I'm attaching some pictures to get some advice as to what should be our plan of action. Should we snip off the new growth low on the trunk, prune it back and root out cuttings, cut into it to try to force some back budding on the existing branches? The new growth produced by back-budding can be removed at any time. I'd leave it for now because it could eventually become a welcome part of the composition. I would take the opportunity to bring the top of the plant back under control. The plant would look better if the top was more dense and compact. If you decide you want to do that, we can talk about how to go about it so the tree begins progressing toward something that looks attractive and natural - a tree that will attract the eye because it is balanced and looks nice instead of something that jars the eye because the subconscious recognizes something is 'wrong' with the composition. There's no judgment in that statement - just pointing out that having a plan is almost a prerequisite to having an attractive tree. It's better to remove some of the 'growth for growth's sake' growth early on than later when it would take a more radical approach to reclaim the tree's eye appeal. When should we try to repot it. Now or next June, around Father's day. I wouldn't repot it any later than the second week of Aug, and earlier is better. The tree needs summer warmth and long bright days to recover from a repot and put away a little energy for winter. Pot up at any time, though potting up while the tree is in it's winter quiescence isn't the best of plans unless it's to alleviate roots that are REALLY tight, and you only pot up slightly. I only rarely pot up, choosing instead to repot. The occasional up potting I might do would be on a badly root-bound plant that I just couldn't find the time to repot. Even then it's a temporary measure taken to get the plant through until a time where repotting is appropriate. I know the recommended potting mix well from reading on the site. If you limit your soil choice to a soil you can water freely (to beyond complete saturation) at any time of year w/o having to worry about impaired root function or dead roots due to a soil soggy for extended periods, you're golden. Also, is terra cotta a good pot for the fig? Yes - very good. Pots that allow evaporation through pot walls are healthy choices for plants - not always the most attractive or lightest, but plants definitely like them. Al

Intersting, Susan liked the info as well. She did inform me on the Rochefeller deal how they signed over the area but was liking the fact of all the developemt going on. She" owned " as if you can "buy" any land over there, a bar restruant business the Brandy Sniffer on St Croix we met after She was stateside but I know all the stories. Pretty far out place!!!!! At that time Susan along with her Folks were involved with a Construston business as well so the container thing I understand. Really with the weather conditions you have along with the bugs,and of course the wind I am thinking Any manmade decking/railing is going to have problems with several things including mold and delam issues. TimberTech will have less problems. I like the Earthwood product a lot because it looks a little like Ipe. Speaking of....you might check into geting South American lumber over there for the framing and the decking and just let the decking go silver/gray. I know a few Folks at East Teak . Also a Co called Moisture Shield makes a very good composite board,a person can install that material in the ground or with total exposure to the water like a dock. I know a little trick that will keep the color in. Good to meet Ya Piaa. John

With regard to pets, have the vaccination tag for them on the collar/harness. Pets get stressed and might bite when they normally wouldn't. It'd relieve stress all around if you could show immediately they've had their shots. I'm also thinking of putting a copy of the vet record of shots in the carrier, laminated or in a plastic sealed bag, just in case, plus it'd have the vet's number if someone felt need to call. I think this is in the other thread, but a hardcopy address book or at least phone number list, laminated and/or in a plastic bag would be helpful. I keep most numbers in my cell, but if it dies, is lost or stolen, it's no good. Some redundancy in emergency planning is good. A while back a tornado was heading my direction. I was tracking it (started unusually late, was distracted with other things) but even though I was confident I wasn't in much danger, I still (and for the first time) decided to harness the cat and put her in the carrier in case we needed to head to the basement. I kept her next to me to keep her more calm while I tracked the storms and when I was comfortable that things were safe enough I let her out but on the leash. She still stayed in my lap and that was fine. By the time I felt it was "all clear" I let her off. People also need to think ahead of time a bit. When the "big one" is-a-comin', stores empty out on things like batteries, candles and the like. Even the staple groceries can sometimes become hard to find. I find it so amazing the number of people who won't even keep some batteries, candles, food staples and the like in their homes! For whatever reason there's basic things a person should have not just for a big storm or something but if you get sick, injured or whatever the need. Also remember if power is out, gas pumps don't work either so even if you have the cash, you might not get the gas.

Your husband is a very good man for wanting to be there for his friend!!! Your husband will be a good distraction right before because it's real scary. His friend might not want anyone there the first day or two after the surgery while in the hospital. Everyone is different but my husband went into full panic mode after waking up to pain and tubes everywhere. He had to be restrained. He didn't really want anyone seeing him like that. One thing I wasn't prepared for and didn't read much about was the overwhelming emotional side of it all post op...once he got out. If I didn't know he loved me before I sure knew after. He was very weepy and thankful for me...cried a lot and was briefly even clingy. This was very much out of character to his proper English self. However, after an over six hour operation I guess maybe it's normal (?) They are glad to be alive, glad the worse is over and coming down from a lot of drugs. I personally wouldn't stay more than two days once the friend gets home. If asked maybe your husband could stay longer.