I went to the Boston flower show the first time this year, the displays were a sight for sore eyes. There were even two displays with chicken coops complete with chickens. The Philly flower show had metal chickens in the one kitchen garden coop there. With yet another snow storm bearing down on central mass I really enjoyed spending a few hours with blooms Thanks for he beautiful pics!

I find this thread discouraging. I started using Charlie's Soap due to recommendations on this forum, but the vehemence of the opinions here is hard to figure?! Does anyone consider why they have such strong opinions about laundry detergent? Or whether they feel these strongly worded comments are actually helpful to the forum? Clearly, some of the difference with results has to have something to do with the difference in water from one community to another. Hard water, soft water, heavily treated water have to make a big difference in how a detergent works. I have seen a few comments here that point out the basic reasoning that many people had in using Charlie's soap, but it bears repeating. Using a detergent that has fewer harsh chemicals and less negative effect on the environment and the water supply. And the second big reason was trying to escape the overabundance of products that cause reactions to the skin from who knows what ingredients. What I want to use as a laundry detergent, is a product that cleans clothes well but is made from natural ingredients that do not affect the water supply or the environment. And definitely, a product that rinses completely out of the clothes so that there is no residue to sit on the skin and either provoke a reaction or be absorbed into the body. It would be more helpful to me, to read comments from someone who actually knows and understands what is in these competing products and what affect they have on not just cleaning the clothes, but do they affect the environment and do they leave a residue that can cause a problem for the skin? And I'm also trying to avoid fragrances. I really dislike them across the board, unless they are natural fragrances, as in coming from essential oils or something. I don't wear perfume and I find it difficult to spend time in a room with someone who does wear it. Bottom line - this thread did not help me figure out which detergent is going to help me have the laundry experience I am looking for.

Get the Pavers Ready! The Unilock pavers that have been sitting in my driveway for months got put to use today. The wall crew switched gears and compacted the final rough grade before jumping on the pavers. These are the Umbriano that require a little different install (No Poly sand). The PB also finished tile today around the spa. If all works our we will be swimming by Aug 1 :). The only kink today was the wait for electrician for the deck bonding which is a grounding wire 4-6 inches below grade 18 inches from water line. It's throwing off the paving somewhat as the crew can't build the deck right up to the pool. That's getting installed Thurs morning with an inspection hopefully end of day. Entry way to Pool I think the crew is excited to get a break from building that wall Final Tile Placed in Spa My Daughter has Little Fun with the Paver Sand

You poor thing, I can't imagine how frustrated you are! The PB got a lot done the first week in April, I think the first week they wrapped plumbing and electric, and then began to work on the tile and prep for decking. Our gas was installed at the end of April and May was largely decking and veneer on the spa, which took a while as the mason ran out of materials... I did learn last night that they won't pebble until tomorrow, that was disappointing. Also, while they did drain the pool yesterday in preparation for the pebble, I noticed this morning that there's a bunch of water in the deep end and I'm freaking out. I e/mailed our PB project manager and am hoping to hear back from him, but I have a have a dreadful feeling that this might not be as easy as I was hoping. I know rain really hamstrings the PBs - but isn't there anything they can do? Are they in constant touch about plans? Do you have a "end by" date in your contract? We had Memorial Day in ours, so we're just in time if all goes well. Fingers are crossed for you - I know you must be going crazy!!