Really good to get confirmation on this tree, bahia. And yes, I have a Moro I planted last year. No flush or flowers, yet, same with the Bearrs lime and the Pixie mandarin, so I'm going to pinch the tips to force new growth. Plus put down fertilizer. Hoping we're all done with this crazy cold weather, so my new growth doesn't get nipped. Here's what I've got in my little home orchard for citrus right now: Two oranges of unknown variety (probably Valencia of some variety, were in such bad shape when I moved in in Fall '09, I couldn't even tell what type of citrus they were, one still may not make it) Moro Blood orange Cara Cara orange Meyer Improved Lemon (survived the neglect and has a gazillion lemons right now) 3 lemons of unknown origin (probably Eurekas, don't think they're thorny enough to be Lisbon; one might possibly be a Meyer, no fruit on that one, yet) Melogold grapefruit Cocktail grapefruit Rio Red grapefruit Oro Blanco grapefruit Bearss Lime Pixie manadarin Algerian Clementine mandarin Gold Nugget mandarin Page mandarin I think I've probably got just about everything that interests me, and more than enough fruit for our little family, plus most of my neighborhood, lol! Hoping my Moro, Bearss and Pixie start doing something. The grapefruits are pushing out huge numbers of gigantic blossoms and have some fruit already setting. Apparently they really like their spot in the garden. They are up at the top of my back yard, north side, facing south, and very protected from north winds by my neighbor's house which is perched up higher than my house, plus a row of lovely olives on the west side, which help to break the prevailing ocean breeze (we're about 7 miles from the ocean, in a canyon that faces the ocean, pretty cool). If I have time, I'll snap some pics of my areas I have planted my various trees. Patty S.

Can anyone recommend a good refinisher for kitchen cabinets in Orange County, CA? I have a nice set of cabinets which were refaced by the previous homeowner. They are perfect, except for the sickly orange-ish color. I want to darken them to a walnut color. Refacing again is an option, but much more expensive. Had a bid from one highly recommended guy but he has bailed on me. So disappointed and I don't have any other backups. Was so looking forward to the dark cabs!

Sorry, dont have any answers for you. But I'm also in OC and would love to see your photos once complete! I got 3 quotes last year and just remodeled my kitchen, so a pool is next on my list. Sounds like you are doing a lot to your backyard with the pool, spa, and BBQ area. Is 14x14 the correct size or was that a typo? I though average sized pool was 16x32.

There are finishes that can be used in the SCAQMD (south coast air quality district) of Southern California that are as good as or better than Catalyzed Conversion Varnish. UV and 2k poly being two of them. I haven't used CV for many years because yes, this state did put regulations on it that caused the forulations to be altered but that wasn't my reason. This is the nastiest tonic material to be around. Not only working with it but it off-gasses forever so when you have it in your house there are still issues with the toxicity. I started using Italian waterborne 2k poly about seven years ago and never looked back. It's harder to work with, it's more expensive, it's not readily available (I bring it in myself) but it's the best stuff I've found and we use it even in a commercial environment and it holds up really well. UV coating (ultraviolet cured) is used extensively in the flooring industry so even if you intend on walking on your cabinets you would be ok. That finish takes very expensive specialized equipment. I could have it done but don't ever have the need. Sorry to go on but this subject comes up all the time and people who aren't really qualified create the perception that we can't build great cabinets here in California. I've been building high-end custom cabinets for more than twenty five years here in LA so I do have some experience with it. Back to the original questions. "hand finished on site"? With what? Why? Are you going for that look where you see brush strokes in the finish. It's done. I could name a few but it needs to be done well. As far as painted you would never what to paint over cherry that would be a waste of money. Most painted finishes are maple with MDF panel. I do it differently than that but depends on door style and general look you are going for. Espresso stain is done a lot over oak (rifted white oak in particular) but again depends on the look. Re: boxes birch is a little less that pre-finished maple but the big different is domestic vs imported (meaning China).