porewit, et al: 1. I'm a firm believer in "right plant, right place". That is, San Diegans have a certain kind of soil and they shoudl stick to plants (overall) that are adapted to that kind of soil (heavy and neutral/alkline). The good news is, there are thousands of plants that fit that kind of soil. I think California gardeners, in general, make too big a fuss about the pH of our soils here. 2. Gypsum does not break up clay nor soils cemented together by iron oxide or calcium carbonate. Gypsum is used to break up soils that have no structure due to an abundance of salts (we call them "sodic" or "alkali" soils; not to be confused with "alkaline" soils). The gypsum replaces one ion for another (much as with water softeners) and allows such unstructured soils to develop a structure (flocculation). Our soils do NOT need calcium. 3. Sulfur doesn't really change pH significantly and it definitely doesn't work to alter pH over the long run. 4. The "tip": mulch (a verb). Mulching with a semi-decomposed organic material changes, at least subtlely, the chemistry of the soil and does, indeed, allow nutrients such as calcium and iron and other micronutrients to become available to the plants in the soil. Aside from choosing the right plants (see above), this is the best thing you can do for plants that DO need a slightly different soil chemistry. 5. Yep, some of our soils are high in potassium and that can be toxic to some plants. Not a lot of plants, mind you. A few special Australians. But again, it's all about right plant, right place. Joe

I couldn't believe how much stuff was in my cabinets. The frames are staying but my GC recommended everything come out because of the dust, etc. To say the least. Everything gets dusty and dirty. I can't imagine leaving things inside during reno. Everything I don't use on a daily basis went out into the garage in boxes. No need to pack like you're moving. Some of that stuff may end up being given away or stored in the garage permanently. There were many things I haven't used in the 12 years I've been in this house, and I question why I'm hanging on to them. Food, utensils, everyday dishes, pots and pans are in boxes in my dining room. I peer into them from time to time and snag a granola bar or tin of smoked trout. My stove and fridge are still in place and work, but my sink and DW aren't connected. I've heated some soup and used the oven once, but prep and cooking really need water close by. My coffee maker and cleanup area is my guest bath. I allowed myself one of everything (plate, bowl, mug, glass, spatula, etc.). I have to remember to wipe all my dishes before washing so no particles of food go down the bathroom drain. My microwave is in my office and I rely on it to heat food for dinner. My cats think it's a great perch. I'm into my third week like this with at least another week to go before my kitchen can start being put back together. I'm surviving. People live their lives in far worse conditions. I think I'm most anxious to be able to get boxes off the floor and clean the place. Everything's dirty and sticky. Good luck with your kitchen! Take a lot of pics.

i would like to thank this site from the bottom of my heart i am suffering from all of the above and although i have tried to explain how i have been feeling to my family it has not come out quite right. i have often resorted to saying as many woman do theres nothing wrong im fine which has made them especially my partner whom i adore feel like they themselves are the cause of my unhappiness. i was thrown into the menopause five years ago at the age of 44 due to the sudden loss of my beautifull mom then due to her death two years on my dad deceided to join her. i knew i was in the menopause but in january i hit a low that i have not been able to claw myself back from i have tried to deal with it on my own but realised last week that i was unable to ihave to as you all above had numerous symptoms hot flushes during the day night sweats aches pains dizziness complete loss of sex drive(very active before) vaginal dryness crying hugh mood swings from one minute to the next but the loss of emotion is my worst symptom. i deceided i needed to tell my family what was happening but all i could muster was moans and groans and im old old old and so very sad. so i trawled lots of sites to help me find the right words and none of them helped, then i found this site and i rang my partner and read each comment to him i spent three hours on the phone with him as this enabled me to talk to him and show him how life had become for me i then went on to explain to my daughter last night today i got out of bed feeling happy for the first time in a long time that i have now shared how im feeling and that my family are going to help in everyway they can especially my beautifull partner who is kind sensitive and has felt that he was causing my unhappiness not only have you helped me but i have introduced a friend to the site and she breathed as she read it. im now ready to do battle and will combat this awfull stage in my life. but can i say to all ladies out there do not hold it in share it with your loved ones thankyou so much xxxxx

Some of my topiari that will shortly need a trim...the cones are straight forward decide on size and shape and use a strimmers for the big bits and hand shears for the delicate bits..for cones you can either judge by eye or use some lengths of thin bamboo in a tee pee shape tied together at the top to give you a guide to cut to...if you are ambitious enough to try a spiral then tie a ribbon or string to the top drape it around the plant in a circular descending motion to the Base..and cut into the plant just above the line of your string...I got a great buzz out of doing it myself as opposed to buying them...there are quiet a few good instructional videos on YouTube about how to do it yourself worth checking out...Happy gardening....