I have a couple gas grills (now planters). When I was living up north I put purple stripped petunias in one and set in my driveway. The petunias grew like crazy and even drooped over the sides. They had 50/50 sun shade. Wish I could find a picture. On the bottom shelf(by the wheels) I had decorative vases.

Yes, Marian! I have had a terrible time getting this site to load over the past few days. I've gotten "page cannot be displayed" many times and simply haven't had the time to wait around to try again. We received a dusting of snow last night (2-3") and it's really windy today. A harbinger of the arctic blast destined to arrive for the coming week, no doubt. In preparation, we allowed the stove to get cold and removed the accumulated ashes. I uncovered an abandonned mouse nest in the woodpile this morning. I haven't decided if they were brave or really stupid to attempt it, or if they were part of the string of dead mice that appeared next to the door some weeks ago... . Ei., good luck with the job hunt. It's been a long time since I've interviewed for a position that wasn't directly related to my skill/trade, but I do recall vividly being asked this question: "Soo... tell me about yourself"! So there are "gaps" in your "work history"? So what? it's what you did with that time that really counts. And there's nothing wrong with simply saying, "I don't know how to do that yet. I can learn.". Don't let an interviewer intimidate you; remember, you're interviewing them, too! Reapply for the position that has already seen two casualties. The worst they'll say to you is, "No." and they've already done that. The position remains unfilled, too! :) Martie, there are basically 3 types of foam. There is the "usual" kind found in sofa cushions. It varies in density, and it will absorb water since it's basically a sponge available in different densities. There is "reticulated" foam. This has a very "open" structure and if your pour water on top of it it will run right through it (ideal for outdoor furniture). Lastly, there is "closed cell foam". This is very dense (it floats) and resists water infiltration to the cells (they're "closed"). This is a standard for quality cockpit cushions on boats, and also in life jackets. Its structure makes it very dense, therefore, "harder" to sit on; it lacks "squishibility". It's harder to make covers for too. I kicked my weekend off with an early Friday morning doctor's app't., the routine kind to which we all so look forward. ;) Next week it's mammogram time, and an eye exam. The "middle age" thing is starting to manifest itself with my vision. My "burgundy" blaze is shrinking, but it still looks sort of silly... my "dumb badge" ; We enjoyed a late lunch and matinee yesterday. We saw "Dreamgirls" and it was the first time I've ever experienced "stadium seating" (it was nice!). We weren't that impressed by the movie, though. There were some very good performances and costumes, but we agreed there was nothing in the characters' personalities that made either of us really "care about them". We found the movie "long". And the music so-so. The jewel though, was a DVD purchase: "Little Miss Sunshine"!! We laughed and laughed through that one. Marian: it's a GREAT story about family with some frank language about sex and drugs. I think you would enjoy it. It's very, very funny. I am not wild about Magenta, but I have a tree peony that has pretty flowers about that color. My picture files are such a mess I'll never find it. Your lovely combinations, though, have me thinking about it differently. I have to say, I'm rather enjoying the winter, I was sorry the snow fell at night. The house is warm, filled with light from sunup to sundown, and its nice to "have it back". It's 11 AM and I'm still in my jammies and about to start the laundry. There isn't anything else I "have to get done before I start..." . I'm not freaked about by a messy desk, any more. I'm thinking it will be fun to clean it up! It's been a long time since I've felt that way and that's why I empathize with those experiencing "confinement" of any sort.

Annie, I realized this weekend that I do a lot of squatting while I help the kids. This motivates me to do even more. Bpathome, I am going to start planks this week! Strolling is still exercise. ANY movement, no matter how small, counts. It all counts. Sounds like a really fun walk! Lizbeth, I am sorry you needed surgery! It's OK if you missed some time-- what is always important is that you are back. To me, this is a learning process. I know what you mean about mornings. I try to go on automatic and just get it up and do it without thinking. Gibby, woo hoo!!! How did the weekend go? Amj, glad you are feeling better. What a great support your DH will be! My husband has no interest in exercise. Blfenton, I love how you incorporate exercise so regularly. I definitely see this as investment, as you said. I think, for a long time, I thought of it as vanity, or someone bossing me around about what I "should" be doing, but being 40, I see what a long road lies ahead (or short one!) if I don't take care of little problems NOW. Gscience, that's great that you already have a routine! RE: the fruit/veg, I am trying to get more in by eating some every other time I eat. Are you going to be done soon with the school yr, or teach during the summer term, too?

Awm, thank you for the tips and link! It was fun to see what your first impressions were. And no, no worries-- as I posted in my initial post, I was never planning on using them day after day. I had yoga and ballet scheduled in on alternate days. While I have never been good about working out, I understand the need for muscles to rest. :) I have put off buying a kettlebell, however. I am concerned about the whole lead thing . . .so many get bad reviews (leaving blisters), too. Seems like the only good ones are expensive (I am not sure about the lead in them) and I don't want to commit that much money to them w/o knowing if they are for me. Outside, wow! Three generations! That is fantastic. Should be fun just to be together! Patty, that is fantastic! Your bones must love you for putting the time into them! Beth, yay for Normal the trainer! I am so glad you clicked, and he sounds worth the investment. RE: losing an ounce, is it possible that, as your building more muscle mass, any weight you lose in fat won't show up on the scale because you are adding muscle? But, I think a visit to the doctor is a good idea . . .how do you feel? I'm sorry about your allergies! I bought ankle weight that are adjustable, but they are just too big for me. BUT, I tried them for one workout, and I see the benefit. I do the modified versions of some exercises due to my knees, but with the weights, then I am getting more out of the exercise. It's a good way for me to get a harder workout but safely. So, now I need to find some new ones. My yoga video is coming today . . .and I am going to get a few heavier weights, and maybe a video by the trainer Annie recommended. (She seems like fun!) Cheering everyone on who is doing this, including those of you reading without commenting! Some inspiration: