Nutrient sources like granular fertilizers leach right through mulch, there is no need pull mulch back, scratch them in etc. And the bushes are better off if you don't dig among their roots. If this material is instead an organic top dressing, the soil system occupying the undisturbed mulch should likewise be able to integrate it and make it available to the plants. Nobody pulls back mulch, scratches in fertilizer and the like in nature. Mulch is the garden version of the litter layer in the woods - where plant and animal debris falls to the ground, gets taken into the soil system without human involvement.

Thanks, Michelle, I think I can understand maybe 10 cylces or so. But hey, whatever - like I said, it's the hardware affecting durability and servicability that I want to talk about, and most people at the store just give you a stammering reply there. My Maytag died after 6 years, which is atrocious IMHO. The bearings seized on the motor. No, you can't change them, it's a new motor and belt for $130, with me doing the work. I want to have some idea that if I dump a grand into a washing machine, I'm buying a good motor and drum and solenoid valves and hoses, not fancy firmware that ends up shorting out due to insuffcient control housings. But at least I know I don't need steam! Thanks, all! BTW I'm leaning towards a Bosch 500 (WFMC5301UC). Hoping the door mold issue is gone, and hoping someone knows something about them. Looks like either that or the LG TROMM, but I like the layout of the Bosch's controls and the way the door frame allows easier access to the drum. But I guess that's kind of wondering off-topic for this thread. I'm searching for info here and elsewhere, so thought I'd mention it.

Sweetstephanie, could you post a few pics of your current kitchen from different angles to show what it looks like now with the LR floor, removed clutter, and new stools? Your photos will bring in the current reality. I also wonder if the realtor used a wide angle lens because your aisles appear greater than 42" in the listing photos. Are all of the aisles only 42"? How do you use your butlers pantry? Could be a great place to charge stuff out of site. Did you install the wainscoting in the music room? Do you have a carpenter to call on for some fixes? It sounds like you'd really like to do a hood, ovens, MW move, and some fridge refinement. If this is essential in your 10 year plan can you draw up a floor plan with accurate measurements? I emphasize this because I think (and understand) that you really want the new counters, but other essentials should happen first. With a carpenter's help you may be able to move some of your cabinetry around to streamline the look and make the appliance changes. Do you want to level out the cab tops? An additional thought is to change out the cabinet crown once cabinet work is done for a more contemporary look and to use some of the above cab space. We've seen some great examples here. Cove lighting would also be nice along with UCL. While you are working on the big decisions, I'd start getting paint decks, paint samples and poster boards to pick your colors. Grays are fun to work with. I chose SW Agreeable Grey as my transitional color that joined my spaces and goes up and down stairways. I have a slightly darker gray and a plum as an accent color. You can have some interesting transitions between your spaces and certainly an accent color. Any plan for repeating the wainscoting in the living room? We don't know what part of the country you live in, but from what you've shown us it looks like your house has good bones and will only benefit from the wise improvements you make. Ten years is a long time as others have pointed out to not be happy in the most important room in the house.

"I'm on the look out for dvds that have shorter work outs, possibly two or three shorter workouts a day." Check YouTube. There are plenty of short workout videos there. And they are FREE! There are instructional videos and other ones where you just follow along to the music and try to keep up with the group they show. Also if you have cable or dish check out the fitness channels. FitTV has 24/7 programming of 20-30min workout shows. Oxygen has workout shows too. Check your TV guide for what is in your area. The PBS channels have them too if you don't have cable but the selection is not as great of course. Also if you fint a fitness show you really like it is often availble on DVD for purchase. This way you don't waste your money buying a set of DVDs you won't watch because they are either too boring or too diffcult.