The theory of using ollas is sound, so you may just need to decide if it is worth it for you. I saw a similar alternative with gallon jugs of milk or water (poke holes in the jug near bottom and situate it near a plant or buried up to the neck like ollas). Leave the lid on so the built-up pressure will let the water out slowly. You could try the milk jug option for a few plants to see if you see some differences in growth. Keep a few plants without the jug so you can make a comparison, though for trees, it might take a while to see some growth differences. If you then like it, then I can see how a 5 gallon bucket or larger tub with a pvc pipe sticking out, can be utilized in a similar fashion in case you want a larger reservoir. Even cat litter buckets, if you know anyone with cats.

My sister and I are the POAs. And my sister needs to take on the responsibility now - it's her turn to do something for the care of my Mother - I don't drive on my own yet, so I'd have to go get my mother, put her and wheelchair in a cab to any residence visit and take her back to my sisters. I've quit my job last Dec to be here 24/7 for my Mom. My sister can start taking time off her job to do something for my Mom. It's her turn to take on the responsibility. We are both POA and executors for my Mom. She's done nothing to date except abuse my good nature. And thank you for the hug - I'm really enjoying them now. I don't want to look after my Mom's finances etc etc etc - I'm already doing POA and executor for my GREAT aunt, again, my sister has the same authority and has done nothing for my GREAT aunt. I'm doing all the running around, by bus, to do finances, shopping, xmas shopping, prescriptions - you name it. So long as it doesn't interfere with my sister's need to be at work. How nice. I gave up my job. I'm now handing the reigns over to my sister who is waiting to get her fingers in both financial pots when death allows it. I don't want anyone's money. I don't want the hassle. I don't want my family anymore. They've all overstayed their welcome in my life. Right now, I don't know what my life is. Even in Scotland I didn't have my life - we were there for my husband's gran - at her beck and call. No more.

I am the original poster and find it interesting that this has come to the surface. Since it has I will give you an update. My friend now has a 16 month old baby. I am going to make a very long story short and leave out a lot of details, but the neighbor has become ugly to not only her, but to other neighbors. He threatened them and they found poison meat in their back yard. Someone said they saw him back there but have no proof he threw it in the yard, so ....There are other things that happened also. She went to court and the neighbor cried and made up stories and told many lies. As they left court he made some comments to the effect about her dog being dead one way or another, and smiled. She has a court order to have a dangerous dog sign on her door and as long as she is in the state he has to have a muzzle in public. He is used to it, and it is a great compromise. The child rolls on the dog and pulls on him and the dog snuggles up to her and shows her off. They are still very cautious of him, but he has never had another incident and this person is the only person he has ever had an issue with. This person continues to taunt them, along with other neighbors, dogs and kids. It's unfortunate and sad. He looks for trouble and gets it. He is a bully. He has caused problems for others. People fear him and he knows it and loves it. He is one who manipulates and for some reason it looks like it's not his fault when he gets caught. I will say no more, you may have the idea. At some point it will blow up, if it hasn't already, and he will get his comeuppance in a big way. I am not saying it is right that the dog bit, I had a biter myself and had to deal with things, I am just saying that she is dealing with a sick individual here also who has made her and many others very very uncomfortable.

LOL, 2many, I think Sriracha tastes like vinegar and hot peppers, but can't taste any other flavors. I'm a wimp, I like just a little heat but I don't want the enamel on my teeth to bubble. I think if it's so hot I can't enjoy the flavors of the food, it's kind of pointless, but Elery loves heat, the hotter the better. That is one mean looking panty liner, BTW. (grin) Sleevendog, I found a similar potato in my storage: I left it propped up on the counter for Elery to find and he didn't even notice it, LOL. So much for that Valentine's Day thought! Thanks for the sriracha tip on hummus, Elery would love that. I suppose I could just mix it in at the end, so the entire batch isn't "contaminated"? (snicker) AnnT, the steak looks delicious, as always, and although I don't care for very many hot chilies I love peppercorns. It's a different kind of heat. Annie