Why I'm using a separate primer

I have had a lot of folks write to suggest I could cut my painting time by using one of the paints that already contains primer. I would do this if I was painting wallboard or plaster. The woman at Home Depot, who seems to be very knowledgeable as well as having practical first-hand experience, recommended Glidden's "Gripper" primer, because I am going to paint over laminate wood paneling that is nearly 45 years old, and Gripper doesn't chip as easily when used on wood and laminate surfaces. She tells me that I will get an even coat with this product, and that my paint will cover much better with less coats. I'm going to try it and am willing to do twice the painting if I get a better result, and if it maybe requires less paint in the long run then so much the better.

If I don't care for the results, I can always try the combination paint+primer on another room. My bedroom will be the "practice" arena. If it turns out I think I can do just as well with the primer+paint combination, then I can buy that for the living room and kitchen.

Another comment was about something I always thought was true, that is, don't feed the hummers when it's getting towards winter because you may delay their flight south. I have since read that birds are very instinctual and will travel when they must, no matter what you do. Then last year I read that there are some hummingbird species that winter over in the Sacramento area. It makes sense because of the normally mild winters, but I will look it up again and then decide whether or not to set the feeder out.

I appreciate the ideas and suggestions, and keep an open mind about them. (The nasty comments will be removed just as soon as I catch them.)

The carpet cleaner gave me an estimate of $100 to clean the carpets, which I'm happy enough to pay. I don't want to buy my own carpet cleaner since I eventually plan to get laminate flooring. I just want to move my furniture onto clean carpeting at first and the price seems ok. I withdrew the cash this morning to pay the man. I hope he can salvage the rug in the small bedroom that has been used by a smoker. The stale smoke is bad enough, but having smoked many years of my life I know that smokers have little (sometimes big) cigarette burns EVERYWHERE! On the clothes, furniture, carpet, etc. If they aren't too noticeable I'll just settle for the cleaning until I can tackle the laminate flooring.

I hope the anticipation doesn't keep me awake all night.