Yes I've heard of this theory and though I don't subscribe to it (I leave the scape on so as to follow the natural process, not to bring unused nutrients back into the bulb), it never hurts to leave the scape on (in the case of a healthy, rooted bulb) but in this case, the bulb will quickly adapt. I'm surprised it hasn't rooted, actually. Though it is really hot in Phoenix I would imagine the roots wouldn't have to suffer as much. Then again, a pot sitting outside all day is likely going to raise to that hot temp anyway. This article is for bonsai... but it applies to ALL plants as far as I know Ryan

I think it's wise to wait until the construction dust has settled to invest in a new personal computer. When you do finally look into getting one, a thought is to look into getting a laptop with a wireless connection. Personally, I think business machines and personal machines should be kept separate. The only thing you can do right now, is to keep your machines covered when not in use, and to unplug everything and vacuum to keep the dust at a minimum. Larry periodically takes our machines to the basement, and uses a compressor to blow the dust out. We keep our machines plugged in through Blackout Buster surge protectors. They're probably the best on the market. Even though I don't have ADD or OCD, I still manage to overdo collecting! I began with 2 bulbs last fall, and now, I have over 60! I'm not sure what the exact count is... I haven't counted in a while! I also began collecting orchids last winter, and I now have 7! I've pretty much abandoned collecting regular types of houseplants, which I used to have lots of... I've gotten more specialized, I guess you could say. I like the challenge that orchids present, and reblooming all my bulbs! Getting back to computers... when you do decide to look into new systems, Larry would be pleased to help you in any way you need. He's a perfectionist when it comes building machines and programming technology... he always says that a machine will never beat him, and he will work at a problem until it is solved. His tagline is: "God made me simple... technology made me a god!" So, if you need any assistance, like choosing the best machine for the best price, figuring out what components are best, where to go for the items you need, or any type of programming help, he said he'd be more than happy to lend a hand. He just headed north this morning to help my son with the electric in his house, and to help a few friends with their computers! Like you, he has so many things going on! He's always busy, and sometimes, he doesn't know where to start! The ADD doesn't let him rest, and while most of us are sleeping, he's busy with technology! I don't know about you night owls! I like to sleep at night, and if my insomnia lets me, I'm out from around 11 pm to at least 5 or 6 am! I'd stay up and keep Larry company, but gardening is best done during daylight hours!

It is very lovely where we are, we are surrounded by commercial nurseries because we have such great growing conditions right where we are. We feel very, very blessed We do spend huge amounts of time outside, here. I have an entire outdoor kitchen, in fact (both of us being of Italian extraction, we must have an awesome kitchen, lol!) We are all doing well, I am recovering from a shingles outbreak, which I'm kind of young for and had not gotten the vaccine, yet. I would not wish that on my worst enemy. So, I would admonish anyone who had chicken pox as a kid, to talk to your doctor about the wisdom of getting a shingles vaccination. I'm hoping I don't end up with permanent nerve damage from that outbreak, ugh. All the family is well, and we're gearing up for our annual July 4th shindig! Jades are doing great! One is big, one is still small, and I might have a little something for you, hint, hint :-) Patty S.

Maryanne, I regret the direction this thread turned, as well as the condescending tone of my previous post. I won't say it was misinterpreted, because it was certainly intentional - a response to people picking my original post apart and alleging that I said something that I never said. Does anyone even remember my original post on this thread? Some posters here took a very simple comment of mine: "Other than the obvious differences of the U.S. product most likely being fresher and slaughtered/processed under the watchful eyes of USDA inspectors...." And from that, alleged that I was insinuating that Australian beef was "slaughtered and processed under less sanitary conditions than in the US." I NEVER said that or even implied it. NEVER! My comment regarding the USDA inspection simply referred to the fact that we don't know anything about the inspection in foreign countries. Granted, ours could be improved upon, but at least we know something about it. It's certainly possible that Australia's is as good or even better than ours, but we just don't KNOW that. And the comment I made about freshness was ONLY pertaining to the logistics of shipping. It's actually a pretty simple concept... The less distance there is between the point of a commodity's production and the point of that commodity's consumption, the fresher that product is likely to be. Not just beef, but ANY product. But, the shipping time is not even an issue for me, because I wouldn't buy the imported product under ANY conditions. I have a strong desire to support local farmers and ranchers - and not just because I'm a cattle producer. I feel STRONGLY that we should support our domestic food producers...even at the higher price. I put my money where my mouth is and do the same thing with products other than beef. We've already given much of this country's manufacturing capability to China. We're becoming more and more dependent on them all the time for fish and seafood. We depend on the Middle East for way too much of our energy needs. If we ever become too dependent on foreign countries for our food....well, I'm going to do my part to be sure that doesn't happen. Even if it costs more. Again, I regret hijacking your thread and the direction that it turned. Thanks for buying U.S. beef!