Guess what.... I saw a man throwing out a large wooden desk with a super fantastic top.... 3 drawers on one side and 3 on the other with a drawer in the middle.... the drawers were dovetailed and I said Sir.... are you leaving that for the trash.... Yes he said I don't know what to do... I said... well what about Salvation Army.. HE said NO I don't wanta mess with it... he said.. YOU can have it.. I was in my mini van... I took out the drawers and stacked them in the front seat and the side seat ( all the time having my grandchild in her car seat) so then to lift it. I knew I could do it but it would be hard The man returned with his neighbor and said We Will Help You... You look so determined to get it in we wanted to help... Thank you Jesus! My prayers answered again ! I did have to leave the back open with a bungie and a red flag but I was only 6 blocks from home... Man Oh Man that desk is BEAUTIFUL.... IF IT COULD TALK IT WOULD HAVE SOME STORIES TO TELL. I was still in shock that a perfectly wonderful wooden desk probably from the 40's or more might have ended up in the dump with real trash ! now that would have been a SIN! Anyway I was scared to tell DH but really when he saw it trying N O T to promote curbside shopping he quietly said why those are dovetail drawers and look at the nice top. OH LIFE IS GOOD on the Curb SIDE Thanks ! Susiesunshine

thanks everyone. I know you are all trying to help. I have been through all these issues and questions a thousand times, and I am sure what I have is my best option. If we were moving in the near future, we'd cater more to the "norm", but this kitchen will be mine for years, probably decades. mindstorm - My only must have is the peninsula/seating area, and not having dirty dishes/clean up area between where i prep and cook. the dishwahser where it is, and bringing in a second smaller sink, gets it out of my way. Also, not shown here is a wall of floor to ceiling cabinets with my fridge that will serve as the main storage area. The cabinet above the range hood is quite deep, it goes back into that wall void created by the diagonal wall. What you see here though, is actually pretty close to what we have for storage currently, and the "wine rack" will actually be a narrow cabinet for cookie sheets, the Ikea software didnt have any other option that narrow. david - my farm sink is 24", and the smaller one will only be about 12" wide (the same width as one side of our current double sink).. big enough for most dish cleanup. On the occasion I have something larger (right now only my baking stones which cant be around soap anyway) I can always use the other sink. ideagirl.. this is the one thing that bugs me too, but having it on the other side will bug me more. That is where the dirty dishes will collect, and I dont want "dirty" in between where I am preparing and cooking. I dont anticipate too many times where I'll need both doors open at the same time. Cleanup happens AFTER we are done cooking and eating. Quite often though, my son is emptying the dishwasher while I am prepping for dinner, and where I am prepping (the far right side of the big sink, is on the opposite side of the dishwasher.

Take a deep breath and keep karma on your side in your dealings. My last double transaction were my acquaintances buying my neighbors' home with a VA loan and the neighbors downsizing to a condo with cash from the sale - to close on the same day. Appraisals, garage sales, flood insurance, extra VA paperwork, inspections - setbacks at every single turn for a 25-day closing - it was the most stressful, hand-wringing, tears & anguish sale I've ever had to endure (long story). But I worked my butt off and it all worked out - I can safely say that I earned every penny. Keep packing & cleaning - be positive that it will all work out. (And make sure they will take a cashier's check - all the title companies here will only take wire transfers due to the fraud now - and they take longer - that was the reason for two days of the frantic driving all over town to various credit unions and clearing just in time.)

Posted by sweet_pea10 (My Page) on Sun, May 3, 09 at 15:16 "In the U.S. we don't usually have that many party hosts. Generally, a simple gift that fits the personality and tastes of each host is given, such as a plant, bottle of wine, etc. " sweet_pea10 - We also live in the U.S. and in our area, it is very common to have multiple parties given to the bride and groom. This one party has 15 couples giving the party. We have one shower given by 4 ladies, and one couples shower given by three couples. We also have the 3 relatives that will host the bridal brunch. ----------------------------------------------------------- gellchom - The $50 gift certificate was very generous! As host in the past, we have received: Basket of mums Silver coffee scoop (I use in my sugar canister and love it!) Silver ice scoop Monogrammed linen hand towels Monogrammed soaps Monogrammed napkins Flowered bud vase Candle snuffer Set of paper products Two other parties were given, but I cannot for the life of me remember what the hostess gifts were. They must not have been very memorable, or nothing was given - wish is fine. LOL As you can see from the above list, I am stumped to give something new and different. The gifts came from the same group of friends, so I cannot copy the ideas (other than the napkins - which are always a welcomed gift - if you entertain a lot.)