Dear Shelly, If Myrtillocactus could feed the world (and it can, you know - its berries are tart and tasty), we will look to you to supply cuttings. I know you're up for the challenge. As the others have suggested, you might consider cutting the offset just below the end of the scarred portion. Normally, offsets from this plant are best taken at the joint, a phrase, I grant you, fraught with possibility but at the moment meant botanically. Leave it around for Morgan BestKitty to admire and plant in the spring (you plant it - Morgan has better things to do, I daresay). I'd suggest a more-porous-less-peat mixture for rooting the cutting, but you know best. I'd guess that the single cutting will grow best if that second offset is left on, but you could root that one, too. Your amputated plant will grow offsets again, but there ain't no growin' outta that scar, whether it's old sunburn or (in several of my plants' cases) the residue of alcohol residue left in the sun and seared into the very epidermis, not unlike tribal branding. I admire the shot immensely, because it allows me to be nosy and see what you read - one of the first things I do, as a curious person, when invited into someone's home for the first time. I love the Anais Nin and Fellowship of the Ring next to each other. Some of the jewel's thousands of facets revealed!

Yes, that must have been it, Omar. It was pixies playing tricks on us or else it was me who was somewhat "pixilated' after all the talking and trading ... LOL I have a question: someone brought a jar for the door prize table containing something brown that looked like preserves of some kind, but it had a picture of a cleaning woman on it. I asked the contributor and she told me that if was for cleaning your hands after gardening and contained brown sugar. I'm fascinated, but can't remember what else the cleaning compound contained. Anybody remember who brought it and what else it contained besides brown sugar? The dates for both SAPS next year will be announced by Lorelei soon ... :-)

"1) I'm thinking of a Trane XR14 2 or 2.5 ton AC unit. What would be a good matching furnace for this unit? We run our gas fireplace a lot in winter, and it provides a lot heat to the downstairs by itself. However, I'd like something that would do good job of heating, a little better than what we've got now. " Why move to 2.5 tons? The first floor should have less of a cooling load than the bottom floor, and 2 tons sounds fine if not more than enough already, so I would stick with 2 tons if the old unit did the job. A load calculation will tell you the size you really need. Good furnace would be Trane's XV95 variable speed unit (95% AFUE, requires PVC venting, which may be problematic; the XV80 is 80% AFUE, but you probably want more heating efficiency). Are you aware of the tax credit of $1500 for high efficiency gas furnace replacements and high efficiency A/C replacements? I don't know for certain, but I want to say the XV95 qualifies for this rebate. Once you get the $1500, it doesn't apply to A/C efficiency (i.e., you won't get $1500 for a qualifying A/C setup AND qualifying furnace). "2) Would it make sense to step up to a XL14i or XL15i? If so, which one? What would be a good matching furnace? " Quieter operation, 10 years warranty on parts indoor and outdoor if complete replacement done. See above for furnace. Consider getting a thermostat that can control humidity by controlling blower speed (VisionPRO IAQ from Honeywell does the job well). "3) Would it be worth it to look at a model from another brand (Bryant, York, etc) that would comparable to the Trane XR or XLi range, around 14 or 15 seer? If so, what?" Carrier/Bryant, Rheem, Lennox.

pepster I am assuming you are looking at HP systems. I would stay away from Lennox. The minimum performance metrics for a new heat pump system that I would look for is R-410 frig, matching var speed air handler, 14-15 SEER, 12 EER, 9 HSPF, full BTUs for the size in both cooling and heating mode,scroll compressor. For the XR14 and the XL14i, other than cost, the differences are noise, warranty, efficiency depending on size, and the funky top that the XL14i has. Depending on size and model, Trane uses both recips and scroll compressors. You will have to ask dealer. I am listing below three performance configurations for the XR14, XL14i, and XL15i three ton. Numbers are from the CEE HVAC directory. 1104157 Active OEM XR14 WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWR4036A1 4TEE3F39A1 36400 12.00 14.00 31800 9.00 19900 1104184 Active OEM XL14I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX4036B1 4TEE3F39A1 36400 12.40 15.00 31800 9.00 19900 1382162 Active OEM XL15I WEATHERTRON TRANE 4TWX5036A1 4TEE3F39A1 36000 13.00 15.00 34000 9.00 23600 As you can see, there is very little difference between the XR14 and XL14i. Both these systems have poor heating BTUs but for your Florida location, this should not be consequential. You can see that the XL15i has the overall best numbers. I would not use any of the Trane stats-go for the Honeywell VisionPro IAQ for superior dehumidification. IMO http://www.cee1.org/ Here is a link that might be useful: Trane HP Comparison