I've been wanting to get some different colors of Christmas Cactus for the longest, so felt that the best way to add to my slowly growing collection on a budget is by waiting for the after holiday clearances. Last year I was lucky to have found some decent looking ones on clearance at Lowes for $1 each that I nursed back to health and which have been blooming profusely and continually since early September. I checked back at Lowes this year, but they were all wiped out. I checked out one of the many Home Depot's in my area and there were none in sight. However, I happened upon a rack of poinsettias on clearance for only one penny each. I grabbed the best two of the bunch and will attempt to rebloom them in time for next holiday season (if that's possible, as I've heard it can be done). Anyway, I checked out another Home Depot the following day to see what kind of bargains I may be able to pick up there, as I was still on the prowl for Christmas Cactus plants. I saw 4 of 'em at this Home Depot location and I asked the sales clerk if they were on clearance since there were so little of them remaining and all looked to have been on the decline with limp, wilting leaves. The clerk gave me the most snotty, snooty attitude and said "Oh, we don't mark anything on clearance here."...and then he walked away. I think in the future, Lowe's it will be......at least for me!

I didn't respond to this yesterday, not wanting to let it slide down the page without others getting a chance to see it. You are most welcome. At times it can be a little tough - you get the people who come on, ask a few questions that you take time & thought to answer, who then disappear forever - or until the next problem comes up. It's okay, that's the nature of a public forum, but sometimes you do get tired of answering the same question that had been discussed throughly last week, or so many times that we nagged Susie to put it up in the FAQs. On the other hand, it's wonderful to have someone who takes a lively interest in the forum and other's plants and questions as you have. That's how we make new friends, and turn a newbie into someone who has a knowledge beyond their own garden. I'm very glad to have been a part of that and happy you've gotten something good out of what has been offered.

I want to put a follow up on this thread. The GE Monogram all fridge all freezer units we purchased are both giving us problems that, according to the independent service technician, are showing up in more and more older models. In other words as the units age they develop these issues. I guess we are "lucky" in that they happened while we were still in warranty. First, the fridge was getting moldy. Mold was growing on the walls, shelves and even condiment containers and other containers that potentially are in the fridge for a while. I am cleaning the fridge every weekend, spending a couple hours at a time on it. Turns out that GE considers this within normal functioning parameters as the fridge is still getting cold enough. It is also developing rust. According to the technician - there is no fix for this. Second, the freezer is growing BIG hunks of frost on the back wall and according to the same technician this is indicative of "something big about to happen" although he refused to elaborate. So now I have two built in, custom panelled appliances purchased with the intent that they last MANY years and which will now need to be replaced. Be warned - stay away or if you must go with this line - at least go in with your eyes open.

I'm not sure about the wood blind but I can vouch for their shutters! I'm willing to bet their wood blinds are of great quality too. I compared quite a few companies before going with HD and they won hands down. Their shutter products seemed more sturdy when opening and closing (some feel jiggly and flimsy) and well-made. Hopefully someone will have a wood blinds review for you.