My zoo friend also said that the p stinks badly! How do you get one without the other? HA! I'm posting this link for a successful way to cover high stink, high N compost- check out part 3. They use this in Canada to compost fish parts. I've never tried it but it looks doable, even on a small scale. I'm sure I'll want to use it when I get some elephant poo! Here is a link that might be useful: composting fisheries waste

Yes, Pippimac, you can get the zoodoo finished here in Seattle. They call the product, "Bed Spread," which doesn't quite have the same zeitgeist/je n'est sais quoi quality to my mind. And you're right, it isn't the cheapest, but it is fun to tell little ones the source of the compost. I'm planning to use it on my Tigerella and Green Zebra tomatoes to emphasize the whole jungle/animal theme. Fun in the garden! Rain

From what I hear, people in South Florida are having them. I was given a few eggs to raise and did release 5 healthy butterflies but they immediately left even though I do have several types of passionvines that they like. On the other hand... my Pipevine is gone! The Polydamas have totally decimated my vine. I must have hundreds of cats, many big ones all searching for food and a place to pupate. The poor small ones are out of luck. And this is from a huge amount of fresh tender vine that came back after the hard winter. The same thing is true for the Eastern Blacks. They were late arriving but ate all my parsley, dill, fennel and even now my Rue is gone. Must have about 20 in chrysalis and there are more on the Rue that will not have enough to eat. I even sent some to Tom in Clermont. Thanks, Tom. Monarchs seem to be more numerous this year than in the past few years. They are on their own. I do have milkweed left - at least right now. Have raised a dozen or so Spicebush but haven't found any eggs recently. Still have some in chrysalis though. Same is true for Giants - a number in chrysalis stage now. Sulphur cats on the Candlestick now but the birds - Cardinals and Parulas are picking them off. I am afraid the Polys will meet the same fate - they are so out in the open now with no vine left. Gulf Frits were big in numbers a few weeks ago. Seeing fewer cats now - but butterflies are still here. Saw a beautiful male Pipevine this morning. Mommas are out of luck since they won't have vine. Only seen one Peacock all season and one Buckeye. A friend though has had numerous Buckeyes on some of her snapdragons.

Wow Casey,looks like you and Joe really made the most of San Fran! :) Did you eat at China Town or at Fisherman's Wharf? Great pics as usual. Thank you so much for sharing them because I'll never get a chance to be in that part of Calif. again. And didn't even begin to see much when I was there due to my boring ex-hubby.