I would echo Jon's ideas. Either get a nice new flo fixture or change the ballast to an electronic one. This will eliminate the flicker and allow you to use triphosphor T8 lamps (a bit more expensive and harder to find but worth it). Fit type 830 lamps for a nice warm light with very good (~82CRI) color rendering. I think you'll find the result MUCH more inviting. FWIW, my workplace recently replaced some older 830 lamps with their new, purchased-in-huge-quantities "cool white" and everyone there is really annoyed. The warm, pleasant light we used to have has given way to a greyish, cold, and depressing light (like a cloudy day). The type of fluorescent lamp really makes that much difference.

Thank you all--you confirmed my fear that by removing the light fixture I might be opening up a whole can of worms. I'm not doing a remodel, just trying to get rid of things I don't care for. We moved into this house last fall and it feels like I'm in a slump as far as attacking the things that aren't my style, so I'm trying to pick some of the easier things to work on. I was humming along pretty well for a while, and then pfffft. I haven't decided what kind of fixture to replace the fluorescent with yet, either. Both our cameras are on the blink right now, but once one of them is working I'll post a photo of the very odd light arrangement in the kitchen, and ask for advice. In addition to that fluorescent fixture, there is a weird kind of spotlight hung just a few feet from the fluorescent box that shines light on ...drumroll please....the front of a cabinet, for no known reason. The mysteries of this 1969 split foyer run deep!

OK, glad I didn't buy one of those, but I doubt it'll stop me from using Home Depot in the future.

I have Sensate and I have had it almost a year. The sensor is in the curve of the neck of the faucet. By raising your hand up into the curve, you will activate the on/off. It doesn't matter where you stand since the sensor is in the curve not facing you, per say. I can stand on the other side of the island to activate the faucet as long as my hand can reach to the curve of the faucet. My hose will go to the bottom of my sink and to the far corner of the shelf of stages 33. I have it center mounted. Once it wasn't behaving quite right. I checked and the plug had come out of the plug just a little because of the long hose hitting it. Once I re-seated the plug, all was well. The spray is very handy/powerful in preparing dishes for the dishwasher and sweeping debris to the disposal. If I cook pasta or potatoes, the heavy steam will activate the sensor, turning it on or off. To avoid that, just press the lever into the off position and there won't be any water until you activate the faucet again using the lever. There is a tiny indicator light on the hand lever that indicates sensor function is on and ready to go. I keep mine off unless I am cooking/cleaning. BTW, amazon has some Kohler on daily deals if anyone is preplanning.