they said they have someone who checks the boxes once a week or so and records data -- they said they would try to email me the data.... I was wondering if they should be more vigilant this time of year?... and if measures should be taken to deter HOSP proactively?

I have had the Electrolux for six years now, no problem with it and we've been satisfied with it. That being said, there is a poster here in GW that knows how to get good prices on Perlick "Factory seconds or dents", I believe. That would be worth looking into if you can find the Perlick models that have the variable speed compressor, which would be quieter and more efficient and probably better temp control than the Elux, although as I've said, I really have no complaints. Should the Perlick models with the conventional on/off compressor be the only ones available, then, for me it would just be a choice of "Aesthetics", (which one appeals to you more, or has the features you like)? Without the VSC, it's really a "Three Horse Race" as far as "My take on it". (Electrolux, Kitchenaid and Perlick). To see the info that was posted by the poster I mentioned, just do a search at the bottom of the main appliance page for Perlick. Good luck wih your upcoming choice. Gary

Hey, uxorial -- yes, she's here with us. The chair, that is :) (and the daughter :)) Re instrument: because DD took to recorder like a burrowing owl to a prairie (had to change it out a bit :)), we'd been looking for an easily-accessible good flute teacher for a long time, with no luck. All the recommended teachers were on the East Side. Finally another mom at cross-country with whom I walked while the kids were working out mentioned that her kids were taking instruments and band from someone really near us! Even better, the rates are truly affordable, I think because she deals with a lot of hsers who are scrimping and grinding by to be able to keep one parent home. But her teaching is *fabulous*, just wonderful, and the band experience -- well, I've never seen DD so beaming before. Not at track, not at Village Home (the resource center) -- she *loves* it! And she's really fantastic at it too, I have to say -- she's progressing much faster than I did in piano, which if I modestly say so, is saying something :). The other families we know heard her and could not believe that DD had started only in December, so it's not just me :). It truly sounds like she's been playing for a long time. Her tone is gorgeous, she's very dextrous and has great lungs (from track?). The other cool thing about the concert was discovering what true musicians my friends' kids are! We know two families from XC, so we know their athletic abilities, WOW, one of the boys is truly an artist. He played great jazz piano in an ensemble, and then played just soul-wrenching baroque flute in a flute quartet. And oboe in the band. A musician, an athlete, an intelligent kind person who can talk to adults...he's a few years older than DD...NO, don't go there! :) But it was really wonderful to hear such beautiful sounds come out of all the kids playing together. I'm so thankful that that mom happened to mention what she did--something DD's wanted to do for so long has finally opened up for her and she's running flat out with it. brutuses, you know, I wrote about my reservations wrt photographing the new girl ensconced in her position, but I just might post pics of the Horrid Entertainment Hole the PO's put in, just to get ideas for how to remedy it. I HATE it. It's so cruddy looking it brings down the rest of the room. I need to have more eyes helping me think out what to do with it. Maybe I'll go dust it and neaten up a bit and let you all see the worst part of our house. Maybe...ugh...

shee - Hi there! Well, I think we all agree that the round shape of the table is great. Now, it's just the details. I think I'm going to try Photoshopping the current coffee table, as well as the other Linden Street one in red. Maybe I'll try a cream or stained version too, just to get a better picture in my mind. I'm thinking if I go red, that I should look for a very warm, deep, burnt shade, antiqued, as Les said. dianalo - Beautiful piece! I like the wood tone on it a lot. andee - Good idea to put something on top. I'm not sure just what yet, but that will help, for sure. nicole - I like the antique white distressed look too. I'm thinking that Photoshopping will really help me decide. I don't want to paint over the wood unless I'm sure I should (no poem intended). dee - It is travertine! The back of the top says "Made in Italy". It is extremely heavy, as in I won't be moving it ever again, if I don't have to - LOL. The table top you pointed out is identical. walnutcreek - I've seen Old English in stores before, I'm sure. Is it better than Restore-a-Finish? redbazel - Hey, thanks!