Thanks, David!! And yes, it used to be a mess. But I don't subscribe to a "this vs that" method of trying to attribute success (or failure) to a single component. I've come to realize that the more I study things, the more the interrelationships are the critical items. In other words, it's not "soil chemistry vs soil biology", but how the two of them interact and support each other. A good soil chemistry allows a great biology to grow, which acts as a reservoir for food for the lawn. This avoids the "yo-yo effect" that we see in the regular long-term use of synthetics. A good chemistry provides lots of nutrients in good ratios to each other and massive growth. To answer your question about what I did, I concentrated on getting Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur and the micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Boron) settled in the right proportions to each other. Notice that I ignored Nitrogen and pH. Once the other items are settled properly, the pH will find the "sweet spot" all by itself, and anything organic supplied will supply Nitrogen into "the bank". It's not a recipe for making the lawn (or garden) look great next week, but the soil will almost manage itself if you get the chemistry and biology working together. At this point, I can feed it some Milorganite or Soy Bean Meal and it will handle the rest all by itself. Then I spend my time trying to help others that want to do the same, or chasing the deer out of my Hosta.

It sounds pretty much like you've all got your acts together, except for a few clichs, but don't fret over those, remember this is a day of celebrating a birth! I really missed not shopping this year, but the kids, g-kids are all grown up and this is the year they celebrate with their spouses families. I'll be spending the holiday by myself this year.Having to haul this oxygen apparatus around pretty well limits my activity, but this will be a good time for me to try to pack up all the art materials that I will keep and stack all the arts/crafts stuff in boxes to get rid of. Next week is when I try out my transportation service, that will be an adventure! You all have a wonderful holiday with your friends & family, I'll see you next year! Love you all! Pat

Link by email has been whited out for me. Another way but slower is. Right click any website - left click properties - hold down on the Ctrl Key and left click the address. After it has changed color put your pointer on the color and right click it - left click copy. Open email and right click email face and left click paste. This sound worst than what it is. It's really easy. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/comphelp/msg0315260726848.html?1

Update: I just called her on the phone. She does not use Outlook. She uses something like ATT Yahoo for her email. When she goes into Programs....and tries to open Outlook Express, she gets some message that mentions there is an error....and goes on to talk about a POP server....and other things way over my head. I suggested that she call her provider for some help. It was over my head. I thank you raven and Bob for your messages. Larry