On the other sidde of your question, most tile used in backsplashes is 1/4" or 3/8" thick, plus you have the thinset behind that. You can probably allow 3/8-1/2" for your splash, but I agree that 1/4" variations are probably more than norm that unusual. Hope you love your marble. I thought I was going to have to tell you that I had the first stain on my marble, but I think they were actually on the sealer. They came right off with some cleaner add I will reseal the counters soon -- it's about time anyway. I think you are more likely to love them for several years and convince someone else seeing them in a used state that marble isn't so scary that to lose a sale. Worst case, someone wants to replace the counters -- or get Dry Treat applied. ;-) For now, they are yours to enjoy. I like your slabs. The speak to me -- kind of like mine did. Mine had dark lines and squiggles against a background that reminded me of da Vinci sketches on old paper. My son has done reports on da Vinci for school and we have enjoyed talking about his incredible visions and ideas -- and laughed about the line in "Ever After" where da Vinci takes a locked door off the hings and tells them that he shall forever be remembered as the man who opened a door. I think that set me up to love my slab, but yours has a wispy quality that is unusual and I like that too. Enjoy your counters, and if you have any concerns 3 years from now -- well, no certainty that I'll still be here or have the same email address, but I'd be happy to help you get them ready for a resale over a cup of coffee and talk about what your next counters will be (these are it for me -- DH says he's going out of here in a box -- LOL) Love your marble!

1. I assumed the same, but since I'm not much into cooking(wife is) I had no clue whether maybe the same pan is used for something else than boiling. You're probably right it doesn't matter much 3. I did forgot to mention it here, but I did a little research on both and found that they are both 10cm. I even calculated that approximately the siemens shold hold 6.75 liters and the WMF 11.34. Which got me thinking and I figured it out. The siemens pan doesn't have the steam accessory with it(it is bought separately). The WMF does. So most probably the measure on the siemens description is how much the whole pan can hold, and the WMF pan shows the space below the steam accessory which is about half of the whole pan. This is the only explanation I can think of. Anyway I will be getting the bigger WMF for sure now, seems like the better choice. Except if there are other uses for that pan which isn't boiling? Also on the other hand.. I'm beginning to wonder, maybe the WMF will be too big for 2-4 people serving..

sheilajoyce_gw, I'm so glad you chimed in and told us how your doing. That was part of my intent, to see how everyone believes they are doing. Yesterday was a bit rough, our kitty was momma to our remaining 6. Her son, our only boy is struggling so we need to keep an eye on him. The others are girls and girls can be unpredictable. We were hoping to celebrate with a big dinner out this weekend but the vet bill killed that. Instead I will continue working on my garden and I think we will cut down some black walnut trees. We have been thinning out the back acre of our lot. Tons of black walnut trees and very little sun can get through. Leaves it very damp and a haven for the snakes, snapping turtles and mosquitos. I think we will also do some burning and perhaps have a nice bon fire. I'll cook up some steak sandwiches and homemade fries. Agreed about staying away from the smell of smoke. We were actually the only smokers in our family's and with those we hang out with so at least we have minimal temptations. Nobody smokes at our jobs either so that makes it easier. Hubby and I will celebrate 17 years over the Memorial day weekend. We married late in life but it is a first marriage for both of us. Everyone, have a great weekend and thank you for your thoughts.

i would give my house a solid B. there is always dog & cat hair but a quick vacuum and its gone. we have no carpet on main floor so its easy to clean quickly. the kitchen is done once a week or as it gets dirty. bathrooms - once a week. it gets dusty but its a qiuck fix. i agree about the timer., its amazing what you can do in 15 mins!!! the biggest issue here is paper clutter. ugh, sometimes just can't keep up! thinking of cancelling my paper which i am down to thursday, friday, saturday and sunday. most days i can't even get to read it. probably will go to digital only. i try to get rid on senseless mail immediately which helps a great deal. we are in the middle of redoing our Master Bedroom, so lots of things going to Good Will. i just keep thinking, "will my kids want this" or "what will my kids do with this when we are gone?' most likely trash, so out it goes. really trying to de-clutter!!!!!