"How else would they know so much about all these different brands and manufacturers to speak so "expertly" on such a wide variety of them?" Oh that's easy. They're interested in garden and lawn tractors and tend to read up on everything they can on the subject, even though they don't own a particular brand and model. As Justalurker said, ral knowledge comed from actual ownership. There are a few on this forum who have owned most every brand in existence, but I think most of us are repeating what we have read from actual owners. I, for one, like to read up on the top-of-the-line GT's because they represent the best you can buy, and I like to see how well they handle different attachments, especially the ground engaging type. And what features they offer like power steering, locking diff, diesel power, hydraulically actuated deck lift and ancillary equipment (attachments). I have perused many different brand-dedicated forums to acquire this info...it's like a hobby that doesn't cost anything (until you actually buy something that is). However, I have since pretty much gone to the "dark side" and will sing the praises of the ZTR to anyone who will listen, now that I own one and see how efficient (and fun) they truly are. However, I won't try to ram them down anyone's throat....especially on a "Lawn and Garden Tractor" forum:) I must say though it is some members on this forum that have helped me to "see the light"...LOL! I have a lawn tractor but it just sits there like an old Farmall tractor put out to pasture while I go whizzing around on my ZTR ;) I have a Japanese compact tractor to handle the tiller work, and so I will never go back to lawn or garden tractor to cut grass...and that's from actual experience.....I would be tempted to pick up a nice JD 445 GT at the right price though :)

Hello Stan, I have seen several of your posts, and I think this is an important question. Even though many people say the fruits of Helens Hybrid are very sweet and have seeds, I don't think anybody have ever actually tasted the fruits. People say this because of what the seed-dealers are saying. I can only help you with what I believe to be sikkimensis fruit, wich was sweet and watery, but stringy and full of seeds. Not exactly top quality fruit, but fun to try! Maybe in a season or two I will be tasting Helens hybrid for the first time! Erlend

tartan22: You asked if water damages the laminate. In my experience it does not. However, the laminate is only paper-thin; it is the composition behind the laminate that can swell or deteriorate. We have it in our kitchen. In December we were away for a week and when we returned we found we had a very small drip-leak in the dishwasher supply hose connection under the sink. Because we have an under-sink forced-air outlet also under the sink, while we were home the hot air evaporated the water. But while gone I set the heat back, and the water ran out onto the floor. Now this was very little water we're talking about. But the floor is perfectly level, and the little bit spread itself out quite a ways. The result was swelling on the edges of pieces in most of the floor. This was not the cheapest laminate by any means. Other than this instance it has held up well. I certainly wouldn't advise people to not put it in. However, they should be aware of this potential problem. This summer we will rip it out and replace it with ceramic tile.

I have the Basalt Slate counters as well. We are getting close to 2 years since installation. I love the way they look, but overall have not been thrilled with them. Mine aren't honed, just the matte finish, and it does scratch quite easily, though the scratches are only visible in certain lights and from certain angles. Just last week I discovered a very visible chip right in front of the cooktop on the island. I am really upset. I don't know what caused it, and have had laminate counters all my life without a problem like this. I didn't love our fabricator, but I have no idea if it has to do with fabrication. So, while I love the look, and was perfectly happy to have laminate counters, I can't say I would get this particular counter again. If I could afford it, I'd replace the island top right now and just leave them on the perimeter. Sorry to be a downer. Until I got this counter I would have been completely gung-ho about laminate. Now I'm not so sure. . .