If you think it's nearing, why not just take it home anyway? No, I can't think of a way to predict it, other than the obvious gradual maturing of the bud. No, that won't happen unless the conditions are opposite to what's needed to bloom (i.e. raging snowstorm). Generally, if you can provide similar conditions, cactus flowers are not that sensitive.

Not easy. Some things to try, but all basically cut down the numbers as opposed to an instant cure. - Smaller feedings, or give them a break from feeding altogether (have bedding they can munch on though). Also freeze (then thaw) feedings before adding so they get processed faster. Worst thing is food hanging around for weeks. - Bury the feedings under some VC. Doesn't have to be that deep as long as it covers everything, just don't want it open air. Loose shirt might not work unless it's really tight, loosely on top doesn't really count as if there's any gaps they can crawl in easily. - If they are coming from the top tray, try a mesh lid. Fine mesh overtop instead of the plastic one, held in place with bungie cord. Seals better than the plastic lid (at least the lids I've seen). Also stops the wife from seeing them flying around :). You can then lift up a corner and stick a vacuum inside without letting them all out (as the plastic lid would). Tap it around a bit to get the suckers to fly up and into the vacuum of death. You can do that daily to make sure they don't get old enough to lay more eggs. With time you can drastically reduce the numbers flying around.

It sounds like you're setting some good boundries with your sister. You can love her, care for her, listen to her, empathize with her, etc. But don't get caught up in her problems. Set your own personal boundaries, and say things like "Gee I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time" and leave it at that. I have a good friend who sounds like you sister. 44 yrs old, still lives in an appt, shops constantly and doesn't have a dime saved. She had major surgery in Jan & called me in March bawling when she got a hospital bill for $10K, which is her part after ins. paid. She was crying so loud DH could hear. I just kept saying things like, "I'm so sorry you have this stress after having surgery" and "I'm sure you'll be able to work out payments with the hospital." I refused to get invovled or try to solve her problems. When I hung up, DH said "you know, you can give her some money, we have a little to spare." I told him, yes we have a little to spare because we live frugally, shop at Goodwill not Macys, eat at home not eat out, etc. I would not give her money because it would not have helped the problem at all. By the way, that friend is now out shopping with her credit card constaly. Every week she tells me about the new outfits she bought, or the new shoes, or the new craft supplies, new furniture, etc. I wonder if she's paid any of that $10K hospital bill? It also sounds like your sister needs to get a 40 hr a week job, or maybe 2, and forget about owning her own business until she gets her finances in order. She sounds like 2 couples I know, both own their own businesses and are going BROKE right now (construction businesses in a down economy) but neither couple will even consider "working for someone else." Sometimes you have to do what it takes, not what you want. Good luck!

This is the first year DH and I will be alone at Christmas. I'm not looking forward to it. It will be too quiet, but that's the way it is. I'll let you know how it goes. Glad you get to have at least one baby there. Enjoy the others Christmas Eve. Does that mean you have to cook twice?