I don't have a clue what iris borers would look like, but I'm betting they're something I might not want to see....I have a fairly low "ick factor" tolerance =:) Would there be holes? I didn't have anything that looked wrong, but I might as well learn what to look for. I've got lots more to divide later. Thanks!

Ceresone's lurking!! lol still reading the forum first thing every morning, what other forum's does everyone go to? (bad english, but it fit) myself, i start with farm life, go to the ozark forum, then to soil, compost and mulch, on to the allium forum.i've started my first garlic bed this past fall, thanks to people i've met on the forums. then, i move onto homesteadtoday forums, and idigmygarden forums from baker creek.depending on the time of year, i may hit midwest forum, winter sowing(which i didnt have luck at either)or, gardening under lights, heirloom gardens. THEN, its daylight, and time for chores! one mentioned giving up gardening? the thought came to mind "hope springs eternal" which describes me in the spring.my seed catalogs are dog-eared now--best occupation for a cold winter day. i build a seed rack last year, need to get cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage growing, think i'll wait longer for the tomatoes and peppers. farms in a waiting mode right now, everything just waiting for spring. noticed yesterday that neighbors horses had stripped the bark off all the trees to eat, combined feeling of wishing i could help them, and being glad ours have plenty to eat. type neighbor that would be angry if he saw you giving hay to them. so wish hubby was interested in gardening, as he used to be, but--reminds me of ronald regan's last speech, going down that road you dont want to follow. and nancy's about so many beautiful memories that we no longer share. dr's appt in spf next mo. irishheart, think you live not far from me, welcome to our ramblings. greatgrandkids selling books in school this year, got 3 seperate "letters" yesterday--guess "maw" better get busy and look. best to everyone.

No problem at all.

This is such a timely thread for me. The fact that it was revived at this particular time feels like synchronicity at work. I'm in the process of refinancing and considering a cash-out to improve my humble abode both inside and out. It's not the home of my dreams, but it might just allow me to have a second house in a warmer climate as I approach retirement and that's worth a lot to me. The good news is my appraisal came in yesterday really high. The bad news is that my appraisal came in yesterday really high! lol I was thinking I'd get at least 50-75% back out of the improvements I make, but I'm really not seeing how I could get more than 1/4 back after I saw that appraisal number. With my neighorhood and my square footage, I fear I'm getting close to the ceiling even with crappy windows, doors, and siding - and an outdated kitchen and floorplan. Oh, and floors! That seems so bizarre to me, but I have 24 hours to process it and decide whether I want to refinance the existing mortgage or how much to cash out for improvements. The twists and turns of this process are really unexpected. It's all new territory for me. This thread has given me much food for thought. Lots of wisdom here, even if it sometimes contradicts. Thank you.