I have heard that cats and dogs value fresh water to the extent that if you take the time to plant water pots (think small yogurt containers) into your beds they will not use them for litter boxes. Also, cats will tend to stay away from flower beds that have marigolds planted in them. Hope this helps, and good luck!

I think the book is written from a slightly "northerly" perspective in that respect. On the other hand, due to the close planting, and the shade often provided by bigger plants like (bush) beans, it is possible to plant and keep lettuce and spinach much later into the season than I ever did with a conventional garden. I found this to be quite helpful, as the otherwise "bad" shade from the beans allowed me to keep things growing well past the point where they would normally have bolted to uselessness even in a Maine summer.

We've been in for 4 1/2 months now and overall are very happy with how our new home turned out. Things I love: Wood floors - Ours are 4" white oak, site finished in a medium stain color, satin finish(not shiny). Dover white laquer painted woodwork, mouldings, and cabinetry. We have stained cabinets in a couple of bathrooms, and I'm glad I didn't go stained in the kitchen and rest of the house. The stained acts like a dust magnet and washes out the paint color on the walls. But most of all, white wood against painted walls and hardwood floors just makes me happy.:-) Love my kitchen. Thank you kitchen forum! Definitely pay a visit over there if you're just getting started. -It turned out beautiful(white custom cabs, arched hood, wood floors) -Lots of well placed lighting all on dimmers -Functional, large layout with specific work zones -Danze faucets and pot filler -Silgranit sinks(love the big single basin and the round prep!) -Bosch ovens -Dacor 36" gas cooktop -Kitchenaid DW and Fridge -Giallo Ornamental granite -Microwave built into the island -Trash pullout -Tons of deep drawers instead of cabinet doors -Step in pantry Smart Strand carpet - feels and looks great - LOVE IT!!! Love our huge paved, curvy driveway and walkways. Lots of room for the kids to ride bikes, scooters, and play basketball. Huge covered porches front and back Exercise room off of master for treadmill and weights Walk in attic access from upstairs Huge bonus room upstairs Big laundry room with 2 washer and 2 dryer hookups, quartz folding countertop, deep stainless sink, and plenty of storage. Love that the dryers vent right outside, not up through walls and then to the roof like our last house. Makes cleaning the duct a huge pain and cuts down on effiency. Sound system with speakers throughout and on back porch Paint colors - Tobacco Road(main), Dover White(woodwork) Lots of lighting throughout almost all on dimmers Schlage door hardware and deadbolts Love being out in the country on a little land with tons of trees and a pond. Peaceful and lots of room for the kids to play and explore. Things I'd do differently - Insulate wall where upstairs bath plumbing runs downstairs for sound reduction. Put in sprinkler system - On the list to do next spring Wish we would've upgraded to satin or eggshell paint in the bonus and kids rooms. Went with flat to save money figuring we could always repaint later.

It's me, Jannie, the OP checking back to tell you of my progress. I have NOT lost or misplaced my bank card or keys in a couple of years. I can't remember my last "mad dash" for something lost. I keep my bank card in one spot in my purse/wallet and take the extra few moments to return it there every time I pull it out. And my keys get hung on a hook near the door. They "live" there every second I'm not actually driving around. I never leave them in a pocket or purse or on the table for a minute. Keeping them hung up has become an indelible habit for me. And in case they ever do get lost, I do have a spare set put away in a drawer. I went thru the embarassment of spending around $250 at a car dealer getting two extra sets made. (That was after my daughter borrowed the car and lost the only key.) That's great motivation to be organized about this.