Update

This weekend C and I helped my sister and her fiance execute a surprise party for our mom. Family came up from Kentucky and it was a get-together that could have in no way been anticipated by her--though she claims she had her suspicions.

After returning home, I had some opportunity to put in a little more garden work and attempt to build my rain barrel. Here are the results, presented (partly) in list form:

(April 19)
- transplanted 6 tomato plants into bigger containers (Solo cups with holes in bottom)
- planted cilantro, chamomile, more spinach directly into ground
- thinned out sugar snap peas, which still need to be trellised
- weeded our recently mulched beds
- zinnias and basil are starting to emerge from potting soil inside

The rain barrel was partly a success, after several failed attempts at accumulating parts and tools. Currently the faucets are assembled - I used two 3/4" faucets, each with hose-receptive ends (~$4/ea). I wrapped teflon tape (~$1/roll) around each faucet, which were then screwed into 1" holes I drilled into the plastic barrel. I hope to add some caulk to further waterproof the holes.
What I've not yet figured out is where I can find a small basket to place in the top of the barrel to allow water in while keeping mosquitoes out. Also, I need to figure out how to divert any of our gutters for this. I tried for a long time, out in the rain, without any success. Bummer... I took a few pics which will be posted later.