We know what you really meant! Myself, I would have a nice thick file at the FBI. Because when the noise started I would paint myself up in camoflauge, stick branches and leaves on me, get the binoculars and a big flashlight and stalk them. Then I would stand in the back yard with my "rifle"-the rake-and point it at the helicopters and make gun noises. After the FBI arrested me I would go on Good Morning America to proclaim my innocence and c/o the government spying on good old American gardeners who are just trying to help end hunger. And that was just plain old mud stuck to me, thank you very much, and who EVER heard of shooting at a helicopter with a rake? The government has gone crazy, first tapping out phones, then how we spend our money, that right there is proof, all my money goes to nurseries and garden books, 6 of my ancestors fought for this country's freedom way back when, I'm a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution for crying out loud, noone in MY family ever shirked their military duty, my husband is a Vietnam Vet! What is wrong with the government? Terrorist everywhere and they are scaring and arresting gardeners! Of course, I probably already have a file with the FBI!! Keep your head down! Tally HO!

again, thank you everyone. All the suggestions worked out great. We had plenty of food. As I did not mix up everything, the leftovers will be more manageable. Everything was good, expect I cooked the cake little long and it was dry side but it seemed to have been hit independent. It ended up much longer evening than I anticipated, everyone stayed well into the dark and last people left after 10 pm. So from that I assume everyone had good time as well. Luckily weather cooperated as well, no rain at all the last 4 days. Now my hands and back hurt from all the prep work and running around yesterday, so next couple of days I at least "plan" to take it easy. We have been invited to Xmas even party and asked to bring fruit cake. I have never made one, and if I recall correctly, these are quit dry as well. Anyway, after brief rest, I will be hunting for perfect fruit cake recipe.

Seabornman, What was your experience, was it from an attic? Does it come granular and puffed? A question I have is the degree to which vermiculite is inherently dusty/friable, or is it like 9 inch floor squares, with asbestos locked into a matrix. I learned a couple years ago that some popcorn ceiling material was made with vermiculite. Because of that, I had to retest my ceilings, which did not come back hot. I would recommend to KZ for piece of mind, to speak with an Asbestos testing lab and either have them come out to collect a sample, and test it stringently.

Can't tell you how many people have ask me how to disinfect/sanitize laundry. I always ask why they feel the need to sanitize. Usually it's just because they want things the cleanest and whitest possible but once in awhile it's to eliminate the flu virus that a family member has. Ok fair enough. I know how kids can sneeze their body fluids all over the bedding....but truth is that a good hot wash in detergent is going to reduce the germs enough that there's no worries. Unless someone is dealing with a serious infection or going thru chemo ect..or using kitchen linens around raw poultry there shouldn't be a need to sanitize. My boys love to play in the rock garden chasing the toads. At the end of a summer day they are filthy. Covered in dirt, grass, popsicle, and unidentifiable soils. I don't see where this will hurt them. They do wash their hands before eating unless I take out popsicles. At the end of the day a good shower restores them to sweet smelling boys. Ever notice kids that go to school in the winter with no coat, boot, hat are never sick while mine catch everything within a 20 mile radius. I've eased up on some winter gear. Boots are only worn in snow, rain or mud. Hats only if it's below 40 or windy...and shame on me but my 11 yo is now just this year wearing sports shorts twice a week for sports activities at school....course once our temp hit windchill of zero and below he WILL be wearing sweats. ....this morning he was about to walk out the door in sport shorts and a tee...I ask where he thought he was going with no coat or hoodie..lol. it was 58 here than so I agreed he could wear a hoodie. I figure nothing I've done to date has kept him from the viruses so I'm taking a different approach this year. ... I agree that exposure to germs, normal everyday germs help kids to build a good immunity system. That being said if we're at the er for something I use sanitizing wipes on the bottoms of our shoes before coming into the house even though it's a remove your shoes household..except for guests. Common sense...it all comes down to common sense. No problem giving a baby a pacifier that fell on the floor at home but wouldn't if it fell out in public.