I bought my Robert Michael Ltd. "Main Street" sectional in "Passion Suede Chocolate" microfiber in 2006, and I'm still sitting on it (super comfortably) as I type this comment right now. It is THE most comfortable sofa I have ever sat or slept on, and I can't actually believe that I've had it 17 years. It's survived being hauled to and from storage across 3 different moves, and withstood the assault of multiple adults plus at least 5 different dogs (including a Siberian Husky), so I definitely reiterate the sentiments of everyone else on here who has said these sofas really do stand the test of time. The Husky has tried to dig/tear at the fabric on several occasions, yet only succeeded in making a couple tiny holes in the back pillows--which is astonishing, as this dog can eat through a plastic airline kennel--so it seems that the microfiber is pretty tough. It's so easy to wipe spills and stains from this fabric, as well. It's true that the loose back pillows and seat cushions squish and lose their shape due to their being filled with down, but even if they don't look the greatest anymore, they don't ever stop being comfortable. I definitely didn't buy this sofa because of the looks--I had originally gotten it new and made to order from some no-name hole-in-the-wall import furniture store on La Brea in Hollywood (CA). It was my first major furniture purchase, so I had simply asked the salesman, "give me your most comfortable sofa in a dogproof fabric and color that will last a long time" and this is what he recommended, and boy, was he right. When I remove the upholstery covers, there are definitely feathers everywhere inside the cushions, but honestly, I haven't had issues with feathers escaping the covers. I have other down accent pillows that literally litter the room with feathers if you even sit near one, but the sofa has been totally fine. I only wish I had known how to take care of the cushions as well as I see now that many of you have, but alas, the reason I'm here is because 5 minutes ago, I just dragged the chaise portion of the sectional out to the curb :/ I had just made the decision to finally get rid of this sofa because the fabric and inner cushions have finally become so dirty and gross after never having been formally cared for in 17 years (no fault of the sofa's), but since I haven't been able to find something that I like nearly as much yet, I decided to keep just the "sofa" portion for the time being, which is what I'm still happily sitting on right now, until I find a new sofa. So, when I took the chaise cushion off to throw it out, that's when, for the very first time, I saw the label that stated Robert Michael Ltd, Santa Ana, CA! I Googled it and thus found this page of comments...and now am super sad that I may not ever be able to get this sofa again, if Robert Michael is truly out of business. I have not been able to find the original furniture store again (not sure if it survived the pandemic), so I don't know what to do. This sectional was huge, approx 108" wide (from one arm to the end of the "L") and the chaise was 60" deep, and I'd paid $1700 for it in 2006. I'm just shocked at sofa prices now (upwards of $5k even for non-sectional sofas, and even without down cushions!!) but regardless of price, I've checked out sofas from RH, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, CB2, Macy's, Ikea, etc plus any number of vintage stores and so far, have not found anything remotely approaching the comfort and sheer heft/quality of this Robert Michael sofa. I'd been hoping to purchase essentially the same sofa, but hopefully with a more updated design so the shape is a bit more modern, but with the quality and comfort preserved. I had a small velvet loveseat from World Market for just 3 years in a different room, and in just that short time with light use, a spring gave out and made the sofa basically unusable. I'd definitely rather pay for good quality furniture, especially if they last as long and feel as good as this Robert Michael sofa!! If anyone has ideas for what other brands are comparable to the quality of this Robert Michael sofa that are currently available that perhaps have a more trendy design, and hopefully are under $3k for a non-sectional sofa around 86-90", I'm all ears!!! If it's possible to get something that feels as good that doesn't use real bird feathers, that would be even better, but I think that would be asking for the moon. :( I'm really sad now that my chaise is gone. :(

Did you make your choice yet? Used Swimex pools do become available from time to time and would be within your budget if you waited long enough. As you know, the Swimex paddlewheel current is considered the most superior of any on the market right now. It almost sounds like with your landscaping that a Containur Pool made of a repurposed shipping container and fiberglass with fitting for an Endless Pool swim current would be ideal since you could set it without any retaining wall, just piers on your slope. Those are also within your budget. The Michael Phelps swim spas are excellent, and I'm sure you would enjoy one if you went that direction. However, buying a used one and expecting another 15 years out of it is risky. Those shells are acrylic and not as durable as fiberglass, especially if this will be outdoors. The parent company, Masterspas, has also been known to deal with some quality failures on occasion, though no more it would seem than most other spa companies. Those stand-alone spas do tend to start having problems that require repair starting around the 5-year mark and beyond. A gunite pool can last a lifetime and is often competitively priced against a swim spa, but your landscape would add a lot of cost since you have that slope. I am interested to hear what you decided.

I was wondering if the two planes (one carrying the two Michaels from China and the other carrying Meng Wanzhou from Vancouver) waved wings at one another as they crossed over the Pacific. Although tonight the news said that Meng's plane completed avoided American airspace on the way from Vancouver back to China. I'm thrilled that they're finally home. This should have been settled long ago.

i received GRF refund and was satisfied. GRF legal Case w/ M. was dismissed by Grace, I see on her request form above posted. . Therefore, no oroof of any wrong doing by either party. Best not to continue to claim “dismissed allegations“ or opinions. From my experience , GRF own root roses season 2024 were possibly damaged due to “surprise Polar Blast freeze March whole week 2024, “ no fault to anyone, may have happened in transit or at GRF.which had some growth damaged leaves & black canes resulting. I had same damage to some of my roses on property that freeze week, too as did many people across the nation. It only takes several hours for a small own-root 6” rose to have frost burn on canes or root damage which later turns into dried leaves & black canes. Then GRF tried to grow them to recover which resulted in unforseen delays. Then the own-root roses were damaged again sometimes when shipped in later hotter June for me & hot weather shipping for others with wilted dried leaves. They were small own-roots roses. My GRF rose was about 6 inches tall, Notting Hill rose. My rose did not survive the shipping and GRF refunded me. It was a series of unfortunate events. GRF is an innovative rose farm & florist with many positive possibilities. Francis is the largest grower in the western hemisphere with a good reputation. . I would wish all nurseries well!