I have very good luck composting ~400 lbs of fish waste in a 4'x4' pallet bin together with wood chips. I set up a base layer of woodchips and layer fish waste and chips, taking care to not deposit fish within 6" of bin walls. Finish off with ~6" of wood chips, and wire another pallet across the top when done. There is no objectionable odor outher than a little ammonia outgassing. I have had no issues with animals picking the pile apart, but then, i have a dog. I suspect lake weeds might be greens, and would suggest that you stockpile wood chips, sawdust or another 'strong' brown for this composting project. Try a single pallet bin and see how it goes from there. I also believe it would work on a larger scale; again, wood chips are the key.

Tally - good that you are making some headway. We went to Galveston this past week and this was our observations: It looked like 'big businesses' had bought out small businesses or residences to get into Galveston. We were a little saddened that mom and pop places might suffer. Guido's (our favorite) was wonderful, but only 1/2 of it is open. We saw what you meant about the west half getting the goods. We were surprised about the build-up on on the west end of the island, and equally surprised about the shape of some of the buildings/residences that sorely need restoring. I was wondering about the Flagship. Glad to hear something will be happening with it. We stayed at the (newly re-opened) Tremont, and walked along the Strand. Really enjoyed it. Also enjoyed Murdock's along the seawall. We realized just how important that seawall still is. I don't understand why New Orleans doesn't do something like this. It made a big impression on us how much of the city it saved after we went across to Boliver - total destruction. We drove all the way to High Island in amazement at how badly Boliver was hit. So sad. We talked to a few of the employees at the hotel and restaurants. Most seemed to have moved there recently. I'm sure the entire island got a lot of residential turnover. Tally - I'm glad you stayed and are rebuilding. Galveston is still a beautiful place to visit, and I'm sure to live. In time, I'm sure it will be restored to all its glory.

I like your project. After your child gets older, you could make a book of place names listed in alphabetical order. You could fill it with places from A to Z, or use only places both of you have seen. And then, you could make a family album including all photos you have of relatives. This would be a great way to keep your children in touch with relatives. Then, there could be a book of foods, then animals. Come to think of it, you do not have to wait until the kids are older. Start your books now and then introduce those to your children at appropriate times. Maybe you could entice someone to write bed time stories to go with the illustrations.

One morning a husband returns after several hours of fishing & decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors & reads her book. Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman & says 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?' "Reading a book," she replies (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')" You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her. "I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading." "Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "For reading a book," she replies. "You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her again. "I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading." "Yes, but you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up." "Yes, but if you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault," says the woman. "But I haven't even touched you," says the Game Warden. "That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment." "Have a nice day ma'am," and he left. MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think.