Hurrah Maggie. Thanks for sharing. As you know, and thanks to your inspiration, we're on our own journey with rabbits as well. We picked up a breeding pair of NZ's on Easter (by coincidence). We're slowly processing our first litter born two weeks after Easter. Since then, we too have been experimenting with diet and valiantly searching for info - namely, a recipe for homemade pellets (wafers, whatever) to supplement with hay or dried grass. Our ideal is to rid ourselves from a dependence on feed stores, but still have healthy rabbits. We have lots of green stuff here in the Pac NW, but hay is a little trickier to make. It rains A LOT. We managed, but it was a real struggle to dry properly, and I'm not sure it is the best quality, even though its from pasture grass seed sewn this spring. They eat it though! Here's our report: Without a doubt, Mr. & Mrs. Bunny were raised on pellets. Since Mrs. Bunny was pregnant when we bought her (surprise!), we never moved her entirely from pellets, but slowly introduced greens, much to her delight. Mr. Bunny was far less receptive for a long while, but he's rather a cranky sort anyway (honest) and displays his various moods by accepting or rejecting food (and bowls) no matter what we feed him. So no real baseline sample with him! Our first litter was exposed to salad and pellets from day 1. They prefer salad to pellets and grass hay as a slightly distant third. We also treat them with toasted bread ends. I get these from a bakery I work at - no hormones, preservatives etc., just toasted whole-wheat bread. (Inspired, I experimented in the creation of a bread substance specifically for rabbits that could be more easily preserved, but later abandoned the idea). The results from our first litter were that the kits never reached a good weight until much later - even though they always had pellets available! Our biggest - now at twenty or so weeks is finally 5 lbs, though most are averaging 4.5 lbs. On the plus side, no one was ever sick or in poor health. It just took them lots longer - which cost us time, energy (and $$$ for extra housing!) When we brought this topic to the meat rabbit group on Yahoo, it was explained that our feeding program was prohibiting rapid meat development. Were surely not surprised really, but the alternative (for best results), would be a feeding more program which more resembles the "Cornish Cross Rock" practice. We're searching for a happy medium. We were fortunate enough to meet one of our state's most knowledgeable rabbit growers showing at the fair this year. She echoed the meat group and admitted that rabbits will suck down greens "like candy bars" when given the choice. (I'm not so sure this is a bad thing). She DID mention that we should ignore what others say about having to have high grade pellets. Her opinion is that the cheaper brands work just as well as the more expensive ones. As for home made foods, she recommended an old book that lists a recipe for meat production (author - Templton, we have a used copy on order). I'll share the recipe when I get the book. At least we'll know whatÂs IN those pellets - or should be according to Templeton! Mrs. Bunny just kindled 7 more kits last week, so we can make adjustments this time. The meat rabbit group often discusses diet so lots of good info there, thanks to someone here who recommended it. Again, when the book arrives I'll share the info. Thanks, Maggie for your post. How timely! LF RJ

You might try at the Garden Exchange Forum...For those wishing to trade garden items other than plants and seeds. I might add though, that much of the country (myself included) cannot do much, if any trading, during the cold winter months. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Exchange

Welcome, so glad Jane shared her beautiful slim tree for you. Ours isn't real slim but more so than our last one. I always add extra lights to help it glow. I use ornaments I've collected through the years so it shares lots of memories for all to share. I don't think it's the shape of the tree as much as knowing what look your trying to achieve if you know what I mean. Guess you could call mine a "Memory Tree". Hope you will share when your done decorating this year. I think we are all a little to critical and should give ourselves more credit. I always seem to think everyone elses trees are prettier than ours but I still enjoy having a tree up.LOL What I love is the fact that your parents still want a Christmas tree every year. They are so lucky to have you who will not only put it up but wants a beautiful one for them!Sweet... Punk

Mary - I use the Slim in 6 tapes, although not as often as they say, and find them very effective. There's a whole message board with real people who use it. You'll hear the good, the bad and the ugly! Basically, the truth and not just what they want you to hear in an infomercial. Overall it's a very good program; as in most, you get out of it what you put into it! Here's a link to it. Here is a link that might be useful: Beachbody Slim in 6