I chose Slackware because I've used it for most of about 15 years. Once its set up, I don't usually have to fool with it. (That said, once I plugged in my x10 module and started switching the solenoid on and off, I'd not be able to get into the system. I believe it was still operational, but there is apparently some memory leak in the usb system or the x10 application that makes it so that I can't connect. As a result, I've set the Raspberry Pi to reboot every 3 days-ish. I'll let it run like this until I have time to replace the x10 part of the system with a PiFace module I've bought and not had time to dive into. Also, I've had 900+ days of uptime on (a different box running) Slackware before, so I'm confident the problem is in one of the programs in use.) It turns out that I got started too late in the year to have much success, ...and when I did try, I'd set myself up for failure by going out of town the VERY NEXT morning after I'd set this up. Alas, my neighbor who was checking in on things missed the instruction for this system so... I've iterated away from the spray tank and its need of constant filling and pressurization. I've connected garden hose to the solenoid w/ a connector that can be had @ Lowes (garden hose to pipe thread). Its now truly set and forget. I'm able to access the device remotely via ssh anywhere I have internet. Its also set as a webserver, but I don't have current data being displayed any longer. I was graphing temperature and humidity in my greenhouse as well as the closest weather station. It wouldn't be hard to build some sort of webpage to control it, but that's not exactly my strength (...but might make an interesting project). As far as calibration, I spent about 2 weeks calibrating it. Its "offness" wasn't linear and the output from the tool provided by the author of the software didn't seem to handle it much better. In an effort to get a usable product, I've scrapped the temperature/humidity sensor controlled parts until such time as I can get better data from them. (This might mean new sensors, or more refinement in calibration.) The system is now only using time as input into when it should mist. I think its set for 10 seconds every 2 hours at present. I managed to get a few Japanese Maple, Juniper, and Crabapple cuttings to root, and I've got a flat of ~90-ish gardenias under mist right now. Hopefully next year I can get started early and in earnest ...and really put this system through its paces. My primary concern is in the finding of interesting stock to root. Also, if a copy of any of Dirr's propagation manuals comes around I might see about acquiring it. I still need to contain the guts of this system in a project box of some sort for a few different reasons. If I can find the time, I may build out benches for my greenhouse ...and see about installing a heating cable.

Nancy, thanks so much for posting for me. When I phoned we were still in shock and I'm sure I wasn't very coherent. It was a rough couple days. Linda, the antique furniture is probably a total loss. If it was on the floor - it's water damaged. I've got a call into our antique broker but haven't yet been able to reach him to discuss possible repairs (?). It's possible he's also flooded. Still, once it's been flooded - never the same and value will be severely reduced, as you know. So, we'll most likely let the insurance deal with them on our claim. :( We were bemoaning the loss of the antique pieces last night before we fell asleep. Every one had a story that meant a lot to us. Truthfully though, we have so much to worry about right now that we haven't focused on their loss - yet. The structure itself held well so we had no interior wind damage to rattle things around. That means the mulberry is okay as are all of the 18th century wine glasses and decanters. We lost a considerable number of reference books though and you know how hard those are to come by. I also lost my Yamaha Clavinova. :( Things like Dad's accordion we took with us as well as all his sheet music. I lost some genealogy. That's heartbreaking. I'm still working on the inventory list. That goodness we kept meticulous records, receipts, and have a thorough professional appraisal as an addendum to our policy. It cost a bit more in premiums but not nearly as much as the losses. Lpink, have you considered coming through CT to New London and taking the ferry over to LI, going to get your aunt/uncle, and bringing them back the same way? We have ample gas available in CT and there's been virtually no looting concerns. It's a mess here but we are up and running again and safe. The ferry is running again. And thanks so much for you thoughts. Every one means so much now. Bumblebeez - thanks so much. Please keep those best wishes coming. It's going to be a long haul, months not weeks. Chase, on behalf of all Sandy's victims thank you for your Red Cross donation. The Red Cross is doing so much for so many across the region. They are always first on the scene and last to leave. Again, thank you. FEMA seems, so far, to be on top of things. It only took 20 minutes to fill out forms, register, get assigned a representative, etc. and we've received several phone calls from FEMA already and it's only been a week today Sandy paid us a visit. We have an appointment Friday at FEMA's temporary office here in Stonington. /tricia

Tam, I don't mind at all - after all, I copied it from someone else. At the time I received it, I was just reaching a point in my life when I, too, was realizing that each day is a one-of-a-kind moment and needs to be savored. Gene, I agree that falling leaves can give us feelings of nostalgia. Ah, but that fallen leaf does return - just in a different form next time around. Instead of a leaf, picture it in your mind as food for next spring's flower, or part of the energy needed to form a drop of rain. I like to think of myself that way, too....Ummm...wonder what I will become next time around? :) Wasn't today just wonderful? Gerry

Hi Esme Would love to help you out but not sure what additional information I can provide. What we have works, a diverter tub spout, but It is frustrating when guests use the shower because to send the water to the shower you must pull down on the bottom of the spout and it is not obvious that this piece is there or how to use it. I had wanted a single 3-way diverter that would have diverted the water to the 3 outlets but my plumber goofed from what he told me to purchase for fixtures to the way his workmen plumbed the pipes and valve. I have replaced the 3-way/6 function trim/cartridge which had 3 positions with no water (what would have been tub only, Tub + shower head, Tub + hand held) with a 2 way/3 function diverter. My new plumber was refusing to install the 2-way diverter stating that it wouldn't work properly despite the install instructions that the same rough in valve worked with either the 3-way or 2-way. The Trim Kit included the cartridge so the new 2-way fixture included a compatible cartridge. He installed it, just to prove me wrong, and it worked as I expected! He said he had a customer with the same issue and took the instructions and box so he could recommend how to fix her problem. These are Brizo/Delta Valves and Trim. I don't think the set up I ended up with is the best diverter set up. However, I received conflicting feedback from the Showroom, who consulted their Delta Rep, and the Delta Customer Service, that I contacted, on whether or not Option A (3-way diverter) would work. Good Luck! I really felt like I was the first person to want a tub, shower and hand held configuration with the amount of confusion with the Showroom, Delta and my Plumber.