Karen, here is Sue's Ribs. EVeryone that has made them raves about them. Roadhouse Grill Baby Back Ribs 2 large racks pork baby back ribs salt coarse ground black pepper SAUCE: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup minced fresh onion 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce 1 3/4 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring 1 teaspoon Jim Beam whiskey 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper -- coarse 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon paprika To make the ribs, cut each large rack of ribs in half so that you have 4 half-racks. Sprinkle a light coating of salt and a more generous portion of coarse pepper over the top and bottom of each rack. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 2 1/2 hours. As the ribs cook, make the sauce by heating the oil in a medium saucepan over medium/high heat. Saut� the onions for 5 minutes or until they start to brown. Add the remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/4 hours, uncovered, or until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside until the ribs are ready. Preheat your barbecue grill. When ribs are finished in the oven, the meat should have pull back about 1/2-inch from the cut-ends of the bones. Remove the ribs from the oven, let them sit for 10 minutes or so, then remove the racks from the foil and put them on the grill. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes per side. They should be slightly charred in a few spots when they're finished. Brush barbecue sauce on the ribs while they're grilling, just before you serve them. Don't add the sauce too early or it will burn. Cookingrvc (Sue)

This happens frequently, particularly at churches and when guests haven't seen each other for awhile. I first tell the ushers that they need to get moving and take the initiative to ask people if they can seat them. Often the ushers don't seem to know what they are supposed to do. I then go to each group and tell them that the ceremony is about to begin and to please find a seat. I also have the guest book closed a few minutes early and I tell people standing in line that the ceremony is about to begin and they can sign it after the ceremony. I wear a name badge when I am working and that lets people know that I am a person in authority and not just "Aunt Martha" telling them what to do. You might try speaking with authority; rather than asking them if they would be seated, tell them that you are about ready to start the ceremony and they need to be seated.

Ned, in defense of Emmarene, you did earlier invite readers to "rip apart" among other things. Sometimes constructive criticism is straight to the point and doesn't sound all sweet and lickey but trust me, she's on to something here and beat me to the punch. Let's not forget our overall objective which, I think, could be summed up as wanting to make things look better. You said "winter interest," but surely the point of that is better looks at least during the winter. Let me make the point here that the objective should be landscaping, not "gardening." A gardener wants and buys a plant and asks, "Where can I put this?" In landscaping, one creates the space and asks, "What plant and arrangement will make this area look good?" I'm stumped as to why an island would be created with the main object that should be in the island ... just outside of its edge. The tree is the sole reason for that island to exist! A proper island here is not asking for a mass of sizable shrubs, but for groundcover! One can plant whatever one want, but in landscaping, planting something that is not called for usually brings a negative result. A mostly circular shape emphasizes and strengthens the importance of the tree. To my thinking, stretching the island out along the drive diminishes its overall effectiveness. I'd rather see grass there. However, above the retaining wall would be a great place to put hydrangea if the conditions can be made right, I can't tell what's going on there. It looks full of odds and ends. If it could be cleaned out it might work well. (I would need a better look in order to tell.) I was waiting for greater detail before saying anything about the shrubs at the left side of house. Now that I see, I can say with confidence that they appear not to be doing something positive for the house! To the contrary, they look too large, a bit oppressive and cluttered. Just because people (who may have no sense of design whatsoever) are paid to maintain them doesn't automatically justify their existence. As far as the ball shrubs closer to the entrance, I understand that some people like them, but as far as an element creating a better setting for the house, in my mind, they are a little tall for that position in front of the window and out of level with the architecture. The stoop area, overall, looks a bit smothered in by shrubs. The only point of saying something negative about anything is the hope that it can be recognized and become motivation for change.

Just wanted to give you my experience with Plantskydd. It does work however I will never get it again. Even the guy that sold it to me said not to get the concentrate since everyone had issues with the sprayer clogging. I had a case of the ready to spray and I am happy to see the back end of it. It clogged no matter how well it was shaken. Only two out of the case even sprayed for a short time. I ended up taking the top off and pouring it out and flicking it from a paint brush. A friend had the same experience. It stained a gold Hosta for the entire season. The main ingredient is ovine/bovine blood & parts. My dog would lick at it even after it dried. I have used Bobbex and I am going back to it. Works great without the hassle.