Hi Lynn, I went to Camp Cuyamaca in 6th Grade, I still remember the Camp Song (YEA,YEA,YEA,YEA CUYAMACA ;-) Yes, Oregon Clay and yes, it loosens it real well, check out my video link below. BTW.. Also ..Yes , I use Decomposed granite for breaking up the Clay as well as for providing Micro-nutrients to the Beneficial herd. Decomposed granite is a rock powder and is an excellent amendment for clay soils. All rock powders are great sources of minerals and micronutrients. All growing soils need them. As the microbes and macrobes like earthworms, digest the insoluble minerals, they break down into the various soluble micronutrients that all forms of plants need. For example, limestone rocks are rich in calcium. Granite rocks are rich in potassium, etc. Seaweeds of course are the king of micronutrient fertilizers and soil amendments. There can be up to 70+ trace elements in seaweed. In locations where seaweed is not readily available; rock powders is one answer to the problem. Research continues to reveal that insoluble tiny particles like rock powder minerals, can be easily digested or absorbed via microbial activity, over time, into the anatomy of growing plants, thriving in the presence of rich organic compost, and other forms of powerful biostimulants like aerobic compost teas. Obviously a heavy clay soil is very difficult to initially dig, whereas a sandy loam is much easier. Heavy clay soils can be improved considerably by adding a lot of sawdust and mason's sand. DO NOT use beach or river sand! Mason's sand, being crushed granite, has sharp edges and actually loosens the soil. Here is a link that might be useful: Jon's Wonderful Soil 2010

Don't do candles anymore - too much soot and it damages the walls. I like melting tarts in a warmer - no soot and the scent is usually stronger because they can put more oil in them (no contact with a flame). I occasionally use oil warmers as well. I've used a Lampe Berger for years to remove really strong odors. I agree with Cajun - the knockoffs smoke a lot and damage the stone. I tried them for many years because they were cheaper, but went back to the original after ruining a few wicks. Love the Vanilla Gourmet. I also like plug ins. Used to use BBW Wallflowers until a year ago when they changed their formula. Can't smell them now. I'm experimenting with Febreze which is doing a good job, but I miss the scents from BBW. Wish I could use reed diffusers, but with pets in the house I can't risk someone chewing on them or tipping them over.

I had T4 micro fluorescents installed last week with the hardwire box with the rocker switch. I've attached a link to some photos. The box is screwed to the bottom of the cabinet at the wall. From eye level you cannot see the box or lights, even though my light rail trim is a very narrow 3/4 inch. However, from a seated position I can see the light brackets and the box, but it doesn't bother me at all. If you do not want to see the box or lights, I think you would need a light rail trim piece below the cabinets of at least 1 1/4 inch. The romex from the wall ended up serving the T4 hardwire box and an outlet box, so you see the larger outlet box for the microwave also under the cabinet in the corner (long story). You might be able to put the hardwire box in a cabinet (if code allows)if you connected to a wall switch for on/off and don't need the rocker switch. To do that you would then need to measure and buy the a flexible connector cord to drop down through the cabinet to the first fixture. All the fixtures connect butt-end to each other and give a very nice line of even light. The lights also come with a plug in cord. If code allows, you might have an outlet in the cab, or on top of the cab and run a flexible cord down through/behind the cabs to the fixtures. For all practical purposes, that outlet box would need to be on a wall switch. It's really hard to photograph these lights in a way that does them justice, but we absolutely love them. Here is a link that might be useful: T4 micro fluorescents undercabinet lights

I'm surprised no one posted Ann T's recipe. It's wonderful. At the request of my DSIL, I add chocolate chips now, so he gets to eat both of his favorite cookies at the same time. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Oatmeal - Best Oatmeal Cookies ============================== 1 Cup butter (2 sticks) 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 2/3 cup flour 3/4 Teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon dash nutmeg 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 cup golden raisins 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Optional: cranberries, nuts, or whatever appeals to you. Preheat oven to 350° Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until smooth. Add vanilla Combine flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir into butter mixture. Add rolled oats. Gently mix in raisins/chocolate chips, etc. Roll into small balls (golf ball size) and flatten with glass dipped in sugar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms are golden. Cookie should not get brown. Cool on wire rack.