" and think the antiseptic approach is possibly based on research in the field of human medicine and the somewhat perilous logical leap of faith that it applies to plants in the same way, although their defense mechanisms have almost nothing in common with animals." Harvestman...I suspect you are spot on about this or at least mostly so. I too have always had a hunch this was the case. I am sure however that viruses and bacterial infections could be spread by dirty pruners. I say this because I've seen open wounds in trees I've had become infected. We know the viruses etc exist because we can see them under high power magnification. We also know for a fact that these "bad guys" can be killed with disinfectants because we can see that too. There is an apple breeding video on YT (12 part Lubera in Switzerland / Germany) in which they describe how fireblight resistance is quantified. The trees are simply inoculated with the viral strain and then they see what the results are. Videos and literature always prescribe pruning shear/tool disinfecting. Having said all that, when watching production professionals pruning/grafting I rarely see them disinfecting their tools. My take on the whole thing is this: I think disinfecting pruners almost certainly lessens the likelihood of cross infection whether bacterial, fungal or viral, but in high speed production pruning it's benefits are probably not great enough to warrant the significant amount of extra time required to carry it out. Professionals (like yourself) have recognized this through a lot of experience and so dispense with this time consuming step. I, like copingwithclay, also disinfect everything (hands, fingers, knife, shears, levering tools etc) and act as though I'm doing open heart surgery on a human in my every move. All the while in doing this though, I know I'm probably just wasting time. Thing is...it's time I have usually so I don't mind. Like you, I too would like to see data on this and I have to think somebody somewhere probably have done such tests, but I've never seen or read anything about it.

I love a glass of wine when I go out for a meal or have dinner with friends. We always have wine at my book club. I truly enjoy the taste and the relaxed feeling. I certainly know my limits and never have more than two glasses. I enjoy some mixed drinks, but only have one because of the caloric intake and also because I am usually out somewhere an have to drive home. Wine always wakes me up in the middle of the night, so I drink plenty of water along with it. I was camping for a night with friends and we had vodka and cranberry juice -- one drink each. It was very pleasant. I almost never drink at home. I just don't enjoy sitting by myself and drinking. I'd have a glass of wine from time to time but I end up pouring out most of the bottle because it goes bad before I finish it. I don't like beer, never have. I would absolutely never force a drink on anyone else. I bet the person who did that was three sheets to the wind. Lots of people have good reasons for not drinking and I respect that. I am sorry your vacation was miserable, Olliesmom.

LEETE'S ISLAND GARDEN CLUB PUNCH (1 gallon) 2 cups strong tea 4 cups water, divided 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cinnamon stick 12 whole cloves 2 cups cranberry juice 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate 6 oz can frozen grapefruit juice concentrate 6 oz can frozen lime juice concentrate 6 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate 1/2 can ( 6 oz size) frozen pineapple juice concentrate or to taste 1 qt ginger ale, optional Mint leaves, optional Vodka or rum, optional Pour the freshly brewed tea into a large bowl or stainless steel pot. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of the water w/the sugar, cinnamon stick & cloves & simmer, covered for at least 20 minutes. Strain, cool & add to the tea. Pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice concentrate, grapefruit juice concentrate, lime juice concentrate, lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice concentrate & remaining 3 cups water, stirring until the frozen juices have melted. When you're ready to serve the punch, pour it over ice in a large punch bowl & add the ginger ale, if using. Float some mint leaves on top (if using,) or make a frozen ice mold. Add vodka or rum to taste, if using.~~Guilford, CT Birthday Cookbook

i am on the fence as to whether it is good to have the H1N1 shot or not. BTW my background is a BS in biology w/ a specialization in both plant sciences and medical microbiology (taught at IU med school). i have a special interest in unusual viruses. i do not even read information about medical things until i look at credentials and personal opinions mean nothing to my scientifically trained mind. i am interested only in verifiable info thru proven scientific routes (CDC, AMSRID, WHO, some universities w/ elite medical schools only etc..) there is soooooo much incorrect non-scientific info out there it's sad what people think and know on issues like this. it truly doesn't matter for most people since they are only making a limited # of doses (enough for 10% of the population i believe) and the ranking for getting it starts w/ pregnant women, then children, adults under 40 then anyone over 40 w/ pre-existing lung/heart conditions making them susceptible to it. that is the order of risk for death also. it will also be interesting to see how much this shot costs, i'm gonna guess more than most would pay out of pocket, i understand it will not be covered by most insurances. would i get it given i have asthma and am 40? i will wait and see...DH & i have had several flu's this yr (more than any previous yr infact) and believe we may have already had it, so i'm willing to wait it out. i have had flu shots in the past after getting a B version of Hong Kong flu and getting extremely sick in my 20's but i don't get it every yr. this is too new of a vacccine for me, now next yr after i see how things go this fall/winter i might. ~ liz