Silver Maples are one of the worst possible choices to plant in any situation. They are extremely fast growers and are structurally weak because of the fast growth. They frequently split in two or have one of their massive branches fall with little warning and the branch will frequently rip open the trunk exposing the tree to various diseases and insects. They are particularly dirty trees meaning the drop of those little spinning seed propellers are extremely numerous and sprout over a very wide stretch of time. I have found them sprouting years after they fell from the tree. The spinners collect in foot deep windrows and will burrow into the mulch but given moisture they can sprout with little or no soil. They can tear apart the gutters on a house and lift shingles. They can destroy driveways and walks not to mention the house foundations. Your pond wouldn't stand a chance if the tree sent its roots in that direction. There are worse trees but they are rarely used for landscaping. When we put in a small pond at the Co-operative Extension Gardens, it was at least 20 feet away from a mature Silver Maple. We had to cut roots that were 4 and 5 inches thick and the feeder roots formed a mat so dense we wound up replacing more than a cubic yard of soil. Some of the roots ran another 7 feet. It took 6 years to convince the University to let us get rid of it. Many of us who had battled the tree cheered when it was gone. That was two years ago and we are still finding seedlings sprouting. If it is at all possible, get rid of the Silver Maple and replace it with a better variety such as a Red Maple. Silver Maples are very popular with contractors who plant them to satisfy home buyers who like the idea of large trees quickly. It is a really bad choice that can come back to haunt you. Sandy

Phyl--I've been thinking really hard and doing some "back-reading" and I can't figure out which thread you may be referring to! Was it on this the "lighter side" or the other "discussion only" side? I can't even remember which thread it was that I saw you had posted and realized you are "new" to us! Glad you like our "company"! We do have fun--and we do "inform" as best we can!! janice

Well after posting this I felt stupid but I see I'm not the only one who ever got the look. I forgot to check this before I left and I ended up carrying the bolt. A young girl cut my fabric this time and seemed fine about it. There's usually a lot of people around and not enough workers. I find the bolts very awkward. Even worse if you have other stuff in your arms. It would make sense to ask them but I've found you seem to loose your spot if you wait around! I think they can definitely tell us non sewers apart. I bet I have a very bewildered look on my face as I wonder through the isles of fabrics, thread, and stuff I'm not sure what it is. . . A sign would be nice if they'd rather you not touch it. The time I got the look, I debated but I actually thought maybe they'd think I was lazy/helpless that I didn't bring it over! I found some nifty fabric on the sales pile that was $6... I was really hoping it was for the whole shabang but that was per yard. Which is still good. Point I'm trying to make is they at least have a sign there. I guess from here on out I'll track someone down and just flat out ask them which they'd prefer.

OK, I did try to peel the asparagus, but wasn't very successful, mainly I think, because they were very very thin stalks! So I gave up pretty quickly. However, I can see using this when the stalks are thick so I'll try again next time the thick stalks are what is available. It was fun trying though!! And don't I feel like a member of the elite for having my own asparagus peeler!! The marmalade is yum-alicious, thanks Cathy!! I'll be trying Cathy's salt next week. One of the benefits of cooking for the seder is tons of leftovers. Between those & matzo pizza, I don't plan on doing any major cooking for the rest of the week. Oh, and we get love bugs here too but no where near as many as I remember getting when I was young. What killed em, fire ants? (Fire ants have seriously reduced the population of species, such as the beloved horny toad here in Texas.)