Well, it turns out the the contractor who renovated the bathroom put the flange at the subfloor level, rather than the tile level. So the original wax ring was not getting compressed. There was minor leakage around part of the ring. The new plumber installed a spacer, a new wax ring and re-seated the toilet. Issue is, the gray tile isn't going anywhere. I obviously cannot lift the toilet up on a daily basis to check for leaks. Am I wrong to expect the tile to whiten up again? It has a sealer on it, so I imagine that impedes evaporation a bit. I don't mind making a poultice to take up any stain--I know how to do that and it usually works. My concern is whether the continuing gray patch means a continuing leak, or if it's just a leftover from the original leak.

sahayven, the term is inosculation. It's when branches, trunks, or even roots of woody plants become conjoined, self grafting. It happens in nature readily when plants of the same species grow very close to each other. Ornamental grafting is also practiced as a hobby and art form.

You are wanting a short, shade and drought tolerant, grass like, tropical groundcover that will stand up to kid's soccer practice. Tough one. How about sand for the younger years and then plant something else when the kids are grown and have lost interest.

You’re so blessed to have this large space! Love that it’s not matchy-matchy. Later on: Paint the ceiling the ivory color; white ceiling reflects dark gray shadows. Walls and mouldings look good in same ivory. (Check out crown mouldings situated on the ceilings instead of the wall and flush-ceiling chandeliers.) Agree with Trace-china cabinet opposite the window. Then replace it with the wider, dark buffet. Tall slender buffet lamps and a large, tall modern art piece would be a great contrast to the room and ”blend” height from the china cab & new drapery—kids could probably come up with a real conversation starter! Two upholstered dining chairs would be pretty in front of the windows—extra seating. If you need the smaller table, stain it dark or (if no sentimental value) paint it a crazy accent color from the kids’ art and use it between the chairs??? I’d use the sideboard where the dark buffet is now. Darker stain later? (Metal conduit=cheap strong curtain rod; maybe spraypaint it to match the new lamps.) Why is my heart saying to whitewash the sideboard and put it in front of the window during gatherings for a dessert table? On that note, It’s time for me to leave. I’ll see myself out.