Drew: MI and WI have fairly uniform rainfall across the state and average what, about 30-35 inches. Texas varies from more than 60 inches to nearly zero. So whether TX averages more or less than those other states doesn't mean much. I did state west Texas. Around this part of west Texas that's 12-15 inches. The other factor that's just as important is evaporation. Here it's about 80-90 inches per year so rainfall is about 15-20% of evaporation. In WI, MI, and NY rainfall and evaporation are about the same. If they weren't about the same you'd not have all those big lakes. Around here a ranch with a trickle of water sells at a premium and is said to have "live water". Coming from IL that always makes me roll my eyes. NY, MI, and WI are like peas in a pod compared to west Texas or CA. That's basically what I said earlier and I'm sticking to it. PS: I am aware of at least some of the affects of the Great Lakes on MI precipitation. Snow is increased in some areas near the lakes. Rainfall in summer is reduced about one inch per month in some areas. That is a benefit to some fruit crops. But it's often the changes from dry to wet or vise versa that cause issues such as cracking. Why don't we table this debate until your nectarines and pluots are producing. This post was edited by fruitnut on Mon, Aug 19, 13 at 22:24

Kevin - when do your direct-sown zinnias start blooming? I love zinnias, and want more next year, but don't like to spend $ on annuals when I don't have to. Idabean - When I first read your post, before looking at the pictures, I thought "wow, I can SO relate to this!" After I looked at the pictures, all I could think was that there's a very simple solution - come to my house! After seeing my version of "my brain feels disorganized when I look at it," you'd go home, run through your garden with arms in the air screaming "I love you - you're beautiful," stopping only to kiss the ground once in a while. That being said, I am working on my own reorganization. In addition to the great suggestions you already have, I'll add one more. If something like the huge rose is bothering you, but you're not 100% sure you want to (or have time to) dig it out, give it a hard prune. Do it now, even if it's not an ideal time. The space will open up and you can decide if you'd miss it (and its size was the real issue) or if it's "good riddance." Also, I just made a list of the annuals, perennials, shrubs, and vines that bring me joy, along with their bloom times. It helped me objectively evaluate what i really value in my garden (in a very positive way), and what doesn't really thrill me so much. I'll be giving away or composting more of the latter, and freeing up space for more of what makes me smile.

I ran it again - hope it has everything: Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2 Scan saved at 10:46:50 PM, on 2/13/2011 Platform: Windows Vista SP2 (WinNT 6.00.1906) MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.19019) Boot mode: Normal Running processes: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\QLBCTRL.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP Software Update\hpwuschd2.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\QuickPlay\QPService.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\PC Tools\sMonitor\SSDMonitor.exe C:\PROGRA~2\Webshots\webshots.scr C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqToaster.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=en_us&c=81&bd=Pavilion&pf=laptop R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=en_us&c=81&bd=Pavilion&pf=laptop R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896 R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=en_us&c=81&bd=Pavilion&pf=laptop R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant = R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch = R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page = C:\Windows\SysWOW64\blank.htm R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = R3 - URLSearchHook: AGSearchHook Class - "0BC6E3FA-78EF-4886-842C-5A1258C4455A> - C:\Program Files (x86)\AGI\common\agcutils.dll F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=userinit.exe, O1 - Hosts: ::1 localhost O2 - BHO: (no name) - "02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670> - (no file) O2 - BHO: HP Print Enhancer - "0347C33E-8762-4905-BF09-768834316C61> - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_printenhancer.dll O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - "18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - "3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0> - C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG10\avgssie.dll O2 - BHO: NCO 2.0 IE BHO - "602ADB0E-4AFF-4217-8AA1-95DAC4DFA408> - (no file) O2 - BHO: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on - "75EF13CE-B59E-41ba-8A5A-A944031BD8B4> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Google Analytics Opt-Out\gaoptout.dll O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - "761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll O2 - BHO: Windows Live ID Sign-in Helper - "9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll O2 - BHO: McAfee SiteAdvisor BHO - "B164E929-A1B6-4A06-B104-2CD0E90A88FF> - c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\mcieplg.dll O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - "DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll O2 - BHO: HP Smart BHO Class - "FFFFFFFF-CF4E-4F2B-BDC2-0E72E116A856> - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - "7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA> - (no file) O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - "CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829> - (no file) O3 - Toolbar: McAfee SiteAdvisor Toolbar - "0EBBBE48-BAD4-4B4C-8E5A-516ABECAE064> - c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\mcieplg.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QlbCtrl] %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\QlbCtrl.exe /Start O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UCam_Menu] "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\YouCam\MUITransfer\MUIStartMenu.exe" "C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\YouCam" update "Software\CyberLink\YouCam\1.0" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files (x86)\Hp\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Health Check Scheduler] c:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\HP Health Check\HPHC_Scheduler.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WirelessAssistant] C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\HP Wireless Assistant\HPWAMain.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QPService] "C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\QuickPlay\QPService.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Reader 10.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe" O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_TRAY] C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG10\avgtray.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SSDMonitor] "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\PC Tools\sMonitor\SSDMonitor.exe" O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Sidebar] C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Sidebar\sidebar.exe /autoRun O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ehTray.exe] C:\Windows\ehome\ehTray.exe O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'LOCAL SERVICE') O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'LOCAL SERVICE') O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'NETWORK SERVICE') O4 - Startup: OneNote 2007 Screen Clipper and Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE O4 - Startup: Webshots.lnk = C:\Program Files (x86)\Webshots\Launcher.exe O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\Windows\system32\GPhotos.scr/200 O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~2\Office12\EXCEL.EXE/3000 O9 - Extra button: (no name) - "08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - "08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre6\bin\ssv.dll O9 - Extra button: Send to OneNote - "2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49> - C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: S&end to OneNote - "2670000A-7350-4f3c-8081-5663EE0C6C49> - C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~2\Office12\ONBttnIE.dll O9 - Extra button: Research - "92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263> - C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~2\Office12\REFIEBAR.DLL O9 - Extra button: Show or hide HP Smart Web Printing - "DDE87865-83C5-48c4-8357-2F5B1AA84522> - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\Digital Imaging\Smart Web Printing\hpswp_BHO.dll O13 - Gopher Prefix: O16 - DPF: "D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000> (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab O16 - DPF: "E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7> - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab O18 - Protocol: dssrequest - "5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5> - c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\mcieplg.dll O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - "F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1> - C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG10\avgpp.dll O18 - Protocol: sacore - "5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5> - c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\mcieplg.dll O18 - Protocol: wlpg - "E43EF6CD-A37A-4A9B-9E6F-83F89B8E6324> - C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\AlbumDownloadProtocolHandler.dll O23 - Service: AG Windows Service (AGWinService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\AGI\common\win32\PythonService.exe O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\Alg.exe,-112 (ALG) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\alg.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe O23 - Service: AVGIDSAgent - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG10\Identity Protection\Agent\Bin\AVGIDSAgent.exe O23 - Service: AVG WatchDog (avgwd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG10\avgwdsvc.exe O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe O23 - Service: Com4Qlb - Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\Com4Qlb.exe O23 - Service: @dfsrres.dll,-101 (DFSR) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\DFSR.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: GameConsoleService - WildTangent, Inc. - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP Games\My HP Game Console\GameConsoleService.exe O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe O23 - Service: HP Health Check Service - Hewlett-Packard - c:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\HP Health Check\hphc_service.exe O23 - Service: hpqwmiex - Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqwmiex.exe O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: @keyiso.dll,-100 (KeyIso) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe O23 - Service: McAfee SiteAdvisor Service - McAfee, Inc. - c:\PROGRA~2\mcafee\SITEAD~1\mcsacore.exe O23 - Service: @comres.dll,-2797 (MSDTC) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\msdtc.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\System32\netlogon.dll,-102 (Netlogon) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (nvsvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\nvvsvc.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: PC Tools Startup and Shutdown Monitor service (PCToolsSSDMonitorSvc) - PC Tools - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\PC Tools\sMonitor\StartManSvc.exe O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\psbase.dll,-300 (ProtectedStorage) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: QuickPlay Background Capture Service (QBCS) (QPCapSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\QuickPlay\Kernel\TV\QPCapSvc.exe O23 - Service: QuickPlay Task Scheduler (QTS) (QPSched) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\QuickPlay\Kernel\TV\QPSched.exe O23 - Service: Cyberlink RichVideo Service(CRVS) (RichVideo) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\Locator.exe,-2 (RpcLocator) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\locator.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\samsrv.dll,-1 (SamSs) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\lsass.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\SLsvc.exe,-101 (slsvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\SLsvc.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\snmptrap.exe,-3 (SNMPTRAP) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\snmptrap.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\spoolsv.exe,-1 (Spooler) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: SupportSoft RemoteAssist - SupportSoft, Inc. - C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\supportsoft\bin\ssrc.exe O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\ui0detect.exe,-101 (UI0Detect) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\UI0Detect.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%SystemRoot%\system32\vds.exe,-100 (vds) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\System32\vds.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%systemroot%\system32\vssvc.exe,-102 (VSS) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\vssvc.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%Systemroot%\system32\wbem\wmiapsrv.exe,-110 (wmiApSrv) - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\wbem\WmiApSrv.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: @%ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe,-101 (WMPNetworkSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe (file missing) O23 - Service: XAudioService - Unknown owner - C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\xaudio64.exe (file missing) -- End of file - 12673 bytes

Here's a suggested list of some of the items that should be maintained on your computer and some suggestions for added security. Basic maintenance and basic security work together to keep your system performance at its peak. Like your vehicle, a computer is a complex item that needs routine maintenance and basic security to keep it running and free from problems. Keeping a clean and maintained machine makes for a smoother operating computer. It may sound like a lot to do, but breaking it down and doing some occasionally should make it simple. Plus, if you start off on the right track you'll save headaches down the road. It's difficult to say how often these items should be completed. Your computer is different from others and your use is different, so your time frame may differ and that's fine. This is intended to give some ideas of the types of things that should be done. Add/delete/modify as needed. The point is to establish a routine on a regular basis. First, some of the basics: For the most part, these items need to be done only once. (Should be done immediately when getting a new machine) Rename user account disable guest account & password other accounts Install a firewall Install an antivirus program Install a spyware/malware remover Install a spyware blocker Install a trojan detector Install a registry guard Install a program to edit your startup programs Uninstall preloaded programs that you won't use Secure browser & email client settings Setup "popup" control or install popup blocker Customize settings for all installed programs Check for current versions/updates on all software, including the Operating System.(OS) Disable "Messenger" unless needed Replace/disable programs that "phone home" Determine how you will back up critical data Install surge protector or UPS Record serial #s, product key #s, model #s & specifications Make (and test) a boot disk Back up drivers and special install disks Clean up the startup programs Perform as needed: Backup vital files on a time frame appropriate for you. If you have a lot of important data that is updated/added frequently you'll need to backup more often than someone who has little critical data. It's also a good idea to change your passwords periodically Items needing attention regularly. Suggested time frame: Weekly to 2x/month Update definitions on any program running in the background, such as a real time virus detection. Run virus check and spyware check (if not done automatically) Clean out junk mail and old email Clean cookies, temp files etc. Empty recycle bin Backup registry/set System Restore point Suggested time frame: Monthly to Quarterly Disk check & Defragment Check for OS updates & patches Suggested time frame: Once or twice a year Clean keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, monitor, vents & case Uninstall (don't just delete folders of) obsolete & unused applications Clean out old downloads and files that are no longer needed. Also check for ~*.*, *.tmp, *.chk, *.old, file0*.* and other similar files Clean inside case (blow out dust, check connections etc), including power supply Check that fans are working Clean out excess startup programs Clean Start Menu Clean & organize files Check hard drive space - should be >20% free space Clean index.dat files Clean out Bookmarks/Favorites Clean out excess graphics files And also, Don't forget to unplug your system and phone/internet connection during thunderstorms! Document error messages so you can research them or ask for help Pay attention to strange sounds and noticeable changes in performance Thanx to (Cynic) Ken for this contribution