I can imagine you ambling along gardens as you go from one to the next, much like other people go antiquing. I have never been able to visit gardens while on vacation due to strenuous no votes by the family. I go to New York often, my sister lives in Yonkers, and I just may go to Wave Hill on my next trip up (she stamps her feet and says). I read a book by a woman in Canada, can't remember the name now but it was basically about having no lawn -- turning the entire yard into beds or paths, etc. It was a great book (I really enjoyed it) and it also conveyed a little of the feeling of more green-space awareness. Lastly, you say Carmen "still flower gardens 1 acre." That is an inspiration to us all. I just love the image of the lupine, irises, daylilies, various tulips, peonies, etc. in rows. Thanks for the travelogue, Rose

On the opposite side of that wall is the closet in the 2nd bedroom. I could easily cut the wall and drop in an access panel. That is more plumbing work than I feel comfortable doing myself. I like to experiment and learn to do things on my own. But since when I shut off the water supply, I shut off eight units in total, I don't want this to be a learning experience that inconveniences my neighbors for a long time. If I do that, it can wait until I do a complete remodel in my master bath and have a plumber here. I've got that planned for another year or two. Thanks for the tip though writersblock!!! And trtsmb, I do agree with doing a linen closet or hutch with a smaller vanity. But I need suggestions or pics for ideas. I'm not sure exactly what.

hhireno I also had to furnish a second home that is used year round even though it's in Maine on a lake surrounded by mountains. We chose to go to auctions and give the place some serious character rather than duplicate our home look. It was so cost effective and so much fun. One little choice I made which turned out to be a very good one is I bought Dutailier glider rockers (six of them) to put in the main room so that each person can have their own chair plus I had a sofa. The chairs are always in use lol. I put them in a circular fashion around the room and facing the fieldstone fireplace. I avoided leather as it gets sticky in the summer and chilly in the winter. Outside of mattresses and box springs all my wood furniture came from auctions and ebay. I kept the bedrooms simple as I didn't want to be working as hard there as at home. We redid the kitchen and put all drawer cabinets in a shaker type look, very light. We find drawers much easier for storage. I'm sure you'll make all the right decisions. Ours came out to look very very cozy and a place where people love to visit. Good luck!

Wow back at you, Faye! You described Glenn to a T! BC described jovial - absolutely! So glad to have met him. That is part of what I meant by an enriching experience. Glenn is a pleasure to be around. A friend who reminds me of my brother a bit too. It's just natural to hug those fellas! Many, including me admire your lush gardens - it's nice to know where you shop! ;-) A wonderful testimonial for HC and your care for your hostas. Thank you, Faye.