Thank you susan and purpleinopp for your suggestions. I leave in a week for my vacation. I had to plan so far ahead because where I live, the choice of gardening supplies and plants in winter is very small. I bought an "egg-crate" from the hardware store and capillary matting online. I'm testing a system where I fill a tray with water, layer several egg-crate pieces and lay the capillary mat across the top, with its sides hanging into the water. So far it seems to be working, although the top of the soil in my 4 inch pots dries out after a few days. I wish I could turn the heat down more, but my pipes would freeze. This post was edited by timetraveler on Sat, Jan 12, 13 at 12:17

I see DC is on the list, and so is Boston. Boston is a lot of fun...walk the freedom trail, see the Old North Church, Bunker Hill, USS Constitution, wander around Harvard and see the museums and the Coop. There's a science museum, and one of the most beautiful art museums...the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum. See Quincy market, go to the top of the John Hancock building to see the view...the arboretum, the museum of fine arts. If you time it right, you can go to a free summer concert at the hatch shell. This post was edited by AnnieDeighnaugh on Thu, Jun 6, 13 at 16:45

Hi Sandy, I'm impressed to hear your doing some research on windows before spending your money. A lot of people jump on the first great sales pitch they think they're getting a deal on. I applaud your approach. My only recommendation to you when searching out information on these forums is be careful what you read. There are a lot of posters on these forums who tend to steer people in the wrong direction. There are a core of good people who really try to get you the information and help your looking for. You'll understand what I'm saying as the search unfolds and answers come your way. With your location at an altitude higher than us bottom feeders below, you'll most definitely need to get a window manufactured at a higher altitude or set up with proper capillary tubes to even the gas pressure inside your Insulated Glass Units (IGU). Most of the glass is made in a lower altitude and barometric pressure across the nation. If this product is shipped to a higher altitude the barometric pressure change can cause severe bowing of the glass and even breakage. Just make sure your getting a product made for your altitude. I'd assume your local distributors already have this covered, but this will head off potential issues down the road. The glass is an important part of your window. With the high winds it would be good to go with some type of impact glass. Something with a laminate glass on the exterior side of the IGU would fit your situation. The laminate glass is similar to the windshield on your vehicle. It won't shatter or break into sharp shards if broken. Most projectiles will stay embedded in the glass with out breaching the room with flying debris. This glass will also give you a much more quieter home as it will block out more sound. If Oberon reads this he'll be able to explain this in more detail as he is the "GOD" of the glass industry, and a great person on top of that. The exterior construction of the new window frame should be something that won't dent or break. Most of the vinyl's out there today are pretty resilient to flying debris. The clad units are better with an exterior side that is extruded verses one that is rolled or capped over wood. The extruded material is much stronger than the other. Marvin and Eagle are two examples of a good extruded product worth consideration. They both also offer Kynar Finishes which is probably one of the best exterior finishes on the market today. You can pick from a rainbow of colors where vinyl limits you to only a couple choices. The most important thing in all of this search is finding a good qualified installer to put the windows in properly. This will make it all pay off in the end when it's completed. Installation is the key to any window replacement no matter how much money your going to spend. The best window on the market is junk if not installed properly. In your case I would highly recommend a "Full Frame Replacement" and not an "Insert". You'll benefit more by replacing the entire window and using the nail fin to secure the new window. This will allow a more securely fastened window which will stop air and water infiltration much better than an insert replacement. Also make sure the installers use a "Low Expansion Foam" to insulate and seal the windows in place (as long as it is acceptable by the window manufacturer). This will add another line of defense and security to the new window. Hopefully this will get you going in the right direction. Good Luck!!!

There are also beaches east of Panama City, FL that have remained untouched and pristine during the oil disaster. There is Mexico Beach (about 30 miles east of Panama City) and St. George Island (about 30 more miles further east). These are slower paced beaches with miles and miles of beautiful public beaches and there are no high rise condos. We visit fairly frequently during the "high" season because it is quieter. Closest airports would Panama City International or Tallahassee airport. Panama City also has beautiful beaches and emerald water. There's a multitude of dining and entertainment choices. I'm sure kayjones could probably fill you in on some of the many choices and give you some "local" tips. We don't spend as much time in that area since we sold our place there but like to visit during the "low" season. Just a few miles west of Panama City beaches are Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Seaside. All these are within easy driving distance from the Panama City International airport. Not far further west is Destin and Ft. Walton Beaches. We enjoy visiting along that area but if visiting there you have to be prepared for teeth clenching traffic when getting to and from places because there is only one main through highway. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key are beautiful. It's easy to travel and there are many places to eat and/or drink. I think the closest airports for there would be Pensacola, FL or Mobile, AL. I guess I should confess that my second career is beach bum. LOL Cheeky, the Gulf coast locals and businesses need and appreciate people like you. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful vacation wherever you choose to visit along the Gulf.