I wish I had time to read down through this whole thread. I think you've struck a chord with the kitchen table. It certainly was that way in my parents' home and still is. The living room is for TV, the den is for reading, the music room... well, you get the idea. But all my memories of talk, from common gossip to world philosophy, center around the table in that kitchen. Dining rooms are a waste of space. Just set a table in the kitchen and solve all the problems in the world.

I had a friend I met at the break up of a relationship. She had just had her heart broken too. We became very close friends and spent many hours drinking tea and talking at kitchen tables, hers and mine, for many years. I married in December 04 and am very happy now. She is marrying this coming June and is also very happy. I hope to see her marry and see her as happy as we dreamed of around those tables.

Hey Jerry, aren't you in Connecticut? Can I swing by and visit in June?