Compost and mulch are not the same thing although, as you discovered, a thick layer of compost can initially function as mulch. The EPA laws about this are clear and would have to be violated to make mulch from this wood. If you buy finely ground hardwood mulch from a reputable source, it is good for the soil. It should be very dark, almost black. If you need a lot, it's usually cheaper to get a truck to drop a load of it although it's more work for you to get it where it needs to go. Mulch comprised of larger pieces will last longer but the trade is that it takes longer for the decomposition process to be of benefit to the soil. Really large pieces, like bark mulch, can fail to perform the most basic functions which most gardeners expect it to do - suppress weeds, conserve moisture because the larger pieces do not become interlocked in place. This also makes it more likely to wash away in a hard rain. If you want to visually inspect mulch, please do. Although there is a law, we all know people break laws. I bought some mulch at Maxway this spring that was in a bagged called "professional potting soil." It was nothing but shredded wood and I found bits of plastic, painted pieces, straight edges, etc... all through it. An email sent to the Cowart mulch company of Sugar Hill GA got no response. This is a description of the methods used to visually inspect mulch by the university of FL as one aspect of a process to determine if CCA mulches were being sold: The primary purpose of visual inspection of the mulch was to identify if the mulch was: a) colored and, b) to look for evidence that it was made from recycled C&D (construction and demolition) wood. Non-colored mulch would have natural variations in color. When the change in color on a piece of mulch was abrupt or in the case where the color was extremely uniform, then the mulch was identified as artificially colored. Abrupt changes in color occurred when the colorant did not penetrate the crevices of the wood showing distinct areas of the natural wood color in contrast with other areas where the colorant penetrated the mulch. An extremely uniform color is an indication that excessive amounts of colorant were used giving the mulch a "heavily painted" appearance. When in doubt pieces of the mulch were broken open to determine if the color of the outside of the mulch sample was different than the inside, again indicating that the mulch was colored. Evidence that the wood was made from recycled C&D wood was provided by the presence of painted wood, other objects that are associated with recycled wood (e.g. nails, rope, and plastic), and engineered wood (e.g. plywood, particle-board, oriented strand board, and possible excess of smooth surfaces on the wood). Smooth surfaces on the wood chips were documented since engineered wood is characterized by sawn boards which are characterized by a greater proportion of smooth or straight edges. You can read more at...

Jude is still young so I can't say. One of my Abes is more upright and arching with fewer, thicker canes( the one on Dr. Huey ) and the own root Abe is lower and more spreading with more canes. I tied my Jude up on a tomato ladder so he could get to the sun until he builds up some stronger canes. He was a one cane wonder until this year when he grew 2 new big basal canes and they are stronger and only need a few light ties to keep them from blowing in the wind. The oldest cane branched quite a bit at the top and is providing all the flowers. Molineux told me I had to get this rose just for the fragrance and I'm glad I did. Some people say it smells like white wine and guava. I don't know about that but I think it smells like rosy and fruit scents. Always sweet and delicious and when I give it to people to smell, everyone really likes it. For me it will be a big rose over 5 feet by July.

I have no idea but found this recipe for topping from a coffee cake recipe called "Sweet Treat Coffee Cake" on KA. Does it make sense that this might be it? Topping 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup raisins, dark or golden 1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) diced glac�ed or coarsely chopped dried apricots 1/2 cup (3 ounces) dried pineapple tidbits 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 1/4 cup (1 1/4 ounces) finely chopped almonds Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Treat Coffee Cake

Chisue: I have a dental background, so maybe I can answer a couple of your questions. It IS common for gums to recede a bit as we get older. If you don't have periodontal disease (and it doesn't sound like you do) your problem may be caused by overzealous brushing and/or using the wrong technique. Be sure that you are using a soft toothbrush--those hard toothbrushes really cause problems. (good toothbrush brands are Oral B, Colgate, etc. They should say SOFT on the package) Also, brush in a gentle circular motion on each tooth. Brushing back and forth aggressively will definitely cause recession, and will even wear away tooth enamel over time. As far as frequency, 3 times a day is plenty. Brushing before bed is most important. As a side note, please check with your cancer doctor--I'm pretty sure that with a compromised immune system any oral surgery would NOT be recommended. Anyway, hope this info helps a little. Good luck at your dental appointment!