I have put money (cash plus Kubota loan for balance) on a Kubota 1850 with front loader, 54 inch finecut deck and front loader with tooth bar. I have a back yard that is a hillside, not a fine lawn but with some fruit trees. Main use will be cutting the grass, some winter snow removal from the driveway and general sorts of use of the front loader to move some dirt etc. Not a farm, but not anything like a city lot. (about 2 1/2 acres with 1 in grass and 1.5 in woods) I am going to get a rototiller for it and also have some concerns about stability on the hillside slope for cutting grass etc. Used a sears 46 inch garden tractor before. Never rolled it but makes me get jittery with the turns at the top of the hill. Is the 1850 more than enough HP for this kind of general use or should I be looking at upgrading to the 2350. Dealer wants chunk of change to redo paperwork since it is already set up with Kubota. Any thoughts on power on the 1850? I really cannot justify a 24 with backhoe but it might come in handy upon occasion just hate to spend almost 6 grand more for an occasional toy. Could have someone come in and do the work for less, just not as convenient. Another question is on tires. Are the turf pretty good even with the front loader? Dealer is going to alcohol fill them to help with the balance against the front loader.

So far I've been disappointed with my White Dazzler, but I'm waiting on this year's blooms to make a final judgement. I think it may just be too plain for my taste -- usually the ones that impress me are patterned. The main exception to this is the charm that oozed off my lovely Amigo. Not a lot of pattern going on but by goodness it made up for it with other charming features :) Besides, this girl can't resist a pretty flower that smells a bit like black pepper! Who needs roses for Valentine's day when you have Amigo :) I second the non-impressment with Vera's growth rate. I have two I added from Tru Value Hardware. I was impressed that the bulbs came with three small offsets in the box -- unfortunately none attached (so they are growing in small pots now). I wouldn't know the things were alive if it weren't for the firmness of the bulbs! If I'm not impressed with them I may make them part of my Amigo's harem of bulbs and hope the offspring have some of its charm :) Happy growing, Liltika

Hi Keesha, yes I have your addy, but I'm glad you sent the email since that is how I'm sending the list and I didn't have yours. I sent you an email anyway confirming it. You're on the list! : ) Got yours, too, Annette! Here are the names so far: Keesha Edna Steven Vikki Marilyn Kent PattiOH Georgeanne Marilyn Leasa Annette Tracy Mr. Morton cziga Me : ) Steven, is your email the same? cziga, send me an email since I don't have that addy and I need it to send the list to you. I do still have your home address. If I missed anyone or anyone else wants to join in the fun, send me an email by 9 p.m. Pac. time. Thanks! Diana

Hey, that's very good advice, FIDDLE. I know it'll come back - it's just that I didn't think I'd EVER have a mosaicing block. I was like SHADES - ideas kept me awake at night. That's a great idea, WACKY - mosaic w/hand-made tiles from the clay. 'course they couldn't go outside, but for a patio they'd be great. Make the tiles the Laurie Mika way, using rubber stamps or anything that makes a pattern. She paints them w/regular acrylic pants. Not remembering Clara right now but am gonna Google her, WACKY.