Mentally, I'm recovered. LOL. This was really devastating to me, because I'd never had such a bad year, but I think I was just overdue. The good news is that I've totally immersed myself in organic ways and have been taking crash courses. I've learned SO MUCH. (Much of it here from everyone...you all are great!) Add me to the 100 percent organic converts now. I never plan to use another synthetic chemical again. This weekend, I'm planning on building my very first compost pile! Yes I am, and I'm so excited about it. I've used compost, but it was always purchased from the store (Lowes and Wal Mart). And I'm thinking about next year. This year is kind of an experience in learning, and I've learned a lot. I had a good crop of tomatoes (Celebrity, Caspian Pink - love those - and Better Boys), but it's about died out now. Usually, I have a regular crop of tomatoes through the first frost (which isn't until Halloween or so). But the tomatoes I got were good, and I didn't have a lot of splitting for the first time ever. I credit that to the HGTV/DIY shows that said add a handful of lime when planting. My eggplants did really well for awhile, and that was fun. I still think I'll get a few more, but everything seems to be winding down. This is very unusual, but I've been hearing it from others around the area. It's just not been a good year for anyone it seems. My gypsy peppers, bless their hearts, are indestructable. They just smiled through the invasion and kept on doing their thing. Lots of wonderful peppers. Those are so fun to grow...and so prolific. My herbs all did really well and are still going. (Except the coriander, but it always dies in the heat) But my fears on the cukes and honeydews came true and they're near death. I got a good crop of cukes before the cucumber beetles invaded. (And I ended up with both striped AND spotted beetles, with a few squash bugs for extra fun) I'm sure it's wilt from the beetles. My melons were all deformed and I think had scab on them. Poor things. LOL. But I'm just letting them keep growing, just in case. I finally cut the oldest melon open, and inside was a small, deformed melon. It wasn't sweet enough yet, but it was a nice color and tasted fresh and springy anyway. I got about three nice bites. haha. I've not grown a successful melon yet, but I'll keep trying every year. Now I'm about ready to head to my local extension office, get my soil tested and see if they can help me decide what to do with my garden over winter. I'm trying to decide between black plastic (which will supposedly kill pathogens by cooking them, but I'm not sure about bug eggs), and a cover crop such as hairy vetch. I'm leaning towards hairy vetch if I do a cover crop. But I'll ask the ext. agent for his/her thoughts on our area. I don't know if the lacewings ever did their work or not. I had fun sprinkling the little hatchlings, like fairy dust. My neighbors might have had a few laughs watching me, because I did prance and sprinkle. (I thought lacewings were the size of moths in adulthood, but now I read they're tiny little things) Next year, I'm probably going to introduce beneficials early, some nematodes and ladybugs. I had a lot of different bugs this year, but my big problems were the leafhoppers (they're still hopping and sucking) and the cucumber beetles. The other good news, and the reason I went organic this year...the birdies! I haven't had tons of butterflies yet, but man do I have many hummingbirds. I finally bought a little feeder that hangs outside my front window, and they come one after another. I've got at least 6-8 that I've seen in a bunch (a gaggle?). And one in particular likes to dance with me, and with my cats, through the window. It's just amazing. I also have a family of cardinals that I've been feeding safflower seeds, and it's been so fun watching their behavior (dad feeding the wife and kids...looks like they're kissing). And one son is starting to turn red...I call him my birdie boy. The others fly away when I approach, but he stays and lets me talk to him, and cocks his head like a pet bird. My family thinks I've lost my mind. LOL. But they're indulging my bird chatter and my new obsession with a compost pile. So that was the longggggggg answer (sorry). Short answer: garden mostly went to hell, but I've enjoyed the birds and intend to keep learning about organic ways. Thanks, Kitty, for asking. ***

What a nice thread to come back too. Mona, I am Sure Maxwell and Pepper are playing some where In The meadows or even in the fields of Lavender.. It make me so happy to think they are running and playing in a beautiful meadow filled with Lavender and Plumeria trees to sit under to take a break. ;-) I know it is hard, but you have wonderful memories... You did your best, that is all we can do!! They are thankful for our greatest last act of love. Believe me, I would t have it any other way. My last gift was for him. I hope you are feeling better.. It will take time.. You take as long as you want... I still grieve for my little guy. Al.. Want a kind post.. You really have a way with words and I was touched to the point of tears.. So kind of you. I know Ticen was your companion and he was the best !! Your pal.. All I can say is thank you for the kind comments. One day we will find another dog who needs a good loving home.. It will come one day. Thank you!!! ;-) Take good care everyone. Laura

I'm glad you got it. I'm here anytime you want to talk...or need a shoulder. Hugs!

Madonna, that was not your fault. I'm not an expert at the same level of Digdirt or LindaLou or Readinglady, but I'm not a complete idiot either. When I log on and find an 8 year old thread on grape leaves and a 4 year old thread on the price of okra I shake my head, though. I know the purpose of linking these forums to social media was supposed to help people find us and I suppose it has worked. (sigh) Annie