Emmett Culligan, a pioneer in water technology, was born this day in 1893. He invented water softeners and early purification systems. But, neither he nor anyone else came up with a good way to water potted plants when one is away from home on vacation or business. There are options -- such as putting pots in the bath tub or on a shallow tray, in a few inches of water. But, there is yet a better way -- a new technology called "dry water." It's a gel pack that contains droplets of water. The droplets are time-released as the gelatin melts. One gel pack will "water" an 8-inch pot for a month. Larger sizes will keep a plant moist for three months. The cost: a buck-fifty and two-fifty, respectively --a small price to keep plants healthy. And, you won't have to bother neighbors and friends. Check it out at driwater.com. For more tips, visit our Web site at Onthehouse.com.