I third the spar urethane thing! My in-laws used it on a picnic table because it was supposed to be safer and non-toxic (everything is non-toxic after it's dried and cured!). We just inherited the picnic table and it's only about 3 years old and looks older. The sealer was all peeled up and coming off and some of the wood had actually rotted! We're not using that stuff again! I use Olympic's stain with the water sealer in it to do things around the house like our landscape timbers and arbor. That doesn't peel. I know they have a clear sealer. That should work. I think you only have to re-coat every couple of years with that! Good luck!

Phyllis, it was a amazing couple of days. Like you, I'll never forget it. I only shared a few of the hundreds, I'm sure, of the pics we took. This is all new to us as he made this choice last minute. What I know now is he will be at Pendleton for the next 3 months for training and then assigined to a base for additional training for six months from what he has told us. A year more or less??? Grace, welcome to the forum! I've been very busy and haven't had much time here. Man, four boys...you have your hands full. Ellen, not sure you know what your asking for....these guys eat like there is no tomorrow...lol! Terri, MOS...from what he told me it is Military Occupational Specialty. He went for supply and demand to take advantage of his accountting. He did very well in H.S. and was in college courses his final year. Also, won a couple of scholarships in a national compition with his team. As it stands now he changed his mind and decided he wanted to go into infantry. He made this change with several others once they arrived in SD. Not sure why he did this...he just said it was what he wanted and felt he needed to do??? Claims he can make a lat change in a couple of years??? DS and I are meeting with his recruiter on Friday to get more info. Reguardless, I will stand behind him and support him and his decisions even though I might not be happy with them. I'm thinking it has something to do with older friends in the army who are now serving????. Pickle Lady, you are one of many who's names are the norm in my group. It may be your proper name or forum name....the members of this forum have become a part of my groups everyday lives....your ears should be burning. : ) Thanks again for all of your posts, support, and general good will.....my group and I love all y'all!! David

It might be cercospora. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/diseases-ficus-leaves-76218.html

Dianela- ah, I don’t have anymore space; it’s so irksome particularly since there are so many new (to me) roses I’d like to get! But, Tiffany has been underperforming for a few years now so I had decided to give the spot to QoS - her tall and narrow habit would be ideal for the spot. If I put in The Ancient Mariner instead, then I’d have to move a clump of bearded iris and some other plants. I really don’t know how I’d fit both.... <sigh>. Dave - I think you may have got the last two TAMs; it’s now out of stock :-) Jo