My list: 1. Asperula Blue 2. Balsam white 3. Brachyscome 'Little Missy' 4. Browallia 5. Campanula longistyla Isabella Blue 6. Cerinthe - any blue 7. Ceratotheca triloba alba 8. Dicentra exima (white) 9. Elschscholzia california 'Wrinkled Rose' Globularia any low blue Linaria triornithophora âÂÂRoseaâ Lobelia any cascading blue annual or perennial blue like L x gerardia (spelling?) Nasturtiums - any by color (no mixes) prefer trailing/climbing, pale/white Nierembergia blue Pelargonium (Scented Geranium) - any Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple majesty' (Ornamental millet) Penstemon speciosus Plectranthus - any, especially aromatic (already have argentatus & barbatus) Plectranthus amboinicus (Cuban Oregan) Plumbago white Salvia canescens var. daghestanica Salvia chamaedryoides - would love silver leaved form Salvia coccinea white Salvia cyanescens - white, as well as blue Salvia patens 'Patio White'; as well as 'Patio Blue' Salvia rubescens - has silvery leaves/ red-orange flowers Stachys albotomentosa Stachys citrina Thyme - any Torenia Deep Blue This post was edited by primrose1x3 on Sat, Nov 30, 13 at 18:16

So, My dad wasn't worried about the efficiency or the comfort of 2-stage etc. His concern is that he wants the furnace in the basement and the builder doesn't want to do it. He says the basement will be too cold (which someone here said it will be colder). He is concerned with frozen pipes and I guess the coldness of the space in general. Frozen pipes might be a very small chance, but once he knows of a potential problem he doesn't take chances. He wouldn't buy the house they saw that had two sump pumps...... I explained to mom that the hvac contractor has probably engineered (or whatever it's called) the model with the unit in the attic and moving it would involve changing more than just the location of the unit. I suggested that maybe they can run a duct down into the basement for a couple of vents or maybe look into a gas fireplace down there that they could run when there is a vicious cold snap or he is doing stuff down there. Maybe they make a wall heater of some type that would be effective and would be less $ than an actual gas fireplace as they don't plan to finish the space. Not sure if a few vents or a separate heater, or getting them to actually move the furnace would be cheaper and/or most effective. They are extending their attorney review period until they get this sorted out, so it's a big deal to dad. If we can come up with a solution the builder will do that doesn't break the bank it would be great! Thanks for everyone's input.

Cynthia, Sounds as if you prefer sunny climates...is that correct? A good point was made regarding relatives in area wherever you decide to live. Because my DH was 10yrs older when we moved to a 55+ I sure wasn't prepared for the atmosphere. Sure, there was a golf course, 3 pools, group activities, travel club, etc. This is the West Coast, so Spring, Summer & Fall are lovely. I personally could not adjust to being around "all those old folks", so just stayed on 3yrs after his passing. Altho' I was 53yrs I personally was too young for all the organized events & there was & still is so much bickering between this particular community of 2000 residents. One thing I did enjoy was the beautiful indoor pool plus library & at times the travel club. It's simply one's choice. Well, that was 13yrs ago, so I've been leasing out that residence. Am going to try it again in a year & see if time has changed how I feel. What it boils down to, I believe, is a person's attitude. Keeping positive is a must. Instead of hearing, "oh, are you old enough to live here"? Now, I shouldn't be hearing that & if I do I'll take it as a compliment! Hahaa I recall Betty who used to speak of the Villages in Florida, but did move altho' spared from the storms. Must be a nice area to live. Have visited my DDad in Arizona which is nice in the Winter months, both Sun City West & friends in Goodyear. It's an idea to rent space for a while to make certain you like an area. A week's visit doesn't give a true picture. Happiness to you, Sharlee

WantToRetire, I appreciate your input, but the thought of renting an apartment (kids and other unruly types) is abhorrent at my age. But you are correct about retirement developments being expensive. Even "independent living" facilities apartments (1+1) start at over $2300/month rent only. Some 55+ developments in Southern Maine where one might buy a stand-alone condo charge low six figures as a buy-in fee, then there's the cost of the actual condo itself - from the high $200Ks to over a half million. HOAs and remaining utilities are extra of course. One 55+ development I investigated charges two monthly fees for those who buy stand-alone condos: the first is a "land rent" fee of $500/month, then there's the usual HOA fee of $300 to $400/month for utilities, outside maintenance, etc.