I've been having all sorts of tip browning on my big Vrieseas ever since I moved them into the new shadehouse. I still haven't figured it out, but among my many theories is a) some unknown chemical leaching and dripping from the shadecloth or pipe structure, or splashing up from the new benches, b) an off-brand fertilizer used in the mix when I repotted some of them, c) a plague of ants migrating into the soil and bringing root mealybugs, d) lack of air circulation from being jammed so close together, e) slightly higher light levels than where they were previously (at least during summer, when the tip burn seemed to get worse), f) vog (volcanic haze) drifting over from the Big Island and causing acid rain, g) bad karma, h) all of the above, i) none of the above....... Most of what I'm seeing has been more even, though. That selective yellowing of just a few leaves as in the ospinae picture, particularly when it's higher up in the plant, is something a bit different. I have been seeing some of that too, most notably on Vr. Mint Julep and Werauhia kupperiana, and not just in the new house. No sign of any disease organism either. I haven't got a clue, but I just wanted to let you know you weren't alone!

She is only 35 days pregnant, so has another 30 or so (on average, 9 weeks gestation for cats) before parturition. Many cats are not obviously pregnant until 45 days or so. At 45 days, x-rays will show how many fetuses are present. If she is a young cat or a first time mom, she will probably have only a few kittens and it will be hard to tell she is pregnant at all until very close to delivery date.

So excited about this swap. Used to be a regular over in the swaps until I lost my job of 23 years along with the rest of the U.S..... Seems like a lifetime ago. Anyway, thank you for setting this up and I'm looking forward to hearing from my partner. Working 12 hour shifts the next 3 nights in a row, so won't be able to check in till late Monday, but can't wait to hear from her.

I came across your blog while researching for myself how to wean off my estradiol/progestin daily pill for the treatment of my osteoporosis. I am a seasoned RN of 36 years and a recovering victim-of--traditional-medicine (long story). Estrogen is a hormone that causes 6 different types of cancers, clot-formation which may lodge in the heart, brain, or lungs (heart attack, stroke, PE), Alzheimer's, fibroids, endometriosis, fibrocystic disease, asthma, migraines, gall bladder disease, and a number of auto-immune disorders and does NOT prevent or treat osteoporosis. Progestin and Provera are synthetic progesterone that are not related to natural progesterone but have the same side effects as estrogen. Once these foreign substances become established in our bodies after years of use, they are difficult to wean out, causing severe withdrawal headaches, day sweats, night sweats, nausea, etc. Natural progesterone can take away these symptoms and even prevent the above adverse list. I'm just beginning to understand functional medicine, which combines both traditional and alternative approaches. I highly recommend the book "The Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones by Michael Platt, MD, who discusses hormones in depth and has a protocol for weaning off Premarin and Provera other synthetic hormones.