Richard, I live out in the woods in southeast Mississippi, and I see pileateds more and more every year. I think I've been hearing baby pileateds lately, but I can't verify it yet, since I haven't actually seen them. One day I was walking down one of the paths I've made through the woods and "whoosh!" a pileated came flying right by my ear! I'm sure he/she didn't realize I was there, since they're really pretty shy birds. Still, it was a thrill! Whenever I see one, I can't take my eyes off it! And about the B&B, it's SOOO easy to propagate! I just dug up a good looking runner that really didn't have much of a root system of its own, planted it in a pot, put the pot in the shade and kept it moist, it made more roots quickly, I planted it, and now I've got another B&B, this one on the other side of my garden gate. You can't beat the electric blue flowers of s. guaranitica and the hummers and butterflies - especially sulphurs - love it! Sherry

What wonderful ideas! Thanks so much Jane, Pesky and Les!! I loved everything you suggested, from food to decor, and thanks for confirming the buffet idea. To answer a few questions: I had thought to do a separate pan of ziti without the sausage, just in case, even though people often select where to eat based on the menus, which are sent out ahead of time. I will be using two long tables pushed together so everyone can sit around one large table. I will serve some hors d'oeuvres, so thanks for those ideas, too. I'm feeling a little more excited about this now that you have helped me devise a plan. Thanks again!!

Rhome & Alku, I like it :) It's not too different from the first round one, but the pull out rolling table is a much better idea, and killing the awkward Advantium, which is more than I need for a MW, fixed the dark hole of Calcutta problem :) I'll adjust the exact location of the cooktop area when I do the vertical drawings with cupboards, but I don't need a big draining board area. One of the things the counter in the "Butler's Pantry" will do is provide a good place to stack dirty dishes when the mobs come. One thing I hate is people tracking them across the kitchen anyway :) Re the fridge drawers, all of my produce is refrigerated. Warm climate :) I have a bar fridge now which I use for masses of veg for soups and stews, or for company, and for sodas etc., for guests. I'd really miss that extra space, so yes, I "need" it, though I plan to use it a little differently. Originally I had it in the "Butler's Pantry", but Marys1000 reminded me on the first round that it would be nice to have handy for resting dough. And I'd love to have the veg by the prep sink, and the sauces by the stove. But if it still looks weird, think of it as those basket things that people put onions, carrots, potatoes and apples in (which in my kitchen would be mold laboratories :) ). Malhgold, That is weird about not seeing the "Latest Plan". The sink under the window and the cabinet corners are what I have now, and it works fine, without squishing. I really appreciate the comment! I'd hate to be squished. Huango, Thanks for feedback on the sink size. I had put a smaller one to keep it under the window on the "Latest Plan" drawing. The same layout works fine with a 30" sink. The old one is a 48" three bowl. I actually love it, but it's excessive and I'd rather have the prep sink and the big single. I hope :) Thanks to you all for the feedback!! If anyone has more comments, good or bad or rip it out and try again, please speak away!!

Found this thread because the Elkay Crosstown 31 inch sink we just had installed is pooling in the middle of the sink. Counters are so close to level that I'm not sure it would be reasonable for Elkay to complain. So some Elkay are fine and others are not. I'm going to try putting some olive oil and some Hope's Perfect Sink in to try to prevent the water's adhesion to the surface. But since I haven't found anyone suggesting/confirming ways to mitigate the problem I'm not hopeful.