I've been using Firefox since longer than I can remember, and a beta version has never been pushed to me. Auto-updates to release versions, yes. Beta versions, no (I am not subscribed to the beta channel and have never been forced to it). Regards to browser security, there's a newly discovered vulnerability in the SSLv3 protocol -- POODLE is the acronym. It's a combination of browser and server. SSLv3 was superseded some while ago by TLS, but many servers are still running SSLv3 (along with TLS). A secure browser connection that starts on TLS can be tricked into downgrading to SSL 3.0 (if the connecting server still supports it), and a hacker can intercept bits of the data flow when that happens. The expectation is that SSL 3.0 will not be patched since it's considered outdated. Servers that are running it will (should) soon be reconfigured to no longer support it. Users who are running old browsers that don't support TLS will no longer be able to connect to secure sites such as online banking or shopping after servers no longer support SSLv3. The recommended defense until servers are fixed to to eliminate SSLv3 is for users to set their browser to not allow SSL 3.0 connections (minimum TLSv1). If your old browser of choice (or requirement) doesn't support TLS then you're stuck being susceptible, and will be out-of-luck when SSLv3 is fully redacted. IE6 , for example, supports TLSv1 but the option is not enabled by default, it must be manually turned on. (TLS is currently up to v3, which IE6 does not support past TLSv1.) Test your browser

Oh Joy, thank you for this! You don't know how evil you have made me with this in my arsenal. Good natured "discussions" at another board and I just happened to have a picture of my opponent. She sure is twisted now! LOL!

Ok, so the last plan wasn't all that stellar - parts of it didn't sit right with me - and you all easily pointed out the drawbacks. This was a good thing because now I am reworking the plan. I don't have the drawing to post this morning but let's see if I can describe it... The addition will now come out 9'6 from the house and go straight across the back of the house for 28' - no more awkward angles. The first 20' are for the kitchen and the last 8' will be for the walk in pantry. I will have a 20' wall for lower cabinets. The range and hood are in the center - essentially 8' long windows coming down to the counter on both sides of the range wall. No uppers. There are no cupboards coming off of either end of this long run. The pantry is 8 x 9'6 There will be a 10' x 4' (or 5?) island facing the windows. The fridge is on a wall facing the end of the island so easy to access. There is a 10' wall behind the island that could also have cabinets - still working on that. My questions - where would you put the prep area and the cleanup area? A second dishwasher? A speed oven?

Thanks guys, I actually really like the warmer tones as much (or more) as I liked the blues/grays. I think I started down a road and ran with it without thinking about the bigger picture. As far as pulls, I was thinking maybe just cup pulls, although I do like the ones that badgergirl posted too. We are straddling that budget so we'll have to see what is available with no charge. The bars were an upcharge so it was nice to make a choice that was less expensive for a change. I am hoping that the quarter sawn oak isn't too much of an upcharge, I went to look at just factory finish cabinets at Lowes today and do like the look of the grain. It is warm, but quiet enough. Sent my request to the cabinet guy so fingers crossed that all will come in on budget. Another question is do I paint the island a lighter color to decrease the darkness in the middle of the room or just keep consistent throughout. I am leaning toward the latter actually. Badgergal, I stole the lights from you! I loved it so much in your pics. And I saw the price, so it will be a splurge for me as well. They will be likely be a 2013 item, with a cheapo $20/per pendent fill in until my savings account replenishes. But I can live with that knowing what is in the future. As far as lighting, we have been pricing/thinking of this. Due to the dark color of the cabinets, this was a big concern of mine, lighting is everything! We currently have some recessed (6 of them) and an overhead over the sink. We are pricing the pendants over the island and lights in the glass front upper cabinets (total of 6). We cut the under cabinet lights in the interest of budget and in talking to people who said that they rarely use them. Maybe I should reconsider? How hard is that to add in after the fact if we decide that we need them later? We do have a window over the sink and then the bump out of the eat in area is virtually surrounded on three sides pretty much floor to ceiling with windows/doors, so it does get some natural light. Anyway, updated pic and I think it looks pretty good (although I am now thinking that the curve/bow pulls may be a better option seeing it in place - maybe less surface so less shine). Walls will need to be decided on, but that is an easy fix. Cookies will be forthcoming when I have a new oven that doesn't take the temp setting as a mere suggestion!