Does it always seem like I'm arguing with Dan? I don't mean to, but so many times I have different experiences with things, so... haha! lemme have it! I have zero evidence to support any assertion that I'm correct all the time. My experience is the opposite - I was cracking the Ys at the seam in the middle or at the threads at the metal spigot. You can replace the screws at the valve and eliminate the breakage (that I don't get). How do you handle if it suddenly rains a lot? You just see how much rain you get and turn off the soaker hose for a while to account for it? Presuming you are thinking of a timer, there is an 'off' switch that stops your cycle. Otherwise, your soaker hose is manually operated and turned off when done. Not a constant trickle. I agree with greenbean about the bigger beds - always easier to lie fallow (or plant ornmentals) than tack on something later. But I also concur with jleiwig. You will eat more of a few new things, more of the things you already eat, but wholesale changes? That is not typical human nature. Me, I learned from an old neighbor the value of simply giving away some of your extras. Opening your front door and finding a little bag with a few toms and peppers in it (no name given, but the recipient knows) is hard to calculate the value. And yesterday the little boy next door went home with some lettuce and mustard from the cold frame. Should the hose go between each of the square feet? So essentially 12" apart or should they be 6" apart? They aren't on the ground now, but mine are IIRC about 6-8" apart. You'll see that precise placement isn't necessary in a raised bed - they'll do the job. how far away from a 6' privacy fence should the garden be to minimize shading from the fence? Presuming Triangle is near Durham and 4/13 is average last frost and 6' E-W running privacy fence and rectangular bed on a E-W axis, at solar noon on last frost date, the sun will strike all of your bed if it is 3' from the fence for ~ 2 hours, and if 5' from fence for ~4.25 hours. Fun! Dan

I wouldn't be so worried about the doctor's medical school and they can probably get a good estimate from age about how long they have practiced...plus, not sure what you would do with that info anyway. If they ask too many questions like that, the doctor is probably just going to try to get out of there quick. I would be sure they understand what the DD is being tested for, and what the test results mean...what they can rule out and what they may rule in. I would have them read up on enlarged blood vessels in brain stem before they go so they understand a little more about what may be going on (although it could just needlessly scare them so that's your call). Depending on what is discovered, they may also want a second opinion; they may want to know if certain hospitals/doctors specialize in the particular problem the DD may have. I find generally doctors like to explain things first and then take questions. So, I would advise them to hear the doctor out first and then drill him if needed. Be sure they get the doctor's name and know who to call if they have any questions after they leave...which will almost always happen. I wish them luck; they must be going through an awful time.

Getting off topic, but here is the latest craigslist annoying scam that I fell for: I posted to give something away, got a response, replied that the person could have the item, and the spammer sends this back: OK, thank you for getting back to me. Actually i cant get it right now anyways, my son just put a HUGE dent in my van and now im gonna need to figure out how much money its gonna cost to repair it. ugh! Im so happy he didn't get hurt but of course it just had to happen now, when i am finally making good money with this home income program i've been doing. You know, if you want, theyve just opened up 2 more positions in our area. Basically you get paid to post links online, its very easy and I usually just do it while watching tv. Here's the link if you want to read about it: (I have deleted the link) I've earned about $500 a week since I've been doing it.. not enough to leave my job yet but i finally have some extra money in my bank account. Well, maybe not after i have to pay the mechanic bill lol. My sister is planning to sign up later and these positions usually go fast, so Id appreciate it if you don't give the link to anyone else. Thanks! Click here to Reply or Forward People (2) kacypearman87 Show details I flagged it for craigslist.

nutbunch- I was also interested in design ideas and features that would make our pool more maintenance friendly. I travel a lot and wanted the pool to be as maintenance free as possible when I'm away. We decided to go with an in-floor system combined with a negative edge. Both are expensive options, but the ease of maintenance was important to us. The negative edge acts as a big skimmer for the army of leaves we have in the fall and winter. This keeps most of the leaves out of the bottom of the pool so they do not need to be removed. The few leaves and debris that make it to the bottom of the pool are removed by the floor cleaning system. The negative edge pit holds lots of leaves and is easy to clean periodically with a leaf net as it is only 3 feet deep and 3 feet wide. It takes about 2 minutes each day to manually remove the leaves with the net. If the pit goes unattended for a week or so, it takes about 10 minutes to manually clean it....that's it...no cleaning of the main pool at all. Hope this helps!