Thanks Al!I thought that hardwood fines were a no-go, but wanted to be sure. I think I might have actually found something that will work. It's called shredded pine mulch and I found it at a locally owned hardware store/garden center. The man even took time to look up the DynaGro Foilage Pro online since he didn't know anything about it! Turns out only one place in Indiana sells it...so I guess I'll be ordering it online...that way I won't have to figure out micro-nutrients, proper ratios, etc! This second picture shows their mini pine bark nuggets. Both samples were set out yesterday, it rained last night and they were overcast then sun today. I was amazed how much more moisture was in the first one, but it wasn't wet. So does that look like the right stuff? Thanks, Suz

Wipe with a clean, soft dust cloth, turning often. Dust can scratch. If the table has a definite grain direction, it helps to dust in the direction of the grain. Pick up and place things on it such as centerpieces, candles, etc. Do not drag them around. Avoid anything with rubber or plastic feet on it. It can permanently soften the finish where it sits. If you do put things on it, move them around once in a while to get even exposure to light. If you want to use a polish, fine, but use an emulsion polish sparingly, and about once a month or six weeks. Avoid using Pledge. If you want to wax, fine. Once every few years. Put it on and buff off as much as you possibly can. Pick either polish or wax and stay with it, don't switch back and forth. Avoid extremes and sudden changes in temperature or humidity. Use trivets or coasters for hot or wet items.

We had to keep our door open as we had the tv on listening to naturalist as we spent several hours cruising Glacier Bay. Plus he kept us alert, when we left, for pods of whales to look for. Wasn't that bad sitting out on the balcony.

Sounds like Elmer is pretty inflexible on his foodie words! :) I want good food when I eat, whether making it at home, someone else's home or out. When I go out and know something's good I don't find it inflexible to order that than be disappointed trying something new just for the sake of trying something new. I detest paying for something I didn't like, especially when the likable option was there. Trying different things is good. I would like to know if someone else has tried it and liked it or at least could describe it. Service staff seldom seem to eat the food there at anything more than a diner type place and their canned descriptions don't give much information. I don't like going to eat and leave hungry. I don't think it's asking too much to want good food at a reasonable price. I have a few favorite places. There really isn't a "good" buffet around here anymore but I liked to be able to try some things and if I didn't like it, could get something else. The only one around now is Golden Corral and they're mediocre at best. I know a great mom & pop place and their breakfasts are the best part of their menu. Oh, and "adventurous", well it can be at least adventurous if not downright dangerous to eat at some peoples' places! I'd rather eat at McDonalds than eat my sister-in-law's cooking.