Last year I had one volunteer plant. I haven't sown my seeds yet, and I have a lot of seedlings coming up that look like they could be Ladybells. The seedlings are popping up where that one plant was, but there's also a lot in another part of the yard. I'd like to know if I should be nurturing these seedlings, or yanking them. My camera is slightly broken right now, or I would post a photo. I've searched for a photo on the interent, with no luck. If anyone could help me out, I'd really appreciate it!

I used to drink with a crowd of really great older guys in Gera... fishing information, shuffle board, homemade horseradish. It was the concensus and advice that joints should be replaced asap when they wear out. A couple felt like they had wasted years of their life by attempting to make-do and deal with the pain... "don't wait until you are 70". A gal that works on my production line had hers done a few months ago. Pretty certain she went FMLA followed by a lay-off due to the economy. I used to tease her by calling her "limpy". When the weather was changing or she had a long day she would develop a visable limp. She didn't know she was limping and my teasing was one of the factors that made her get the hip fixed. I was not teasing to be mean... when she limped I also pushed her towards easy tasks. Today she is much better. The limp and the pain is gone. She has a very physically challenging job... 35lb lifting 30 times per hour, constant walking with stops at different work stations, steps to climb... everyone gains muscle. (Something when you put muscle on a farm girl... her other job is tending a herd of cows.) She is not having any problems with the job, no limp, faster then I am at the same job. I try to take care of her by getting the heavy stuff and she tries to take care of me by getting the heavy stuff. Just started a 25 y/o that can't yet handle the physical demands. We work in a factory making steel things so nothing is light or simple... and it is hot humid uncomfortable work. From what I'm told and can see replacement leaves most people better then before... much better. Speaking of work... I have to go in early. New machines, new jobs,... hiring soon *happy dance*.

Hey brutuses, I don't think you are technically hijacking if you are asking questions about banquettes. (Then again, I haven't read the rule book lately. If I did it probably also says that you shouldn't have pics of dogs pretending to eat a dead person.) I agree that not being able to put your feet back could be an issue for some people. My cabinet guy actually put drawings together that had a slant so you could put your feet back. I didn't like the look at all. (I am all for function but you have to like the overall look.) It looked funky with a square drawer. Another option would be to have the seat top extend a little longer (I thought of that after mine was done.) Also, you could have a shallower drawer that sits on feet or a platform that sets back. If that makes sense.

Hi there. We just placed an order for the Viatera Quartz in Alba. The color is exclusively through Home Depot only. The floor sample is gorgeous but it looks nothing like the brochure or their online sample splotch. If you have Alba installed, do you mind sharing photos of your kitchen or of a full countertop? Also, I am having extreme anxiety with all these negative reviews regarding cracks and chips. I am a home baker so the kitchen is heavily used on a daily basis. Please please tell me these are far and few incidents.. as with any other brands out there, there will always be a few unfortunate defects. Thank you in advance for your time.