I would try your local freecycle or craigslist, and post a job ad. I did that last summer looking for a teenager to help me out a little, and I couldn't believe the responses I got! Just check your respondents carefully, and maybe walk them through your garden to get an idea of their gardening knowledge. Good luck! :) Dee P.S. Check the bulletin board at your local supermarket, library, etc. Sometimes there are people advertising exactly such services!

According to the latest UMass Landscape Message "Cicadas have emerged in Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich and Barnstable. The chorus has yet to begin; but with the onset of a warm weather forecast, the singing will be loud and clear." and under "Cool Stuff: Periodical Cicada â Reports began coming in late last week about the beginning emergence of this unique insect, which takes 17 years to reach the adult stage. Cool weather has delayed its emergence, but it is now on the verge of exploding. Thousands upon thousands of cicadas will emerge within one to two days time at the peak." To repeat "within one to two days time...." I'm just over the bridge from Sandwich - don't know yet if they're here or if the Canal deterred them. Claire

Jude, I will post pictures and tell of the wonderful experience we had as soon as we get home. We'll be on the road a few more days yet. Karen

I live outside of Boston and have a cottage in Mashpee. If you go to Sandwich take time to go to the Heritage Plantation, just 10 minutes outside of the center of town. It has beatiful grounds including a world renowned collection of Rhododendrons and several museums: antique car museum, arms museum and American Folk art museum including a working antique carousel. The whale watch does operate in April and the sightings are often very good early in the season. Don't worry about it being too early to be on the ocean, most of the trip you are in the relatively sheltered waters of Cape Cod Bay. By the way, we find that it is better to take the whale watch from Provincetown than from Hyannis - if you go early then you are back by noon and have the rest of the day to shop and see the sights "downcape." Also you have less time in the boat traveling out to where the whales are usually found off the tip of the Cape, therefore more time for whale sightings. If you enjoy art be sure to check out the galleries in Orleans, Dennis and Provincetown.