I've never really done the hour by hour hardening off, especially for spring crops since they are so hardy. I just put things out in the morning and pull them in in the evening. The sun isn't that strong right now, and mostly I think of spring hardening off as an exercise in getting plants ready for wind and yet pulling them in at night to not expose them to freezing temps just yet. I do keep an eye on the forecast- very windy or stormy days stay in, suddenly hot days means extra water. Start out in a protected area and move them out into the open over a few days, then into the garden! I also don't let my seedlings get too big before I start exposing them to outdoor conditions, because the bigger they grow without stresses, the weaker they are.

I'm sure you'll get great advise ... But it seems you have posted in the wrong forum.. Your post shows up in gallery. Go to attached link and re-post there. Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/decor/

"I realize that drugs in the house are intolerable, but I think I'd flush them rather than kick my own daughter not only out but into jail." Sometimes TOUGH LOVE is needed. A trip to the pokey won't ruin a kid. If they are going to engage in illegal activity when they live at home, they need to see what the consequences are. My son, in 9th grade, decided he didn't want to go to school anymore. I was a single parent & worked from 7am-5pm. I'd come home for a break at 8:30 & he would be in bed asleep. I tried to get him up and he'd say no. He was almost 6 ft. tall and I'm 5'2. I called the truant officer that came and said he can't "force" him, but they could file charges against ME. I called the police who also told him that they can't put their hands on him unless he breaks the law. (His not going to school was MY crime) So, I had to be tough. I got in his face (talking didn't work) and he (being rebellious) put his hands on me. So, I called the police. I told the officer a trip to JV might be enough to set him straight. Well, he (being rebellious) resisted arrest and found out the hard way where that got him. When he went to court, I told the Judge that he's not a "bad" kid but started down that road. He wouldn't go to school so the court ordered him to attend school regularly. He had to pay a fine (and I made hIM pay) It kept him in school. If there are drugs being brought into the house, the police can raid your house and tear it up (and they don't fix it either). I wouldn't hesitate to call the police on my child if they are breaking the law. If they know you are going to protect them from the law, why should they respect the laws?

I think slate would be pretty dark but might have to check out a sample. Thank you so much for the suggestion, it's a direction I hadn't considered. I really need to try coming up with a solution that will allow me to keep my existing floor... at least for now. My kitchen floor extends into a foyer, laundry room and powder room. Anything I do will be a big expense and I need to do the cabinet/counter part of the project first.