In my situation, I'm actually finding that in large pots (8" or larger) CHC stays damp longer than spagh. I have a very large Phal hybrid in a 8" pot with CHC and even though the top inch or so dries out, if I really check down deep, the bottom portion is still fairly damp. Definatley one of those lift and check weight kind of plants. I also have a small Violacea species in a 4" pot with CHC and it does dry out fairly quickly, so it seems to based on quantity. I think that one thing that is important concerning using spaph, is how it is packed around the plant. I don't like plants to be hard packed into spagh, I'm more of the 'stuff as much as you can without hurting the roots kind of spagh guy'. When viewing through clear pots, I usually see some air voids in the media.(That is until the moss and such take over the clear pot). **Kneeling down seeking forgivenes from the phal goods, Bob makes this statement:** I water my 40+ phals once a week, on Saturdays. If the pot seems to still be damp, I wait until the next Saturday. It seems to work for me most of the time. There may be a special occasion or plant that I treat differently, but between misting mounties every morning and evening, the Wednesday morning waterings and dealing with the other 100+ non-phals, I need to keep things fairly simple and regulated to maximize my enjoyment of the hobby. A few years ago it started to feel like a 'job', so I took the more laid back approach. Back then, Saturday morning waterings took 2+ hours, Tuesday evening waterings took about 1-1.5 hours and it just started to seem like a hassle. I then switched up my grow room to accomodate watering in place (had been a hauler and dunker) and now the Wednesday morning watering takes @10-15 minutes and I can water my entire collection and the house plants on Saturdays in about 45 minutes. Shortening those watering times really helped me to enjoy my orchids even more. Bob

Hi Guys! Well, after the light dusting of snow that we had yesterday. It snowed last night and it's sticking now. The little ones bundled up in snow pants and the rest and headed out. They got their fill of snow, had hot choc and brownies and are vegging out now. On Friday, we hosted the neighborhood teens for a couple of movies, pizza, dino-nuggets and chat about whatever teens like to talk about. Then we built a fire and roasted a few marshmallows. After driving everyone home, we enjoyed the fire until it burned out. Tikanas: How's the vegan meal planning coming along with DS? I have to check out the cooking forum, I guess. Saturday, I spent fixing up a leg-o-lamb for company. I served it with roasted peppers and onions, with a big greek salad on the side. Appetizers were yellow and orange peppers wrapped in prosciutto and Soppressata salami and Asiago cheese bundles. It was all yummers and then we had a few pistachios and tiny, tiny brownies for dessert, along with some homemade hot buttered rums-----HEY!- it IS winter time here! I have been good with my diet and exercise all week and am down a pound. I decided to have fun one day a week and not beat myself up about it. From the beginning of the year, I just made myself a deal that, during 6 days of the week, I'll pose the question, "Is this GOOD for my body?" before I eat anything. The 7th day, I don't have to ask the question or go traveling on a guilt trip. I am tired of spending the last 8 years on a diet and am seeing how this works for me. The winter snow brightness has brought DH's mood back out of the depressions he faces in the winter overcast here, so things around the house are cheerier for now. Besh -as Jimmy Buffet would say, "I WANNA GO WHERE IT'S WARM!" lol. Just some constant sunlight would be great! Raeanne~ I have to thank you for the card, you sweet thing. You always brighten my day. You are such a thoughtful gal. ((((((((((Love ya)))))))))) Thanks so much. I am here today; I have at least 12 loads of laundry to do. Our family company left and there are sheets, towels, bedding, etc, etc, etc. I wish I had a BIG table to fold on! Why are laundry rooms so durned small? Marci~ I am supposed to read some specific books for the Expressions in Writing class I'm taking. I'll pass them on to you if they're good. One I read this summer was Knight in Rusty Armor. It'd be good for lots of guys I know to read! It's very easy to read and cute and reflective. In other news, my ex has decided to marry the girl he left his most recent wife for. They keep getting younger. (((SIGH))) Anyway, almost exactly 1 year after he divorced the last one, he's marrying again. I fear he'll never settle down, but he is super committed to our 2 girls, and they to him, so that's the best I can hope for. Neither DD is big on marriage, though, and I can see why! NHSuzanne~ Sister Gift with Words - You paint a calm picture. Thank you for the vision. My thought on the birthday exchange is that it should be easy. We're all busy chicks and we want to stay connected with ease. But I'd love to have a b-day pal and then ANOTHER pal that I could send cards and trinkets to on and off over the year. Fun mail is FUN mail! I'll go with the flow as long as I don't have to organize it! ------- ((((THANKS MARCI and MADDIE for all you do!)))))) Joanne and Gretchen! LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Thanks for checking in! Well, I better get something done around here! PS: John, we miss you -- still.

Maureen, thanks for the report!!! Good to know it actually works. Not buying it, but good to know. Re cake testers, I love mine (just like Annie's, but I know where it is), because I used to use a bamboo skewer. The wire leaves a much smaller hole. The loop end is dipped in tool goop for an easy, cool grip. Costs pennies. Worth it, though you could make one--just wrap the end around a dowel and twist tightly, then dip and dry. I tried to find a picture on Amazon and found a whole bunch of overpriced, overimproved ones that are too thick and have fancy holder ends, that could, conceivably, come off. At least one was over $10!!! Ridiculous! There was one expensive one that would be sort of worth it: Food safe nickel silver with fancy bead and curlique end for $7.50. But, even though these are really cute, they're short and lumpy and I think the simple, loop ended one is more useful. Oh. Here's one.

Well heres another 7 month old plant with a bloom. Not gonna even say which it's suppose to be, because it doesn't resemble it. even though my tag says differently. I believe this is the one. here's the same bloom as before(from Saturday ) just a few days older. LooKS very pretty. Supposedly blue spirit