OK, let's take these one at a time: #1 Walking on seed that isn't showing visible signs of germination, i.e. no green, is not a huge deal. If you step on seedlings that are between one day and 3 weeks old (meaning one day of showing green) then a few things can happen. You can kill it in which case it will get thinner and eventually fade away, you can mash is down so it will grow a bit crooked for a while and take longer to get to mowing height, or it will lay down but after a few days look pretty normal. If you are killing it by walking through it, I think it would be fairly obvious. #2 Some turfgrass is bred to grow lower and slower, so you don't have to mow as much. What kind of TTTF did you plant? Does it mention on the bag when you should cut it? Usually you mow at about 3 inches or one month. Since it has stopped growing there must be a reason. So either it is a low growing variety (check the bag or do some research), it is too cold and top growth has stopped (which I doubt, top growth usually stops when soil temps are around 40 degrees), or it is not getting what it needs (Do you still water it? Did you use starter fertilizer? Is the soil very compacted? Does it get enough sun?) All of those things can cause slowing of growth. I planted TTTF this fall, and it said mow at 3 inches or 3 weeks, and sure enough, most of it was ready at that time interval. If I was you I would probably set the reel mower at 1.5 inches and take the tops off since it is 6 weeks old. Hopefully this will encourage growth and tillering. #3 For tall fescue I think it is pretty important to topdress. Just broadcasting the seed doesn't give enough seed to soil contact. I have found a topdress of topsoil/peatmoss (Scott's premium topsoil) until the seeds are just covered provides a great environment for germination. It also covers them so birds won't eat them. Squirrels really don't have an interest in the seeds, they are digging holes to bury nuts, look for nuts, or because they smell something they think they can eat. If you top dress you won't have to rake the seed in since it will be covered. The problem is you will have to topdress by hand since you have existing grass, but that means you will have to walk on it. In regards to wash out, I have had it happen to me, and it sucks. It totally negates your hard work, and money spent. On one slope last year I actually bought about 10 12' x 9' plastic sheeting and layered them like shingles when a heavy rain was coming and held them down with bricks. As soon as the rain stopped they were taken up to prevent mold/fungus. It was a small area though, and would be hard to do on a large scale. The topsoil/peatmoss mix does prevent washout to a degree since the peatmoss forms a sort of mesh that holds it together, but if it is really heavy then you will still get some wash out. I have never used hay or blankets, just tried to plant before a week of clear weather. Here's is what I would probably do. I would wait till next year. It is pretty late in the season, and anything that germinates now might not have enough strength to make it through winter (unless your winters are very mild). Anything that is growing now should be really looked after to ensure it is a very healthy stand. TTTF really needs about 2 good months to weather any stresses. If you think you can get 2 months, then it might be worth a shot, but again we are talking till Jan. 20th. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Thanks Ewalk! I need to pay attention to dates and bottom post. I saw the fix but proceeded with the possible comparison. After searching Mantis rototiller (which I'm not familiar with) it could relate to my Poulan chainsaw inspection troubleshooting job today. My lack of fuel was one of two problems or both. I started with the Carb and exhaust port since I h/n inspected them (the exhaust and spark arrest were clean). 1. The carb show restricting derbies at the screen under the crab's side held with one screw (if we have the same Walbro Carb) that I cleaned with compressed air due to loose particles vs varnish. 2. I removes the high and low mixture screws (counting my existing turns to seat them since it ran good at these settings) and blew them out, feeling the air's exit. The fuel was dirty and dark and I did add a filter and fresh fuel. What are the two elements snapped together on a Walbro filter? 3. With no good results, I added 1/4th turn to each screw and I could see the fuel started to flow (vs my prime)and the saw continued to run good. I'll tweak the screws 1/8th later "maybe", when I get into some wood. Another Maintenance Chore And Experimenting! loger

I dont recall ever seeing or getting a static spark on a cordless phone. And dont know what else you have that might generate static... perhaps low humidity & with some shoes and carpets, the combination will create a static shuffle and shock you elsewhere too ? Where the phone line enters the house there is usually a grounding conductor tied to the same grounds the electrical panel use. Typically looped to a metal water pipe and usually a ground rod. You might look around and see if one of those grounds has come loose or been weed wackered.

Has anyone used the Euro model yet? If so, how is it? The TapMaster site says you can push the lever in any direction...left, right, push in, pull out...and it will work. You're only limited to left/right if you want to lock it "on". Now that I finally installed my NeverMTs, I'm ready to tackle the TapMaster battle ($296 @ Conservastore)...I want one for my prep sink, at least. (I suspect once my DH sees how nice it is to use he'll want one on the cleanup sink as well...) So, any input on the Euro style is welcome! (The cabinet door one is out since I sometimes lean on the sink cabinet doors w/my knees while working at the sink.)