I have some palms that i am trying out in protected locations, but no actual protection otherwise. Most are marginal here, but readily available at garden centers. Our microclimates are so complex here. Someone on the other side of town might be able to grow something that you have trouble with. Our low this winter was 29F for a bit before sunrise one day. We had a dozen or so frosty mornings and other than that we stayed around 35F. Majesty palm - outer half of fronds damaged, but already has 3 spears as of today and one opening up Foxtail- less hardy than supposed. Four large fronds completely fried, but opening a spear. I moved it to a more protected location with two-story walls on three sides and facing south. Dypsis Decipiens (manambe palm) - seedling, unprotected out in the open - no damage. Kentia Palm - No damage Flame Thrower- No damage King - slight damage I also have these, although these are given in our area: 6 Queens Phoenix Canariensis W. Robusta

Yes I posted on the wrong thread so I will copy and paste... Well now we are thinking of a Nordictrack instead of Bowflex...We can buy one right here in our small town and have it delivered and set up and we don't have to mess with doing that...these suckers are very heavy...and my DH has a lot on his plate right now.... I posted this at the KT but I'll post it here too... I have been walking indoors for the last week since the weather is so nasty...I set up a little routine of walking through the kitchen and dining room and circling the table and the bar...It is actually kind of fun and I put on my ear phones and listen to the tv and I carry 3 pound weights to boost it a bit....I have been doing the 10K steps as a guide...I figure with a 10 K walk and a normal 2 thousand day I am getting some exercise...My Beloved DH is going to buy me a treadmill as I really don't like to get out and walk on our country road...I doubt anything would happen but you never know when some jerk might be desperate enough to want to do an old fat woman...LOL I am going to concentrate on eating good for the next week...I just have to get some pounds off or I can see myself screwing up big time...I am at a point so close to saying ..who gives a crap that it's not funny...and I know that is the wrong thing to do...I just have to re-commit to getting these last 10 pounds off...my body seems to be fighting it so bad.. I am going to give up bread altogether for a week or so and see if that helps...I only eat whole grain and not that much but I can't think of anything else drastic to do...I hope you all are eating good...there is no excuse for me not following my program...It's a good one and not that strict... I am feeling pretty good about my plan now so I am not bummed out or anything like that...just got to get past this 150 thing where I seem to be stuck...

Good Morning ...long time no post BUT I am reading when I have time. Christmas Exchange - I'm in! French Lick - I'm out. I will be in San Diego for my oldest DS's Police Academy graduation. Diet - I am doing very well on WW. I actually really love the program and it is working for me. I needed accountability and I was not good at all. I love food and as much as I loved some of the low carb diets...I cheated too easily because I missed some on the things that I loved to eat. On WW, I can have a potato, banana, popcorn...etc. I am not putting down low carb, it works for some but I don't remember the last time I lost 10 pounds so easily. I am doing their Core plan and I don't count points unless it is a treat like a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich, fat free chips or something like that. I have to pay each week to get weighed and I find the meetings pretty good. I am doing with the SO and he is losing too. He needed to lose weight and I really was not into making different meals for each of us so I said I would do WW with him. He is losing too and being as competitive as I am...I think it keeps me on task. Work - BUSY and I lost my assistant so I have twice as much work again to do. Working out - I work in an office full of IT geeks. I was talking to one of them the other day and he was telling me about this program for the XBox. ( Video Game Machine ) It is called Yourself Fitness. It is like having a personal trainer. It creates different work outs for you according to your fitness level. It keeps you interested because the workouts change all the time. They even ask you what kinds of other workout items you have and incorporate that into the workout. ( weights, fitness ball, step ) I am seriously considering this because I really want to get back into shape. My car accident in 03 has really messed up my back. I haven't worked out since then because it seems like any little thing give me sciatica. I put on 10 pounds on top of what I needed to lose and that only added to having low self esteem about myself. I have one of the momentus birthdays next year and I really really want to look good for it. Kids -They are all well and happy! I cannot ask for more. I really feel blessed each day because they are so good and well adjusted. Alright - I wrote more than I thought I would have time for! Hello to all and prayers for those who need them! Gretchen

I haven't weighed the whole week...scared too but will start weighing again on 1/1/2007..........been trying to eat good this week but have eaten things/more than I should have I am sure cause I wasn't keeping track except mentally...Didn't want to spoil the holiday foods....Looking forward though to being back on track....I am setting a goal for myself of 10 pounds to lose...that is 10 pounds beneath 145 so it may end up being more depending on what I weigh on the first...We have to make a good commitment...I talked to my DH who wants to be on plan with me after the first about the eating until satisfied concept..I got him to do it at lunchtime today so I hope it works...He loves to eat so he is used to eating until he is stuffed...I tried to explain how much better it feels not to be stuffed... Eat well Ladies and stay on Plan...