Depending on if you can blow snow to both sides of the driveway, you will have to blow it a minimum of 15 feet, just to get to the edge, but farther to accomodate the accumulation over the winter. And then there is the wind to contend with. You definitely need a 2-stage and I would say no less than a 24 inch cut. That would put the horsepower at a minimum of 7, IMO. Go with any of the major brands, such as Ariens or Husquavarna. Some of the ones I've seen at the big box stores have plastic shutes, which sounds like a good idea as far as clogging, but I don't know how they have held up, especially on a stoned driveway. From what I've heard, stay away from the ones with tracks, as most say they are a bear to steer. I would add that this is a classic example of 'you get what you pay for', so don't expect to get away on the cheap and have a good, long lasting machine. Just my opinions.

Claire, the only open space on our street are front lawns. The first time we saw bluebirds in our backyard was several years ago when we had a lot of snow on the ground. The bluebirds were eating beef suet. That was the very first time I had ever seen bluebirds. So in the spring we put up a bluebird box, but they didn't use it. We tried placing the box in various places until we finally located it in the front yard at the side of the house. That did it, and every year since, they have nested in it. They have two or three broods a year. In the photo they are eating the homemade stuff we make with peanut butter, lard, flour, and other ingredients.

Herbflavor- I will try the 3 sketches. I've heard of the Liebherr, might be a bit out of range, $3000 for a freestanding 24", also sounds like service maybe expensive too. I do like the counter depth and compactness it would provide though. Katsmah- great idea, although the fridge door swinging how it does makes easy access to beer when I'm in the next room over (living/dining room). Moving the fridge towards the right may address this though. roarah- Another great idea! Except my sink/cooktop wall is an exterior wall, I may not be able to do this depending on what's behind there, but I can do it on the opposite wall. Also- a standard studded wall is 3.5" deep, how did you fit a toaster here? fori- Aisle is 49" wide from edge of existing countertop to countertop. I may be able to get a few (3) more inches by taking out studs on the fridge wall. It's a non-bearing wall, I planned to do this with the 'fridge anyhow so it doesn't stick out as far as it does now. I'll see if I can fit 30" depth cabinets but I dont think there's going to be enough space, not to mention the added expense. Yes, cabinets all the way up to the ceiling is in the plans, and yes I can, there's nothing behind there but air. On the existing fridge wall, the soffit stops at the pantry. I made a graph paper sketch, I'll have to find it and scan it.

To bzamp58 Hi, I make and decorate cakes. I have NO trouble at all with my recipes for doing cakes. I always use the roller. Just make sure you do the wet ingredients first. The add the dry. My cakes are light, moist, fluffy. (As with all recipes and the DLX the wet should go in first dry last). Thanksgiving...Whip Cream! My granddaughter is not too familiar with my DLX...was using white bowl and beaters, she said I can do the whip cream Gram. Huh well we had chunky almost butter whip cream! The look on her face was priceless. How we laughed! Just added a tablespoon of cream to the 2 cups whipped and consistency was fine for the pumpkin pie! And I am thrilled this year to have my DLX for all my Christmas cookie orders! So much easier! Last year I used my 1980 Kitchen Aid and did 3000 cookies in three weeks. I had been so booked with wedding cookies so got a late start! Still got a late start this year cause we did a total "kitchen make-over"! But now my wonderful DLX and new kitchen...I am so blessed! Time to get Pecan Tassies out of oven. May all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!