Play it safe, assume you are in zone 5. These zone maps are only based on low temperatures, and as such are only useful for judging if plants will survive the winter in your area. If you want to be sure, err on the safe side. On the other hand, you may find berries that you really want but are only for zone 6 and above. In that case, you could take a risk or take some protective measures to get them thru the winter. You may also want to forget this zone rating altogether and find out how cold it's likely to get where you live and base your decisions on that. I'm sure you can find winter temperature charts going back several decades.

Cathy, YES! They call me for advice also but they don't take it. However, my neighbor and I went to Wild Birds Unlimited yesterday and she bought baffles for both her houses - great news! But I cannot believe the Audubon Society is letting HOSP'S nest in their boxes. That would really upset me also, and I have to say, I would probably end up going off on someone who lets HOSP's nest in the boxes - just shocking it's the Audubon Society, causing more damage to the bluebirds than helping them. Kendra, conservation, huh?!? Wow. I AM glad to hear that at least some people in your area have proper baffles, but can't believe the conservation people don't. Linda, I understand you having a harsh opinion, I can relate! Ignorance, I can (somewhat) understand - I just try and educate in that case, not that they will listen - but I have to at least try. However, once they are aware of what WILL happen and still do nothing, I have no patience for the stupid and lazy. I tend to take it personally also, knowing that it may be the blues I worked so hard to fledge that may be "murdered" because the landlords just don't care, like you said. Thanks ladies for your input.

I finally got to read your whole post. I bet you are feeling like tearing your hair out because she sure doesn't seem to value your time or that you have other things to do. I am so sorry. My dad will be 91 in July and had hip/femur surgery in November and, sadly, it just hasn't healed. The next step is a partial hip replacement with a titanium rod inserted in the femur. What I have noticed is that on the days he has pain he can't seem to hand me his lunch or dinner plate or mail in order for me to clean up. I think it is a mental decision that they can't do the simplest of things. I think contacting any senior centers or any senior programs available through government services might be a great start. There are organizations that will take your mom grocery shopping or to appointments if they are fairly local. Some charge, some take donations and some are totally free. Many grocery stores have online ordering and will deliver to her home for a fee. That could be a lifesaver for sure. Do insist on being in charge of her calendar or you won't be able to attend or drive. She cannot make decisions for you when you are the ride. Let us know what you have decided to do and know that we all support you and most have gone through (or are going through) similar situations. The is a great place to vent! Robyn

Baffles generally capture grease better than "oil cup" systems. In general, you need to disturb the airflow in some way to get the grease out, so apples-to-apples a baffle system will have a tiny bit less airflow than a system that takes out less oil; but often it isn't apples-to-apples. For odors, the "scent molecules" that are in the grease will come out as the grease comes out, but a lot are in free floating, so airflow is what you want. I don't think the difference between the two hoods is going to be noticeable without a flow meter. Personally, I'd get the baffles for the better grease extraction and ease of cleaning (pop them into the dishwasher).