Yes... drip irrigation is the best thing going... freeing up time for other tasks as well as enjoyment of a well watered garden.. I've instaled a number of systems for friends and clients... and all have so loved it after the watering by hand.. and it frees you up for a few days away with no concerns.. put a multi hook up manafold on the water below... and each hose can be controled seperately.. a small battery operated valve/timmer to manage the times of the flow.. I water a few times a day.. for a few minutes..maybe 20 minute cycles... don't water late as it promotes rot and fungus attacks.. I usually water 5PM or so as the latest..now all you need is the tubeing and emitters... after assembly it is a balanceing act... time vs number and size of emitters. and tuneing i t is a few weeks to get flow inline with time watered.. You'll be so glad you did,,, anyparticular questions and we'll be here to help... Gordon

It's kind of embarassing, but ever since the accident I've been too terrified to drive. I'd just rather not. I'm not the most experienced driver I don't even have my lisense, but even so I would still drive to the store or help with moving or whatever. To be honest, I think riding in the car is the most dangerous thing I do and even that scares me. I never had such a phobia before Dan was killed. He drowned after he jumped off a cliff, but I still feel aprehensive about motor vehicles. Get going fast in one, on the freeway or something, and I'm accutely aware I'm in a possible deathmobile. One move by a drunk driver and it's all over, perhaps quite greusomely, you know? I've always sort of felt that I could kill myself behind the wheel. But it never bothered me to this extent before now. I think it's because I'm the last child my mother has alive, and any risks I take from now on (even mundane ones =\) will make me feel this way. I had to drive for 4 hours in the wake of receiving the news. The tears made it very dangerous. I hope if anyone gets overwhelmed in the car, they would pull over, just as you would if you get tired. Pull over and cry...

Wikipedia say: Standard domino sets consist of 28 pieces called bones, cards, tiles, stones, spinners or dominoes. And the good news is...I found 28!!!

Thanks, all. It sounds like staining isn't an issue these days with the good sealers. I can handle etching, scratching, etc., on our perimeter (and welcome it) but I wouldn't want it on our center island. We have a giant South-facing window that pours light onto the center island and would really exacerbate every little etch. We aren't going to worry about every little thing on the perimeter but we do also plan on protecting it by using cutting boards and treating it nicely. We know it will happen anyway, though.