My pond, though larger (160 gals) is 2 1/2 ft deep and does not freeze solid. I cover it with plastic or old windows. And the fish do fine. If I had a small child I would either cover the surface of a pond like that with hogwire or put a picket fence around it. I don't ever empty my pond. A smaller one might have different requirements, so you might get better information on that from someone with more experience. I do partial (25 gal) water replacements every other week or so. You should have some kind of a pump for water circulation/aeration. If you do want to empty the pond, just pull the hose out of the pond and let the pump empty it. Plants will be another thing. You will want oxygenators (underwater plants) for the health of the fish and to help balance the water/prevent algea. Also some floating plants like water lettuce (I love fairy moss /azola -spelling isn't right I don't think). Or maybe a parrot feather. I think a 55 gal pond, with just the top cut off will be too small for a water lily, unless that's the only plant you have and it is a dwarf lily. Other plants would have to be on floating islands, unless you rig up some kind of a plant shelf, as most of them need to be just a big below the surface, not 3'. Something like creeping jenny can be planted on the edge of the pond, if it is sunk in the ground, and the viney stems float on the surface of the water. Good luck, Anne

You are all so dynamic with your ideas and generosity in assisting me. Thanks to everyone. I am feeling much better than in my original post. In all of my other projects there have been hiccups which turn out to be brilliant in the end. I don't doubt that this will be one. I cherish your outside opinions to shed light on the ideal solution. There are definitely challenges. The kitchen is small, basically 2 parallel walls (10 linear ft/per) with a 3ft. "jog" at the far end for the gas range and built in conv./ micro. **igloochic- great insight in an almost identical scenario. The funny thing ( ) the corner can has been my only "good" cabinet, until of course we has this "minor" misunderstanding. **kitchenredo- I am forbade to use either a chain or table saw after my "accident"- believe me it truly did cross my mind. You king 'kidding' was an uncanny way to remind me of my great fortune. THANK YOU! Btw, Love LV- huge fan for years. ***fori- Oh my, I couldn't stop laughing. The "other side " is an exterior wall (w/ new cedar lap siding). The idea of cutting an access hole, I just LOVE! In jest, or not, for some it would be an ideal solution. FOR ME, I imagined my own personal 'Green Acres' with the closet door that opened directly to the 'farm-fresh air'. I so needed a laugh and imagery of Arnold Ziffle, Mr. Haney, Ralph and Alph on the other side of my kitchen door. Laughter is remarkable medicine. **rob_p. Thanks for the link (I'm still trying to post the link 4 my layout- not sure exactly how). I have printed it 2 discuss with my cabinet guy tomorrow with any other realistic options. I'm definitely up for anything that will work. REV-a-shelf apparently has a distribution headquartered here in Louisville. I may also. Check into their options. If it would work it would be a super quick solution. Your empathy and guidance are treasured . Thank you once again. When I figure out how to post my layout I would like to hear other specific constructive opinions. -September

I would keep it as one room. I see no issue with 2 guests coordinating the bathroom usage. You say you get a more serviceable room with plan #2. I'd go with that. Here is a picture of my floor plan that is almost identical to your layout. Here is my floor plan via link to photobucket. The upper right is my small stacked W/D and next to that is a 17" wide tower for storage. The shower is in the alcove in the upper right corner. I have 2 pocket doors in a 34" wide opening. 60" vanity on the other side. http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m623/enduringdesign/West%20Bathroom%202013/4ftfloorplan5-8-13_zps95576487.jpg

sugar - we have been told by several general contractors in our area that we have to go with engineered, rather than real wood, because of our constant weather and humidity changes. Engineered wood we were told can handle these changes, and humidity. I worry like you do about how busy acacia will be, but we have decided to do it, as it is dramatic, and we think beautiful. I looked at other wood that was suggested on this site, but going to stick with Acacia. They will install in a few weeks, and I can post pictures then. We really liked the Kentwood brand of wood (headquarters in Kent WA). The top layer is very thick, and we can sand a few times if needed. But we have been told, no one hardly ever sands the floors, by the time they need it, you usually are ready for a new updated change. Hope that helps.