ok! ... Thanks Rhizo : ) The ladybug larva I already guessed right. The expired Fly is the Tachinid, and the Wheel Bug nymph is the one in the jar. So, are all tachinids pretty large. I was under the assumption they were tiny. Pretty nasty sting I just found out about Wheel bugs, huh? That's great! Since I go barefoot in the garden 90% of the time. Oh... the flier that you didn't get... could it possibly be a hover fly that has it's wings closed? Because it's what I assumed was hover flies. I just can't get a good pic of one in flight. Here's another one for I.D.--- he looked like he wasn't taking the weather too great. Once again, Thanks rhizo1. Your help is totally appreciated! Kevin

OK, several points need to be addressed. (And as a former upholsterer and slipcover maker, I feel capable of pontificating, LOL.) I'm delighted you washed a sample and kept the records of how and where it shrank, and how much. Go you! It washed well, didn't bleed, and shrank minimally. It sounds great for a slipcover. However, you can't simply dump 18 yards of fabric in a home washer. You can't dump that much fabric in a commercial washer either! That's an enormous amount of fabric! Were I you, I would cut oversized pieces for each of the slipcover sections, serge or zigzag the edges and wash those smaller pieces. If you think the fabric will bleed at all, put a Shout Color-Catcher in with the pieces. Then have the slipcover constructed. Do give it a boost with some more Scotchguard, after it's completed, if you're worried about stains. Some have said to contact the manufacturer about the "washability" of the fabric, and the durability of the stain protection. It will not happen! If you choose to wash a fabric labeled for dry- or solvent- type cleaning, you void ALL warranties for the fabric. Sure, it IS washable. Cotton is washable. Linen is washable. So is the silk blouse you may have. All of these are washable, but the manufacturer is NOT going to warrant against shrinkage or fading or bleeding. IF you choose to wash that silk blouse or your 18 yards of slipcover fabrics, you're on your own. I would still do it for myself.

O, good point about the pets. We'll be shopping for rugs in a few weeks, all in high traffic areas. We have two dogs and two cats. The cats I can train..knock knock knock, but it's the 14 year old dog who'll do her thing when I'm not looking. So I too need rug advice. I assume wool rugs are hard to spot clean? Oh! I noticed something interesting in the floor store when we were there. They had a very large area rug, not sure of the brand, but the main color was black. At a distance it looked awfully faded or dusty, and I know they vacuum because their floor is a showcase unto itself! The rug wasn't near a window either. I'm wondering if black background rugs look lighter than they should? It was enough for me to do a doubletake!

For anyone years later who is looking for the same info: I recently left flooring as a store manager and sales rep. First, understand that NO flooring is scratch-proof. They are scratch-resistant. I know someone else recommended staying away from it in case your basement floods but the truth of the matter is that if it floods and you use your homeowner's insurance (recommended), they will insist on the entire floor being replaced no matter what you have installed. You can choose a commercial grade if you are really worried about the flooring holding up to abuse. They are often glued down. Your installer will probably want to skimcoat the floor or use a leveler. This is good practice. Urethane with ceramic bead and urethane plus with aluminum oxide particles are the strongest choices right now but there are some higher ratings Like AC 5 which is stronger than say a 20 mil wear layer. There are also a few in the 30 mil wear layer range. You will often save money hiring your own installer because stores make money from the cost of installation. Hire your own and have them buy your materials. If they have an established relationship with the store, they will often get a significant discount on your materials. The store I worked for had a 55% profit margin but when they sold to installers/contractors they lowered it to 30-35%. Stores have to make a profit and so do installers. You may save some cash if your installer charges a smaller profit margin. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance on the installer. If their installation is bad or unfinished, their insurance has to cover it. Stores should have a warranty to cover poor workmanship as well. The manufacturer will cover manufacturing defects but not workmanship. Before you hire someone, ask if they do moisture testing and what is their procedure for it. ALWAYS have a moisture test done and documented when they come out to measure. If it is too high they should recommend what to do to get it and keep it at the appropriate level. ALWAYS have it done again before installation. This is the number one thing that causes manufacturers to deny a claim.