Re: the rototiller, it was (well he didn't say, but I think it was $325 or so)...cheaper than renting, if you think about it, we have spent at least $75 a year renting the big beast from the rental place, and had to hork it into and out of our van, and use it ALL DAY LONG in order to 'get our money worth' and of course, he didn't do something quite right and I had to live with it (and it was too big for me to use)...this one is about 1/2 the size (but still much bigger than a mini-tiller). I told him, "this is something we will use for the rest of our lives, don't skimp!" He seemed pleased with himself, he's probably the only man in the world who doesn't like grass, doesn't like to mow, so he's perfectly happy to tear out as much of the lawn as I can fill up with WS stuff!

You know, I think it was Nil who convinced me to add more pumice/perlite to my Aloe sowing mix. Seeing his results in pure pumice gave me confidence to use a lot more grit in the mix and I've been very happy with that. I can't manage pure pumice or even too gritty of a mix because I like to be able to take a day off sometimes or forget about watering a pot for a few days. I think it's all about finding the balance that works for your conditions/practices. About the "x"... I only put it in quotations to separate it from my sentence. It can just be an x.... (Aloe 'Fang' x). If you knew the other parent, you could add that name after the x. Yes, you should use the x when talking about them. Specifically the x means "crossed with", if you were going to say it out loud. Yes, you should probably do a liquid fert. I don't think the green balls are doing much for you. To get the most bang for my buck, I use a straight 20-20-20 water soluble fert in a 10% dilution. That means I only use 10% of the recommended ratio, making my fert 2-2-2. I have mine mixed up in a spray bottle at 4x strength so that all I have to do is squirt a little into each watering can. 4 squirts = 10%, 5 squirts = 12.5%, 6 squirts = 15%... (all very specific to my equipment) It took some careful math to set it up but I wrote down my formula and now it's very easy. Alright, good luck! PS, my name is Ryan but that's leaked information:)

Phenixk- Can't believe I came across your post. We are considering using Dorado(now Phildadelpia) Soapstone for a soapstone countertop and were wondering if it was a good choice. There is another company in the area that also sounds good, but as you said, Joe and Andy have been great to talk with so far. I am still trying to decide what to do-soapstone (?) or not, and would love to see a countertop that has been used in someone's home to see if it holds up as well as they say it does. How long have you had yours? Are you pleased with the wear, etc.? Also, I really like the idea of the lighter gray color, but I am not sure if it would stay that way (without oiling it) like they say, and look good. Our other option is to use 12 x 12 retified porcelian tiles. I want a primitive country look since I have a house full of antiques.

Hi Creek, I just stopped by to lurk and try to catch up on my friends. Haven't been here in sooo long. I'm glad I saw this. Your post brought back so many memories of trying to help Daddy take care of Mama who had alzheimers. He had a major stroke after my 6 siblings refused to help him and gave him no choice but insisted he put her in a nursing home. I was working full-time (had to- ex had left me DEEPLY in debt), had just married a man with 6 kids still at home, and spent the first 2 years of my new marriage running from work to 2 separate nursing homes trying to see that they each at least got fed ONE meal a day. Daddy had swallowing issues after his stroke. My heart broke DAILY. DH said, "Go- I will be here when you get back and I'm supporting you in any way I can." I've walked a mile in your shoes. I prayed for you before I started typing and will keep praying for you. Forget about the siblings. They will only add to your stress. Act like an only child and don't count on any help from them. Mamma and Daddy died within 18 months of each other and I still miss them terribly after 12 years. But, they are in a better place and I will see them again. The most important advice I can give you in hindsight is: Spend as much time with your parents as you can right now while you still have them. You won't regret it. And pray for strength and endurance. God Bless you, Betty PS- After reading everyone's encouragement, I was reminded why I love y'all so much even when I don't get to come by often. Karen, I'm painting that on my kitchen wall!