Tanaka has a great reputation, and Robin equipment is always good stuff (Makita sells exact copies under their name, BTW). I have a RedMax BCZ2400S that I have been very impressed with. It's pretty quiet and light, and runs incredibly well with lots of power. They've got a unique stratified-charge system of induction that allows them to pass all emissions requirements without a catalytic converter. It works well. I've had good luck with Echos, too. I've heard/read mixed reviews on Stihl, where some models are great and some are not so hot. The Shindaiwa brand is highly respected, but some of the newer models with the catalytic converters have not run as consistently well as their older ones. I haven't read anything but praise for the Husqvarna trimmers.

All those are excellent trimmers.

Veilchen: I finally bought a field guide to birds, primarily so I could try to identify all (or at least some) of those little brown birds that flood the feeder and the ground under it. I looked up robins (in the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds - Eastern Region) - it says: "Although considered a harbinger of spring, robins often winter in the northern states, where they frequent cedar bogs and swamps and are not usually noticed by a casual observer, except when they gather in large roosts, often containing thousands of birds." It would make sense in my area which is cedar country with a pond/abandoned cranberry bog and stream nearby. Lots of wild winterberries near the pond and along the stream. I can visualize the robins moving to the bogs when the worms in the lawn head farther underground for the winter. The birds could chow down on the cedar berries and winterberry fruits. Or they could come down from Canada too. Whatever. The thought of a roost of thousands of robins is a little scary, though. Claire

Has everyone recieved there questions from me and turned them back in? An d has everyone recieved july, aug, and sept. member questions? Is there anything else iam forgeting besides how to type this morning? RedBear i am sorry your last i just kept pulling from the cup. i fwe have drop outs you will get one of their spots even though i hope that dont happen. Have a great week everyone. Jamie