strouper2, if it was composted cow manure that you used, there should not be a problem. If it was not, you might still not have a problem if it was a very thin layer. Also, seeds usually need 'warmth' to germinate and the uncomposted cow manure might provide that. To be safe, water regularly (at least daily) and additionally on "hot" times of the day.

No, you're not being too picky. I hope this resolves positively. Pretty wood!

Beth, I have been so delighted and educated with all these posts. I love the evolution of your wonderfully charming home! You are an amazing woman! I share several of the decorating dilemmas you've mentioned. My "living room" is about 2' more narrow and 2' shorter than your area. I'm learning a lot from your post. The repurposed gun cabinet idea is absolute genius. Please share a photo when you've installed the shelves and contents. Regarding the non-glare glass for your larger artwork. The price of non-glare glass has become simply ridiculous. I have an entire hallway lined with (Gasp!) a family gallery wall. It includes photos from more than 100 years ago to this year's school pics of the great-nephew. Color, colorized, sepia toned, black and white, all mixed together and mostly in their original mismatched frames. That just about breaks all the rules, but I love my wall. Several of the older photos - Mom's 1954 graduation photo; MIL's 1952 wedding photo, etc. - had plain glass. I can't tolerate the glare either. I made a note in my iPod of all the frame sizes that needed replacement non-glare glass. Every time I'm at a thrift shop or yard sale I check out the "frames" area. You can often find large pictures that may be in horrid frames, but they will have non-glare glass! I buy the frame, take out the glass, and toss the rest. I found one very large print of ballet slippers framed with non-glare that was big enough to cut down into several pieces. It made one 8x10 and three 5x7 pieces of non-glare glass for my wall, all for $1. With their permission, I took the glass out at the shop, tossed the faded print, and re-donated the empty frame back to them.

The English buy the peas in tins, usually. But, dried would be this : http://m.tesco.com/h5/groceries/r/www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=276415352 They are usually eaten with : fish and chips where you buy them from the chippie, or with pies but I think only really in London. Could be wrong, but where I come from (Oxford), we don't eat them. It's a more northern thing.