I have not located the original posts supporting this idea, but I do have to wonder if something else is going on. As a plant physiologist, I have trouble believing that you could get enough calcium into a cut flower, in so short a time, to make any difference. On the other hand, the citrate could be used by the flower as a source of energy, and we know that helps -- commercial flower preservatives almost always have citrate in them for precisely that reason. Also, those preservative solutions almost always strongly acidify the water, which makes we wonder, again, about a calcium-based substance that would at best be neutral pH, but in most cases, alkaline. So I'm wondering if the effect being seen here may be due to the citrate. That would still leave the question of why Tums works (CaCO3) -- I tend to doubt that it does, but as I said, have not found the reference about it. Over the years, we've done quite a lot of research on floral preservatives. Generally the often-recommended aspirin has no effect at all. One of the best materials we ever found was one part Sprite (regular, not diet -- you want that high-fructose corn syrup!) to 3 parts water, then with a couple drops of Clorox in a quart of the solution. That mixture gives excellent life to cut flowers. Sprite has citric acid (Hydrogen citrate), simple sugars, and is rather acidic -- the three things we want in a preservative solution.

Wow Karen...that's quite a 'Therapy Session'...and I'm sure still cheaper than one with a 'Dr' and a lot more fun!! Love all your great finds. I've always had 'Bunny Envy' from your collection. I'm amazed over the ones you keep finding. I love the large white one that says 'Costco'...also your Old World Bunnies and especialy the one with the cart. The two with the basket and the carrot is really nice too...in fact I love ALL your new bunnies. I can't get over you finding an 'Easter Golfing Nutcracker' !..First time I've seen one of those. Very thoughtful of Luvs to send those two Bordallo plates and then throw in the cute bunnies too...what a sweetie she is. Too bad on the cabbage bunny plate. I'm sure you can patch it up with glue/paint and then some nail polish over it..I know it hurts tho to have to do that, but it's worth a try. Finaly, I'm glad you were able to find another fairy figurine to replace the one Jazz broke. That has to make you feel good...she's a beauty. Now that I've seen all your new goodies..seems you had a very productive Therapy Session Karen.... I see you smiling from here!! jane

Yes - I take it. I am Cdn. - I take one 100 mg Prometrium pill a day, plus one pump of Estrogel (the instructions on the pamphlet read 2 pumps but my doctor said just one). I have been on it for nearly 3 years - I didn't hit meno until age 57. There were no health considerations that would have affected my decision to take HRT - and in fact I take it because I was born with extremely dry skin so at 60 it sure hasn't gotten any better and the HRT really helps with this. I am just happy that I am able to take it - I am allergic to so many meds that HRT is all I take. I have very high body acid and do not sweat - the words "hot flash" do not apply - and I do not sweat - not even with the heat we had this summer. I can tell you though that the ability to take an anti-histamine, decongestant, sleeping aid - anything - would be preferable to me. I am one of those that wakes up in the operating room - and also locals wear off in 5 minutes. Procedures themselves do not scare me - it is the waking up part that does - or no freezing. So I will continue with my HRT until I am told otherwise.

Any idea how the Phosphorus level got so high? Adequate levels of P in soils would be in the 50 to 170 pounds per acre range. Centipede grass is well adapted to sandy, acidic soils of low fertility. There is no need to add more soil. You may want to talk with the people at your local Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service office. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/lawns/hgic1209.html kimmq is kimmsr