Originally I emptied my tub using buckets, but I eventually bought a utility pump. It was expensive--about $50, but it drains the tub down to 1/8" of water and it eliminates the drippy walks through the house. (Getting water from the tub once the water is 6" deep and shallower is a real pain!) I also use the pump for pumping water out of rainbarrels, so it was a very good choice for me. I'm not sure if you even have a washer/dryer in your apartment, or if reusing that water would be feasible for you. In my house I tried to pipe my laundry water directly outside, but until I find something to gasket the washer/pvc interface, it won't work. So I bought a big garbage can to pump the water into on laundry days. Then I use the utility pump to send it outside. I actually prefer it that way because I can water the garden at a time of my choosing--instead of when the washer is emptying. If you have a double sink, you can keep a dishtub in one of them for catching rinsewater. Little bits of food are no problem for the plants. This makes it easy to collect pasta or potato water, too.

todance- Those black thingys are called "Shutter Dogs". I wanted them for years but they are a fortune to purchase at Restoration Hardware. Even ebay was pricey. I was considering cutting some out of wood and 'goin faux' with it. God Himself!!!!!!!, must have smiled at me one day and I found the 'real deal' at a resale shop. The shutters were also a resale find. kelly oh- That swing is called a Swing Bed. It holds a twin sized mattress ($10.00 yard sale and I made the cover and pillows out of scrap exterior fabric). Yes girl, if you drive by at the right time I will be laying there. Sometimes with coffee, sometimes with the mail, sometimes with a garden shovel and dirty gloves in my lap. Sometimes we hang a mosquitoe net above it for evenings. Hubs put a sterio speaker and vollume control out there. We never vacation- NEVER. So I found out that Bed & Breakfast places in the Carribean (and I'm sure some in the U.S.) have those swing beds. I found a Swing Company in Virginia who ships from FL. (Porch Swings Plus) The freight weight was 250 lbs. nb- I'll trade you my porch for your greenhouse! I cant wait to see your water feature!!!!!

With all the talk of cookies and cookie dough I couldn't stopped laughing after seeing debrak's photo!! (and of that super-loaded corner one id'd upthread with dibs! And as far as rescuing cookies visiting the floor, agree with annkh -especially since if I can cut the burnt bottoms off, I can and would just wipe them off if needed! Springroz - Just loved that shot of JR pulling the sleigh - ooohh just gorgeous! a2gemini - glad to see someone mention the blizzard of 66. As a young teenager my older sibs and I spent many extra days at home alone when our parents were stuck returning from an out-of-state funeral. They were nearly killed on the interstate and were lucky to get the last room at a motel. Snow levels were 8 feet with drifts over 12. As far as stocking up, I've often wonder if our interest in stocking up is a leftover evolutionary behavior...cannot for the life of me recall the actual term/phrase. I did only my regular shopping a day early, but did feel pressed to go before rather than after! Interesting thread! ...

I ordered a card game called Game of Phones that you play w your cell phone in a group. It is described as sort of a combo cellular scavenger hunt and Apples to Apples. I also ordered a mug with a map on it. It comes w markers to fill in the countries (or another version of the mug has states) you have visited. You fire it in your oven. You can add more later and fire it again.