Here are links to some of the earlier threads . . . http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0708180218905.html - unique/favorite features in your build.... http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg051803107471.html - Things you couldn't live without or wish you had added http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg012331272427.html - What things did you find needed adjusting or changed? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg052337148911.html - is there anything you wish you had done http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg1011400927581.html - What about your new build makes your life easier; what doesn't ? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0913570232282.html - Brands/Products That I'd Use Again http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0321442732113.html - Share your best sites for deals on supplies! http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0818041222629.html - To help others - Things I would do different and things i love! http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg021705141306.html - Things I wish I'd specified on my plans http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0120301431285.html - It's been two years...what I've learned, would change, etc... http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0901543214301.html - Biggest Mistakes? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0521381417863.html - Help!!! Have I forgotten anything? http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg122305046544.html - designing electrical in house http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0316075322256.html - doing whole house audio

Hello Everyone! I'm really glad i found this thread! I have some tips as well. :O) I am a female type A 1.I saute in chicken broth my onions,cilantro,tomatoes and squash with my chicken,fish,shrimp or turkey. 2I make homemade hot sauce boil together then put in food processor.season to taste Also, you can hand cut tomatoes,peppers and onions to make a pico de gallo. season to taste 3.. turkey meatball- Make golf ball size balls. 1 15 oz tomato sauce,3 small tomatoes,1 small onion,1 green and 1 red bell pepper,1 tsp parsley,1 tsp garlic,1 tsp oregano,1tsp basil,2 packets splenda,2 egg whites and black pepper. mix all ingredients together and cook. When meat ball are ready mix sauce in with the meatballs. let simmer 5 minutes. Serve. 5. these are some ideas i have thought of or got from someone else. I use my own type A food and my own ideas. :O) 0.Hash browns 0.oatmeal muffins 0.pancakes 1/2 cup of plain oat meal,4 eggs,1 splenda,1/4 tsp vanilla. Grind oatmeal then mix all ingredients. 1.fiesta eggs 2.turkey veggie soup 3.sweet and sour meatballs 4.turkey burgers 5.pizza- 1/2 c oatmeal uncooked and ground up, 2 tsp of Italian season,3 tsp garlic,1 1/2 nsa baking powder,2-3 tsp water.Mix and patty out.sauce-1 small can of tomato sauce,1-2 tsp garlic,2 tsp balsamic vinegar.splenda to taste. toppings- turkey,tomato,onions,peppers,etc. 6.meatloaf 7.turkey tacos 8.chicken fajitas 9.chicken fried rice 10.hot chicken fingers 11.pepper chicken 12.stir fry 13.beef stew 14.chili 15.cabbage 16.pepper steak 17.pot roast and veggies 18.meat loaf 19.seafood gumbo 20.red snapper stew 21.bass 22.spicy shrimp 23.crab cakes-2 oz crab,1 egg,1/4 c. onion,1/4c. bell pepper.Mrs dash to taste,1/4 c. oatmeal. mix all ingredients and fry like pan cakes. add hot sauce. Yum! veggie stew 25.Garlic vinaigrette dressing-1/2 c. balsamic vinegar,1/2 c.nsa garlic vinegar,1 tsp garlic chopped,2 tsp thyme,1/2 tsp ground ginger,splenda to taste. 26.sweet potatoes- 2 lg sweet potatoes,vanilla flavoring,orange flavoring. Mix and bake on 350 for 20 min. 27.candies yams- 4 yams,splenda,cinnamon to taste. bake on 350 till caramelized Have lots more. But i will have to add more later. :O) Hope this helps someone. Sorry it's so "short ans sweet"

What would you say is a humid climate? Here it's a pretty average 40-60%. I would further detail how you water is really dependent on the soil you are using. Here are a few examples: Peaty soils as you say can get hydrophobic (resist water) quite easily when they get too dry. So watering once, waiting a few minutes, and watering again helps get over that. Bark also can take a while to absorb water, so multiple watering or a dunk helps get water deeper into the bark. Perlite and turface absorb/grab onto water very quickly so there is no delay required. I believe pumice is the same (others can confirm). Sandy/very fine mixes pull/wick water greatly. Of course, watering once and waiting allows for salts to dissolve is good practice. Then watering after that helps flush them away, reducing the chance for harmful accumulations. Little sips does the opposite, allows for higher accumulation of salts. However, this is necessary for some specific succulents. Pots have a big impact on rate of evaporation. Clay pots allow better breathability. Ones with slots on the sides give more oxygen to the roots. Plastic/glazed clay not so much. Holes on the bottom can change how the mix dries out from the bottom up as well. That varies if you have a saucer (minimal drying) or empty circulating air below the pot (such as directly on a wire shelf). Same as number of holes, although I would say this is probably the least concern of any grower. My belief is actually that watering in the evening is better for succulents. The vast majority open their stomata/pores when it's cooler at night to breathe, as well as taking in water. In the morning, the guard cells close up for the day to prevent water loss. If there's water left in the pot then the roots just sit around in warm water all day long. Not saying that watering in the morning is bad, just that you may get a better feeling of your plants needs by watering in the evening. If it's not perked up by the morning either you didn't give it enough water or there is something wrong with the roots (or it may be dormant). Probably I should say that if you're growing indoors, try not to get the leaves wet at night without good airflow or else you're inviting trouble. If that's the growing condition (poor airflow, wet leaves from being rushed/not watering carefully), morning watering may be better. Watering Mesembs is a bit dependent on the species. Many different types have different characteristics. I agree that when you say watering a Lithops lots when the new leaves are growing in is not a good idea. It will leave you with a Lithops with many extra pairs of leaves. I think this applies to many species: Lithops, Cheiridopsis, Lapidaria, Conophytum, maybe Agryoderma? But other types of Mesembs are not so restrictive to have just one or two pairs of leaves. At least, as far as I know! I've even read about some very water-loving Mesembs that you're supposed to water like strawberries?! Forget which type, but watering like that sounds bizarre (but is true). Anyway, it's a nifty idea! Hope others contribute their experience/ideas too!

summer - I did some more research and found good information about contacting the homeowner before an auction. There are two houses in the area I'm looking that have been given foreclosure notices. I know many are cleared before going to auction. I'm willing to pay cash and know one is in good condition, the other may not be well maintained, but I don't think it is trashed. Both are fixable from what I can tell, but I read if I can contact the owner I can do a walk-through and even an inspection before closing, but everything needs to be done quickly. I'm not ready to buy today, but I thought it smart to start finding out about the process when I'm ready to buy because I'd need to work quickly.