Ken, we must compare notes when we bring our plants outside, your happy "ordeal" sound much like mine in the middle of May.
Regarding the Phals - I do ok with them as long as I keep them inside year around, and even better, keep them downstairs in the living room. Unfortunately I have to place them outside in the Summer, otherwise they would not be watered regularly if we were to take a vacation. And that is where they get ruined, the leaves get crappy, they get munched on - not a good treatment at all.
