I use ge ii on the glass (tho I've heard lexel works too and dries clearer, I've not tested it personally.) For attaching the spoons I use AUTOMOTIVE goop, following the instructions. Except rather than applying it to both surfaces, I just apply a lot to the spoon, then I press it in place where I want it on the back of the plate. THEN I immediately pull the spoon away, leaving some goop on the plate. Cure separately for up to 10 min and press back together. This is much easier than putting it on both. btw, plumbers goop doesn't hold through the weather. I was not well one day last week and it was the day I should have done the spoons in order to let them cure for 2 days before selling. Then we had unexpected company anyway on Saturday. I still regret not making it to the fair as I think it would have been a good venue. But now my goal is to make 40 more if I can and sell them this fall. Kathy

Well, just read all comments in one sitting. Infestation is traumatic. Especially when inflicted by a third party. Been there. But should we be POISONING ourselves, families and pets? The use of chemicals, etc., and "dirt" not safe for breathing, is cause for alarm. Do we need look farther for causes of cancer, and other disease? Asthma? Autoimmune? In humans and our pets. I've had them all. And lost my pure white Maltipoo to mesothelioma! (Asbestos.) How was he contaminated? Don't know. Having read these stories, I am giving thanks to the Universe that my concerns today about the odd speck of flea dirt is nothing to complain about. And easy to spot. How did I get here? WHITE ON WHITE: I love white. Warm whites, and cool: Floors, decor, linens, etc., it provides ME much needed brightness, greater opportunity for cleanliness - it shows dirt! including flea dirt! thus I clean and launder with passion. Place was spotless when my new wee white adopted Maltipoo pup, who takes a monthly flea pill - for now, arrived with fleas from Fresno - captured stray and wounded from streets, spared euthanasia thanks to rescue organization, healing has been a process. Her sensitive skin was angry. Her fleas were eradicated, quickly with vets help. How? Initially: one extra (chemical) flea pill was given. Initially 3 weekly baths with shampoo prescribed for her sensitive skin. After shampooing, rinsing, I would spray her with 50/50 diluted organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar - let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse lightly. This calmed her skin. I've read it's widely used to eliminate fleas. (DO NOT SPRAY NEAR EYES) She gets super omega fish oils SUPPLEMENT about 4-5 times weekly. Instinct Raw Frozen DIET. GRAIN FREE. With the odd flea picked up on outings, I am guessing, I inspect daily, we are LUCKY! White bedding, towels and throws make it easy to spot evidence. And easy to remedy through laundry. Here's what works for us: NO chemical cleaners, sprays, etc., NONE. LAUNDRY: WHITE VINEGAR (cleaning-strength) and PURE TEA TREE OIL added to each load. (Detergent: Nature Clean), Extra rinses. Hot dryer. Duvets too: both down and wool laundered with same method, several cycles in hot driers - fluffs up the feathers and wool. Works beautifully. Carpets removed. I make my own cleaning solution, using SAME white vinegar and tea-tree oil. (Using Nature Clean All Purpose Concentrate) NO CHEMICALS. Goal is to eliminate that flea pill: Education. A work-in-progress. If chemical cleaners and insecticide smells and inhalation don't make you sick (as they make me) think of the cumulative, long term impact. I deeply sympathize and empathize with everyone experiencing the trauma of infestation. Something experienced with my first dog who died too young (age 10) of cancer.

Well, after the bump, I started reading slowly and enjoying meeting everyone, and seeing again so many of the old regulars , and then I realized this was a very old thread! I scanned it to find my introduction and saw that I never introduced myself, so here it goes: Hi! I'm Maria, I live on the island of Chios (Greece), in my hometown were my parents and sister still live. We returned here with DH and 2 DDs after 20 years in Athens. BIG change in way (and quality!) of life. I'm a librarian, and a singer/pianist, very active at church in music and children's ministry and translating. I craft (recycling materials - I only buy glue and hotglue sticks!), and garden, and cook, and I LOVE organizing. On the other hand I don't like cleaning very much. I could definately be an organizer for other people but here it would be VERY strange for people to hire someone to come and see, and assess, and offer solutions for their mess... I am on this forum since 2000, but the last few years I only lurk, very faithfully though, and I agree with everyone that has said that people here are very genuine and friendly and always offering good suggestions and ideas and food for thought in general. This is my favorite place on the web!

NEVER combine flea control products such as dips and drops. You could overdose or cause a serious reaction. Dips are mostly useless too, and are either organophosphates (dangerous) or pyrethrins (useless, especially long term). If you need to get rid of fleas on your dog ASAP, Capstar is an effective way to do that and still able to administer TopSpot or Advantage safely. I believe you can only get that from the vet. Even if you don't use Capstar, all fleas on your dog will die within 24 hours of application of TopSpot or Advantage, and they will continue to be killed for up to 3 months (although it won't work that long for ticks). Make sure you get TopSpot PLUS, not plain TopSpot, with the insect growth regulator to help get rid of the fleas in your house. Also diatemaceous earth will help with environmental control. You'll need to vacuum like a madwoman every day for the next several weeks to suck up all the eggs that are in your house. The fleas will continue to hatch for at least 3 months in your house. The number of fleas you see is only 10% of the total population- most are in inmature forms (eggs, larvae). So your flea problem is much worse than it appears. Finding a vet shouldn't be too difficult. Start by asking your friends who have dogs who their vet is and if they like the vet. Since you will need a prescription for the good flea control anyway, you'll need an appointment with a vet. It is also a good idea to have the vet meet your new family member and get an idea on what is normal for her. Then when she gets sick, you will already know the vet, the vet will already know your dog, and you'll not be doubly stressed by having a sick dog and no vet! Vets vary greatly in cost and ability. The most important thing IMHO is if your vet communicates effectively. If you don't understand what is going on, why the vet is doing what s/he's doing, how a treatment is going to help, what are the possible side effects, what are the alternatives, etc. then keep looking. You should feel comfortable with all the staff, not feel like you're being rushed out of the appointment. I'm not especially wild about the pet store vets. They push things that can be harmful to pets, such as annual vaccines, vaccines that are not needed by your pet based on risk assessment, that kind of thing. Plus they can be ill-equipped to deal with illness, and don't seem keen on referring for serious problems that really ought to be referred. At least, that is the impression I have from various fellow vet students and other vets. I've never used a pet store vet myself, but have heard some horror stories. All pets need at least annual physical exams (more often for older and sick pets). The vet should discuss vaccinations (though most pets don't need annual vaccines), heartworm prevention (dogs, cats, ferrets), flea +/- tick control (pretty much all mammals), intestinal parasite control, previous history, and any concerns.