In reply to the Gerry Bay water spot problems:  I must confess, I sat
on this reply to see what other solutions might come to print.

I have and use this solution which is almost as old as good furniture
itself.  Before all the space-age wood finishes now in use, most pieces
were done in varnish and shellac.  Accidents did happen, such as white
rings left from the bottom of a drinking glass or marks from water on
the bottom of a plant or flower vase.

At my Woods Villa B & B, you will find an assortment of finishes and
these are frequently left with marks from wet things that visitors set
down, most frequently wet glass bottoms or hot and wet coffee cup
bottoms.

Then the  housekeeping staff goes on the "White Ring Patrol", armed
with a tiny bottle of "Spirits of Camphor" and a small lint free cloth.
Just a drop of the Spirits on the cloth and a wipe, and the mark is
gone.  There is _no_ touch up needed to the finish or the polish.  It
works on all woods and all finishes and all surfaces, even if waxed.
Spirits of Camphor should be available at your drug store.  An ounce
or so will last a lifetime for the average home.

Just for fun, the solution offered in the "White House" Cookbook of
1919 is:

  "To take white spots from varnished furniture: - Hold a hot stove
   lid or plate over them and they will soon disappear."

One final note: the scent from the Spirits is also good for those
suffering from the discomfort of an old fashioned cold!

Best regards

Ken Vinen

 [ What's the location of your Bed & Breakfast inn, Ken?  May we
 [ visit?  :-)   -- Robbie