Jodi, You have truly set a trend all across the country. I'm in Oklahoma. I went to a local store and specifically asked for Jeffery Court, Pietra Opus, Fire & Ice and had a copy of one of your photos with me. They asked if I had already been in and when I said "NO"... they said another lady had just come in recently and asked for the exact same thing! They said that they could get it from one of their dealers. They quoted me $16 and no shipping! Just now, I went to the Jeffery Court website and found that there is a dealer in Oklahoma that carries it. I'm sure that's where my local dealer is getting it from. I'm calling them tomorrow to see if it's any cheaper if I buy directly from them & pick it up in person. I've also asked about getting 2x2 dark red glass to replace some white tiles like you did but the so-called 2x2 tiles really vary, none are truly 2x2... so I'm curious how it'll look. Thanks Jodi for posting your photos...this backsplash is like nothing else I've ever seen. I like being different! -Dorothy in OK

We live in SoCal as well ccp with a pool about the size you plan. Concerning the location of jets, that's a good question to which doubtlessly somebody more knowledgeable than I will respond. http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=17259,18168,26637,26638,27404&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=swimming+pool+jets&cp=15&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=0amp;aqi=g4g-o1&aql=&oq=swimming+pool+j&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=80955853b31a6510 We have 4 jets two at each end. However the ones at the skimmer end were blocked by my predecessor, suggesting that for some reason they didn't help move flotsam toward the skimmer port as you might suppose they should Other than that: Suggest orienting the pool so your prevailing wind helps in that respect Living near Victorville we warm it in the summer using blue bubble cover which on the hottest days we roll up about 3 hours before swim. It has to be replaced once or twice a year at a cost over $100, trimming it to fit each time but guessing this method ultimately cheaper than gas or solar ......an example how primitive pool technology in a day and age when sending rockets to the moon got to be so so easy they quit doing it 42 years ago. If the Pool Establishment were like aerospace they'd all be built in standard shapes with covers ready-made to fit each one We use no cover in winter to better observe water color and to more quickly spot the larger creature otherwise slipping in at the edge though I feel guilty about drowning all those insects so we've considered a transparent cover but rejected the idea as suggesting more trimming as well as the possible need for a second reel Glad to discuss other aspects as dalehileman@me.com

Hey Jude (I've always wanted to say that :-) On Monday May 17th we'll be leaving on a 13 day cruise from Los Angeles to Seattle, five ports in AK and then to Victoria/Vancouver, Canada where we fly home on May 30th. I suspect it will be light most most of the day. I know when I was in Antarctica during the summer, a photo I took at midnight came out exceptionally well because of the light levels. Course nothing but lichen grow in Antarctica so I didn't witness the long day/fast growing plant phenomenon. I will try to remember to take a photo of a few plants early in the day on one or more of our stops and then before we board the ship that night to test your theory. Coincidentally, just last weekend I was on a hike where the docent told us the Yucca plant grows equally fast during spring and summer months and were encouraged to take a photo of a Yucca at the beginning of the hike and later on the return trip. We never got close enough to a Yucca to measure the height early on, so that theory never got tested. My biggest fear of going to AK in the spring or summer is not the wild animals, but the mosquitoes which are supposed to be thick as soup in some areas. I do not deal well with skeeters. I am allergic to many of them and scar for months from their bites. Gosh, the first time I went to AK, I was challenged to find a boat from the TV show The Deadliest Catch, which I did. This challenge will be much easier if I can remember to bring a tape measure. :-) Jodi-

It's been 2.5 months since my neck surgery and my neck feels great! I drove a freeway a few weeks ago ... the first time in 15+ years due to the pain and range of motion issues I had. I have to remind myself that I can turn my head instead of my whole body when I need to look over my shoulder. Jodi-