Hi Al, With all the ingredients in hand, I've started the sifting process and had a few questions. I'm trying to swap out 50 containers worth of soil so I'd prefer to do this in the most efficient way. I am using a 9x9 hardware cloth (.088" openings) to filter the fines. Here are the three ingredients I was able to source: 1) Shasta: Orchid Fir Bark: (1/8" - 1/4") http://shastabark.com/products.htm 2) Turface MVP 3) 1/8" Crushed Granite (Desert Gold) http://www.lyngsogarden.com/index.cfm?event=Display.Home.Product.Group&homeCategory=STONE&categoryid=1094&productgroup=PEBCOB&groupname=Pebbles%252C%2520Cobbles%2520%2526%2520%2520Colored%2520Gravel Questions: 1) It seems like it takes a decent amount of time to screen out the fines for one container. I also have constructed two other screens to be used to filter out the larger particles (a 1/4" for the large fir bark and a 9x9 (.1387") for the larger turface/granite). I'm assuming that at the end of the day it is more important to screen out the fines then to screen out the few larger pieces which may be in the mix. Would this be correct? I'm just trying to save some time and there doesn't seem to be that many larger pieces in the mixes. 2) Do you usually rinse out the mixes before you combine them? Does this help get additional dust/fines out? 3) What do you do with all the fines/dust that you sift out? If you are screening out larger pieces what do you with them? Thanks so much in advance. Your advice and guidance have been invaluable. Best, Kernul1

There is an instant dandelion root tea with chicory and barley out now that is quite tasty and noncaffeinated; you might want to try that if your local healthfood store corries it. I have been drinking it cold all summer with milk and ice and pretending it is iced coffee. The amount in a beverage is more a food amount and would be a low key way to ingest some dandelion root without possibly overdosing yourself. If it seemed to help, you could drink more or less to taste.

Culinary Uses: Leaves are used as a vegetable or raw in salads. Flowers used to make wine, buds are pickled, or boiled and served with butter, or battered and fried. Roots are peeled, boiled and sauteed as a vegetable, or roasted and ground as a coffee substitute. Medicinal Uses: Leaves are a powerful diuretic and are also used for the treatment of acne and eczema. They are an excellent detoxifier and a tonic for the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. They treat urinary infections, prostate enlargement, rheumatism, gout, diabetes. Good for food allergy sufferers. White sap treats warts, corns. Dandelion root helps both the kidneys and the liver to improve elimination. Root reduces blood pressure and inflammation and is a liver stimulant. Frequently used in the treatment of diabetes, water retention, poor digestion and liver problems, including hepatitis. Dandelion Coffee Gather dandelion roots in autumn. Cut into rings about 2cm thick. Dry in the sun on trays during the day, but bring them indoors during the night. When completely dry, roast in a hot oven (200�C) for 20 minutes. Put through a coffee bean grinder or in a blender and store in an airtight jar. Use the same way as instant coffee. Dandelion leaves can become tough and bitter when old. To keep them sweeter for salads and teas, remove the older leaves, then cover the plants with a box to keep out the light for several days before using the fresh young leaves. Warning: May cause bed wetting in children from excessive handling. (One of its common names is 'Pis-en-lit/Wet-the-Bed.) Use with caution, and under medicinal supervision, if suffering from gallstones, stomach ulcer or gastritis. The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash in some individuals. May cause heartburn or diarrhoea in some people.

Hi fangdangle, I am on "Combipatch" which is progesterone/estrogen. It sticks like glue. I've NEVER had one come off! But......after a year of wearing it, it started itching like crazy, and leaves a red spot where the old ones were. But, I refused to make a change......so I tolerate the itching! I change it 2 times a week. I went off it last October, because I have fibromyalgia, and I was wondering if it was actually making my symptoms worse. Boy was I wrong!! I began a downward spiral, and was frightened into putting it back on in early January. It took awhile to stabilize again. But I feel real different these days......like maybe my overall estrogen is alot lower than ever. I was hoping not to need HRT, but going without it causes me lots of headaches, and really worsens my fibromyalgia symptoms. I originally chose the patch over a pill, because of my hormonal headaches. It seems to deliver a more consistent, even dose of hormone. I would really like my ovaries to die!! I am so tired of feeling badly. Alot has to do with fibromyalgia, but a whole lot also has to do with perimenopause. Good luck, and I don't mind the questions......that's how we learn! :)