Most importantly is the plant inside against the wall all the time? This Euphorbia Ammak is a large growing tree and needs bright sunlight to maintain itself. Soil looks to be dry but they should be in a gritter mix to increase drainage. Is the brown spots mussy or soft, and/or smells funny. It is possible that it is still okay. Needs better living conditions. Turning brown or black is sometimes part of growing this white ammak. If you must cut, Use a sharp knife and cut across where there is no rot and only good stem. Have a spray bottle of cold water to spray the white latex sap. Sap is toxic and a skin irritant and wash right after cutting it. If you get any in your eyes, wash out with tons of water then go to the hospital for treatment. Let the cut heal and dry for a few days before planting in pure grit or perlite. It takes almost a year for new roots to form. No water can be taken up till it grows new roots. Google 'cutting my euphorbia ammak' for videos and more instructions.

Is it possible for you to make a more gradual transition? Not put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak? I took some classes at Edmonds and they have an excellent program, South Seattle and the one near Kirkland (old brain can't remember name) are also good and they used to have classes in evening/ weekends. You also don't need to have all the classes to begin work in this field. From my experience in landscaping/nursery/maintenance, you will need to be in good physical condition, not overweight, and keep yourself in condition even in the slow times like winter. People are always surprised at what I can lift as a not-beefy female, I am firmly convinced that back injuries are more related to stress in the body and not heavy lifting (if you are in shape). You can have a desk job, like many I know, and still have horrible ongoing back pain. Or you can do what you love, not be stressed, and deal with any pain or injuries you may encounter sensibly.

Sorry for the reply delay, it's been a hectic holiday season. Thank you for the responses. I went to the Orthopedic MD last week & he scheduled an MRI to be done on the hand/wrist area. He saw no broken/fractured parts on the x-ray but he knows there's some kind of damage b/c my pinkie turns a bluish color and stays colder than the other fingers, not to mention somethings clicking in my hand whereas it shouldn't be. He's thinking carpel tunnell or damaged nerve. What a bummer! Well life goes on & I have 2 boys(6 year old & 20 months old)to love & care for. Thanks again for the help! Dana

Well the crate is coming this morning sometime. Last night I carried her out before bed so she'd potty. I had tried earlier at the vets and after coming home. She wouldn't go. Vet said her bladder was full. She hadn't went since 11am! Now this morning she is still laying, she slept with us. I put her on and off the bed.NO shaking and quivering this morning, so I think the Prednisone is working.(gosh but she was a pitiful sight last night) She did bark to go potty and I carried her out againa bit ago. I knelt right in front of her to be able to pick her up again when she was done, she ran right by me before I could get her. Up the three steps to the front door! UUUUUUrgggggh! The little turkey! I know the steroids are going to make her feel better eventually and darn I don't want her to reinjure it again before its even healed!! She is a sparky lil gal and really the best dog ever!! Thanks for your good wishes everyone! I am NOT looking forward to whines and yelps when she wants to be out of that crate and I know its coming! I will pick up the usual dog blankets and close their bed off in hope she takes to the crate. I don't have a whole lot of hope though can you tell? She is going to think we are being so mean to her!