Oh Beth--She has such a sweet face-and I'm sure she is so thankful to have a 'mommy' that will take good care of her-does she like to ride? Alli went everywhere with me- I am glad you have a companion--she will take care of you and be always on your side--and I won't have to think of you being alone!! Remy--I would like some rudbeckia--I manage a 30 year old 96 unit apartment complex that has been ignored for years--so I am planting things everywhere I can to 'perk' it up Carol has sent me some purple iris and Maureen sent dahlias and daylillies--Beth has been sending seeds every month-from a different swap-so it's starting to look up around here!! Let me know what I need to do! Debbya--Toby is such a handsome guy--I am torn between getting another bulldog--or a boston--my house is just too quiet! Better get to work Jeanette

Lot of good comments here about the lighting, but can I chime in on the placement of your TV? No matter what you do, that's a lot of light in front of the screen, both from kitchen lights and from the windows. Then there's the noise factor TV vs Kitchen. Don't know who's going to be more distracted by whom in your situation. If you have any plans on home theatre, you're setting yourself up for a very difficult time positioning your speakers. Consider moving the TV into the Living Room, maybe opposite the Fireplace. When I was buying my last house, I looked at one home where the homeowner had installed 12 can lights in the master bedroom. A space maybe 12 x 15 feet. It was weird. Don't get carried away with those things.

Update: Sometimes it takes a while to figure it out but I get there eventually! After several purchases that I did not like and returned, I have a breakfast nook light! A shout out of thanks to all who assisted me on my nook light selection, particularly Francoise47 who suggested the winner. I went with the BTC Cobb Rise and Fall lamp and it looks terrific!!! Will post finish kitchen pictures soon! Here is the link of the light for those that may have a similar need: http://www.originalbtc.com/catalogue_item.php?catID=5520&prodID=38459&PHPSESSID=2765e37e33ee5843ce4117e2913886e7

I will likely repeat some of what was already said, but here are my comments: 1. container needs to have drainage hole 2. layer of pebbles at the bottom doesn't help (if, only temporary and not enough). Best to be avoided. 3. good idea mixing purchased soil with perlite (or pumice, or gravel or few other, inorganic ingredients) - looking at the photo, it looks too 'fine' = often water retaining. Pls. note that I am only judging what I see in photo, and not being able to see it directly. 4. it is usually best to get rid of all old soil from the rootball. even washing it if difficult to remove. Spraying with garden hose helps :) Any damaged rots should be cut off. After, let roots dry up on something absorbent, in shade rather than sun. Good air circulation will speed it up. Few hrs to overnight is usually enough. 5. It could have been potted in smaller pot, but it should be ok since pot is not too deep. Big pot = lots of soil, and it may take longer time to dry up. 6. Do not put new succulents into full sun - unless you know for sure hey have been in sunny position before. Always acclimatize them. 7. Water when potting mix is almost completely dry: get a bamboo skewer/chopstick or even pencil. Insert deep into pot (at least 3/4 deep). Leave for few min; if clean and dry when pulled out -time to water. Watering depends on the temps - mix will dry up faster in hot weather; amount of potting mix and even pot - glazed pots take longer. 8. Some reddish color on leaves comes with good sun, and is desired by many of us. Just remember to acclimatize it in order not to burn it. Jades are very easy plants to grow. As with all succulents, give them great drainage and light and they will be happy. Do not expect overnight change - it will take a bit for plant to recuperate from repotting and it also depends on your growing conditions. And above all - enjoy it, do not worry about 'testing' it every day. Any further questions, just ask...:) PS: you will likely get best suggestions on Cacti and Succulents forum - growing other plants in garden is quite different than growing succulents in the containers...