Thanks for the reply naturemitch! The browning on the tips hasn't spread, which is promising. I think you're right; it's just some minor scarring from coming in contact with the bulbs. I picked up some Dr. Earth Organic Home Grown liquid fertilizer (4-6-2) at Sky Nursery here in Seattle. I'll apply a half dose today to give them a shot of nutrients. I also plan to adjust my watering schedule, basically finger test that the mix is dry a half inch or so down before watering again. Will post an update with pictures in a few days.

I would also avoid a range and go with a separate cooktop and oven for several reasons. First, the oven: I would get a good 24"/60cm electric oven - the Gaggenau is my favorite because of its side-opening door (no reaching over or around the usual drop-down door to insert or remove your food) and its efficient use of space - very little devoted to the control panel, most used for the oven cavity. And its height is short enough to fit a 6" drawer above it - great storage for cooking utensils, especially if your cooktop is directly above it (you'll need to choose a cooktop that's thin, and whose installation instructions don't say it requires lots of space below it). Several other brands are the same size if you need something less expensive, although I don't know of any with a side-opening door. But rather than a 24" cooktop, I would get a 2-burner 12" or 15" cooktop for a small apartment. Think about it - do you ever use more than two at once? (If one is used for a water kettle, install an instant-hot water dispenser and you can free up that burner). Many good ones are available in this size, both electric and gas. If you're worried you may occasionally need a third burner, keep an inexpensive portable electric burner (or double burner) in one of your cabinets - these are cheap and they work reasonably well. The rest of the time, enjoy the extra 12" of countertop space! Another space saver - use an undermount sink (which shaves off 4 to 5" of width already) about 21" x 17" and mount it "sideways" so it's nearly the full length of the countertop front to back, but only the smaller dimension in width. This will yield the same space as a traditional 25"w x 22"l kitchen sink, but turned 90 degrees from typical. That won't leave any room for a faucet behind it, so either use a wall-mount faucet (preferable) or mount a single-hole faucet near one of the rear corners. Drain in the rear corner is best - it won't get covered up by the first dinner plate you put in the sink, plus the disposer beneath it also moves to the back corner of your cabinet, where it doesn't get in the way. A drain centered front to back, but off to one side is second best; avoid drains in the center. In any case, this arrangement buys considerable extra countertop width without reducing the usable space in the sink.

Robo, I hope the rest of your LA visit was great and hopefully not too hot for you. Did you see some of the LA Marathon runners? I had looked at the route and noticed it went right by your friend's neighborhood! Mtn, it was great meeting you today! Mtn and I had breakfast at a cafe right on Venice beach. Perfect weather to sit and chat. Enjoy your stay in LA and the rest of your vacation. Let us know how much you "loved" Disney!

I am now one month post-surgery! Wow, hard to believe. I had two PT sessions last week. I have 3 per week scheduled for the next three weeks. I'm also working on my own at home on the days I don't have PT. I'm keeping a log/journal. Mostly I'm just logging dates and times, but if there's anything of note, like my arm hurting or such, I note that, too. Yesterday, with help from DH, I put on a T shirt for the first time! It was so nice to wear a soft, stretchy shirt! This morning I put on a T shirt by myself. :) I see the doctor again on the 15th. My phys, therapist will give me a progress report for him. Hopefully he will be happy! Donna