The picture(s) labeled "Tree in front" is an Alberta Spruce. I would almost bet it is spider mite damage and no the webbing has nothing to do with the spider mites. I have no idea what the webbing is. Alberta Spruces are notorious for getting spider mites especially if they are in sun most of the day. Kelthane works wonders but it will take some time to recover. There is a good posibility they are also in the Blue Spruce but not positive.

That was so inspiring, Les, and melancholy at the same time. I could have written it all, had I the inclination and ability to articulate the philosophy as well as you did. It's taken me 22 years to understand what I've done wrong (plant Maple trees), and what I should have done (amend, amend, amend - I live where the 'soil' is like cement), and oh how I wish I could go back and start over. This was a new subdivision, a 'maintained' community of zero-lot-line homes, but I had to have my new house built on the corner lot because as the entrance to the subdivision, it had the most trees and was the biggest lot. Wrong choice. Being a corner lot, there are two berms so I've gardened on a slant. The trees on those berms are Scotch Pines which, after a few short years, started dropping pine cones and a good wind knocks off so many dead limbs that punch holes in the hosta that I cry. Scotch Pines have a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. They're starting to die. Then there's the Emerald Ash Borer - those trees provided the dappled shade and are coming down - and oh, I almost forgot the sick ornamental fruit trees that drop yellow leaves starting in June because they were treated too late. Btw, no 'maintenance' people are allowed in here. I cut the grass, what little is left. And I no longer have to weed because as you describe, few weeds grow where there's no light. I have over 400 hosta and fortunately, many which are not on the berms have been used as shrubs against patios and house and have reached over 6 feet in width. The tree roots have choked so many on the berms they will never reach that size and some don't exist any more. I planted Rhubarb and Goatsbeard in those spots. Everything you have pointed out is something I've learned the hard way - and at age 70, I no longer want to wait 20 years until I'm able to see these gorgeous adult plants - if I can still see, that is. I, too, hate mulch - but that's what was put down for many years in the (then) open areas. DH is a golfer, so this is my own agony and ecstasy. He's felt sorry for me recently and made some burlap shades to put up over the blues so they keep as much wax as possible in disgusting 98-degree heat like today. Looks like hell for a day or two - but I hang on as long as I can. And I've had to sneak away a lot of grass (he loves it) and rake away a lot of mulch, but I've finally got the 'look' you describe - most hostas either touch or hug each other. We are now about to put this place on the market and move to Colorado where I will hopefully do it as right as possible even though I know it's not the climate I need (or want). I doubt I'll ever find another obsession I love so much as this. But I might have to. Know anyone who wants to buy a pretty house with a hosta collection? It's close to being what you describe - just a few more adjustments ... and maybe one more hosta. Westy

well, it's been almost a year since I repurchased my old 96 Accord. Decided I'd give an update. The car is still going, but has had some issues. Not too surprising since the dern thing is on it's way to 400,000 miles. I'm sitting at a few clicks shy of 330,000 right now. I've really saved a lot of miles on the 06 and have driven the 96 on quite a few road trips this year. My biggest problem has been with leaks. I never realized just how many places there were for oil/fluids to escape from! Lol. I've had to replace my heater hoses, rear wheel bearings and a radiator fan. My driver's side power window is completely out of whack, the steering wheel is so worn and loose that I have to hold it at the 6 0'clock position, there is a hole in the carpet below the accelerator, interior door handles have broken off, numerous interior lights are burned out, interior rattles/creaks, ABS light stays on and the check engine light goes on/off randomly. The first time it was on, it was diagnosed as being a clogged throttle body/EGR ports. Now, I'm not real sure... probably a sensor, though my gas mileage is still what it should be and the car seems to be running properly. The engine continues to start every time and just keeps running on. The rest of the car is really starting to show it's wear and tear from the high mileage, but the engine still starts, runs and sounds the same it did when I first bought the car many years back with only 45,000 miles. I'm truly blown away by it. While I worry a little that something might break on me, I never worry that it's going to be the engine. I didn't think I'd ever put this car back on the highway for the long trips, but it is still able to handle them (well, the engine still can, anyway). The AC, cruise control and sunroof still work, though! The Honda reman. trans. has continued to disappoint... but it's still working, so I'm not going to complain too much. If it ever dies, I'll just have the engine yanked out and put into a better body. I'm really curious to know just how far this stupid thing will go. Also, update on the 06... just over 60k miles (I'd have closer to 90k if it weren't for the 96!) and it's held up exceptionally well. Still feels like a brand new car to me. It does have some rattles in the interior that have come back, but I haven't had to do squat to the car other than put gas in it, change the oil and drive it. It's still got a LOOONG way to go before it proves as good (hopefully better) than the 96.

FWIW...a lot of folks seem to be having the same problem...Honda is playing deny it ant they will go away. http://www.hondacarforum.com/honda-technical/41169-2008-accord-headlights-dimming.html http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsummary.cfm?odi_id=10237353&prod_id=320701&cmpt_id=216&type=1