Here's one of Lucky's I saved: >>RE: pears http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg101057145319.html?2 clip this post email this post what is this? see most clipped and recent clippings * Posted by lucky_p z6 W.KY (My Page) on Fri, Oct 13, 06 at 13:03 From a friend of mine who's spent his life growing fruits and fruit trees, and used to operate one of the foremost fruit nurseries in the eastern US: "Most all European pears (exception is the new Green Jade), require post-picking chill to properly mature. Or, when fruit exhibit slight color changes, begin to test pressure (using your thumb) near the stem. When there is a slight "give", pick all the fruit, store at or near 35 degrees for 7 or more days. Then you can remove them as needed, allow them to sit at room temps for 2-4 days which allows them to ripen to peak flavor. Years ago, I got a letter from an older NAFEX fellow who told me that European types were very difficult to ripen due to varietal quirks or requirements in post harvest handling. He said "If you live long enough to learn how to properly ripen 10 varieties, you'll be lucky". I'm still working on it!!!"

I am also in zone 9b and planted six mango trees 4 1/2 years ago. Of them all, only the Valencia Pride is rated as a good shade tree. My VP has quickly outgrown all the others, and now stands tall and strong at 20 ft with no parallel branches below 8 ft, just a vertical trunk with a 10 " diameter three feet above the ground. It will top out at 60 - 65 ft in another 8 - 10 yrs or so. It's fast growth characteristic almost guarantees the cold will not kill it, - just needs to get past the first two winters. Am not alone in appreciating this trees " shade tree " rep, it was pointed out to me when I purchased it and many times since. And the large fruits ? To die for. ( smile ), Just my two cents worth..

If you are considering built-in refrigeration, look at Thermador as well as SubZero. I have the columns and have loved them. Thermador was the only fully integrated when I got them and they now are now the maker behind a number of other names while SuZero also has a fully integrated look now too. I think they are the best looking and best quality -- though I have heard of issues with SubZero service from time to time. You also hear about 20 year old fridges that are still working, so I'm sure that runs both ways for SZ. I had the first ":Freedom Series" columns installed in this area and I think they are now over 7 years. If you have any interest in undercounter drawers (or stand up units), fridge or freezer, look at Perlick. Outstanding commercial quality in a home unit. I have fridge drawers in a breakfast room hutch and love them. I think they work best for specific uses in a certain spot rather than as a general fridge or freezer trying to accommodate all purposes. BTW, as to your original question, I like white and grey houses, and the sable looks great on that house, but so does the clay. You don't need to have the added expense for your house to look great -- can't give any input on the neighborhood issue. Different colors, materials, elevations, and landscaping call all help avoid the cookie cutter feeling -- but I don't see you house looking like a cookie cutter type to begin with. If it is just similar colors being used frequently, it may be because they fit the area and keep that calm, wooded serenity that appeals to everyone. Maybe it's not a bad thing. I've seen the same few colors on a majority of houses in some of the highest priced neighborhoods -- never thought it was a problem.

My trees are hanging in there. The only one looking crappy is the Meyer. I would give it away but hold on to it because I've had it for 15 years. Most everything else looks OK. Blooms or flower buds on the Tango Mandarin, Santa Teresa, Kaffir Lime, Meyer, Palestine Sweet Lime, NZL, and an unknown citrus. Fruit on the Meyers, Tahitian Pomelo, and Meiwa Kumquat. Also...I guess this graft worked?! lol