My fruit trees are planted on the north side of the house -the raised bed boxes on the south side. I don't use the Borage in the vegetable boxes, it grows quite tall and bushy, taking up too much room. However, on the other side of the house - north, with a cement wall between properties, I have spaced my fruit-bearing trees - as I mentioned before. This gives quite a large space between wall and house to plant smaller things - like mint, ornamentals, rosemary, ferns in shade, etc. As borage grows quite tall, I try to keep it as close to the trees - with smaller sun-lovers in front. I also have 2 camelias getting shade from fruit trees. The borage re-seeds - vigorously, so as soon as it completes its job attracting bees, I start to weed it out -although it does a good job of controlling undergrowth as summer heat comes on, and I don't want to plant anything. We do have water shortage problems now. A bit OT, but I have been watching (interested amateur), the on-going discussion on bees, pollination, their apparent demise in some locations, and consequences as a result. Also - here in California, we have the added problem dealing with bees - crossing the border from Mexico, establishing themselves in urban areas - which some folks feel are African or "killer bees." While it may be easy enough for governments to establish ordinances - for things like gardening, animal keeping - such as chickens, raising birds for profit, etc., etc., I don't know how they could determine who might be at fault for "keeping" bees. Bees aren't usually "kept" as they are free to wander where they may. I say that knowing that it could be a heated topic of concern. Bees rarely heed such things - and if they care to, will nest in a box - even a worm bin, in a compost pile, or someone's attic. In my opinion, if I could - I would keep the bees until they performed their chore, then hopefully, discourage their expansion - and allow them to escape to areas more environmentally friendly for them - and less problem for human activity. If such an idealistic condition could be achieved, it might keep a lot more folks happier. Just my 2 c's. Oh yes - do plant Borage and pull it out wherever you don't want it. Bejay

You could probably compare the 2 spark plugs to each other and see if one cylinder looks "bad". Remove the valve cover from that cylinder and start the engine BRIEFLY (messy, have a rag handy). You may be able to see combustion "vapors" blow into the area by the push rods from the gasket.

No, the sofa and loveseat are blue. Not denim blue, almost a little periwinkle. Thank you for your compliment! The wall color is Sherwin Williams martha stewart collection "chopstick". I'm glad you like it! The loveseat back to the front door bugs me too. I can't find a console table I like yet. I wanted to put one behind the sofa, I just don't know if it would look strange to have one behind the sofa and the loveseat too. This room is huge so there is a lot of leeway for furnture placement. I just have no clue what I'm doing. I always had tiny houses before. I'll have to measure and get the exact dimensions. I want to paint the kitchen Haven by sherwin williams. I had it in my last kitchen and it was gorgeous! So much so that one of my friends painted her living room the same shade. She also has an open floor plan and lots of bright colors and it really looks great. I mix and match lots of colors all of the time so I don't think it will clash. Even if it technically does, I probably would still like it! I like high contrast in colors, it makes them all pop. So would you all suggest roman shades on the sliders and nook windows both? Or panels? Or panels on one and shades on the other? The nook is really confusing. The 3 sides of the window are connected, like a bay window I guess. Thank you so much for all of your compliments on the room so far. It is greatly appreciated! And my dogs are great decor too!

I finally took some pictures of this room to share with you. I'm really lost with this room. It used to be our computer/play room, but we're going to get rid of the computer armoire and put the filing cabinet in our bedroom with a small desk. I want to keep the shelf and the train table for sure. The rest of the stuff in there can be moved. I would love some suggestions on furniture placement and window treatments as well, if you don't mind. Thanks in advance. Also, the woodwork will be white when we're finished. Here is a picture from the kitchen into the family room. Here is a picture from the foyer into the family room. Here is a picture from in front of the bay window. Here is a picture of the corner between the foyer entrance and the bay window.