Well, at least the narcissus and snowdrops are poking up through the frozen soil along my south foundation. Winter has lost its grip even though we'll still need a jacket and perhaps a muffler/scarf when going walkabout the gardens for a few more weeks. The granite garden bench I had set in the south garden bed is visible after more than two months of deep snow kept it from sight. I can finally walk the length of my path along the back of the garage to the gentle slope at the north boundary. It's dappled sun in that area so I've planted daphne, daylily, astilbe, hydrangea, bottle gentian, foxglove, weigela, turtlehead, and several hostas. The coreopsis does fine but the tall phlox will need to be moved this year to somewhere it gets more sun. Even with so many chores on the list, it's good to be thinking about the gardening season ahead rather than shoveling snow or throwing salt over the ice. The danger of a roof collapse is no longer a daily worry. Guess we made it though another one...

Ryan, What kind of manure did you use? Please read on... ~Mary Jane Manure Manure is a excellent amendment to any soil. Manure is a source of many nutrients including: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and many others. However, nitrogen is often the main nutrient of concern for most crops. Type of Garden ~~ Best Type of Manure~~ Best Time to Apply Flower ~~ cow, horse ~~ early spring Vegetable ~~ chicken, cow, horse~~fall, spring Root Crops ~~ chicken, cow, horse~~fall, spring Dairy Cow Manure: Dairy manure is the preferred manure for most gardeners. It is not as hot as other manures and more forgiving if accidentally applied when too fresh. It is preferred over horse and steer manure but may be harder to acquire. Though cow manure has lower nutrient levels than other manures, it is this that makes it safer to use in larger quantities. It should be aged like other manures. Horse Manure: Horse manure is about half as rich as chicken manure, but richer in nitrogen than cow manure. It is considered a "hot" manure. Horse manure often contains a lot of weed seeds, it is best to compost this manure before use, or add to the garden in the fall. Chicken Manure: Chicken manure is the richest animal manure. Chicken manure is considered "hot", it is best to compost this manure before use. Otherwise, it will burn any plants it comes in contact with. Sheep & Goat Manure: Sheep or goat manure is another "hot" manure. It is somewhat dry and very rich. Manure from sheep and goats fed hay and grain will be more potent than manure from animals that live on pasture. It is best to compost this manure before use or add to the garden in the fall. Rabbit Manure: Rabbit manure is even higher in nitrogen than some poultry manures and it also contains a large amount of phosphorus\-\-important for flower and fruit formation. Seaweed: (many gardeners refer to Seaweed as a manure) With beach access available, this is a fairly easy manure to obtain at no cost. Seaweed is an excellent source of calcium and potash. Prior to using seaweed though, wash it thoroughly to remove the salt. Dig it directly into the soil or compost it. Manure Tea: Manure tea can be used for periodic feedings as a fertilizer or very diluted and used every time you water. Do not allow undiluted manure tea to come into direct contact with foliage. To make manure tea, simply place a shovel or two of manure in a large container (5 gallon bucket) filled with water, and after a week or so, strain out the manure. To make the straining process a little easier, you can tie the manure in a burlap bag before placing it in the water (like a giant tea bag). Green Manure: Green manure is a crop that is grown then plowed into the soil or otherwise left to decompose for the purpose of soil improvement. These crops return more nutrients to the soil than they use to grow. Examples of cover crops used for green manure include soybeans, clover, rye, and others. Green manure does not mean raw manure

Aside from tearing my hair out looking at all this snow piled up everywhere, I have been busy keeping the cuttings I took in early fall watered. I haven't started winter sowing yet but I am sure I will very soon. I have also been crocheting earflap hats and earwarmers for everone but mostly just trying to stay WARM and think SPRING! When I start wintersowing this year I will probably just put the containers on the porch in my mini greenhouse otherwise I may not be able to find them until all this snow melts in JUNE! Penny

I had the same problem. Also, for larger women wearing stretch jeans, I think it is the wrong way to go. They just accentuate the negatives if you have any:)). I love my Gap 1969 low rise (not too low - told the guy I am a bit older now, and I don't want my a$$ hanging out). I would recommend going in and trying on a few pair. The Gap now has a line just for women. They are the best fitting jeans I have worn in a long time.