Regarding that hand operated concrete mixer, I found their specs entertaining: http://www.newdawnengineering.com/website/brickandtile/mixer/ Specifications Drum size ..................................140 Litres Length .......................................1500 mm Mix volume .................................65 Litres Height ........................................1650 mm Output ........................................3 Tons/hr Width .........................................1250 mm Labour required .........................1 Person Mass ...........................................115 Kg Ball bearings? ............................All Fits into a 1200 bakkie? ..............Yes Can be used by women? ............Yes Can be turned by 2 people? .......If you like Can I mix my drink in it? ............ Yes, if you like Can I borrow it to my neighbour? ........ Yes Can be used by 2 men and 1 woman? ........... Yes Can be used by 2 women and 3 men? .......... Yes Can my dog sleep in it? ........... Yes, why not How much does it cost? ........ Yes I admit I added a couple ;-)

I've read this post a couple days ago. Of course, same as beck wi, I've decided "I gotta have one". Yesterday, passing by HD, what did I see at the front - a beautiful Montauk Daisys. Now, I have a question, it is getting a bit cool - do I still have a time to put it in the ground. From previous posts seems like it is pretty hardy and should survive. I hope.

If I had an unlimited supply of cash for the garden, I would certainly be in heaven. I want, desperatly, to get a Wollemi Pine. They are 100 dollars now. I think it'd be great to have a plant of a specie which only has about 100 known to be in the wild. The mystique draws me... I recently visited the botanical garden in Rome, where I was able to touch one of these beauties. Theirs was about 4ft high and flourishing. I have been waiting with abated breath for them to be available here in the US. I would also like a yellow peony and camelia. There is a new begonia available called "bonfire" that looks like it will be making an appearance in my garden whether or not I win the lottery. ---Keith

Another stand mixer owner here. Like meskauskas, I have a Viking stand mixer. Santa (er, Mr. Marv) bought it for me for Christmas. It was a replacement for an old KA that went to mixer heaven. I researched many brands and models and decided that the Viking would fit my needs. I have the 5 qt/800 watt model, which is perfect for me. I decided that the 7qt. model would be overkill, since I usually bake quite frequently as opposed to large quantities (I find it very therapeutic) and there are only two of us at home. I bake alot of bread and do desserts at least twice a week, as well. It can handle a double batch of bread dough with ease, and makes quick work of cake batter, cookie dough, etc. King Arthur Flour/Baker's Catalogue is a good place to start if you have questions. They are very knowledgeable and use many products in their test kitchens. They will give you alot of feedback, answer questions and ask you questions (like how many times a week do you bake, what do you bake, how many people are in your household). I would suggest calling their toll-free number and ask to speak to one of their bakers. It might be a good place to start. One of the criteria for a replacement mixer was how much room it would take up, and how easy it would be to move. The Viking has wheels on the back, so it's very easy to maneuver around the countertop. I'm extremely happy with my choice. I also have a food processor, which I use for shredding veggies, pureeing soups, etc. I very rarely use it for baking ingredients, except for the occasional pie crust, where you need speed and little kneading. Here is a link that might be useful: Viking mixer