Mike, "BINGO", it's all about the money. I'll do some research in reference to more energy-efficient pumps. Our spare pump is about shot anyway and should be replaced. So, that solution should be doable. Good idea! Nancy, I didn't know the UV lights didn't last long. Our filter is above ground but is almost completely surrounded with thick landscape stones with a cover. It's also located under our breezeway that connects the house to the garage. Don't think it will ever freeze but it's good to know that we should keep an eye on it. Lsst, in the past, without fail, I've always thoroughly cleaned the pond in early spring and in the fall. In addition, I'm usually on leaf patrol all year because we have huge trees. Some that shed in spring and some that shed in the fall, so, there are always leaves to contend with here. This September my mom was ill and I spent 4 months in middle Georgia. Honestly, when I returned home and saw the pond, I was surprised ANY of the fish were still alive. The boss is excellent at building things and the technical stuff; however, if the water is clear, the boss thinks the pond is clean & healthy for the fish. I've been playing catchup ever since my return. Hardin, if I had that cold and snow to deal with all winter, I'd be a nervous wreck. I did live in NJ for 3 years in the 80's and every winter there...I WAS A NERVOUS WRECK! Thanks again, everyone. I'm always learning around here. Bon

Forgot to mention that friends of ours raise guineas, and they say they are wonderful to put on "bug patrol", [although they don't raise pumpkins] We could probably get a couple within a few days.....do they eat squash bugs, [without eating the squash?]

I believe in situational safety. It is a risk benefit problem that becomes much more difficult if an accident effects more than just the perpetrator. I manufacture fireworks and shoot commercial displays (not how I make my living, but an interesting second career). When we train new people, you can tell them DONÂT DO THIS, but if they see you do it they will probably try it. This results in me being much safer (and slower) when I know that I am being observed. Is this hypocritical? Probably. When I am working by myself or with experienced people I usually think in terms of what is the worst thing that could happen and how likely is it to occur. I then try to mitigate the risk as much as possible while still getting the job done in a reasonable amount of time. alphonse's comment on angle grinders is a good example. Assume that the disk could shatter and keep your head positioned to limit your exposure. No, you canÂt always do that, but when you can you should. We stress to new pyros to NEVER place any body part over a loaded mortar. However, I have stuck my arm down a loaded 12" mortar to extract a shell that did not fire. I would never ask anyone else to do that, but in that particular situation I thought it was worth the, very small, risk of killing myself. Now that you have got me thinking about this I probably border on the unsafe side.

Send a picture of the repair-while some cracks can be repaired to the point they become invisible the crack in your top was just too large imo to make disappear. It isnt your fault the granite cracked. While Green designs is right that your fabricator should have explained the nature of the stone that responsibility shouldnt be on you if the piece cracks. That doesnt look like a fissure to me as from the pic it doesnt follow any natural line making the repair very difficult. If you arent satisfied you dont have to accept that repair. Before you do anything speak to the fabricator and explain you cant live with this in your kitchen and you need this resolved. Consult with your lawyer and be firm with the fabricator-these things happen and the faabricator needs to make it right. See if you can find a slab that will match the rest of the kitchen. They should help you find something that you are happy with. I think if you keep the cracked piece you will never be satisfied with it. Stu Rosen www.mbstonecare.com www.stoneshine.com