I wouldn't use the entire compost pile for an incubator, it might get too tricky. But there are a lot of examples of using the compost process to different uses, here they used to bury fresh horse manure in the soil under the cold frames in the early season, that was enough heat to keep things from freezing. But that sure sounds like more of an art than a science. Asian peasants used to use composting rice chaff to create the conditions for incubating duck eggs. But I am posting to say that you are far from alone in viewing a compost pile as a friend, a pet, one of life's companions. Buy it a treat now and again, thinking of it continually, shoving someone out of the way to get an old teabag - "for the pile". Using a sports metaphor, you get walloped in the head protecting a quarter back, they call that "taking one for the team". There are some people, posting on this forum, that I know for a fact have sewn in plastic zip-lock bags in the lining of their clothes, and will fill them with putricibles "-for the pile" . You are not alone!!

Joanie given your original suggested phrasing: "Im sure it was an oversight, but I was not included in the group gift for Hank and it was embarrassing for me and others who also were not included when the gift was presented in public. In the future, please make sure you include everyone but with the understanding that not everyone is financially capable of contributing every time. In this regard, I also think a card from the whole group is more appropriate than individual signatures so no one is singled out for not contributing." I do think that sending a note with what you wrote above to a higher level employee is courting some very bad reactions. Telling someone who is above you on the org chart to "In the future please make sure....etc" is not only harsh but strikes a tone of directing a subordinate who has done something wrong. I can't honestly think what positive result will come out of that and it does come across like a complainer to me. Especially coming from someone who doesn't always contribute anyway; if the OP had diligently chipped in every time and been excluded, that's one thing. But such is admittedly not the case here. Maybe this is acceptable in your work environment Joanie . But to reprimand a superior after not being a 'team player' (and I'll bet that is what some people, fairly or not, already think of the OP) is just not a good idea in my opinion. I still say let it go. Ann

My daughter thought it was amusing that I guessed Norfolk, since I've never been there and neither has she. The location turned out to be the Intrepid museum at Pier 86, New York Harbor. She was surprised that NYC turned out to be so bicycle-friendly. They did 40 miles in the city. I love her bike adventures!

My granddaughter and her boyfriend moved about an hour away early this summer.Yesterday the doorbell rang and there they were. Made my day,made my week actually! My husband and I went shopping this morning and came home to find my grandson cutting our lawn.So proud of himself because he had just passed his drivers test and drove over here himself. It was wonderful to see how proud he was, but now that is four out of seven grandchildren that I have to keep in my driving prayers.