The "slate-colored" is actually just a subspecies of the Dark-eyed Junco. So you actually have a Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) no matter which subspecies it is. The subspecies exist as populations in certain regions of the country. Those listed in my field guide are: 1.) Pink-sided 2.) Oregon 3.) Gray-headed 4.) Slate-colored Each subspecies looks a little different. As for the slate-colored (the subspecies I see in my location), the first-winter males look very similar to the adult females (brown instead of slate gray). They can be difficult to age and sex unless it's the adult male, and the adult male is dark slate gray with a white belly and white outer tail feathers. Very distinct plumage on the slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco.

B.U.M.P. The thread had been started and ended in 2012, with few posts. I guess not many people were growin KB and/or KBX. Finally, there was no consensus on which s superior. Because I am planning to grow a productive compact Orange/Yellow fruited tomato I brought this thread up to see if there are current grower of those varieties. --- What is its growth habit ? det, bush ? size --- Heirloom/OP, Hybrid ? --- any climate preference to grow better ? --- any difference in fruits size/color/taste in KB and KBX? I know I might be able to search the net and find answers, but I prefer a live interactive discussion. That is what I like about forums. . AND because I can only afford to grow just ONE of then, which one should be KB or KBX ?. Then of course, I can always toss a coin.:-)

Last year I had this bird come to visit. I looked it up in my book andI thought it was a Black Crowned Night Heron. I was later told it looked more like a Green Heron. There are pics of both in my book and I though that the Green Heron had a different shaped head and lighter color. I would like to hear your opinion. Here's the pics. In the forst one he was right outside the kitchen window. In this one he? is standing on the window sill. Thanks for any help. Marg

Your proposed wood table reminds me of Bristish West Indies style such as Ethan Allen's British Classic collection. If you look at their peices, you will see that some accent pieces have rattan. It really makes the furniture lend itself to both a formal look with the dark toned wood, yet some casual feeling with the rattan. Pricey, but you can find cheaper furniture in this same style (except for the bombay chest which is way overpriced and nothing similiar / cheaper exists! Errrrr). But then again, your photshopped sconces and chairs have a modern style (to me) and your fabric on the bench also is more modern. Maybe the darker table shown by Francoise47 would work better. I love your kitchen which has a farmhouse, cottagey feel and if it were mine, I'd stick to this style for most elements. I'd also put a small chandelier over the table instead of wall mounted sconces.