I bought that Cub Cadet model a little over two years ago from Home Depot (they were having a 4th of July sale and was able to get it for $190 plus tax). I found it to be a very good performer. Mulch performance was very good  everything disappeared under "typical" height cuts, and mostly disappeared when plowing through overgrown or wet areas. Bagging also was good, although the bag is a bit on the small side. Very even cut and easy to push  it does have ball bearing wheels. Overall construction was excellent for that price point. Love the single lever height adjustment. OHV engine started up on the first pull provided that you set the choke properly. It is a Chinese-made engine, but maintenance parts (air filter, spark plug) are available at HD. IÂm not an engine expert, so I canÂt comment on the longevity of such an engine, but IÂve encountered no problems whatsoever since I purchased it. I wound up giving the mower to my neighbor a few months ago and picked up a Toro Super Recycler (the push model  canÂt recall the exact number). There was nothing wrong with the Cub Cadet. My neighborÂs mower died on him and he couldnÂt afford a new one due to being laid off. He was borrowing my Cub regularly so I told him to keep it (heÂs a great guy that has helped me out many times in the past, so I was happy to be able to do a good turn for him). HeÂs had zero problems with it as well. I asked that he loan it back to me in the fall when I need to bag leaves, since I didnÂt get the bag attachment for the Toro. In comparison to the Toro, the Cub Cadet is a lesser machine across the board  the Toro mulches better, has more solid construction throughout, and a better deck. But, given that the Cub was less than half the price of the Toro, I think it is a great value. I do miss the 19" width  it was easer to maneuver than the Toro in the tight spots. IÂm not familiar with the Poulan, so I canÂt give you a specific recommendation as to which would be better for you. But the Cub has been a great performer for me (and continues to be for my neighbor) so if $65 savings is important, IÂd say go for the Cub.

On a side note, I've just been told to grow dracs and masdes this way. Sounds like a plan, cause I love the look of them, but if they're under a cloch will they get too hot? Maybe if I put them further from the window where the indirect light isn't as bright? Incidentally, if anyone has a lot of advice or suggestions, feel free to actually email me-- marsinger4@yahoo.com.

I agree with all of you: they're definitely Hollywood Regency. And I should recharacterize my own style, which is probably better said to be "*in* transition" rather than transitional. (: I do like clean-lined pieces, and our DR set is very Mission; the adjacent LR combines Mission and Art Deco; and our bedroom, where these chairs would go, is your basic Recovering Graduate Student/Random Wedding Present room. So funky/eclectic would fit in just fine there. And there's just something about these chairs... The room is a long rectangle. The half without windows is for the bed (not a bed per se, but rather mattresses on a metal frame) and the dressers, which are mismatched yard sale finds. On the other side of the room, I'd like to create a sitting/reading area next to the windows, with a gorgeous view of the mountains (by far the nicest thing about the room!). We got a red and tan handloomed Peruvian folk-art rug for our wedding, and that's what we'll use to set off the seating area. Also on that side of the room, framing one window, are some slender dark walnut modern-styled bookcases. And then the part I'd like to replace: a heinously ugly loveseat that a friend gave us, also on that side of the room. I'd much rather find some reading chairs and an ottoman than a loveseat anyway; the room's not that big, and the loveseat makes it a pain to open and close the curtains and shades. I agree these chairs don't look too comfortable, so they're probably not my ideal reading chairs. But they'd be good for draping the bathrobe or pulling into the LR for extra seating. I love the idea of velvet, and maybe even the box-pleated skirt -- hadn't thought of that, cool idea, thank you! I agree that they're great in a pattern, but I don't want lots of patterns clashing in my bedroom, I don't think. What would you think of a tan velvet on the back and the bottom of the seat, and then the top, round seat cushion in something like this: Here is a link that might be useful: I'd use this pillow cover to reupholster the seat...

Hot Lips has wintered over very well for the last three years in my Shoreline garden. As for soil, large pieces in the mix. In the spring and summer don't water unless soil is really dry - about half way down the pot. Fast drainage is the key - even more important than full day sun. Fortunately, the plant is not very expensive so if it does freeze buy a new one in the spring. You can grow lots of different salvias if you consider them annuals. The hummers will thank you and give you hours of joy watching them. You could also try Grevilleas and fuschias.