hmmmm...i won't be able to try the vacuum idea until next year since this years plants are done for. But maybe it won't damage large plants and even if it would not get all the aphids, getting a large amount would be great. I don't start that many plants from seeds, I find it is just cheaper to get the plants I want from various growers when the time is right for them..:) I think I will try ladybugs next time also if the problem comes back up, especially now that I know baby ladybugs look nothing like a ladybug (long unrelated story)...;) It is funny you mention that recipe for bug food. I had gotten the lacewings ordered and was all excited. I went online and saw someone mentioning that you had to feed them but there was no recipe posted at that time. So I went to Planet Natural and bought "bug food" (just expensive sugar water) without thinking. The next day someone had chimed in on the thread and posted the "recipe" for the bug food....I could just kick myself sometimes...:) kendra

I use this little attachment set to clean my keyboard. I bought it for my sewing machines and found it works great on other'tiny' spaces. I bought mine at a sewing and quilt expo but you may find at places other than Amazon. Do a search for mini vacuum attachment. It works great, attaches easily to a round hose of a regular vacuum, and has a suction adjustable feature. Murphy Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SSNPBK/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001JODUBW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YKNZFQQNZGSHC90FMP6

My work keyboard is this one. Work paid for it, so beware the price! I can't say enough good things about it, but mostly, my hands and wrists don't hurt any more. But I use it all day long every day, batteries rarely need replacing. Not only is the keyboard ergonomically split, it's raised. Ah. And the mouse, well, I'll never use another tiny mouse again. It's shaped like a ball and my hands don't feel like I've been griping chopsticks all day long any more. I love it.

Here's a suggested list of some of the items that should be maintained on your computer and some suggestions for added security. Basic maintenance and basic security work together to keep your system performance at its peak. Like your vehicle, a computer is a complex item that needs routine maintenance and basic security to keep it running and free from problems. Keeping a clean and maintained machine makes for a smoother operating computer. It may sound like a lot to do, but breaking it down and doing some occasionally should make it simple. Plus, if you start off on the right track you'll save headaches down the road. It's difficult to say how often these items should be completed. Your computer is different from others and your use is different, so your time frame may differ and that's fine. This is intended to give some ideas of the types of things that should be done. Add/delete/modify as needed. The point is to establish a routine on a regular basis. First, some of the basics: For the most part, these items need to be done only once. (Should be done immediately when getting a new machine) Rename user account disable guest account & password other accounts Install a firewall Install an antivirus program Install a spyware/malware remover Install a spyware blocker Install a trojan detector Install a registry guard Install a program to edit your startup programs Uninstall preloaded programs that you won't use Secure browser & email client settings Setup "popup" control or install popup blocker Customize settings for all installed programs Check for current versions/updates on all software, including the Operating System.(OS) Disable "Messenger" unless needed Replace/disable programs that "phone home" Determine how you will back up critical data Install surge protector or UPS Record serial #s, product key #s, model #s & specifications Make (and test) a boot disk Back up drivers and special install disks Clean up the startup programs Perform as needed: Backup vital files on a time frame appropriate for you. If you have a lot of important data that is updated/added frequently you'll need to backup more often than someone who has little critical data. It's also a good idea to change your passwords periodically Items needing attention regularly. Suggested time frame: Weekly to 2x/month Update definitions on any program running in the background, such as a real time virus detection. Run virus check and spyware check (if not done automatically) Clean out junk mail and old email Clean cookies, temp files etc. Empty recycle bin Backup registry/set System Restore point Suggested time frame: Monthly to Quarterly Disk check & Defragment Check for OS updates & patches Suggested time frame: Once or twice a year Clean keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, monitor, vents & case Uninstall (don't just delete folders of) obsolete & unused applications Clean out old downloads and files that are no longer needed. Also check for ~*.*, *.tmp, *.chk, *.old, file0*.* and other similar files Clean inside case (blow out dust, check connections etc), including power supply Check that fans are working Clean out excess startup programs Clean Start Menu Clean & organize files Check hard drive space - should be >20% free space Clean index.dat files Clean out Bookmarks/Favorites Clean out excess graphics files And also, Don't forget to unplug your system and phone/internet connection during thunderstorms! Document error messages so you can research them or ask for help Pay attention to strange sounds and noticeable changes in performance Thanx to (Cynic) Ken for this contribution