new Bosches and Mieles. We considered dish drawers, but there were postings that they aren't so reliable. So I settled on a KitchenAid for the heating option and flexibility in loading and apparently fewer detergent-related problems. We intended to get the 60 model (same machine as top-of-the-line 70, but 3 dB louder). Then I discovered all the discussion on the Appliance Forum about DW detergents. Looking at the intended purchase in the store (3 times), it seems so flimsy and plasticy, perhaps because we are shopping for ovens now too. Put all of the above together and I thought maybe we needed to step back and reassess the assumption that we would get a DW. I appreciate all the observations/thoughts about aging and DWs. Am definitely mulling those. Re. selling house. No, we are not wealthy and cannot foresee the future, but will not leave this house unless there is absolutely no other option. Again, thanks for all your thoughtful responses. They will help us reach a decision.

I am diabetic and will be eating what I want for Thanksgiving -within reason. My doctor told me that I can enjoy myself as long as I don't splurge on anything. I know it will be hard for your guest as he is just newly diagnosed and I remember the panic and super vigilance when I was first diagnosed. Of course, a diabetic should always be careful what they eat but thank goodness over time the panic goes away and you learn to adjust your habits. I agree with those who said that you should just cook what you normally cook. I know that sounds mean but as a diabetic there are normally enough vegetable and protein choices at a Thanksgiving dinner to fill him up. Sweet potatoes without added sugar are actually much better then white potatoes as they are a more complex carbohydrate and really anything that is digested more slowly (carb wise) is best that way you don't get as bad of a sugar spike. You will do great! Karen

For those of you who have a problem with no shopping bags given at Aldi's, are you aware of the fact that you ARE paying for them at the regular grocery stores? I'm not sure about now, but the regular grocery stores used to take of about 5 cents per bag I brought of my own. Since all my tote bags disappeared a few years ago cause they got used for other things and not put back, I got out of the habit of taking my own bags, so I don't know if they will still take off for them. As to the quarter for the shopping cart, I think it's a great idea. I very seldom have a cart in the lot to worry about hitting my car. I don't like the paper products, except for the TP for use in the camper. I find them rather thin. The milk and eggs have been rather high priced lately. As with anywhere else, I have to read labels carefully due to my garlic allergy. (Which reminds me I need to email Vlassic, who doesn't have garlic on the ingredients list, ut has it in the pickles!) DH hasn't complained about the Salmon. I don't eat it, so I don't know. I buy my tomato paste there and canned mushrooms. Legos were a great price a couple of weeks before Christmas, but I didn't get there to get any before they were gone. Darn. Bought a LOT of Legos for DGS for Christmas! I seldom have a problem with thier produce, and it's usually a good price. Tami

"I remember hundreds of little black floaters that did finally clear." I don't have any of those. thankfully! yesterday the doc had me stop 1 drop (that he'd sent home with me on Thurs) and added another - that's just like a eye wetter type eye drops. but he insisted I get a particular brand. Muro - which I couldn't find it OTC. tried 3 places on Friday and today I called a major grocery chain here, 2 CVS drug stores, checked website of 2 walmarts (that list all stock updated at midnight), and called 2 walgreens stores. FINALLY, the last walgreens had it in stock! at 27.00 $s - holy smokes! my sister came by to get me and took me there to get it. i'm to put a drop in - every 15 minutes! (is he testing my patience? lol!) my sister thinks he owns stock in the company! ha! anyway, i'm not making it every 15 min. but trying to stick close to it. will not wake myself up all thru the night for it tho. on the way home, we stopped at a place called Freddy's for food. I'd not eaten there, she has and loves it. I got a steakburger and malt. malt awesome and steakburger ok - good veggies on it. I ate half and will have other half tomorrow. and I still have my bacon from breakfast yesterday (in the afternoon) so I can make a blt tomorrow also - so I've got enough premade food not to need to make anything else. And a lemon pie - I bought a whole pie at IHOP yesterday and split with my sister. Her dh is out of town (he does the cooking) so she's eating whatever she can find at her house that's premade or easy (like pnb sandwiches). my friend came back over today and pulled more weeds. the back area is mostly done now. and she cleaned the hall bathroom. since no one uses it, it's not been cleaned for a long time. but it's the one she uses when here. I didn't want her doing anything in my room cause I didn't want anything disturbed or raising up any dust or dirt (there's a lot that could be cleaned in here but dust / dirt floating around isn't good for my eye). We've had a lot of wind the last 2 days which means desert dirt is blowing everywhere! she plans to fix some plumbing issues and told me not to buy any more parts - that she found more than enough in the drawers in there. I think she's a lot like you shades - she can fix most anything. bravo - a female 'handyman'.