Thanks y'all! I'm glad to have people to talk to who understand the excitement. My husband just rolls his eyes and laughs at me. :P Well, one reason I'm waiting is because I will have a big chunk of time that week. I was also trying to time it to be about six weeks before frost. Usually we are baking hot this time of year, but this year has been different so I may actually be able to start a little earlier...was thinking about getting started on a few things this weekend. Oh, and I am also waiting to make sure the grass is good and dead first - I did the layered newspaper method with this bed. ciberisis, even with all the planning I bet you I still end up moving everything at least a couple of times. Oh well, that's part of the fun of it too! Oh...I just realized it's really only 8 days until my vacation. Eeeeeee! :D

"I think my back hurts.." Hey Pete, if you only *think* your back hurts just keep on composting the way you are and soon you will *know* it hurts! LOL You are doing very well and I'm sure a lot of us would love to see pics of your compost operation. Keep going and you might end up with a system like Lloyd's! If you can get wood shavings they work well mixed with compost as a mulch. I use it regularly and the shavings disappear within a few months. Actual coarse chips from lumber mills are OK for paths but take ages to break down in my experience. Fresh wood chips from tree services are faster. So it all depends on what a person means by the term wood chips. Cardboard is useful placed between plants under mulch as weed/moisture control. Easier to work with than newspaper IMO. Paul, I never realized you live on Cape Breton Island. We have fond memories of towing a travel trailer all around the Cabot Trail back in the 70's. No one had told us that was ill-advised because of the grades. Of course we were from BC and didn't think the mountains were all that high! We also learned during that trip summer was over in the middle of August and we "enjoyed" a lovely storm coming off the Atlantic while we camped on the far side. Great memories!

That is great and 5 laps is a real accomplishment.

To the original post I have to admit I have done it, left the dreaded task grumbled my way through, only to run out of steam/ desire to go the extra step. I don't like to be nagged into a task I doubt anyone does, I figure I will get to it when I want to Im a grown a$$ adult and no one is gonna make me. ;) Background here my mom was a TASK master and rarely satisfied etc etc. As for the deal I can't/shouldn't? but will anyway comment as I wouldn't make the deal cause I can't won't compromise yup no spouse here, (something to think about the the side of the coin so to speak) I know my limitations, and am happier for it- no need to make two people miserable. I hear this topic at work a looooot, the ladies b-ing complaining about their spouses, not many guys but I will guess they do the same. What is the trick to living with another with differing objectives, plans, priorities, how do you accept it and move on without bitterness resentment, I haven't a flipping clue, clearly. Hey you have made it this far so you clearly know something about it. Be happy life is short and we only get one trip, hmm any other cliches, go with the flow, live and let live, don't worry be happy, laugh and the whole world laughs with you,ok Im done. Wait ! love em while you got them, Frogged who hasn't learned not to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong...... yet . Now im done........