We have made the first step. The floor. Now, I don't know how we did it. Or, if it was a full moon. But, C and I agreed on the tile selection immediately. Folks, this is unheard of! We don't agree on these things. Typically, one of us is stuborn until the other gives in, and then we decide that we are happy with the results after the fact. We do not agree at the beginning. Period.
The product that brought us together was a 12 by 12 slate in "California Gold." We found it at United Tile for about $5.60sf. Then, we went to Tile Outlet where it was $3.60sf. However, we bought from Tile for Less for $2.99sf. Plus, they have a bunny. Who doesn't love a bunny!
With the tile selected, we set out to demo the original tile. As it turns out, the tile was set directly into the concrete slab, and wasn't going anywhere. 
Plan B - Set the slate on top of the old tile, and trim the doors.
The results. Ben Liebman, 503-314-8785, did the work. He did the bathroom/utility room tile at the old house, and is really great to work with!
