marcolo, the pantry door will probably open in, that's one of my computer illiterate moves. As for the ovens, the oven in the island is for large functions and holidays, I don't think it will be a big problem. I use the oven a few times a week, but I don't hover over it, it's an in and out quick thing. As far a it being a hike from the stove top, that's what all those adult children living at home are for, actually, I have limited mobility in one arm, making it difficult to lift heavy items, that's why ovens are on the wall to begin with. I do have a cabinet for glasses. It will be above the raised dw, actually will come down to dw. This is for everyday glasses, plenty of room. For fancy glasses, as someone said so eloquently, "they live with the liquor", we have a full sized wet bar around corner and I plan on wine glasses by the wine frig. Oh, and the tv, non negotiable. It's the only thing DH has requested, so it stays. Palimpsest- yes, the freezer is way over there tucked in the corner. I thought long and hard on this. I decided that I'm in my freezer twice a day max, on a busy day. Ice, on the other hand was a serious problem. The under counter ice maker was my solution. Unless wise people can offer up something else. I do also have a 36" ss KitchenAid who will be moving to the garage. blfenton- too funny, my kids make fun of me because I never have my phone on. I tell them, living with 7 people and a dog, I value my quiet alone time. lol

Thanks, everyone - great feedback.... gmp3 - I am planning on white countertops everywhere but the island where I plan to have gray. I will definitely use brushed nickel or chrome - more modern bar pulls most likely. I think that will help modernize the kitchen. herbflavor - I agree that the ceiling needs more structure and presence. I have a lighting designer working on a plan which will involve a series of semi-flush mounts and I also plan to add a much more substantial ceiling moulding. I hadn't thought about adding beams b/c we have one oddly positioned beam that needs to stay in place (for now). And definitely window treatments! debrak2008- thank you! The entire kitchen is about 18 years old, so in person it looks more dated than it looks in the photos - plus I really need to make it mine. cilantro - I think the fridge does look dated, though I don't feel that way about all wood paneled fridges. However, I also don't hate it, and thought a good first step would be to change to more modern pulls. Plus there is a second smaller sub-zero that can't be seen in the photos I posted - it is also paneled and for some reason looks nicer given its immediate surroundings. So I will live with the paneling for now. As for the Marmoleum, I have researched it like crazy and had read Rhome's threads and as many other GW threads as I could find. I will only install sheet Marmoleum for that reason, and I will only use Marmoleum if I can find an excellent installer (I posted a separate thread about that a few days ago). I just saw some great looking vinyl in a higher end home, so your comments are well taken. youngdeb - the white quartz I have in mind is Cambria Newport which is a warm white with a very subtle pattern. I am super excited about the prospect of warm white countertops and a great backsplash. The two contenders for the island top are Caesarstone Pebble and Cambria Devon - both lovely, soft grays. We are on the same wavelength. And yes on the Marmoleum - I am anxiously awaiting the samples I ordered. Papering the butler's pantry is a fabulous idea!!! That is right up my alley - and a perfect way to given the butler's pantry its own identity I am choosing paper for a powder room and bedroom next week, and will start looking. Thanks so much! Ellendi - thanks for your comments and encouragement that I am on the right track!

Thanks for all of the constructive comments. I have them scheduled for removal in about a week, but I am liking the idea of keeping #2 and am considering that option. If I keep this tree, I would would like to have some branches removed (those that are directly above where the maples will fill in in the next 10 years or so. I am not looking for perfect specimen trees and like the them to look more natural (forest like) with higher branches, and without perfect symmetry. I have marked up the branches that I would have removed (see those marked in red). The yellow represents the locations where the pruning cuts would be. My question is...... would this be too heavy of a removal all at once, and should I have these branches taken out over time? I would like to avoid sprouting, but I know that is a normal reaction (see tree #3 on far right from sever storm damage). Thanks for the great suggestions!

A few years ago I replaced my plumbing and placed water alarms in areas which may be sources for possible leaks (under the kitchen sink and bathroom cabinets, behind toilets, in the water heater pan, in the crawlspace, etc). They're a good ~$12 investment to detect a slow drip which can cause lots of damage over time. The search below has several types, I bought the "Watchdog". It caught a slow drip from my old heater immediately (not a plumbing mistake). https://www.google.com/search?q=water+alarm&sxsrf=ALeKk01vY8A9loy0yUYADdXAfwJF2ErQMA:1617890947387&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT0tC56e7vAhUxMVkFHTCzCvgQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1280&bih=606