Thanks Jim!! Not sure about the green thumb tropical, lol...but it is a lot of work growing tropical fruit trees where it freezes, that's for sure. I'm just glad it doesn't happen too often, but then it only takes one to do severe damage :o( But the people up north growing them in pots have it a lot harder than me, so I can't complain too much. There is one lonely mango on the tree, less than the size of a green pea, but it looks like its going to drop off. But its okay, just knowing that its capable of producing fruit is a start! In keeping on staying on topic for this thread and for those not sick of looking at more gardenia pictures, took these today...the blooms are just about done for a while. We are getting way too hot...low 90's this week! Arghhhhh!!

Have you seen a counselor about this? If not, I think you should find a good one. If you're already seeing one, perhaps you should look for another. Yours is clearly a multi-issue situation, impossible to address here. Your screen name strikes me as significant: Johnsboy. As a husband and a father, you have assumed a man's role in the world. Although one would hope your "inner boy" is still very much alive and well, he shouldn't dominate. If this sounds tough on you, it's because I think it's time to start living the life I'm sure your dad would want for you. For the sake of everyone in your family, including yourself and your father's spirit, please get some help.

The Brookhaven eggshell cream cabs are starting to chip in the most used cabs; heavily used tiny kitchen gets quite a workout from careless DH, the cook, who is hard on EVERYTHING. YMMV. Except for one chip early on caused by a cast iron frying pan falling from a shelf to the sink (or something along those lines), the soapstone is in GREAT shape. I don't think we oiled it or anything after the first year. The pull-out faucet started to chip almost immediately; I think it was banged against the soapstone or something like that. I am quite happy with our 18" Miele DW; it is just the right size and empties quickly. Still happy with the Marmoleum, although it needs to be waxed quite badly; I've gotten a bit slovenly that way. Probably the only thing I regret is u$ing full $pectrum paint; I think regular, quality paint would have sufficed. Not a huge ticket item, however. After five years, the novelty has worn off, and you get used to the nicer aesthetics. The additional convenience/functionality is still there, and IMHO, that's HUGE and irreplaceable. Placing hot pans on soapstone with nary a thought has eclipsed stroking the stone!

Hi all! Thanks for the great compliments on my kitchen! A kitchen remodel is like a wedding; once it's over you kind of miss the planning and prepping and anticipation; so this is a nice refresh for me! To hopefully answer all your quesitons above: Cori: My granite is WHite Ice. I Love it. It reminds me of cookies and cream ice cream. A creamy white with flecks of charcoal and micah. Ranton: The paintcolor is BM Serenety. It's a very calming (like its namesake) grey/blue. Missy Moo: The flatware is Crate & Barrel Tuscany. I LOVE it. Nice substantial weight and looks shiny and new out of the dishwasher every time! And my little kitchen helpers are Matthew, my 5-year old (one of my 3 kiddos) and Bruin, our rescue pup. Hazel: My sink is Franke stainless, extra wide. (don't recall the exact measurements). Very durable. Wonderful customer service with Franke. Love all the questions. Best form of flattery!