There's a whole Vermicomposting Forum where they describe the various ways of doing what you described. I have on occassion received plants with worms in them and have left them alone. I don't think they survived too long in the smaller pots, although they may have in the larger ones. Not sure who "convinced" you otherwise but perhaps they were confusing "worms" (as in earthworms, etc) with "larva" (which are sometimes worm-like) of pests like some beetles or gnats, etc.

Da nada. If you can find one of those large plastic coffee cans empty, they are perfect for storing the treated stack of filters for cleaning. The snap on lid keeps 'em moist and the opening is large enough to get a hand in to pinch one from the stack. BTW, what are you planning on using for the cleaning agent? I have my own pre-treated disposable wipes with different solutions for different cleaning jobs. Just curious what you are using. I like to learn new stuff. I make my own cleaners because they are both safer and more economical. *Win/Win*

Oops! I seem to have forgotten that I started this thread, but the responses have been very helpful. I think I will definitely to go El Camaguey and buy a tortilla press, although I don't think it has a stainless steel surface like Ann's, which would be nice. I do keep dry masa on hand, but I also keep fresh masa in the freezer - for making what I thought were empanadas, but which are probably quesadillas, at least as they are made in Mexico, and deep fried. As for flour tortillas, since I've found the whole grain tortillas in the market, I probably won't be making too many of those again, although I might want to experiment with some of the whole grain flours I have. I don't especially like tortillas made with all white flour, and corn tortillas are my favorite. When I first visited Vancouver for a long visit (1978 or so), I was shocked that I could not find fresh corn tortillas in the grocery stores (I did find frozen ones, but did not consider that acceptable). At that time, I practically lived on soft tacos (that I made myself, often with tofu), and so I had to make an adjustment. I think I bought some whole wheat crackers instead. I think I will try to find some Hispanic markets, although there aren't any in my immediate neighborhood. There are some in neighboring Mar Vista (where Scott lives), which is less than 2 miles from here. There are several places to buy fresh tamales, but they don't sell tortillas. Anyway, I think I will keep looking and also get the tortilla press. Lars

The cheapest, easiest-to-make pill pocket that your dog will never refuse can be made from cooked beef liver. Here's how. Cook a pound or so of beef liver in a little oil. Include the liquid in the package. Do not salt or season. Let the cooked liver cool and cut into pieces. Put it in a food processor and process until it looks like canned dog food. Wrap pills in this paste. Form it into an oval-shaped ball with the pill in the center. Keep the pocket small so the dog swallows it whole without chewing. Store left-over liver in a Ziploc bag in the fridge.