dghays, I'm in zone 9. I figured with having 4 different types I should get at lest some fruit every year. The fruit my wife tasted was definitely ripe. If anything maybe a little over ripe. I thought they were great but I don't think she will ever even try one again. Can you think of any problems with the 3 in a hole method for lychee's? I was mainly worried about problems with the root systems. The only reason I am considering it is because I am not sure how long I will be able to keep the Hak ip and mauritius going in a pot. I have 30 gal pots ready for when they are big but I am not sure how long it would be until even that would not be big enough.

Yup, I tossed some toasted almonds in the blender. Skins and all, no blanching. Yes, lazy! I had some doubts about the almond extract but it's a good balance. The recipe as I made it: Lemon Ricotta Bundt Cake adapted from Giada de Laurentiis Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40-45 minutes Yield: 1 bundt cake 2-1/4 cups plain flour 3/4 cup ground almonds (I used toasted with skins on) 1 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 cup 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1-1/2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 3 lemons) 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 2 large eggs 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds 1 cup powdered sugar with enough lemon juice to make a glaze, about 2 tablespoons (I wing this part, really) Spray bundt pan with Baker's Joy or similar product. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F/ 175 degrees C. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar, butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the ricotta. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and almond extract. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended (the batter will be thick and fluffy). Pour batter into prepared bundt and level with spatula. Bake until toothpick inserted in middle comes clean, about 40-45 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes and then invert onto serving dish. Cool slightly. While still warm, pour glaze over cake and top with chopped almonds.

I saw it on Broadway 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It absolutely surprised me because I really don't care for the group or their music. But it was so well done and the music had the audience clapping and swaying and singing along. The stage setting was perfect- very simple backgrounds which highlighted the actors playing Frankie Vallie and the other Four Seasons. And the songs fit right in with the monologues and scenes. I hope you get the tickets I think you'll have a great time.

chefkev- The room will be 15'x20' combined with the island/table parallel to the long side. I am hoping to have a 72" table (without leaves) to fit 5 chairs comfortably. If I can squeeze some inches off this I will, since it will be made to my specifications. Each leaf would be about 2' long, but honestly I am only getting them so I have them. This house was not built for a 10' table!! I was wondering about the stool seating not so much for myself, but for resale. I probably just need to not worry about that since we are planning to stay at least 10 years. I am also working withthe zones idea as opposed to the traditional triangle. One of the biggest problems is that the most appropriate place for the sink (under the window) is impossible due to the main electrical panel being directly underneath it in th basement. I am trying to keep the range and main sink and DW on the original galley wall (to save on costs, and also for aesthetics), but that requires moving the fridge to one of the long walls, therefore cutting into the island/aisle space. This will only be a one cook kitchen, and therefore I don't think I need as much manuevering space as you, and I am small as well. However, I keep trying to fit everything I want and keep coming up with 33" aisles between the perimeter and the island, which I know would be a tight fit. It is all about give and take I have learned quickly. Hopefully I will have a completed draft that I am somewhat happy with by the end of the week that I can post. As far as DIY goes, I feel like we are pretty capable, but our biggest obstacle is that we have a 2 and a 5 year old. It will probably take us awhile longer than most DIYers (like WeedyAcres) to finish our project. And then of course there is the budget.... Thanks for the link- I am reading over that right now.