Variegated “Don” Azalea
photo: Dave Gordon
Don’t Cut Corners When Renovating Lawn needed) the bed. This can be done Cutting corners during lawn renovawith a hand-rake and a hand-pulled tion usually results in poor turf esdrag such as a piece of chain-link tablishment and long-term lawn fence on smaller areas. A tractor maintenance problems. with rake and a grading box can be Occasionally it is necessary to reno- used on larger areas. A second option is to rent a sod cutter or remove vate a lawn or replant sections of a the existing grass with a shovel belawn. When replanting a lawn, it is best to not cut corners – you’ll usual- fore tilling and grading the site. ly pay for it in the long run. One of But whatever you do, don’t just lay the most important factors is to prenew sod or broadcast grass seeds pare a good planting bed when renoover a compacted, uneven, old lawn. vating a lawn. There are just too many possibilities It doesn’t matter if you intend to re- of having long-term and costly lawn problems as a result. sod, re-sprig or reseed; you need a level, loose and well-drained plant- For additional information on estabing site for your lawn. A level lawn is lishing a Florida lawn, contact your local University of Florida Extension much easier to mow. The loose soil Office or visit http://hort.ufl.edu/ allows for quicker root and runner establishment. Also, a well-drained yourfloridalawn. site allows excess water to drain, preventing some disease problems. Author: Larry Williams - llw5479@ufl.edu One option is to spray the existing weeds and grass with a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup. Allow the proper number of days for the weeds and grass to turn yellow (usually seven to 10 days). Next, thoroughly till the area to a depth of 6 to 8 inches to loosen the soil. Finally, level and smooth the planting bed, raking and then dragging (if
Larry Williams is the Residential Horticulture Agent for the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County.
Can you identify this? Larry will reveal the answer next month
Master Gardener Webinars Webinars provide a convenient and free professional development option for people who want to learn new strategies and tools without taking time off work and paying travel expenses. Each hour-long session will be recorded and available on our website to view whenever you'd like. As of July 1, 2017, webinars will be be facilitated in Zoom. For help, see "Getting Started" on Zoom.com. Webinars that were recorded prior to this date were in Adobe Connect and must be converted for you to access them. Please bear with us as we make the transition.
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As you read this, we are already a third of the way into our new fiscal year. The end of March is fast approaching and time is moving very quickly. It is interesting to observe all of the activities taking place. A new class of Master Gardeners are currently being trained to be involved in all that we do. Our annual plant sale is scheduled for May 4-5. Classes, lectures, and field trips have already been happening when you read this column. How do you say thank you to such an awesome group of volunteers? Individuals are always willing to step forward and lend a hand when needed. Our Awards Program is scheduled for March 28th. It isn’t necessary to receive an award to be a winner. You should feel good because of what you do-a friendly smile, a word of encouragement, or just being supportive of others.
Past President: Karen Kirk-Williams, President: Dave Gordon, Treasurer: Donna Edmiston, Secretary: Janet Hays, (not pictured President Elect: Debbie Sewell
Our newspaper, The Compost Pile, has a new editorKent Beck. Kent deserves a big thank you for taking on this task. Remember, articles or pictures are always welcome. Again, I appreciate each of you and it is my pleasure to serve you. Dave Gordon April 2018
Dr. Brian Unruh West Florida Research and Education Center.
Top photo courtesy of Ed Fabian
Bottom photo courtesy of Bill Buckellew
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Linda Morris & Larry Williams 6,000 Hours Recognition Joe Michhetti
Karen Kirk-Williams
Lee Vanderpool
Far right: Extension Director, Pamela Allen
3,000 Hours Recognition
2017 Officers 2017 Friend of the Master Gardener
Lannie Corbin 2017 Outstanding service to Youth Award
Lynda Penry
Jennifer Yelverton Bill Buckellew 2017 Outstanding Educator of the Year
Margaret Stewart
President: Karen Kirk-Williams
President –Elect: Dave Gordon
Treasure: Joe Jones
Secretary: Scott Berry
Rick Hastings (999)
Past President: Alene Ogle
Ed Smith (1045.5)
Mary Grace Evors
2,000 Hours Recognition
Lee Vanderpool (2.200) 1,000 Hours recognition
Twenty Year Recognition
500 Hours Recognition
Karen Kirk-Williams
Matt Donavin (518.5)
Sandie Olsen
Donna Edmiston (545)
Ed Smith
Stevie Gerber (612)
David Stever (507)
Carol Strom (596)
2017 Community Outreach
Karen Kirk-Williams (3,390.4)
2017 Outstanding Telephone Communicator
Margaret Stewart (6,318)
Fifteen Year Recognition
Pat Collins
Linda Morris
Background photo: blue eyed grass with false Hosta courtesy of Andy Donatelli
above phots courtesy of Ed Fabian
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detailed description of the muscles used in mowing, in case you want to wow your friends who pay someone to maintain he next time you head out to the garden, consider what their lawn and then pay for a gym membership so they can go you're about to ask of your body. If you're like me, even a quick work out: https://www.hunker.com/12003902/muscles-used-in-lawntrip to the garden to grab green onions for a salad, invariably mowing. Here is a short video that shows in technicolor all turns into a longer session than expected. There are some those muscles you're using while pursuing the genteel (ahem) weeds you just can't allow to continue growing, you forgot to past-time of gardening: (In case you're wondering, auxiliary give your roses their fertilizer, there's some potting soil in the muscles are those muscles that the body uses without our conback of the truck that you need to unload...the list goes on and scious effort in such activities as respiration, digestion, etc.) on. And before you know it, that 5-minute trip to the garden https://www.bing.com/videos/search? has turned into an hour or more and when you finally straight- q=muscles+used+in+gardening&&view=detail&mid=5BFED7D986E04AD4 en up and wobble back to the house, every muscle in your 52685BFED7D986E04AD45268&&FORM=VRDGAR body is screaming, “You've done it again and we're mad as Here are a few tips for minimizing muscle strain in the garden: heck and we're not going to take it any more!� How much betDo not move loads that are too heavy for you. Split the ter off our aching muscles would be if we gardeners would just load or wait until you can get help to move it. Know your limits. Plan spend a few minutes preparing those muscles for what's about ahead. Think before you move heavy things: How you are goto happen to them. Doing a simple routine of stretches before ing to move it, how are you going to get it to its destination, heading out to the garden could help ease the body into strenand what are you going to do with it once you get it there? (calling for uous work: Stretch your back by lying on the floor, pulling help from your spouse when you get stuck does not count as planning your knees into your chest and wrapping your arms around ahead). When lifting, bend the knees and keep the back them. Hold that position for a minute, relax and repeat 2 more straight. Try to avoid double handling. Before you move times. Stretch your shoulders by holding a towel over your all those heavy bags of mulch or topsoil be sure you're placing head. Bring the towel behind your head, with one hand and them where they're needed so you don't have to move them lower the other hand to below shoulder height. Hold and genagain! Choose the best wheelbarrow: Avoid wheelbartly pull on the towel. Switch sides and repeat. Stretch calves rows with one small wheel at the front. They are very unstable and hamstrings by placing hands on a counter top or against a when being wheeled. Get a wheelbarrow with double wheels wall and stretch first one leg behind you and then the other in front or a single LARGE wheel. Don't fill the wheelbarrow up with too much material, and then go for the 'snatch and Studies show that gardening primarily uses the muscles of the shove' method of moving the wheelbarrow. Ouch, ouch, OUCH. Your poor back. Use your equipment wisely. Here back of the body. Raking and hoeing are done with the large back, gluteus and hamstring muscles. However, the muscles of is an illustrated how-to guide for doing some of the most comthe chest and core are also used in weed pulling and planting. mon gardening chores in the most efficient, least painful ways Mowing with a (non self-propelled) power mower uses lots of possible: https://www.verywell.com/gardening-tasks-and-your-back-
T
muscles in pushing, pulling and turning the mower. Here is a
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Despite your best intentions there will be times (many) when you will over-do it. So how best to recover from the pain? For aching legs, sit down and elevate the legs. This allows the fluid that may have built up in the lower legs and ankles to flow back to the body through the veins and allows fresh blood to be carried into the muscles through the arteries. And for your aching back? Well, I get in the hot tub. That and a glass of wine will pretty much guarantee that even if your back still hurts, you won't care! But of course, it's best to prevent those injuries from happening in the first place. If you’re like me, you may have already been out in the garden for several weeks, overdoing it and relying on painkillers to make up for your lack of preparation. But *next* year you can try this 6-week gardener fitness preparation program. Add it to your New Year’s resolutions- the ones you actually keep! http:// www.gardenfitness.com/garden_fitness_pla
Blueberries
When you go to court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty. raspberries
Tranquillizers work only if you follow the advice on the bottle - keep away from children. —Phyllis Diller
CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD? blackberries
HUMOR : COURTESY OF SCOTT BERRY
Above pictures courtesy of KAREN HARPER
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Marking During the rut, many antlered mammals leave obvious signs on the trunks of trees. Male deer create visual land olfactory marks along frequently used trails. Hunters will use the antler rub to determine the size of the deer and the territory that is being used. Bucks will approach the selected tree and lower their heads. The tree may be one that has been used in the past or an entirely new tree. Research has proved that the diameter of the tree selected correlates with the size of the deer. Rubbing the health and dominance of the buck. may be vigorous and rough or slow and There are glands on the face and head calm. The rubs are visual and olfactory that are rubbed along the trunk of the markers that allow females to determine tree. This scent is found throughout the
area where the buck has done the marking. I have had the deer kill a pear and Mayhaw tree. Also, they rubbed against a Grancy Greybeard tree. All of our Mayhaw trees have wire placed around the trunk to prevent damage. The picture with this article is a deer rubbing found on a Horse Sugar tree on the property. The marking can be on one side or all around the tree. Usually, a tree will repair itself if not too badly damaged. Whenever you take a walk in the woods, look for a rubbing made by a deer.
Dave Gordon
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Carrot Slaw
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
2 pounds carrots, peeled and shredded 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
6 medium red potatoes, cubed 3 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
5 Tbs. butter 3 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup olive oil 3 Tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup shredded Mexi-
Freshly ground black pepper
can cheese 1/4 cup flour Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened. Add in potatoes, green onions and 3/4 of the bacon.
Directions: 1. In a large bowl whisk together the mustard, oil, lemon juice, and salt until thoroughly combined. Add a generous grind of black pepper. 2. Add the carrots and scallions mixing well. 3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (better if overnight). Recipes Courtesy of Marg Stewart
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. 3. Stir in cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. If the soup is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency. 4. Garnish with green onion, cheese and remaining bacon. Serve immediately.
From the Editor: I must say I am proud to be part of the team that produces this newsletter. Please let me know what you like to see and if you have contributions please send them to me. My email is : shalimarkent@cox.net Thanks to all that have helped with my first try. Kent 8
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April What to Plant
juvenate garden beds or to pass along to friends. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_bulbous_flowers and Perennial Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_perennials
Annuals/Bedding Plants: New varieties of coleus do well in sun or shade and provide vivid colors and patterns for months. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Lawn insects: Rule out cultural problems, such as lack topic_annual_landscape_plants of water, that resemble insect damage before applying a pesticide. See Turfgrass Pest Insects: http:// Bulbs: This is an ideal time to plant many bulbs. Consid- edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_turf_pest_insects er blood lily, caladium, or canna. Louisiana iris and others make beautiful cut flowers. See Bulbs for Florida: http:// Lawns: Apply fertilizer after new growth has started— edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers usually early April in north-central Florida and mid-April for north Florida and the panhandle. See Lawn Fertilizer: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_fertilization
Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano, Shrubs: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs to add to sage, Mexican tarragon, and rosethe landscape now. See Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ mary. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs topic_shrubs and The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design: http:// Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season crops. fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ Mulch well to prevent weeds and provide irrigation if FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_v090110.pdf rainfall is lacking. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening Trees: Consider planting a spring-blooming tree, such as
What to Do Pests: Monitor landscape plants for aphids that feed on tender new growth. See Landscape Pest Management: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_pests Beneficials: Identify and conserve beneficial insects. These insects should be encouraged in your yard! See Beneficial Insects: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topic_beneficial_insects
fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina), or redbud (Cercis canadensis). See Southern Tree Fact Sheets: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/department_envhort-trees Mulch: Add mulch to minimize weeds and conserve moisture during dry weather. Organic mulches break down and add nutrients to the soil. See Landscape Mulches: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mulch
Perennials and bulbs: Divide clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, or herbaceous perennials to expand or re10
New and Updated Publications The Fate of Nitrogen Applied to Florida Turfgrass - The 8 page publication identifies and describes the sources and potential fates of nitrogen applied to Florida turfgrass. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep546 Iron for Florida Turfgrasses - This 4 page publication explains the function of iron (Fe) within the plant, describes the sources available for turfgrasses, and identifies which forms are most effective in improving turfgrass quality. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep551 Growing Pomegranates in Florida - 6 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1024 Botrytis Fruit Rot or Gray Mold of Strawberry - 4 page documents describes the symptoms and management of BFR among strawberry plants. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp152 Charcoal Rot of Strawberries - 4 page publication describes the symptoms, development, and control of charcoal rot. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp161 Genetically Improved Pines for Reforesting Florida's Timberlands - 8 page fact sheet explains how thse plantings can increase productivity, health, and value of reforested Florida timberlands. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ fr007 Assessment-based Pest Management of German Cockroaches - 10 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ in1190 Grow Your Own Oyster Mushrooms at Home - 5 page publication http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss662 Finger Lime: An Alternative Crop - 4 page fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1033 Where Does Honey Come From? UF/IFAS video with Dr. Jamie Ellis https://youtu.be/QPCsAQr_mZ4
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Propagation by Rooting Cuttings The ideal time for rooting cuttings of firespike, firebush, coleus and any other annual plants you may want for your garden is when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. With the erratic temperature fluctuations we have had this winter and early spring, that time has finally come.
from touching the cuttings. You may also use clear plastic water bottles or two liter soda bottles with the bottoms removed to cover the plants. The idea is to maintain 100% humidity around the cuttings until they begin to root. Set the pot of cuttings in a location where it will receive light but no direct sun such as a bright porch or under an azalea or other bush.
Check the cuttings for roots in about a week and, if new white Cuttings should be taken roots are apparent, remove the early in the morning when plastic bag or clear plastic botthe mother plant is fully tle. If no roots, replace the covturgid. Immediately place er and leave for another few the cuttings into a bucket or days. Leave the pot of rooted pan of cool water to prevent cuttings in place for a few days wilting. For these kinds of uncovered then slowly move them to more sun, preferably plants and for this time of year, a rooting hormone is morning sun at first then into full sun. Always keep the not necessary but doesn't hurt. Moisture availability is an soil moist, even if that means watering several times a absolute requirement for successfully rooting soft cuttings day. After about a week, the cuttings may be planted into the landscape or into large pots, watered and fertilized. and soil should be kept consistently moist but not wet. Cuttings should be four to six inches long with at least four internodes. Strip the bottom two leaves from the cutting taking care not to damage the stem. Insert the cutting (for a six inch pot, insert up to six cuttings) into the soil to a depth of two internodes, water and let drain well. To enhance the speed and successful rooting percentage of cuttings, you may enclose the pot in a clear plastic bag after inserting a dowel or other support with enough length to support the bag and keep it
This identical procedure may be used for vegetable garden plants such as tomatoes to extend the length of the harvesting period. Soft wood or "green wood" cuttings of most shrubs and trees may be treated in this same manner. Azaleas and camellias should not be stuck until April for best rooting results. By Leeland
Vanderpool 12
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By Bob Bayer
young growth by breaking dead limbs and having them fall. Just when it appeared that the In opposition to this over-night freezing temperatures were over, a cold spell once again happened in damaging effect, the tree canopy is opened Crestview. During the second week of to allow sunlight to March, I walked the Trail to assess the Winter damage. As expected, the fluctua- reach new growth. We tion of temperature took its toll. The old- all hate to see plants die and celebrate new er oaks and pines showed little damage growth (unless it is a but many of the younger trees and shrubs showed signs of cold damage. In weed) but it is simply the cycle of life. many cases it is not a single incident of cold weather that causes the damage but I find it amazthe warmer conditions that stimulate the ing at this time of plant to begin Spring growth only to year, just how deeply you can see into have this growth killed by freezing winds the woods. Plants that you never saw bethat can also desiccate the plant. The fore suddenly become visible. When evewind plays a significant part in damaging rything becomes
woods that almost look like silver streams. The bracken is popping up everywhere in the woods and of course on the trail as well. They are the true hergreen again, they will alds and bring the promise of Spring to come. What a joy!! once again vanish and become hidden Off to the side of the Trail is our by the neighbors. Honor Garden and the Compost Project. Two items that once Both have been dormant, or appeared to again take center be, during the cold season. The busy mistage on the trail are crobes turned what was once garden the deer moss and waste into rich topsoil. Some of the harthe eastern bracken dier plants survived but look shabby and fern. The heavy rains will be needing some TLC which is forthhave transformed the coming. shriveled, dry, brittle Y’all come and see us again for the first moss into soft gray time. green pillows throughout the 15
Hey Y’all: Some Thoughts About Our Blooming Spring Should a daffodil be called a self rising flower? Does the pistil of a plants bloom carry a concealed weapon permit? Gene Autry sang about blooms, "When the Bloom is on the Sage”. If we didn’t have blooms, what would bees do? Blooms are necessary for most of our vegetative food crop. Why do we call a female under garment bloomers? I wonder who gave Susan a blackeye? That wasn’t very nice! Why pluck petals from a daisy with the words “you love me, you love me not”? If you have never made a daisy chain necklace, you should, it's fun. If you call me a blooming idiot, does it mean that I have reached that goal? Why should an explosion have such a nice word as BLOOM associated with it? Shakespeare said, "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet”. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "The earth laughs in flowers”. Unknown, "All blooming plants grow up through the dirt”. “For, lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone, Flowers appear on the earth, The Time of the singing of the birds is come, And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” Song of Solomon, 2:11-12
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planned to go to bed earlier than normal. As with most things, the best laid plans. Still, it's only 11:00pm which is early for me. I un-package everything and there's this small white box with accessories. I am a direction reader. Find the directions...all 3 pages of them...in small print. decided that it was time I took a After being confused by the time I hit sleep study. I know I snore. Heck I've startled myself awake thinking a de- stage 2 on the directions I look for the ranged Grizzly was trying to get into the 'idiot card.' You know the one--it just has house. Happy Hubby has done one and is pictures on it. content with his CPAP so like any good Well my problem is where they tell you to spouse I figured that if he could do it so put the white box. The pictures show a could I. Our doctor agreed it was a good guy and they say "Place the box midway idea and informed me that you can now between (here you must insert your own do the study AT HOME! Whoopee! Sign words--this is a family friendly publicame up! Looking back I can only smile at tion after all.)" Like most women, I have the naivetĂŠ I was living under. body parts in the way and like most older
by M. Stewart
I
Cue the folks who actually ship out the machine to you. Very nice lady on the phone took all of my information and assured me how easy this all was going to be. The box arrived promptly on my doorstep and it wasn't even a big box. Just a benign box that held the plastic container of parts. All so innocent...nothing to indicate the evil that lay within the soothing packaging.
women, the location they refer to can be, at times, way lower than I believe they want this machine placed. Then there's the whole "strap the machine on securely" part. Okay, time to call the help line. Of course, a man answers the phone. He assures me that he gets this question all the time and I'm to just wedge this thing into the target area the best I can and 'strap it down.' Great.
Now for those of you who know me, you are well aware that receiving an email from me at 2am is nothing weird. I have figured that the good sleep study folks might need a bit more recording time than my 'normal' sleep pattern so I have
With the help of HH I manage to do all that and connect the cannula (which has prongs the length of the Oklahoma panhandle), place the rubber part over my index finger (now all I can feel is my pulse in that finger) and get me and all
this stuff into bed. The gentleman manning the help line said, "Once you get into bed don't think about anything but going to sleep." Sure. Right. I have prongs in my nose that are fighting with my nasal cavities, my finger is thumping and I'm strapped down like I'm in an ejection seat! You know me, I'm determined. (HH said I should change that to stubborn but what does he know.) All the lights on the machine have gone green and then turned off like they are supposed to do. I close my eyes and after about 2 minutes realize that I can 'see' a flashing light through my eyelids. What the heck? Open my eyes and there's a bright yellow light flashing on my chest! What am I? A caution light???? No, the cannula has pulled out of the machine. Get that reset. Okay, go to sleep! I then spend the rest of the night trying not to move lest anything else pop out and turn me into a Christmas tree. Checking the clock every hour or so. I have now discovered the irony of a sleep study--sleeping is not on the menu! Finally at 4:30am I'm ripping this stuff off and HH sleepily asks if I am okay. I respond that I'm fine but just tired of this so I'm getting up. (Okay there were a lot more un-repeatable words in there but this is a family publication.)
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I'm picturing the technician who will 'read' this machine. He should get combat pay. I also realize that I have to do this 'test' two nights in a row! Okay, I've spent the entire day working myself into a state of exhaustion because I figure if I'm just so tired I won't even fight the machine. Cue bed time--for those keeping track 10:30pm. Walter comes in and discovers dangling wires so I'm yelling for HH to come get my 'helper' before he chews through something expensive. Nothing like having a cat dangling from your cannula.
I will admit that last night wasn't quite as stressful. I managed not to rip out the cannula and try to hang myself (again). I kept the rubber part on my finger (for the most part) and the strap tie down points are re-inflating. Now I get to box the monster machine up and mail it back to await my results. Meanwhile, Walter has had his breakfast and is showing me what sleep should look like. Sometimes I hate my cat.
Shari Farrell Yard Art
Until next time...Plentiful Plantings!
Saint Fiacre patron Saint of gardeners. 18