One major factor in deciding how large a compost pile one needs to retain the core heat -- particle size. I agree that IN GENERAL, a 4'by4'by4' high compost pile will retain heat better than a 4'by4'by2' high pile. But I can certainly see a 4by4by2' with shredded leaves retaining heat better than a 4by4by4 pile with medium or large wood chips. Who wants to turn over a three or four foot high pile? Not me. I find turning a large pile only 18" or 24" high to be easier on my back than cranking a tumbler. One time in 14 years a heavy snow melted and lowered the core temp. On that occasion the tarp should have been loosely covering the pile. Keep in mind that 4'by4'by4' is fine if you wanted to have your pile on stilts. But if your pile is resting on the ground like most are; the ground acts to store heat. So you can reduce the four foot height without losing core heat. How much? I'm not sure, but I have not had a compost pile more than two feet high for the last five years. Bear in mind that my piles are fairly tight, medium-fine shredded leaves are my 'brown'. Summer core temps run around 150F with a decent mix

I had my second colonscopy on Wed. Piece of cake. The day before is not fun, but worth it since the test is so valuable. Colon cancer is called the "unseen" cancer. My mother's was growing for 7 years before she knew....and of course by then it was too late. A colonscopy is a "must have" test.

Wow, it is good to know that lots of people would have 60k for their kitchen renos these days. And they say we are heading towards a recession. Since I spend about 50k, I guess I would be below the average group according to Sophie's estimation. Of course one need to consider the size of the kitchen. I think 60k would be for a larger kitchen. My kitchen is considered medium size. I live in Canada so I don't know what the average money spend on kitchen is. Well like I've mentioned before, this is my first kitchen reno and I learned a lot from it. I had never thought to look below the cabinets at the showroom. Unfortunately at the showroom, they did not have the models of the kitchen I chose. They had other styles but it never occur to me to look below the cabinets. Of course they don't have on display the type of breakfast island I have chosen. That definitely wasn't an option. According to the "pros" here, I guess I am a picky customer. Now that I've learned from my mistakes, I would definitely advised my friends about them. I have a few of them, waiting for my reno to be done and see whether they will do it too. I do appreciate all you taking the time to comment and share your opinions. Hopefully, when people read these posts, they will be more aware of the "issues" when they tackle their future renovations.

What an amazing trip you had and to be able to spend that much time traveling with your sister must have been so special. Your family is really spread around the globe including Ulli's daughter being in France. The pictures were so varied and so cool. I liked the kangaroo on the bike ontop of the car at the bike race. And the scenery is breathtaking. We have friends who live in Australia and split their time between Canberra and Sydney and they have been to see us several times. Someday we'll get there.