Wow thanks for all the comments gang! Ruthann-I have the lawn sprinklers set to water for 10 min. twice a week, and that's probably more than I need. The plumies are close enough they get watered in the process. Kbauman-Not sure what sort of plumeria I've got here...the blooms are small, maybe an inch or two across, and they're prety much the standard yellow-and-white, but with a tinge of pink to them (not sure if the photo shows this). Dave in Nova-I wish I could say I'm doing things smart but I'm afraid its just a sham. I planted nearly everything I could (to my own shagrin in a few years when these things get bigger), plus it was a very mild winter here in southern California. I did something different I haven't in the past, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing--I didn't pull off the leaves when they went into dormancy and I only took off leaves that looked yellowed or dying. So maybe it looks like I've got more leaves than anyone, but it's only an illusion...some are from last year! :) Kevphol-Thanks, but if I remember right that was your backyard that looks like a complete OASIS...I'm so jealous! Thanks again everyone! -Mark

I'm in the planning stages but have put tons of thought into this. Hopefully I won't have to tweak it too much when I do the framing walkthrough. (You really should walk though the framed house before finalizing the locations.) No Christmas package (don't decorate for holidays) or intercom. Outlets at a few locations specifically for nighlights (in bathrooms and in hallways) so we don't have to flip on the overhead lights in order to use the facilities in the middle of the night. Switch for the bathroom fan between the toilet and the vanity (instead of with the other switches near the door) so that it is accessible from the toilet and standing in front of the vanity. Duplex outlets near the TV area. Duplex outlet mounted higher on the wall than normal for the main phone area which will be a nich in the wall. Duplex outlets to either side of all potential bed headboards. Oulets dedicated for cell phone charging in an elevated nich. Duplex outlet, tv cable (for internet) and phone (for fax) anywhere that I plan to (or even might) have a computer. Outlet immediately beside the loft railing in case we ever want to put lights across the railing we can plug them in without a tripping hazzard. Although we probably won't need them, I am putting one oulet just inside each WIC. In my workshop, I'll put an outlet 5' high so that I can put a shelf under it to hold a small radio and clock but still be able to put tables or work space under it. Outlets closer together than Code requires so that it's more convenient. Switches for a room at EVERY entrance into that room. (Our current house doesn't have switches at every entrance and it's a pain.) We will have a small vestibule (for guest entry) and small mudroom for our entry from the garden that are beside each other. Their lights will be on the same switch so that when we walk from outside, into the mudroom, into the entry (from interior access) and then finially into the main house we don't have to flip lights on and off every few steps. Just once when we enter the mudroom and again when we enter the main house. Don't forget electrical service for any undercabinet lights. There are past threads about outlets that are mounted so that they are accessible from inside cabinet drawers so that clothing irons or hairdryers can be left plugged in all of the time and stored in the drawers. I'm considering that, too. In a similar manner, outlet inside of mixer lifter kitchen cabinet for mixer. Outlets and switch for pendant lights on the kitchen island. Outlet for microwave that will be raised above countertop height. Exterior grade outlets at multiple places outside that are easily accessible from the porch and patio areas (not for Christmas lights). Outlet at attic access incase I need to plug in a light there since we will have minimal lighting there.

Since consumer culture was so different in previous decades, it was easier and "more natural" to be observant of the season of Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, which is part of the liturgical calendar in many Western Christian churches. Remember, there was a time when Santas and Jack O'Lanterns did not share space on the same store shelf! The spirit of Advent, which started this year on Sunday, November 27, is quite contrary to the hectic pace, noise and busyness, most find ourselves in the midst of right now. It is supposed to be a quiet, reflective time, during which we contemplate the coming of Christ. *After* this period of waiting and reflection, the celebration begins. We receive the greatest gift of all! The light of the world has arrived; it is Christmas Day! We rejoice as we witness what Isaiah prophesied, "The people who waited in darkness have seen a great light." Oakley, *speaking for myself,* I do think the real power and meaning and spirit of Christmas has gotten lost in the consumer shuffle for many. The world doesn't encourage it, but we can choose to shift our priorities and focus on more than the just the trimmings and the trappings. That shift in priorities may still include gift giving. How we practice and express our faith is never a one size fits all proposition. What I find it helpful to remember and focus on right now in this season of Advent, is the truth that what we are in fact celebrating, is the awe-inspiring *humility* of God. God brought himself into human history, with almost frightening quietness and humility. How could entry into the world be more humble? A manger, a stable, farm animals, dirty shepherds, and God presenting himself to us, as, of all things, a vulnerable, helpless infant. Nothing remotely glorious sounded his arrival; no trumpets sounding, red carpets unraveling, just a heartbreakingly humble scene. There was no advertising, publicity or special privilege. Though it has been romanticized time and again, there is little glamour to be found when thinking of a young girl searching frantically for a place to give birth. Once a year at least, I feel I should put aside the pretty pictures and take in the facts; this amazing, astonishing event. I don't want to escape or distract from the sense of awe, the almost frightening realization, of what God has done. I must never allow anything to blind me from taking in the true significance of what happened in Bethlehem.

Thanks Live wire. Although I didn't have the soil test yet, I did look up the general soil test for the area; my guess is it's between 1500 to 2000 psf. Thats what most of this area is. I agree about the onsite engineer. I'm just trying to get some ideas. I may be too cautious, but I would rather go in with better knowledge, than to go in blind. I've been building for a long time, and I've seen some crazy drawings by architect and engineers. In fact the last house I built had part of the second floor "floating" in mid air, per plan (a well known architect too). The homeowner paid about $800.00 for the sets. There were a lot of mistakes, on window placements, roof lines, missing beams... I thought I'd seen some structural engineers on here. I've been on so many sites, I may have gotten confused.