Hi everyone-

I found a good, inexpensive product for helping our friends through the winter. It's a simple two-receptacle outlet that has a built-in thermostat that turns on at 35F/1.7C and off at 45F/7.2C. That's warm enough to keep the palms from freeze damage but cool enough to keep them "hibernating" while keeping the elctric costs down. Here's the description:

Plug your appliance into the cold weather Thermo Cube and plug it into the wall. When the temperature drops below 35° the Thermo Cube will turn your appliance ON. When the temperature raises up past 45° it will turn your appliance OFF. Each unit has two receptacles for use with more than one device. Can operate loads up to 1800 Watts, 15 Amps, 120VAC. Also available in a 20° ON/30° OFF version.

I got mine at Charley's Greenhouse and Garden (Mount Vernon, WA) for $15.95 +6.95 P&H. Good luck.

www.charleysgreenhouse.com