Congrats! I live in Maine and I have been able to grow artichokes fairly reliably by using the variety Imperial Star. I start them in early March under lights indoors, grow them a about a month or so, and then move them outdoors to coldframes for about 5 weeks or so. I then transplant them to the garden when the danger of frost is gone... This fools the plant into thinking it has been thru a summer/winter cycle, and they reliable set fruit in the first year. I learned about this in Eliot Coleman's fine book "Four Season Harvest", which is a terrific resource. I have grown seedlings like this for friends without much gardening experience and these seedlings produced artichokes for them in the first year also. I have never tried overwintering artichokes, although now I have a hoophouse and just might give it a try.. You ought to try this if you like artichokes! Regards, Jim

LOL I should have known how that was gonna end after I read the tellers name! Funny!

Thanks you guys! The coffered ceilings were the artwork of the trim carpenter. He is fabulous... He actually did the trim for my parents house when I was a kid. I cannot wait to see them painted. I plan to use BM Revere Pewter for the walls, Sw Alabaster for the trim, and Bm Rockport Gray inside the coffers. Right now my dilemma is paint for the dining room.... Anyone used Martha Stewart Plumage? There is a deep tray ceiling and wainscoting that will all be white. I would like something dramatic in there. When I look in my closet I see various shades of teal and fuchsia. I don't think the fuchsia will work for the walls, however. :). Ideas anyone? For the paint/cabinet installation order, it is what it is. I really trust my builder (he's my dad) and he has been working with the subs for a long time. Everything will be done to my satisfaction, so no worries here. But, thanks for your input and concern.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post and share. I'll really work on the photos as describing alone is just a tease. You also helped me to feel better in making the splurge now. Almost ten years ago my DH's brain tumor came out of the blue and suddenly there weren't many tomorrows. That's what I like about KevinMP's postings--he acts as soon as he knows what he wants and doesn't forever ruminate like many of us gals.