From what is available at local orchard PYOs, I think Mutsu, Jonnagold, and Honeycrisp are the best (honorable mention for Macoun). I can't find Goldrush or Golden Russet russet at PYO, but they are a full level better than the above apples. Just recently I discovered Lady Alice in the grocery store and it is a very good winter apple- up there with Pink Lady. The best had a brix of ~17 and reminded me of a Fuji (a good one, not the bland ones), mixed with a Orleans Reinette (which I've only had one batch of, but were very good), with a bit of Braeburn thrown in. I'm surprised 2 people both liked Cortland the best. I've always found it OK, but not great- 2nd among the "mac" types, after Macoun. It does get pretty good size and has decent sweetness. It's worth mentioning that I found Zestar at a farmer's market last summer (8/15) and it was head and shoulders above the other early apples. I'm looking forward to comparing it to William's Pride and possibly Akane this year. The WP just started opening its blossoms today, putting it as one of my early bloomers. Only my Red Boskoop is clearly earlier, as it has been blooming for 3-4 days and appears almost half way done.

My questions: 1) Is 2.5 gallons enough for a single betta? Yes, but the bigger the better. 2) Do I need to cycle the aquarium before adding the betta? I intend to have the aquarium set up and running for at least 7-10 days before I add the betta because I want to monitor the ph, water temp, etc. for awhile. Absolutely yes... and I would strongly suggest that you monitor the Ammonia / Nitrites / Nitrates with a kit that your local fish shop sells. And I would start with a feeder guppy to help cycle the tank. 3) I keep my thermostat in the 60s n the winter. I realize that is too low for a betta, although he will be in the warmest room in the house. Is there a good heater for a 2.5 gal aquarium in case the light doesn't provide enough heat? There are plenty sold that are more than adequate for the gallonage. Ask your LFS what he or she recommends. 80 F is a good temp. 4) I have 'shopped' for betta fish at a couple of petstores (both chains), a chain aquarium store and I'm about to go to a local aquarium store that gets good reviews. I am researching how to recognize a healthy betta.....but just in case my emotion overcomes me or he turns out not to be all that healthy....does it make sense to provide him with some kind of general preventative medical care as soon as he gets to his new home, just in case? What kind of care would be good? Pick one that seems active, with no bacterial or parasitic issues... mabe one that has produced a bubblenest and has pugilistic intentions with the Betta in the bowls nest to his. The best care is one that matches temperature and pH of both the Betta bowl in the store and the tank you have. 5) Which seems like a better idea - a silk plant or a live plant (or two - how much can a small aquarium handle?)? I like living aquatic plants, like Water Sprite. I used to breed them in that material. Okay that's enough questions for now, I'm sure more will follow...any help I can get is much appreciated. Bettas seem to have a pretty short life span as it is, I don't want to shorten it even more out of ignorance on my part.... Thanks! Anita Keep us posted

Glenda, that is fun to be a model at least once in our lifetime. I modeled for the clothing store I worked for, in the mall in Butte Montana. Then was able to buy the outfit at a big discount. Can we look forward to seeing you on the next Project Runway? Dottie

Bill, I'm getting Juparana Arandis and mine is coming from Bedrock International in Arkansas, as well. My version is quite a bit darker then most I've seen on the Internet and darker then other slabs they had there. Fabricator is coming today to get my farm sink and I will quiz him again. I can understand if maybe he thinks my particular stone doesn't need sealing, but when he said "they're all sealed." that concerned me.