I have to disagree. While copper does offer some protection, Timing for CAR fungicide sprays should be based on the activity of the orange spore-bearing bodies in the cedar trees. These expand in warm, wet weather, and that's the time to spray. Many people rely on their fungicide spray for scab to cover the CAR, particularly the petal-fall spray. I don't think Serenade is specifically listed for CAR, although the label says "rusts"

Ouch! I know what that is like. Planting irises 2 years ago got stung 8 times!! I can't remember what the doctor told me to soak it in but I used calendula cream on the stings and that seemed to help greatly. Also Tiger Balm if you can get it. I use that #$%^& on everything! That's so cute you have a memorial garden for your kitty. I have a bunny tree in the yard that Dad planted when I was 10 and my bunny died. I am looking at it right now as I type. I also have a Land called Honalee, a faerie garden, an easter garden, and a memorial garden for my mom and starting one for Dad. He's still with us but is 91 and has alzheimers. He's the one I got the green thumb from. :) I'm really big on themes and sentimental mushy stuff. I also have Virginia and Ginny DLs and am looking for Sweet Amy Lynn DL cause that is my daughter's name. Soon I am going to need a farm! :) How's the storm stuff?

Cookie ~ I have had shelties for about 10 years now but bred BCs for many years before the shelties. I NEVER had a bad experience with a border collie! They are the gentlest, most intelligent, easy to train, family dogs you could ever ask for, IMHO. My daughter was raised with my first BC puppy we adopted when my daughter was 10 months old. That dog was so patient and gentle with her, even sharing his food out of his dish which she liked to hand out to him one piece at a time! She learned how to walk holding on to Blazah's ruff and collar and he was her constant playmate and guardian. He did guard her and his home but he was never out of line in anything he did. Border Collies are very family oriented dogs. They are a working breed and must have a job even if that job is to hold down the couch! Yes they have high energy and are always ready to work but I have never met a mean BC. They can be shy and submissive which is not always a good thing as they are at their best when they are confident and well socialized. Bad breeding can produce a really shy, withdrawn dog which is a problem with many breeds. Hopefully your little girl is not one of them. BCs mature slowly and really don't come into their own until they are 2 or 3 years old. It sounds to me like you are doing every thing right by this gal and it will be no time at all before she owns her family! You are absolutely not crazy! The more time you spend with her in your family and the more you expose her to, the more you will see the true reason these dogs were bred for their job. Enjoy your puppy and she will return your love a million times over. :) All the best to you in your new roll as doggy mom too. Namaste Ginny

Hi Audrey-Our winter starts most times up here in late October-there is usually snow for Hallowe'en-but definitely by mid Nov.It gets heavier tot he snow around mid December and continues thru to mid March at least-January and February are the worst for cold and snow storms.By end of March it is usually starting to break up,with somewhat warmer temps by April-altho a snow storm anytime in April is not unusual,I've even seen snow in May-many times-however,we know that by then it isn't here to stay for long.By May 1st,the temps are a lot warmer,and green is starting to show in gardens and on the lawns-Summer here is about mid May,with temps usually around the 70F mark-this continues to warm up straight thru until mid August or so,and by the end of August the frost is starting again.Our growing season for veggies and such,is actually quite short.Summer is about June 1st thru to mid August.Thats about it :)