I checked and both of these are also in my book...but they don't look anything like mine, in 'real life'! It does make sense though, as it does say, the plain-capped are in my area. The 'streaks by the eyes seem much wider and more visible . I have added a cropped photo that might make it easier...which I should have done in the first place. http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/costaricafinca/Unknown%20Hummingbird/crop5.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/costaricafinca/Unknown%20Hummingbird/crop3.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/costaricafinca/Unknown%20Hummingbird/crop2.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/costaricafinca/Unknown%20Hummingbird/crop6.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y136/costaricafinca/Unknown%20Hummingbird/crop7.jpg Here is a link that might be useful:

I agree about the subways. They give such a simple sophisticated look without detracting from your granite and other design elements. I have a similar color schemed kitchen and DH and I went back and forth about our backsplash. Finally, decided to go with the matching subways (to our cream cabinets) and we LOVE them! Behind our range top we chose to set them vertically and we love how it gives it just a slight twist or custom feel. Anyways, I will post some pics of mine today or tomorrow to show you. Perhaps, you can show him pics of people with coordinating subways to change his mind. That's what I did!

I'm a little curious to know how your plant #4 is doing, M_Medina, as my friend is having similar problems with his fuzzy plant (leaves getting yellow and falling)... What did you repot your plant in? Is it better now? I would have liked to help with you questions regarding the roots, but I am too new to plants for that; I'd say they look okay although they do seem short... and too compact? Actually, it looks like a cutting that is growing roots... but someone else might know better!

For blooming: 1. Check roots first. In order for the plant to grow and bloom, int needs healthy roots. Unpot, make sure the roots are white and firm. Check the potting medium. Is it soggy? Hoyas need an airy, well draining medium (orchid bark, perlite and LECA clay balls mixed at even ratios will do well for you in Oregon) that holds a bit of moisture, but doesn't stay soggy. 2. Light! As soon as temperatures stay above 55F consistently during the night (Mid-April for us PNWers), bring the hoya outside and hang it in an area where it gets bright, indirect sunlight for at least the majority of the day. A Southeast exposed area (hanging under a tree or under an awning, etc.) is ideal. Once temps drop below 55F at night, bring tge plant inside and place in an East or West facing window. A South facing window can also be used, if sheer curtains are used to filter out any direct sunlight that may burn the leaves. Alternatively, you can use a lamp to give supplimental light during the cold months. Lamps like this: with LED bulbs works great! 3. Food! Hoyas should be fed at every feeding. Use a water soluble fertilizer (MiracleGrow water soluble tomato food is great, it's cheap, and has all the macro- and micro-nutrients) at 1/4 to 1/2 strength each feeding. If you are watering weekly, 1/4 strength; for feeding every two weeks, 1/2 strength. Alternatively, you can use a granular time released fertilizer.