I believe I'm in Zone 6........southeastern Washington State. When I planted the "half high" I had no idea what it was, just bought a blueberry plant and put it in the ground. I probably wouldn't buy another one. The variety doing the best for me is Reka. I know "shock" is a problem in this area and a local grower has told me that duke, bluecrop, toro, and Reka have proven the most resistant on his farm. Chandler is more susceptible which I have a couple of so I won't plant any more of them. Brady, I bought two little sickly looking variety Toro blueberries from HD a few weeks ago but I had to pay $9 for them. I bought them because I hadn't seen Toro for sale before and area growers do well with them. You might try a Toro if you aren't already, they get really large, like 8' tall or so and are huge producers. The downside of them I have heard is the berries get sunburned easily. Here's a pic of one of them........I find it interesting that some of my young plants have had wrinkled leaves, some discoloration, etc., but in the second year they do better. I'm confident this plant will do well next year, it was mistreated at HD, barely hanging on when I got it and now it's got a few new leaves. Notice the wrinkled leaves, leaves cupping, etc. One other thing Brady, didn't you say you tried the seaweed and fish emulsion last year? I am using it this summer on my new plants and it's working fantastic. Here is a Reka I bought 5 weeks ago or so that has quadrupled in size. A second one is even larger and was growing so fast I had to trim the limbs back on it. They seem to really like it. Reka is a fantastic variety, just grows and produces and seems far more tolerant to less than perfect growing conditions. RM

Thanks to all for the many nice comments, We love to share our birds with other bird lovers. :) And congrats to Holly on your fledglings... best luck with your 2nd nest. Happy birding everybody, Kenn & Temple

Karen you have a lovely home. Hard to believe you were able to fit so many china cabinets in, but it certainly doesn't look overcrowded at all. Each of the cabinets and your collections are wonderful. I would feel very comfortable in your home. If you remember reading the post about my fall decor and my concern that the fall items did not fit very well with my normal pastel things--Judith reminded me that many of us do traditional Christmas colors that don't match our normal decor either. It is a seasonal thing, and we should just relax and enjoy it. You certainly found some pretty pumpkins, candle holders and silk flowers and vines. And I love the vignettes and arrangements you made with them. Clap, clap, clap. Good job gal. ;o) Most of all, I am just so thrilled that you felt well enough to shop and do all this decorating. I think maybe you were so interested in doing it that maybe it helped keep your mind off some of the pain. That's a very good thing. ;o) Luvs

Thanks for the all the compliments. We are very happy with our new kitchen. We hope to get moved in start enjoying the kitchen my the end of March. Owls4me: Our Bosch Integra grates rise about 2.25 inches about counter level.