[jyl]

JimR, RWebb, others - thanks for reminding me that many people prefer a more open plan between kitchen to dining room. I want exactly the opposite, but there's house value to think about too - I may look for a design that can be easily converted from closed to open if need be.

Jeff (look) - I dunno about melding the kitchen and deck, for most of the year here you want the outside kept damn well out so's you don't drown or freeze . . . oh, I maybe shouldn't have said "deck", its more of a large landing with steps down to the backyard. For 6 straight months, starting about now, I won't see my backyard, it will just be that soggy place.

Jeff and bgy - yes, I will post some dimensions. Trying to figure out the best way. Yes, I also think I need more prep space.

dad, island, john70 - thanks, I will try sketching out a couple more variations w/those ideas.

FYI the pics are done in Google Sketchup, it is dead easy though some irritating limitations too.

LWJ - I will probably take you up on that, let's talk at the next PDX gathering (in a month?), or if we don't make it I will drop you a PM later. Oh, the kitchen is fairly bright despite only 1 window, because the window faces south and the door to rear deck is a double French door