[Ohiogirl]

Because the sun still poured in. You can feel the difference just by putting your hand in front of the closed blinds. Plus, maybe depending on the orientation of my villa, the neighbor's vinyl siding seemed to reflect right back into the windows, making it really glare if you opened the blinds. Now we can get natural light that doesn't make you blink.

We keep the blinds closed in the am when the sun is pouring in the east side. Believe, me the tinted windows really make a difference, at least to me.

Also, I should have said "outdoor rug" not indoor/outdoor carpet.

I'm also not going to be in any hurry to do more landscaping until I learn more and attend a few sessions at Truman and/or the extension service. I've wasted money planting things and not being here to get them established or keep them covered during freezes.

We plan granite countertops and an under-mount sink, plus a new French door fridge once we settle in. I actually like to shop for that stuff, so don't want to rush and pick the wrong (for me) color.