Levente, I'll second the motion for OIKOS - I've gotten a number of my F2 hybrid seedlings from them. Another source of hybrid acorns is Starhill Forest Arboretum (email strhlfrst@aol.com for a catalog), though their usualy cut-off date for order placement is 15 Aug. You might be able to get them to grant an extension, or at least place you on the mailing list for next year. I got a few new hybrid acorns from a friend & fellow IOS member who was able to attend the 2000 IOS Conference in Asheville, NC last fall. Check out the IOS website, linked below, and consider joining, if you're not already a member. Currently, I have the following hybrids growing in my collection: Q.macrocarpaXrobur - seedlings & grafted "McDaniel" selection Q.macrocarpaXbicolor Q.macrocarpaXmichauxii Q.macrocarpaXmuehlenbergii Q.albaXrobur Q.roburXmontana(prinus) Q.bicolorXrobur Q.lyrataXvirginiana Q.virginianaXturbinella There may be others in the nursery, but these are all I can think of, off the top of my head. Here is a link that might be useful: International Oak Society

I did a bit more research and found basically 3 choices for exterior paint: 1. Acrylic 2. Latex 3. Oil Enamel From my reading, it seems that Oil Enamel may not be as durable on surfaces that expand and contract and takes longer to dry. That leads me towards using Acrylic or Latex which apparently can be thinned with water or Floetrol. Does anyone have recommendations which would be better (Acrylic or Latex) and what would be better to thin with to make a stain (water or Floetrol)? I want to make sure I get this last step correct after all the time invested in prep work. Lastly, what ratio of paint to thinner would be good to start with to make a stain for an exterior oak door? I would like to use a dark (black) stain with wood grain showing through. Thank you.

I want to preface what I'm about to say with it is in no fashion an attempt to conterdict what Dan said above because it is the norm for Bur Oak. As with all living things,occasional specimens exibit uncommon traits. Polled Herford cattle is the result of such mutation. In 1998 my grandson and I planted acorns in Collin County gethered beneath an exceptionally large Bur Oak in Dallas county and a exceptionaly upright and scaffolded Live Oak in in Fannin county. Not all but a few trees from those Bur acorns grew rapidly and people were amazed when told of age from acorns. Interestingly,the Live oak acorns resulted in various looking (as is common for Live Oak) trees,none that I considered remakable. The eye opener is what can only be a hybrid of Live and Bur. The hybrid's rate of growth was unbelievable and scaffolding is as perfect as a child'a sketch. When I noticed the difference in appearnce from trees sprouting from acorns,I protected 4 from being destroied by mower. Within 3 or 4 years I was like holy smokes,these trees are amazing and began keeping my eyes open for more volinteers. In case someone reads this and wonders,they should know. The volinteers came from acorns which squirrels buried and I trapped as many squirrels as possible to prevent them eating pecans,chewing holes in my house and nesting in the attic. Had I been able to use my guns,I could have easily wipped the squirrels out and never had volinteers. Collin county has a department of code inforcement which rival's the Mafia and Central America Cartels combined. RANT TIME. Did you ever see building code inspectors packing iron? Collin County's do,and as you will soon see,they would earn well deserved hinny kickings if they tried their monkey shines not armed. To my knowledge Collin County is the ONLY county in Texas that inforce's building code within city ETJ. That is immensely significant since 95% of city limits start miles before you reach the city. The state hi-way is in the city limits but the thousands of acres on either side of road is not in city limits but ETJ. To put this in perspective for those in rural Hill Country,Rolling Plains or Piney woods ,how would you feel? If a banty rooster wearing a hog leg drove up to inform you that you have 72 hours to mow that patch of weeds (aka butterfly garden) or face a fine or possible jail if this is a repeat offense. How bout you have 10 days to present contract and 120 days to complete installing a 32" long culvert at the interance to your place? You must inspect and register that old beat up truck or put in an inclosed building or it will be towed and impounded. "Buu,,,but,but that's just the old truck we drive around on our place because our mini van hit's high center on the rocks and chug holes". Well it say's right here in cc106.092 bla bla bla. Shutin squirrels or letting off shots for any reason is in violation of multiple ordanacies. I could go on and on but you should know that the fact your neighbors do that stuff all the time isn't a defense. Why not? A. Because they pay grease B. Because they only inforce this stuff if you p,,, them off or they need to push people around and force you to sell thier property to some Good Ole Boy. Rant over. As it stand's today. When I sold the origional property,I told the buyer about the hybrids. He cleared the home,outbuildings and most trees during planned improvements that fell through. From the locked gate to vacant land I can see 2 origional Burs and 1 of the origional 4 hybrids. Before I sold property,I potted 4 hybrids in late fall, nurtured them 2 winters in 15 gallon barrels then gave 2 to a young friend that lead me to believe he was interested in propagating the stock. He lost interest,let them wither and die without putting them in ground. The other 2 I planted in my son's back yard. Eventhough I had a long discussion about location,they called me the following year asking how to relocate 1 to make room for a pool. It was June so I told them unless they are ready to make a heroic effort, may as well cut it down. The other is still there never ceasing to amaze all who see it. I'm disappointed but not angry one of the kids never got on board to help propagate the trees. I look at it like this. To some it would be a dream come true whereas I would consider it a waste of both our time if someone offered teaching me to average 65 on the world's toughest golf courses. Remind me to tell you some day about my unsuccesful attempts to propagate grapes,peaches and Black Walnuts from granddad's orchard.

That is not a particularly traditional kitchen. And in my opinion, not necessarily so elegant. It also looks like that kitchen has white cabinetry. There is a ton of contrast in that space you show above, and a lot of ”shine” - on the ceiling alone. The light blue tones of the ceiling may evoke some degree of calmness in the space, though; light/pastel blues on a ceiling can do that, and they can also make the room appear more spacious/ the ceiling appears higher. But the main thing that is saving that space from seeming completely chaotic is the lighting. Notice the lighting in that space. If that space had your fluorescent lighting, it would be a nightmare. Look - there is nothing wrong with your kitchen. Really. Wood for cabinetry is very much en vogue right now - plus is classic. All types of wood are trending, including yours. And the slab front type styling on your cabinetry is also trending. There is also nothing wrong with the finish (shine) on the current granite. It is classic stone, and is not out of date. Would a piece of marble with some shine be considered out of date now? No. These are all personal preferences, at this point - not mandates for what is in style or not. The lighting in your space is the MAIN ISSUE. And if the lighting has not yet been settled, you are not even seeing the space accurately. Your space is really MUCH MORE cohesive and ”calm” than the kitchen in the pic you are showing above. Nothing wrong with your black appliances, either. They worked well with the counters and cabinets. But the stainless is fine, too - and will help to integrate your floor.