This is an interesting topic for your thread, caught my attention immediately. I have been photographing my garden a bit this year (although I am still so sluggish about the whole Photobucket to posting online thing. Never sit still long enough to learn how to post a photo here!), and I am finding out that several hours in the middle of the day produces the worst photos. I have had the best luck so far in early evening or late afternoon. But, for sheer enjoyment of the garden, I'm with Florence, I love the early morning in the garden with a steaming cup of hot tea or coffee, a warm scone or muffin, and only the wildlife for company That is as close to Heaven as I can get this side of death. Soft morning light, the wind whispering through the tall pines, cottonwoods, and pecan trees, sometimes the sun in a haze of clouds with rays shining forth. Even a cool and foggy morning can be nice, the muffled sounds, as if the creatures are in a hush, afraid to speak out in the silence... Yes, definitely morning, and any lighting that the weather provides!

We've been in for 4 1/2 months now and overall are very happy with how our new home turned out. Things I love: Wood floors - Ours are 4" white oak, site finished in a medium stain color, satin finish(not shiny). Dover white laquer painted woodwork, mouldings, and cabinetry. We have stained cabinets in a couple of bathrooms, and I'm glad I didn't go stained in the kitchen and rest of the house. The stained acts like a dust magnet and washes out the paint color on the walls. But most of all, white wood against painted walls and hardwood floors just makes me happy.:-) Love my kitchen. Thank you kitchen forum! Definitely pay a visit over there if you're just getting started. -It turned out beautiful(white custom cabs, arched hood, wood floors) -Lots of well placed lighting all on dimmers -Functional, large layout with specific work zones -Danze faucets and pot filler -Silgranit sinks(love the big single basin and the round prep!) -Bosch ovens -Dacor 36" gas cooktop -Kitchenaid DW and Fridge -Giallo Ornamental granite -Microwave built into the island -Trash pullout -Tons of deep drawers instead of cabinet doors -Step in pantry Smart Strand carpet - feels and looks great - LOVE IT!!! Love our huge paved, curvy driveway and walkways. Lots of room for the kids to ride bikes, scooters, and play basketball. Huge covered porches front and back Exercise room off of master for treadmill and weights Walk in attic access from upstairs Huge bonus room upstairs Big laundry room with 2 washer and 2 dryer hookups, quartz folding countertop, deep stainless sink, and plenty of storage. Love that the dryers vent right outside, not up through walls and then to the roof like our last house. Makes cleaning the duct a huge pain and cuts down on effiency. Sound system with speakers throughout and on back porch Paint colors - Tobacco Road(main), Dover White(woodwork) Lots of lighting throughout almost all on dimmers Schlage door hardware and deadbolts Love being out in the country on a little land with tons of trees and a pond. Peaceful and lots of room for the kids to play and explore. Things I'd do differently - Insulate wall where upstairs bath plumbing runs downstairs for sound reduction. Put in sprinkler system - On the list to do next spring Wish we would've upgraded to satin or eggshell paint in the bonus and kids rooms. Went with flat to save money figuring we could always repaint later.

Irma I like your version of the ducky swimming pool lol. I may have to go and get some of those roller pans. I dont kn9w exactly what I'd use them for but they are one of those things that just seem Useful, so I bet I would think of something haha. Ive been meaning to get to the dollar store again. It is out if the way for me. The last time I went to Dollar Tree, I got a bunch of little baskets and tubs organized all my cupboards and pantry. This time I want to look for some cheap plastic pitchers and bowls that I can use for soap making. I found these red mini tubs with handles too, last time I was there. I planted waterlilies in them and sunk them into waterpots. It worked out great because I can pull them out by the handles when I have to repot them every yr or so. Once the waterlily grows pads and flowers, you can no longer see the tacky red tubs lol.

Plan the closet for your current needs, and alter it if the needs change. Elfa gives you a lot of flexibility. So, what ARE the current needs? Hanging? long or short? Party clothes, or professional work clothes, somewhat casual work, casual casual? Slacks, trousers, or jeans? shorts, skirts, dresses? Suits? Sweaters? Tees, polos, golf shirts? Button-downs or blouses? Accessories? Belts, ties, scarves? Hats, caps? Handbags, totes, briefcase? What about jewelry? Me, i had a closet where my necklaces actually hung around the closet bar conpletely tangle-free, and a chest below held the jewelry box on top for bracelets, and my dainties in the drawers. Will you want drawers in your closet for underwer and socks? Will you keep some things in the bedroom? Get thee to The Container Store or California Closets or your local closet planner with a list of what will go in the closet and how you like to store them, and they will help you come up with a solution for you. One caveat, do not let them plan hanging rods that meet in a corner. No, nope, no.