Judging from all the stressed bulbs turning up this season, I don't think it's exclusive to any one company. My Evergreen was/is definitely stressed, and that didn't come from Royal Colors. I think that the majority of bulbs coming out of South Africa are simply stressed this year. We can't know what they went through before we got them, but we can deduct that the trip was long and would be a contributing factor. My Jungle Bells is still trying to decide if it wants to send up that scape peeking out the top of the bulb. Even the Pink Diamond I bought locally is having a hard time with this. I don't know that Pink Diamond is a product of South Africa, but it, too, appears to be stressed. The mislabeled and stressed bulbs this year are numerous! Much more so than last year. What happened to cause this, I'm wondering? Is the quality going down now that the market is going up? Were there growth factors that we don't know about, such as poor weather or other problems at the grower level? Were the bulbs handled improperly at some point during shipment? There are a lot of variables to consider... I'm sorry to hear about another stressed bulb, Kristi... I'm sure it will perform better for you next bloom cycle, though.

You all are so nice! Today's news: The mini-gigantabird (20-22 lbs.) fits, in its carton, in the top fridge drawer, with room for the celery, carrots and onions to spare. Country, that's just it! I don't cook anything all that fancy very often, just good home cooking, but breaking bread (or matzah) is what keeps the family strong, and I enjoy entertaining friends as well. You're right: It's all about the love! The canning kitchen sounds like a fantastic idea! You certainly can enough to justify it. My setup is just the same five burners that anyone might get, but split between induction and gas, rather than one or the other. So far, it's working great. Dancingcook, Chag Sameach! I know what you mean about the pictures. I didn't get any by the time things were moving along. The fish and eggs looked really great on the little flower plates that go with the colored dishes. I live for the memories, however, rather than the pictures, so I'm glad to have remembered to take the few when there was a calm minute. I'm so glad to hear that your new kitchen is working so well, too! Jeri, thanks for posting and for the kind words. I definitely think you could put a Karbon faucet in a traditional kitchen if you can put a microwave in it!! Call it art! For a first vessel, I'd recommend an oversized serving bowl, that's wide at the top, and fairly shallow, and really really pretty. Make sure you have a place to keep it first though! I can't tell you how useful these are! Thanks, Steff! You've shared so much of the process with me, it's me thanking you! JMC, welcome to the club! The bowl is one of the traditional Bunzlaur patterns. Morgne, it's never too late for cool photos!! If it's not your first meal (giggles on the dollar pizzas), you can have your first "event"! Maybe a scratch pizza party if you want to keep the expectations down. Steph, thanks! LOL about the takeout! I'm hoping with the new kitchen to get back to where I was before overwork, and then bad old kitchen, and have so much good food at home that there's no appeal in take out. After a year of no cooking, I tell you I'm SOOO ready! Maybe you will be too when you have your new kitchen, but for the master there are much gorgeouser sinks. :) You can even find an interesting old vessel and drill out the bottom. Thanks to you all for sharing the holiday with me!

Just wanted to post a happy ending update. Shortly after this thread ended, and my new pic were up, we did lower the asking price for sale and rent. Within a week we had 5 more showings for purchase(no offers) but a very qualified renter applied to rent. Unlike my previous tennants who had a very good job, low credit score, BUT always paid their rent on time.. this couple has an excellent income, good credit score and excellent references. They had always owned a home, but were transferred 18 months ago, were planning on it being temporary, so rented. The home they have been renting in Michigan is now up for sale, and I looked at the pictures and they have lovely furnishings, that will fit perfect in my home. I'm very confident it will make the next time I list my home much easier. I have stipulated in our contract a longer 'right to show' clause.. previously 60 days, now 90 days. They stated they might be interested in purchasing at a later date, but are unsure about a future transfer at this point. I would have rather sold the home, but at least we have rental income again- the same amount as I had previoulsy been receiving. And we roll the dice and hope there isn't any further decline in the housing market in the next year or two.. I do always learn by my mistakes! Next time I will insist on better pictures from the start.. besides that.. my realtor really did an excellent job for me, in keeping me well informed of any and all feedback and following up with people frequently. I know those things should just be expected.. but not so much so with my last realtor.. I would definately use her again..just not have her take the pictures!.. and she was very ok with that.

The tan knob at the top looks like the vacuum break. Here's what I would do at this point... I'd turn the water off at that shutoff, and then replace the entire assembly (frost proof sillcock). You can get the whole thing for $30 at big box hardware. Note that if you go this direction you need to unscrew the sillcock from the copper pipe while holding the copper pipe from turning (so two wrenches). Frost proof sillcocks come in various lengths - match what you have. Also match the end that connects to the plumbing (is probably 1/2" male threaded). While you are there at the hardware store you will need a small roll of teflon tape to wrap on the pipe threads before you assemble again to prevent leaks. You will also need a can of "Great Stuff" or similar foam. With the new sillcock connected and properly in place, foam the opening around the sillcock from the inside so it's sealed up and keeps out air, bugs and critters. You don't want foam outside, so the new sillcock should be positioned tight against the house. If foam does get outside, don't mess with it until it's dry... then cut it / clean it up.