Hey Jerry! The funny thing is that I use the gritty mix and they still died. I am not sure how long they can dry out for before a next watering. I can't get it right. I either may have let them get too dry and then when watered, the roots were dead before hand. Or, the temps were just too cold at 55 degrees and the mix that cold with moisture did them in. I hope I get it this year. Yours is very very nice. My ZZ plant did great in the same enviroment along with all my other plants. I think it would of been too cold for my Jades, even with any type of watering they would of required, so I kept those warm and under lights last year and they did great. Mike:-)

It has been really hot! I have to be totally covered due to the sun allergy, but I have a big electric fan that I have blowing on me while I work and it is a great help. I've put out 6 more cubic feet of mulch this morning. Nat4b, the raccoons are inventive, I wouldn't put it past them. I've got to clean up the mess they made in the grrenhouse. They even emptied bag of perlite...guess they figure there was food at the bottom. Jean, I wouldn't bet against them figuring out the bungees. Nancy, If I had had a hip replacement, much less two, I would think I was doing great just getting around! Glad you are able to garden again. I'd trade you raccons for the skunk family:) Sherry, you are getting into this obsession, aren't you. Getting rid of Stellas is a clue:)

Darn!! I should have started being a pack rat a lot earlier!! I got rid of my bowling ball when I finished with that phase and now people are using them for really neat looking gazing balls. NOW, I could make a BEAUTIFUL decoration if I had saved the skates! Love how you use yours, Jane. If I run up on some skates on my travels, I think I will use DS's sled and try it. No snow here, so he won't be needing it!! TFS Betty

Ooooh... I love that island! Is it like an antiqued robin's egg blue? I think you could definitely pull it off in your space if you keep the color light enough. It would be a pretty little accent piece; instead of blending in the with its environment, it would be like a little jewel in it! Delicious. I like your kitchen set, too... and I'm sure your server would look lovely with that finish, although it may be hard to match in case you ever decide to move the piece to the same room as the table. But if you don't, it won't matter! Or what about a chocolate brown? That might look nice against your wall color... or are there any other shades you could pull out of those curtains that you could use for the server? I can't really see what colors are in that pattern. See, your problem is that you have TOO many options! Please keep us posted with what you decide to do! bloomin...