Hi! This is to tell the folks who have responded to my question on the problem my fern was having: Thank you! My fern seems to be doing better now. Two days after I had posted my question on the fern forum, I dug my fern up. I didn't think I had a lack of H2O on my hands, because I would water it every other day for five minutes each time. The problem was that I was actually giving it too much water. When I had dug it up, I couldn't believe how easily it came up. My soil is mostly clay with some small amount of sand. I was truly expecting to feel like I was pounding against a wall with my shovel, but, no. The shovel went into the soil like slicing butter. That was the quickest I had ever dug anything up in my yard. Anyhow, I re-potted the fern. I had clipped off the affected fronds, and just left it alone for close to a week. I had examined it today. I am happy to report that there are five (5!) new fronds that are growing from the middle of it's trunk. Thank you to all who had responded to my previous post. Sincerely, mbluetyphoon

Try a product called over and out. It is available at the local hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. The active ingredient is .0103% Fipronil. This is the same active ingredient that is in Frontline (for fleas and ticks) that is put directly on the dogs skin. The Frontline is a 9.8% active ingredient.

Thanks, all. We haven't had a flea problem at all. The dogs are either inside or in their run. I've never seen a flea inside. But we currently have hardwoods and the new house has carpet (yuck -- can't wait until we have the $$ to put down hardwoods) so I need to be more vigilant at the new place. Closing is tomorrow and I think I can get out there Saturday AM or Sunday at the latest to bomb the inside (I forgot to add there was a cat inside) and do a treatment on the yard. The dogs will be moving in next Friday, 7/27. Is there any sense in doing a rebomb/retreat within the same week? Or should I do it a week or so later? I'd keep the dogs at the old house longer, but we've got to get them and all their crates, accoutrements, hair and deep holes moved before the old house goes on the market 07/30(!)

Oooh, AnnaC54 and Poohpup, your pooches are perfectly adorable! LOL that they keep their bowls to remind you it's dinner time. Ours doesn't bring his bowl to us, rather he summons us to him lol. He gives a bark and waits there until we get his message: cal_quail, like annkh I totally can't relate to a picky eater. Our dog eats almost anything including some of his absolute favorites which are raw brocolli stalk slices and raw brussels sprouts. His absolute favorites are broccoli, cantaloupe, apples, pears and cauliflower. For your picky eater, could mixing in a few thin slices of fruit or veggies help? Just a thought. Bellsmom, love your setup too. One last pic of Hemi when he was a pup (in our previous home's kitchen). Man, now I want another puppy, they are so cute at that age when they are all head and paws. Anyway, this is proof that he's definitely not a picky eater, haha.