I think the SL Trib article I originally read addressed the issue of CWD (I don't think BSE would be an issue with deer, would it?). Since both CWD and BSE are caused by prions, they wouldn't be destroyed by composting. I don't remember what they were doing about it, but I seem to recall that they felt there was more danger in disease transmission if the deer were left to rot in the open than if they were composted. They may also have been limiting how they used the compost. I thought BSE was transmitted by cattle feed with ground up meat and bones, not uncomposted manure. Here is a link to an FDA fact sheet. Here is a link to the Wikipedia article on BSE. Both mention feed containing meat and bone meal. The Wikipedia article mentions blood and fecal matter, but only as a theoretical source of BSE. If the prions responsible for BSE are present in the manure, composting it won't destroy them, since prions survive much higher temperatures than even the hottest compost piles produce.

Oh Seil, that list is heartbreaking. IâÂÂm sure losing all those seedlings youâÂÂve babied along is a big blow. I see names of so many of your minis that IâÂÂve been admiring through your pictures on the deceased list...so sad. I did see your shopping post, and looks like you have picked out some great new roses to enjoy. I laughed when I read on the other post that you were considering Neptune for its âÂÂNâÂÂ. I came very close to buying Quietness to have a âÂÂQâ even though I knew it would grow way too big for the spot I had available. I only lost ten roses over the winter, 8 OGRs and 2 Austins. They were all new to me last year and nothing uncommon or hard to replace. Even so, it was disappointing. I canâÂÂt imagine having losses to the degree some of you have suffered. Seil, your positive attitude over the situation is such an inspiration to everyone! Looking forward to progress reports and pictures of your (and everyone's) recovery gardens!

It's been a busy, busy day! Just let the 'babies' in for the night! Spent a little more fun time with 'Arrant!' Told him he has only to get through tonight & tomorrow & then it will be time to see the Dr. I don't think he's too happy - growled! lol! Gets his bath tomorrow, brushed, & his nails trimmed. He'll be ready! Me - I'm just trying to stay in the 'positive' mode! :)) Thanks for the prayers & comments everyone!! I appreciate them very, very much! Made my evening (or should I say 1:58 am) seem a little better! Thank you!! You guys/gals are TOPS! Nephew's doing better! He'll be seeing the family Dr. on Monday as well! A busy day Monday! I'm also taking a vacation day Monday - not sure what to expect?? I hope all goes well! Everyone - give your fur-babies, cats, kittens, birds, reptiles, whatever the case may be (even tropical fish!!) - a HUGE & very tight hug!! It makes you feel very 'good' inside & it does make a difference! :)) Love you all! Mike

St Bonner - Thank you for your compliment and your ideas. Money is an issue while Hubby is still in school, but we are putting together "the big plan" and will attack what we can and keep the rest for later. Its funny that you've asked about the concrete. Just a few minutes ago Hubby said the same thing, that we need to cut some out. He also really dislikes the rock, so that can go. Would a row of large planters offer temporary alternative to removing the extra concrete? Would that soften the look? "Wicker porch furniture would be great out there, if not wicker than a couple of wooden rockers would also work. If you go with rockers, you might want to think about matching their paint color to whatever bright color you paint the door." -- More great ideas. Thanks! "I can't see the whole yard from the picture..." Oh, yes you can. That's it! LOL The house was built as far forward on the lot as was allowed, so the back yard is massive by our city's standards. "I would also make a bed on the left side of the house and have something planted over there to balance out the mass planting on the right." The property line is the sidewalk to the left of the porch and goes to the left of the rock creek. That's it. The only place for another garden bed is in that teeny patch of lawn which could be removed. "I would also consider an ornamental tree in the front yard..." We did just plant a cherry tree in the teeny patch of lawn that's there, but I'm not sure if its going to live. "I would also re-do the foundation plants around the house, something lower and evergreen would be nice, so that the house doesn't look so bare in the winter." We just got back from the green recycling dump. Hubby pulled out some of the plantings to make room for evergreen cedars. You and we are on the same wavelength! "Also, if you could mix in annuals during the summer it would be nice." Around the plantings is gravel, perhaps to keep it low-maintenance. We could remove the gravel to allow annuals or add planters. "In the summer pic one of the bushes is taller than the bottom of your windows - I would definitely try to keep the bushes lower than your lowest window." That's a lilac bush that grows like a weed. "Also, a large, pretty pot with an evergreen planting would be great on the left side of your front door". I'm in zone 3b. As far as I know any pot plantings would die over the winter. Around here people put artificial plants in pots for wintertime. What are your thoughts about silks? Thanks for everything! ...Pam