I see there is interest in this so I'll link to my animal communicator's website. The communicator, Gayle Nastazi, has always been very helpful to me. I have used her services with many of my cats in various situations; from dire emergencies (missing animal- found after 3 weeks!), to behavioral issues, to intergration and rescue issues with feral and abandonned cats that come into my care. I always learn something from every session. Although I know the whole idea strikes some people as pretty far-fetched (and that's OK), I feel comfortable saying that it has worked very effectively for me, and that I think it makes resolution of some difficult issues much easier. One thing I can say for certain is that Gayle is completely legitimate. I have met her in person. I also have no financial interest in this referral - just a hope that my suggestion might be useful. Click on the clink below and look for the Animal Communication link at the top left of the page. Carry on from there if you are interested. RE: Various Animal pee cleaners/destinkes - I think many (most?) employ some kind of enzyme. My conclusion after using all of them is that after the bottles are opened and partly used that it's possible that exposure to air in the emptying bottle degrades the enzyme significantly. It always seems to me that they work like gangbusters at first and then less so, particularly if not used up in a short time. Then I try another brand and it seems to work better (even tested side by side), but eventually poops out, too. I have tried Odor-X, Nature's Miracle and Get Serious, along with scads of others. The pattern seems to hold for all, so now I only buy in quarts not gallons, even though it's 'way cheaper in big jugs. I haven't experimented with decanting a gallon into smaller jars and keeping them closed until I've used up the other portions. Also I find it's helpful to vigorously shake the plastic bottle before applying. The idea mentioned by olychik about using rags is v. interesting and I will keep it mind. I hope that my link may be useful to you. Here is a link that might be useful: Link to Gayle Nastazi, Animal Communicator's webpage

Just in case no one told you yet today, Grainlady, you are so appreciated! Since I know you’ll understand, ironically, I didn’t continue in the background section a possible soy allergy/intolerance that needs testing (mine:) I’m the one with the nut allergy too. There’s possible fructose intolerance with FODMAP diet exploration going on also:) On the positive side, there’s a high level of appreciation when we find something that works for everyone. Yes, the milk allergy is a game changer and has expanded my horizons. I make Sourdough biscuits for him (revised adding more flour) and am going to experiment trying it with shortening/butter flavoring instead of margarine based on your comments. As an aside, we're a family of runners. This young man will participate in the Boston half-marathon next weekend and can polish off a recipe of biscuits with bowls of minestrone like no other:) Interesting about the Silpat/non-stick foil for the cinnamon chips (read one poster in the comments asking about that but no response) I’m going to try some modifications now that I’ve made a batch per specifications. I’ve never purchased cinnamon chips and can’t make a comparison, but I will say these are very good and baked very well. I'd recommend giving it a whirl since you have a healthy supply of cinnamon! Grainlady said “I have addressed most of the food challenges you do, so I understand how rewarding it is to find something that fits the bill. :-) “ True words! Thanks for your sharing your exceptional insight -- it is truly appreciated, informative and encouraging.

I've never had much luck with growing good tasting eggplant Rachel, but I am going to keep trying! I am in charge of a children's garden and one of the beds is a "Farm Animals" theme. I have chickens and hens and cockscomb planted in it, and eggplant. Last year I grew an Italian variety and i got ONE eggplant from my plant. Next year I am going to try growing the little white ones, for the looks. But I might be able to sneak some long ones into the rainbow bed in the indigo row! Melissa I LOVE spinach pie. I make a version called "Albanian Spinach Pie" that I got from someone on CF. I think it was from Linda in Tennessee but that was way back in the day before I was fastidious about writing down the source. I don't make it too often though, since spinach pie gets soggy languishing in the fridge and with just me it would take forever to eat it up. I sometimes make it for parties if I have the time. My SO loves spinach pie which is a plus for him! OK, here's the molasses cookie recipe. There are two versions. One is mine which cuts the quantity down by a third, and the other is the original from Grandma. Pretty sure she used Crisco for the cookies but I use a mix of butter and margarine or all butter. Tillie Grieve's Molasses Cookies Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 8-10 minutes. 2 eggs 1 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup dark molasses 2 tsp. vinegar 2/3 tsp. ginger. My notes say you can add 3/4 if you want them spicier. 1/2 - 2/3 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking soda in 1 cup flour Add gradually 2 1/3 more cups flour Chill and roll into balls. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. No notes on how many this makes. I also have instructions for making MORE, which may be the authentic recipe and the other is my cutting it down. 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups shortening 2 1/4 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups dark molasses 1 TBLSP vinegar 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. salt 1 TBLSP soda in 2 cups flour Add gradually 3 more cups flour. Follow directions above.

JESS: Thank you for the pics. & neat info. about Badger .. I really enjoy learning about the animals in South Africa. One cup of chicken manure per bush is TOO MUCH. In a British rose forum, a lady burnt her roses by using chicken manure once a month. In my cold zone, I use chicken manure VERY SMALL amount when the temp is cool & rainy. Folks use Rose-Tone (has chicken manure) once a month for roses in pots. But that has only 1/6 chicken manure. I would use only 1/2 cup, 1 cup would be too salty. I killed a rose by mixing 1/2 cup of chicken manure in the planting hole. When chicken manure touches the root, it kills the root, best to dilute ONLY 1/2 cup with soil before spreading around the bush. I started a new thread, "10/30/15: Bad habits, good habits, rose & health tips, recipes." http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/3473294/m=3/10-30-15-bad-habits-good-habits-rose-and-health-tips-recipes