It is always a treat to hear David speak whether on horticultural topics or anything else for that matter. The first time I met Senor Bahia was when he was doing a slide show talk for the Succulent and Bromeliad Society at the Strybing Arboretum. He was showing gorgeous slides of places that he has traveled to that were jammed packed with 'succulent' horticultural treats. I have since heard him speak at various horticultural events sponsored thru the California Hort Society, On the various Hortisexuals tours and events , at the Arboretum and in writing here on The GardenWeb. He is an excellent speaker and when using slides to illustrate a point , they are beautifully composed and in perfect focus. He is considered "The" Horticulturist's Horticulturist. While on the last Hortisexual trip down to L.A., he was the most sought after person in our wild and crazy group for horticultural identification. And that says a lot considering whose who in that group.. ( some of the most knowledgable and talented horticulturists on both the east and west coast ) >>>> ( as a matter of fact Cady, I think you will be speaking with one of the east coast editorial Hortisexuals soon ) ,, good luck ! we'll put a good word for you.

We have had a Weber one for over a decade and it is still fine. The body and lid are black like a typical Weber grill. There are a couple of tiny rust spots where the is a defect in the paint. There is an unpainted piece that goes between the body and lid when it is in use and that has a rust coating but is still solid and strong. We keep it outside but often it is stored under our eaves which provide a bit of shelter. Perhaps our drier California climate helps. We like that it is light enough to move to where we want it for use and then put it out of the way when not in use because a fire pit without a fire isn't the most attractive thing and I wouldn't want to have it in the way in the middle of the patio but when sitting around it on a cool night that's a nice place for it. When one is done with the fire, one can put out the fire by taking the unpainted piece out and putting the lid directly on the base. That's a nice feature because I wouldn't like to leave a fire going outside unattended.

maddielee, I remember making those Kleenex flowers ! Back then, Kleenex came in other colors besides white and you could make some really pretty flowers. mtnrdredux, those paper plants are amazing, I especially like that tiny Christmas cactus.

I like my Saucony but I wore them to Japan a few years ago and after walking so much I was in a lot of pain. Started taking more taxis on way back to our hotel/rentals. I'd walk to the place we were going or train station but then take a taxi back due to pain. That's even with a Powerstep insert. Hopefully these shoes will be better. I wish I had lost about 25 pounds, that would've helped. I'm trying to cut out a lot of sugar in my diet and do some walking and working in the yard this summer so hopefully can get rid of a few pounds anyway.