hvtech42: "The funny thing is that not a single Samsung model was rated 'excellent' for gentleness by Consumer Reports, whereas LG, Whirlpool, Electrolux, and GE all managed to earn that score on at least one of their models despite not having a 'diamond' drum." Hvtech24, I once was a huge supporter of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. I personally knew the late Prof. Colston Warne, who founded the organization, and I treated the detailed tests results in the CU publications as if they were engraved on the tablets that Moses brought down from the mountain. Even today, I do not question CU's objectivity. But I gave up completely on CU several years ago, for one reason: Repeatedly and consistently, they ask the wrong questions. The reports will give you honest answers to the wrong questions, but if the wrong question has been asked, the answers are irrelevant. I have not read the report to which you allude, and therefore cannot comment on what went into CU's blanket assessment of "gentleness." It may mean nothing more than that one machine has a preprogramed cycle for "hand wash" and another does not; you tell me. But I can tell you -- keeping it strictly to laundry appliances -- that CU blackballs any clothes dryer from a Recommended Rating if the door of the clothes dryer is hinged at the bottom (hamper door) instead of at the side. CU automatically gives every dryer that has a hamper door a Not Recommended Rating. Yet we -- our laundry appliances are in the basement which has an old poured concrete floor that is impossible to keep clean -- look for a hamper door as the number one criterion in a dryer purchase, because the hamper door catches articles of wet laundry that fall during the transfer from the washer to the dryer before they can hit the dirty floor. Back to the washing machine: we encounter less pilling and broken fibers in our washed laundry since we replaced our former front loading Frigidaire (= Electrolux) washing machine with our current Samsung. That is OUR experience, but it may have nothing at all to do with CU's evaluation of "gentleness."

joanne: I'm sure you know you are one of the ones who have provided the inspiration for me to take this on. shee: I've only used the Mahagony finish which has a reddish tint to it and is what I'd recommend for the tables in your LR--which look similar to my drum tables. I know there is a test to see if you have shellac or lacquer on your tables as one will dissolve in denautured alcohol and the other with mineral spirts, but it'd be better to check on the woodworking forum. Polyurethene I think was not used as much--again I am only guessing so don't take my word for it. I'd suspect a sealer if it has a glossy surface to it. Basically, if there is a sealer RAF will not hurt, but won't really help either. The beeswax went on ofter the RAF. Your desk is looking really good. Were you ever able to strip the legs? That is the part that would deter me. When I used the stripper I had to use a scraper to get up the old finish which bubbled up. I'm not sure how you do that with the legs. That is why if it were me, I'd probably just paint, though I agree with you I like the woodgrain. Another thought, is to just refinish the top with a similar stain to what is there now and just try using the RAF on the sides if the existing finish is in pretty good condition. Then for the top you can apply a sealer to protect it. That is basically what I ended up doing with my inlay tables since the finish on the legs was in pretty good condition. Again, use your own best judgement, because I am NO EXPERT. To some degree I have experimented on some on my pieces taking that chance. If it was an expensive antique or I had more $$, I'd have them professionally done, but if I were in your shoes and I'd picked up that desk for what was it? $50? I'd try to experiment on refinishing it and if it didn't work out, I'd do the paint/antique technique. I wonder what Reno would suggest since she's had more experience with the different techniques--I've only done restoring/refinishing. sheriz6: Thank you for the compliments. I hope you post more often. This is a wonderful group. newdawn1895: I can see this fabric design looking well as drapes, though think the texture is more suited to upholstery work. maryanne3: I'd love to see pictures of your DR set. Yes, my sideboard has a curved front. It's by Drexel. I don't think it's a "set" with the DR table+chairs, though I know the table and chairs match as the "lace & drape" design in on the pedestals as well. I did buy used as a set though on Craigslist last year from a daughter selling off her mother's furniture as the mother had Alheizmer's so I really don't know too much of the background on it.

Great thread!!!!! I'm just outside of Albany, NY and have owned this 1871 Victorian farmhouse for 9 years (my husband's grandfather's house which we bought back from a subsequent owner). She's pretty big--3200sf on the two main levels and a full basement and full attic as well. If we weren't both on teacher's salaries with three young kids, I would be an 11. Or a 12. Or just off the charts! Unfortunately, my "purist" sensibilities have to be knocked back a bit mainly due to cost and practicality. I would say I'm a 6-7 with our current budget and lifestyle. EXTERIOR: Still has 46 ORIGINAL windows (and one new wood bay window in kitchen) but 1950's aluminum siding over top of original wood siding with scalloping on the eaves. No original shutters left, which were on every window from an 1940's photo we have. 1950's aluminum exterior storms over original windows. One section of original front porch railing remains and will be replicated when we redo front porch. KITCHEN: I designed and gutted the 1930's kitchen that was in place but "updated" in the 50's and some in the early 80's--so I felt no sorrow at tearing out the robin's egg blue flecked Formica counters, drop ceiling, peel & stick tile, etc. Drooled at people's 100K kitchen renos over on the kitchens board, but settled for a complete, modern reno with stainless appliances (an Aga would be nice, but $$), full-overlay white doors (wanted inset, painted), Brazilian Cherry floors (wanted reclaimed southern yellow heartpine), and soapstone counters and a giant farmhouse sink (both exactly what I wanted). The kitchen looks like it fits and works well for our busy family. WOODWORK: Have not TOUCHED the floor to ceiling built-ins in the dining room. And no other owner ever has either--other than to gently refinish. Crown jewel of our big, old house. Original wainscoting is still perfect--will put in new wallpaper (in this room ONLY--otherwise, wallpaper is my arch-enemy!) Still has 100% original trim, 6-panel solid doors, and flooring (except kitchen). Downstairs trim/doors have never been painted. Upstairs was white when we bought it. (secretly, I wish it was ALL painted when we bought it--hubby would never consider painting trim downstairs, but the white upstairs looks so fresh/clean with bright room colors!) floors are all original (southern yellow heartpine and quartersawn oak). --Put in central A/C upstairs only--installed in attic with minimal distruption to house--just 1-2 grilles in each room. Oh well. I LOVE it! Best update we've done :) --No major changes to the blueprint of the house since it was built--open concept would have been nice, but now that my kids are 4, 7, 9, it's not as necessary as when they were little babies. Only changes were when the house got indoor plumbing! --Gutted one horrible 1950's bathroom and tried to make some aspects look "period" while on a budget--saved on fiberglass tub but got basketweave tile. Relatively cheap vanity/mirror from Lowe's but refinished original cast iron radiator. --90% of the house still has the original plaster walls. --Have all of the original Italian marble fireplaces, but have not broken through to make them workable again (simply due to $$$). --Took the 6th bedroom (which is the smallest and has no closet) and made it into a 2nd floor laundry room with front-load washer/dryer. No regrets here either!! I like to remember that this house was never built as a museum and it's not in a super-trendy historic district--it was clearly just a big, comfy home for one of the first families in this area. I try to imagine what "improvements" the people that lived here 140 years ago would be ok with--don't want to anger the ghosts, but I have to make it "liveable" for our family and this generation. Am I still a 6 or 7??? -Sarah

Hi veer! Sorry for the lack of explanation - the RP discussion selection for March is Cloud Atlas, and March is only a few days away (but really, I often don't have the book finished in time and its often just fine. Just being silly) And the number of books I read in a month depends on the time of year. Right now things at school are moving along splendidly. After Spring Break in March, all hell breaks lose - I'll be in the middle of transition conferences for kids going to Kindergarten, as well as evaluation for preschoolers coming in next year. So its a whirl wind till the end of school. And then I once again have lots of time. >the place was full of loggers, trappers and huskies Hee, sort of like visitors from 1950 said Arizona was nothing but cowboys - and the sterotype stuck! :) Actually it is filled with excellent high quality museums, plus some little places to explore (tho we are really going to do that in Quebec City) Thanks for the suggestion - I know some people did mention a few ideas, and think dynomutt was one.