Thanks, guys :-) Some mildly analytical stuff: 1. The containers that have sprouted are all part of a the ones I grouped together in big garbage bags...I guess that ups the temps a bit, having the big plastic around them. I put a lot of containers in the bags for easy transport and for dog protection (from picking up a container and running off with it...which has happened before). Not all the containers in the bags have sprouted (there's a whole lot more of them), but those on the list above have. 2. The sprouted containers are also with a group of containers that are in Southern exposure. ( I have other bags of containers on my porch, in Northern exposure). This proves why it could be bad to have them in Southern exposure, because now, I'm more inclined to worry, since we now have snow and it's going to be in the 20s or lower tonight. But then, the ouotdoor temps have been in the low to mid 20s every night for the past two weeks and that didn't keep them from sprouting. ..but I'm not looking at those containers or opening them up...not for a few days, at least. Whatever will be will be...and I have a feeling a lot of those sprouts will be just fine. --I think I do need to slip a thermometer inside one of those bags of containers, though. I'm curious as to how much warmer it is in there. Linda

Before and After Lawn My house sits on top of limestone rubbles. I have to admit that I bought worms from worm grower somewhere and put worms in various spots 2 years ago. Apparently, it worked. I have earthworms everywhere now. I had absolutely zero earthworm when I moved into the house in 2005. Here's what I think helped the most... Organic program. I use organic fertilizer. I have st augustine lawn where I mow at 4 inches. That probably made things much more favorable for worms. Ground is a lot cooler and stay moist longer. I water deeply every 2 weeks. Absolutely no chemical pesticide at all or at least use the least toxic possible if necessary. Not sure which product so you'd have to do a bit of researching. I mainly use beneficial nematodes for pest control. I think earthworms make a huge difference for improving soil. top 4 inches are very nice till you hit rocky part.

Well, thank you all for the comments. I don't think I really made myself clear, though. Probably because (as Asolo so smartly pointed out) I was kind of wallowing in self pity last evening. I do that. Wish I didn't. But I do. I was not actually asking for a solution. I made promises when I married and I take those very seriously. And I've done the math here for quite a few years. Yes, it's lonesome. No, it's not what I had in mind. It isn't even what I had reason to expect when I married this time. It wasn't like this in the beginning. But I have no intention of leaving. I have a lot invested here - literally. When we married I was the one who had a house and that went a long way toward buying the place we have now. If we split up, so does this place and it's all I have. Half of it isn't enough to keep either of us in rent. I went through one horrific divorce and came out with something (not much but something). But that was southern CA and that's a community property state. This isn't and what we have isn't worth nearly that much. So, for practical reasons alone, I won't leave. My ex is now a millionaire and I will have to work until I drop. (sigh) But I do have a home. It's not fancy or worth a lot of money but it's rural and private and pleasant and I like it. Besides that, I don't hate my husband. Far from it, in fact. I am just very disappointed. And I get very lonely and sad. I guess what I wanted from this post was a bit of encouragement. I read so many posts by women who seem to be in similar situations...I just thought that there might be a bit of comfort. Well...just goes to show, doesn't it? If I knew how to get what I want I wouldn't be in this mess. A few of you seem to have gotten the impression that I am happier alone than when my husband is home. That is not exactly right. I do enjoy the time I spend by myself because I get busy and work in my garden or do some chores around my house. I enjoy that. But not the way I would enjoy an affectionate spouse. I would much prefer to have his company IF I felt that he really wanted to be with me. That is the part that troubles me. He spends so much time elsewhere that it seems to me that he would rather be someplace else than with me during the short times I am home from work. If he doesn't WANT to be with me...well...I don't want to inflict myself on anyone. I only meant that I don't just sit and cry when he isn't around. Or, for that matter, when he is. I make a HUGE effort - usually successful, I think - to be upbeat and positive. I don't complain or pick fights. I try very hard not to give him reasons to want to be elsewhere. And for the short times he is with me he doesn't really seem miserable. He just doesn't treat me like a wife but rather like a roommate or a casual friend. I can only assume that it's enough for him because he is definitely setting the pace here. But it sure leaves me feeling rejected. I do value the (somewhat unexpected) advice you all have given, though. Thank you all for your concern and suggestions. "From what you've written, it seems to me you're living in wishes. This is your life. You've only got one of them. Act. If you don't, you'll be 58 next year and nothing will have changed." Asolo, you are always wise. Not always tactful - go ahead and laugh - but you do cut through the brush. You are quite right. I am living in wishes. And you are right that it's pointless. What I need to do is figure out some way to more fully enjoy the life I have. I don't really expect much change from the outside but maybe I can change what I am wishing for. Still, I think that the desire for a kind word -a hug now and then, I friendly glance, a compliment - is a real human need. If you are fortunate to have those things you probably don't even give them a thought. But imagine for a moment if you didn't have any of them. If the "thank you" at the fast food window was the friendliest thing you would hear all day...might you not even write a pitiful, whiny post online at night hoping for something more? Pathetic? Yes. But understandable, I think.

mv2006, I was glad to find this site too. It has helped me to vent and find advise/opinions. I just want to warn you that the behaviors your experiencing may continue for some time. I have been married to my DH for 2 yrs and together for 6 years. DH and his ex dislike/hate each other. DH's 2 children (my stepkids) who are now adults, but lived with us until the last couple years made our life difficult. The ex influenced the SKs I feel because of her hate for DH. How I know this is that everytime the SKs spent time with biomom (ex) or talked with her a new problem for DH and I was started by the SKs. It was a draining, stressful, and upsetting situation to live in. However, I knew that the SKs would soon be moving out and becoming adults. I hung in there but remember crying and being sad many many days. I want to warn you that as long as the ex dislikes you future husband there will be turmoil in your life. Some ex wives if unhappy with themselves and their life can cause harm and turmoil to others. It appears to me they do not want their ex happy and will do anything to cause them pain. I also see some jealousy, they don't want their bio children to like you and can cause bad things to happen so the chidren will not get too close to you. The dynamics are crazy in a step family situation. I have heard of a few happy step family situation, however the majority are stressful and trying. If I had known what I know now I would have waited to marry my DH when the children had grown and been on their own. Just sharing my experience. Maybe your situation will change sooner that mine did. Best of luck