I was kinda thinking that too, it has been really wet here and I think water collects on the top of some of my containers and drains in...the potting mix I used this year was soaked too, a bag probably weighed 80 pounds. thanks for the reply ChefMark

I can't help you with hotels as I never had to stay in one since I live so close and work there. Here are some suggestions for things to do, especially if you have kids 1) Serendipity - it may be overrated but definitely something to enjoy http://www.serendipity3.com/ 2) The Met http://www.ny.com/cgibin/frame.cgi?url=http://www.metmuseum.org/&frame=/frame/museums.html 3) Central Park (If its not too cold) you can go ice skating there, go to a zoo and eat at the Boathouse http://www.ny.com/sights/neighborhoods/central_park.html 4) Shopping at SOHO/Village (not really a kid thing to do but definitely something to do when you are in Manhattan) 5) Broadway play would be great (eat at at the stardust diner - we had a lot of fun there) 6) Burgers at the Parker Meridian hotel 7) Brunch at Sarabeth's or Jane 8) Empire State is a must only because that is a very NYC though I ewnt once with someone from out of town and thought it was boring. 9) Museum of Natural History on the West side is nice - great for kids though I like the one in Washington better Union Square is fun and a great shopping mecca as well If the weather is bad, go to chelsea piers for some indoor sports fun The intrepid or the Childrens Museum of Manhattan If you want to venture out to Brooklyn, there is an aquarium, puppetworks and the brooklyn children's museum Rockefeller is nice. within that area, there is the Ninetendo Store and the American Girl Doll store, St. Patrick's cathedral and Saks (the window display is cute but not as elaborate as the other stores) Check out the ABC Home Store for you and FAO Schwartz for the kids (there is also a GIANT TRU in Times Square Check out cupcakes from Crumbs and Magnolia Bakery Hope this helps.

Get the best quality that is within your budget. He did not answer your question. MDF doesn't warp is not the full answer..There is a reason for price difference in cabinets depending on materials.

How exciting :):) I can't wait to see! I probably don't know all the things to check but here's what I look for on mine: All the edges make sure there are no chips or bad repairs. Make sure they didn't do any damage to your cabinets (sliding slab across veneer can make it chip or pop off if they're not careful) and make sure there aren't any flaws in the surface or finish (i.e. scratches, dull spots, etc.). Look at the gap at the wall and make sure it can be covered with tile or if you're not doing a backsplash, make sure it was properly scribed to the wall. Make sure all the overhangs are as you ordered them, make sure the gap where your stove sits is the right size. I can't think of anything else. Good luck!! EDIT: Haha oh yeah! Don't forget the seams! Are they the right color, good quality? This post was edited by Swentastic on Mon, Sep 22, 14 at 17:53