The discussion of minerals is very interesting. I read Teaming with Microbes last year, and I thought it was fascinating, as well. I may have missed it, but I don't remember a discussion of minerals. I do live in a cool, moist environment in the glaciated zone - New Hampshire. There are rocks *everywhere* on my property. Every time I put in new plants, even in the veggie garden where the soil was once upon a time double-dug, somehow a rock turns up. (We joke that we have magic rock seeds.) In the front yard and near the house in back, there is a varying amount of top soil with yucky sand underneath from the builder carting away the soil ~40 years ago. In the woods in back, there is about 6" of lovely forest humus with clay underneath. I've been gardening seriously/more intensively for 5 or so years. (I've always done OG and we've owned the house for 11 years.) Assuming my soils were decent in minerals originally (I don't know), what's the best way to keep them that way for the long haul? I do use compost, manure, and a complete OG fertilizer (North Country or Espoma). I just sent my soil for a "real" test at the Extension for the first time - they usually measure some of the trace elements in the OG panel, right? As far as the idea of bringing in praying mantids, I'd advise against it. I let my nature-loving son get a PM egg case 2 years ago. Last year was the first year we ever had insect problems. We noticed a definite change in the overall insect population, including a lot fewer beneficials. We're hoping things will gradually balance themselves. It's like bringing in a T-rex or something - those suckers are a little scary....

I saw my first Oriole of the year April 12th. They are such lovely birds and its always a sure sign of spring when they arrive here.

We bought our Miele 5 year warranty on the washer, dryer, and dishwasher. When we save enough for the Miele Fridge and Freezer I want, we'll put the 5year on them as well. The cost of the warranty (five years) is negligible compared to one service call. My "old" Miele Washer/Dryer (seven years old) were gone thru by Miele and totally reconditioned before I gave them to my daughter. I replaced ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that even "seemed" worn or as though it "might" fail in the next year or so, including screw covers and cosmetic only parts. The total cost of that "complete refurb" was only about $550 parts and labor & AFTER spending that money for the "complete refurb" my factory service rep certified to Miele corporate what had been done/replaced/etc., and they allowed me to buy a five year warranty on the old machines! I was amazed! So for a little over a grand out of daddies' pocket, my kid got a "like new" set of Miele's that are under full warranty for five more years. How many manufacturers would even consider such a thing? Damned few in my experience. Immer Besser! (Forever Better - the Miele Motto in German) However in the UK, Miele offers a 10 year warranty on their "top of the range" (read most expensive) machines. Standard, not at extra cost. Pity they don't do that here, yet!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sixteen is a good long life for a cat. Out of many, all given the same loving care, I have only had three that lived longer than sixteen, and most died quite a bit younger. It's not much comfort, but it is some, to think about what a long and happy life our pets have had. I also try to be grateful that I outlived my pet and so was able to ensure a happy life for him/her right up to the end. Nevertheless, I can't help crying when I read a message about the passing of anyone's beloved pet. Both cats in the picture look just beautiful!