I do remember reading about that name change; it's tough to keep up with all the switches in nomenclature these days. I suspect more folks might grow these if they were more universally hardy, but I think I'm at about the northern edge of their range, and the big box stores aren't likely to carry them because of that. Besides, if they were more commonly available, I would probably lose interest. I used to be fascinated by Phalaenopsis orchids as a kid, but don't even give them a second look now that Trader Joe's carries them right next to the baked goods. BTW -I have a huge collection of Zephyranthes, Habranthus, and Cooperia which is now hopelessly muddled because of label-pulling in the back yard last summer (they mostly look the same until they bloom, and some even then). I thought it had been done with too much dexterity to blame the birds, and was just about to begin interrogating neighbor children, when I discovered the culprit (caught red handed, so to speak) was a raccoon! If I can manage to propagate the Hemiboea this summer (assuming it rears its head again - it's dormant right now), I'd be happy to send you one. Just help me remember to work on that later on this spring.

rhome410, they need to make a commercial like the Old Spice one with the most amazing guy in the world but with you and kitchens as the "smartest person in the world." You just have all the info and expertise! That Cinder is kind of pretty - and might work with the granite I was looking at b/c I didn't want to go too dark. Was considering the metallic gray b/c of breezygirl's. Wonder if I can see them somewhere close by? On shape, I hadn't really taken into account that the undermount really somewhat obscures the "hardness" of corners and blends it in - you'd have to stand over it to realize that it's a slightly different shape than a normal rectangle (to breezygirl's point.) So then, between the Performa rectangle or the Rondo round - I do think rectangular makes more sense for usage - I just like to soften all the angles up with a little swerve and curve here and there. That said, I have a curve on the end of my island and this would be going the opposite way so maybe that's a good reason to skip the Diamond 15" one? Doing the math - 15" prep sink bumps me down to a 18" cabinet (moving up the storage next to it to a 36" drawer set) - that gives me 46" of work space (to the left of the prep sink) to end of the island (but that's the overhang, not the actual end of cabinet.) The Performa gives me a 17 1/2" prep, 21" cabinet gives me 43" but the bigger sink. If I eliminate the overhang - it's obviously 10" less (overhang goes 10" to 14") So, question is whether that could inches is better IN the sink or ON the countertop. I'm hoping y'all will tell me - but I'm guessing you're going to turn it back on me...? Thanks as always! P.S. I'm learning and becoming more aware that being silly about form and noticing things is something that I have to work on. And, not listening to others. To that end, giving up my dream of an ice / water dispenser in my fridge was a big step. I've wanted one forever and just kept hearing why I shouldn't - hubby wanted the big Elux set of all fridge/freezer and why not? Now I'm happy with that plan. See, baby steps!

OK, this is making me feel better. I am having a hard time making decisions lately (8-month pregnancy hormones, I think). I got a great deal on some white blinds from JCPenney ($36 for a 47" wide blind on super-duper sale) so I will try them out at least. Since they were cheap, I ordered one for the guest bedroom too to see how it looks, but I won't stress if I don't like it. Whew! Sweeby - I REALLY wanted the maple to work. I incorporated several baskets, colorful fabrics, etc, to see if that made the maple have context, but they still look weird to me. A better decorator might make them work... I will try to post a picture as soon as I get the valance finished and hung. Everything about the nursery makes me smile but the window right now.

I looked at storage boxes but sometimes space and spending money on that may not work for everybody, and bringing them in and out was annoying on a daily basis... I bought a giant square cover that goes over the sectional couch and then the fire pit props out the empty corner - just throwing that over everything was the cheapest and easiest solution for me. I'll bring cushions in for the winter and use the same cover over the furniture frames, even if I have to buy a new cover every year or 2 it still made the most sense. Any recommendations for patio furniture that is comfortable WITHOUT cushion, please post! :)