Hi everyone Thought I'd tuck this in at the end of a thread as I just need to vent. I'm trying to figure out why my kind, funny and supportive spouse who appreciates everything I do becomes insufferable when it comes to DIY projects. Here was our exchange when I showed him the bathroom. Me: So what do you think? DH: (Examines surfaces carefully). Did you sand the walls before painting them? Me: Of course do you like the color? DH: Mmmm. How will you attach the wainscoting to the walls? (Weve had this conversation 3 times by phone) Me: Adhesive on the walls then nails. Dont you think the cabinet turned out nicely? (Ive sanded and repainted a hideous brown wall cabinet white and added handles). DH : You might have trouble with these walls. Me: (Sigh) I know. I took the toilet out all by myself. DH: Will you get everything done before Mum arrives? Me. Im trying. DH. What will you do with the electrical outlet? What about the wire from the old light fixture? Arent you going to fill the holes from the old towel rail? Me: (Walking away) I just wanted to know if you liked it so far, especially the floor. DH: Of course I do. I just have questions. Me: Id be feeling better if youd said something like "Wow it looks great in here, youve been working really hard, what a transformation." DH: Youre over reacting, its much better than before. But are you sure you know how to grout? Perhaps he should get a job at Home Depot. Mary

Notwithstanding his fondness for fonts, NYG toned them down for the nonce. "Although my lilacs Look great in italics, Ariel does quite well for my plants." Up north, where the weather is cold, One gardener resolved to be bold. He constructed a greenhouse With the climate of Venus And grew flowers of deep blue and gold.

I will be watching an actual puppet show at noon tomorrow. I'm chaperoning a field trip. ;o) So I'll have to catch the video online later. Never say never, I guess, but the crowd of an event like is what would keep me away. It is historic and exciting, I think, for the level of interest and participation. If everyone thought "oh, ho hum, a new president, who cares? What's the big deal?" we'd be sorry nation of apathetic boneheads. Yeah, it's a lot of money spent, but it means someone is getting paid to do a job. Oddly enough, I think it makes people feel better to have a big celebration. If this big event and all the hoopla around it inspire people to get involved and make a difference, to set higher goals for themselves and their children... it's a good thing. Michelle's mother moving in sure beats hiring a nanny. They will need help with the girls, and who better? No big deal. The girls need as much family and love around them as possible. As do all children.

@Suyoder: As with any family of plants, there can be an incredible spectrum of difference in care needs. (For example, there are orchids which live upon mountain or tepuis in the cloud forests. Such plants may never experience daytime temps beyond 70F and regular lows in the 50's.) The genus Cymbidium does contain species which like constant warm (like Florida) temp, but most require a very real seasonal change in conditions. The multitude of hybrids out there may take after one side or the other. However, the most commonly produced hybrids are those which require a difference in seasonal conditions and care. I will assume that yours is just such a hybrid. With that disclaimer said: Spring: If possible, put it outside once temps are remaining above 40-50F. Harden the plant off -- starting it in a more shade area and over the course of a few weeks expose it to more and more full sun. Summer: Light: Give as much as you possibly can. If the leaves reach a chartreuse (yellow-green) color, you have the light intensity right. Water: Give it lots! If in a hot sunny area outside, it may enjoy being watered heavily more than once a week. Fertilizer: Feed it heavy and often. (Orchid fertilizer is what most folks use, but I have known folks who will fertilize with fresh horse manure.) Fall: Leave it outside until temps are in the 40's -- it can likely even handle light frosts. At this time when temps are on the chilly side, quit fertilizing and cut back on the water. Fall/Winter: Once temps are staying in the low 40's to upper 30's, move the plant to a brightly lit chilly (temps in the 50s) spot. (Many northerns will use an unheated, well lit garage or spare room.) At this time, ignore the plant with only occasional -- as in once every two or three weeks -- sips of water. Some folks forego watering entirely during this time. If all goes well, flower spikes will start sometime in December or January. A little bit of water can be given at this time but keep the plant where it is. Once the buds are coloring up or opening, you can move it to a warmer spot to enjoy. You can keep it out of direct sun during this time as warmth and sunlight seem to make the flowers of almost any plant "wear out" sooner. Flowers can last for a month or more. In a way, it is almost like forcing spring bulbs except the flowers will last far longer. Oh, and do you know when the previous owner last repotted it? It may be time to change the media. (And if it is, don't use dirt.)