Nancy, I keep their compartment doors shut until I see them sitting on top of the house each year. They make it very easy for me because they arrive almost the same day of the month every year. Then I open the doors and they set up housekeeping and I don't think any birds we have will bother them then. They are pretty feisty. But you don't want to let some other bird get into their house and set up houskeeping before they do. Then when they say goodbye and leave I clean out their compartments and shut the doors again until the next year. This year hubby and I left for 2 weeks before they left. The day we returned we were out by the pond and they flew down around us twittering, very obviously saying goodbye. The next day they were gone. It was as though they were waiting for our return to leave. I haven't had any problems so far... We are planning to put up more houses for them next year. Glenda

My favorite spot changes depending on what's blooming. Right now the honeysuckle is so fragrant and alluring. We constructed raised beds with cottage stones in multiple layers all throughout and around our yard, and made them butt-friendly height for sitting. So sitting by the honeysuckle now. We have a deck that is always very enjoyable and relaxing to sit on unless it is hot and sunny outside. Eventually it will be shaded. 28 bird stations around the house so always lots of bird and squirrel activity for entertainment and their songs are wonderful. Porch swing on cool days is nice. LaFuma chairs on the bridges over the creeklets is decadent :-) Sitting on raised bed ledge in depth of willow thicket completely surrounded by jungle effect is soothing. Sitting by pond when water running very nice. Walking down paths staring at trees and growth and examining everything is good. The bench looking out into the front 'swimming pool' and mermaid fountain is nice. Have tables and chairs and picnic table, enjoy reading or doing projects outside. Enjoy dining outside. In the winter it's been a bit bleak but as the conifers grow it will be better. Planning to plant some winter interest bushes eventually, may not be enough room. In general, planting a wide variety of trees and having lots to look at, lots of greenery, was a really good choice. But like hemnancy, there's just so much to do, always things to clean up and weeds and rechaining and chores so it's hard to relax without feeling guilty. Most thrilling of all: When it rains (Hallelujah!) being inside with all the windows open and sitting in recliner listening to that miraculous beautiful life-giving pitter patter, sighing in relief, thanking God for water, listening to the birds and smelling the flowers and vines wafting in the moist fragrant cool breeze, watching all the leaves flutter and sway and dance.

I have one like this that will fit any bath, I paid about $50 at a pet store, but been using it for more than 10 years. I'd like to try one of the ones that are submersible, the flat circular ones, they're cheaper too, but i can't say how they'd hold up. This one can get knocked over on busy days, but I have to fill the bath everyday anyway, so it's no biggie. I'm convinced that water brings as many if not more birds than food in winter, I have flocks of bluebirds, finches, doves, sparrows, everything all day long lining up for a turn at the bath. When we have long below freezing spells, i often have to fill twice a day. Another Lynn in IN ;~) Here is a link that might be useful: the type of heater i have.

Karin - the vanity is Dover Woods in a Beluga stain. The Ivory Supreme was found on a wide hunt for Super White - and a granite yard had both, which was very hard to find at the time this spring. We love it, but the stone has fissures and one piece broke during installation, and the replacement slab, even though I approved it, is not quite as beautiful as the original. Soon I will post pix when the bathroom is completed and you will see the other pieces from the original slab. Anyway, back to the towels - I wound up with Fieldcrest Luxury from Target - the colors are great and I think I like the feel of the towels. Tough to tell until a bunch of washes though. Still looking for other accessories....