I think if you look at the product itself you can get an idea of how long the "industry" will last. When it ceases to be innovative the customer base will dry up or at least slow down. Because of the introduction of tetraploid daylily lines in the '60s there is quite a bit more innovation that can be developed. Some hybridizers left their work on iris in favor of daylilies because the amount of progress in iris was slowing. It became more difficult to find a true break. They started working with iris tetraploids in the 1920s, about the same time that daylily hybridizing began to move from purely scientific to commercial enterprise. What is the next great technological breakthrough that will open the doors to greater innovation in daylily development? I haven't a clue, just know that people are resourceful and creative. All product industries have a time of slow down between major technological breakthroughs. We can expect one in daylilies eventually, however, I'd venture to say that it is decades away. Other general factors can impact all industries- such as economic cycles, regulatory infringements, changes in governments, etc. We are facing some of those now and they do have an impact on the daylily enterprise. We need to be careful that we don't generalize those situations as a collapse of the industry itself.

I've been looking and looking, and what I think may be ridiculous based on the amount of natural light your kitchen gets and in which direction its window is facing. (for example, ours is true north facing and gets no direct sun -- it casts a v. "cold," grey feeling on everything in there) However, with that big fat caveat out of the way: I now think painting the living and dining rooms the Herbal Green, the arch (all of it, both sides) the Hazelnut and the kitchen the Blue Spruce could be great. And this is why: the Herbal Green is soothing and subtle but still has a presence. I also think it will frame your gorgeous windows and views and totally set-off your fireplace. The Hazelnut I like because I just really like it! It is so warm, such a happy (but not in-your-face happy, if you know what I mean) color and its tone totally makes sense with the Herbal Green (neither are jarring, both appear to have similar dusky undercurrents), plus I think it'll subtly highlight your new arch. The Blue Spruce I like because, again, I think it "makes sense" with the Herbal Green and the Hazelnut (because of its tone) and it helps set the kitchen apart somewhat -- somewhat, because you don't want anything too crazy when all the spaces are open to one another. I don't think you'll actually have lots of room for the Blue Spruce, right? Because it's a darker, bolder color I think that can work to your benefit in the kitchen: it will highlight the blue-ish feeling in your basalt slate countertop and echo the earthy feeling of your cork and hardwood floors, all without overpowering / darkening the space. At least, in my mind's eye of your house that's what I'm seeing. My youngest is now up so off I go! Take care of yourself, -Brooke

I would be interested.... SAMA does a Brown Bag Exchange every year at their annual conference. It is really fun. I actually worked as a volunteer at the table last year. I loved it! I got to see first hand what some of the artists got. Some were extremely thrilled....others not so. But is a chance you take. You fill a brown paper bag with whatever you wish to trade. Some people decorated their bags so those went first. You couldn't see what was in it...just suppose to pick one out from the table. Some were filled to the hilt with really cool things....others had a single plate or some special rocks from exotic places in the world. I think it would be fun especially for those who aren't able to get to the conference. It would give them something to look forward to! Becky

desertsteph - like that corner cabinet idea, I will ask the KD. Can't block the basement door too much by extending the island as we have no bulk head door in the basement. So if we need to move furniture, it has to go through the kitchen door. But I'm thinking I'll have to get rid of the end cab. Behind that wall is the entry hall closet. Need that. Although I would love to inset a fridge somewhere, an eye sore for me looking at it sometimes. Although could be all those darn magnets and pictures on it! :) Also, how do you think I should make the kitchen and dining room flow better? Looking at the current pictures, it looks like two separate rooms. Can't continue the wood floor since DH tracks in dirt from outside all the time, not practical. I think dark cab colors would make the room dark. ??