Outsmarting the tree rats (squirrels) around my house is a full time job. This past spring I hit on a new idea. When I plant a container I invert an empty wire hanging basket over the container and the plant gets sun and can be watered but the squirrels can't dig in it. Another idea: I bring in a lot of plants to "over winter" under lights in my garage. I have so many that it is hard to reach my hand under the lights (4 shop lights) to the middle for watering. So I bought a pump sprayer with a long wand and it works great! In late winter I add a little liquid Dawn detergent, few drops, to each gallon of water and not only does the soil get wet easier but the worms that are waiting to hatch into distructive pets just don't hatch. Don't know what it costs me to run those four shop lights all winter but I don't care. It is a small price to pay to be able to "garden" every weekend in the garage. Many people have mentioned that they mark their outdoor plants with a "permanent Sharpie". In my experience there isn't a "permanent Sharpie", they all fade and quickly too. A grease pencil/china marker or expensive "no fade" garden center marker are the only markers I have found that won't disappoint you by fading. Eight years ago I decided to learn about gardening so I tapped into my local library. I checked out nearly every book they had on gardening and learned so much. The Gardenweb forums are also a wealth of information and entertainment. There is always something new to learn and I appreciate all of you who take the time to write in your ideas. One last idea from me...I keep a small notebook on my computer table and jot down any idea I find that's new and I will want to try. Little pieces of paper get lost but I always know where my notebook is and also use it when I order "on line" so I will remember the name of the company and the order date. Tina or Trowelgal

Me, too! I've been looking at the Tea for Two, but I want a tile flange and I really need a tub that's 60"long x 30" wide, (not 32") and prefer 14"+ water depth (at least 12") and cast iron. I would love any suggestions people have in addition to the suggestions above, which didn't meet by specs for depth or are over-mount drop-ins (or similar). I would also like to comment on the above recommendations so people don't order the wrong thing. Most clawfoot tubs, including the ones mentioned above such as the Cheviot or Sunrise Specialty, have a water depth that is around 11" at most. They are comfortable, but not deep. The Cheviot alcove tub is an over-mount drop-in with a water depth of under 11". It would have a calk line around a drop off on the deck. Oh, heck no! The Toto is an over-mount drop-in also. Dang! The Waterworks Minna sounds promising, and it has an apron, but what's with that moulded raised ridge at the top? It makes it look like a top-mount drop-in and have similar problems. I guess you wouldn't need calking, but you'd have that ridge water could get over and a lump under your head if you lean back. Has anyone installed one and has pictures? I'd love to be proved wrong on this one in spite of the price! It could be the perfect tub for me if it weren't for that top detail.

To pot fill or not to pot fill . . . The benefits of a pot filler far outweigh the cons for me. Here's why. Seven years ago I fell and fractured my RIGHT wrist while carrying our 15 month old DGD. I hit a small break in the sidewalk tripped and in trying to break our fall and protect her head, which thankfully I did, I broke my wrist and needed a steel plate put in to remedy the break. Two years ago I AGAIN fell on a rise on a sidewalk. This time watching our DGS ride his two wheeler without training wheels and not watching where I was walking. (I guess it's true you can't teach an old dog new tricks!) The result - a badly broken LEFT wrist. Three days later and just before surgery, I slipped on a throw rug and broke my RIGHT arm. The saga continues . . . Two days after surgery a tornado warning was issued and all patients were moved to a hallway where I was instructed to sit in a particular chair. I did so but unfortunately said chair, had unlocked casters and was in front of an open doorway . . . Yes, indeed, the chair flew through the door and I fell landing on my already broken arm! No wonder my DF jokingly called me "Grace"! Now NOT having to lift and carry any size pot of water to the stove is a plus. Chances are I would spill some water, slip on it and, well, you get the not so pretty picture! I don't worry about leaking pipes we used an excellent plumber, our DSIL, and top notch materials. So while a pot filler might not be for everyone they suit me just fine. Oh, and as for emptying, I don't. Whatever we are cooking is usually served in small bowls and easily managed and what is left is stored the same way. As far as I am concerned our pot filler is a life saver - especially since the life it saves could be my own! Sorry my reply is so long! ~ Nonnyx2

Lovely! I like the classic white tile and porcelain and how you used furniture pieces in the bathroom. I love that the storage at the end of the tub has pull-outs that can be reached from the toilet. Your custom sink and backsplash and counter are unique and beautiful. Yours may be the first bathroom sink I have seen in which a small or medium dog could be washed! That is a good thing! I showed your pictures to my DH because I am thinking of classic tiled walls with a chair rail for when we redo our bath in a couple of years. He liked it! I was expecting him to say, "too old fashioned." He did not, he said it looked nice. From him, nice is a compliment. He even liked your rows of listello. I was just at the Tile Shop's site the other day looking at the Hampton tiles because someone was selling some on Craigslist. I am hoping to do as you did and get what I can cheaper there, and fill in the rest from the store. I can see that you worked very hard to secure all of your materials - and then cut the floor tiles to size and culled the Hampton tiles, too! You succeeded very well in getting the look you wanted while saving money along the way. Congratulations, and thank you for the pictures and great detail and supply list.