Hello! I hope this isn't rude to piggyback, but I just had a couple questions about the screen size. I thought in the original direx for gritty mix, it said this (I'm not putting in the bits about fertilizer, just the particle stuff): "1 part uncomposted screened pine or fir bark (1/8-1/4") 1 part screened Turface 1 part crushed Gran-I-Grit (grower size) or #2 cherrystone" Now, did that mean that we want all 3 ingredients to be between 1/8 and 1/4 inch? Or are there different sizes for the other 2 ingredients? Because somewhere on one of these threads, someone asked if it should be screened so that you have "1/8" screen for grit and Turface and 1/4 for the pine bark?" Which confused the heck out of me. We want them around the same size, I thought. Again, apologies if this is rude. It's just that every time I think I'm getting close, I realize there's some other really important and complicated aspect I don't understand. Once I get this particle size business down, I'm going to go with some sort of bark/DE thing, and just hope for the best. (At least, I think that's what I'll do. Can't have a heavy mix. Need lots of water retention.) Well, I hope this wasn't obnoxious. These screen how-tos are fantastic!!! I had thought it would be too hard but this makes it seem doable. So, thank you!!!

thanks for the nice comments everyone. Saucy, when we moved in, the foyer had tulips as tall as me which were purple and yellow. the carpet was purple and green shag... yep.Perfectly color coordinated. No idea where they found it. Bathroom had flocked wallpaper. Marian, my grandmother had that same cabinet. It seems like it was called a Hoosier cabinet or something. I think it had a flour sifter build in or something. They made a lot of biscuits, so probably had to put in a 50 pound bag of flour. I learned how to make them from my mom and grandmas. No measuring, just know when they are right. Did you ever have blackberry jam, made quick on the stove? More like gravy. I loved it when I was a kid, and made some for Devin last year. He ate it up.

It is easy so I still wonder how I messed up three previous batches? Maybe it was because it was too warm outside? I forgot to try mine last night - today I will. Funny thing, same thing happens when I make mayo. It only turns out every three to four attempts. Frustrating.

Jackie, enjoy your new toy! That 11 inch arm sure sounds wonderful. I am getting a Janome machine for the first time. It is supposed to arrive on Friday. Mine is not noteworthy like yours is, but was ordered to be a back-up machine and one I can take it to workshops, classes, etc. I haven't bought a sewing machine in 10 years or longer, so I am still excited. Sure hope I like it! No one had it locally so I did my shopping online and will see it for the first time when I open the box! I guess that is the shopping world these days. It can be returned if I really don't like it and the business I ordered it from is reputable, so we'll see how this goes! Update us on your purchase.. and gee, maybe we need a picture, too! Jeanne