Florence, sorry to hear Robin's ex is still like that. Sorry you're still in pain. I know what it's like. I'm 44 and barely go out. Carlota; back surgery all depends on who does it; what exactly is done and your own body. When I was fused at L5S1 the 1st time back in 2001, I only had an LT Cage, no rods. It never fully fused. Had i had rods added back then, who knows? Another surgeon put rods in, did something to the original fusion to help it along, plus fused a deformity in my sacrum; I am still feeling movement (feels like metal rubbing bone) as I walk plus I get pain where the rods are. They are trying to figure out what to do with me. I have horrible spasms in my muscles from my waist to my toes. One muscle deep in the butt is so very painful. I'm looking to possibly get the rods out; but that will be major surgery - when the rods went in, I didn't really drive for 8 months plus will go in for a pain pump trial again where the Dr will add something to calm the spasms. If I can get the pump to work this 2nd time I don't doubt it will help for a while. Right now, and for the last year, I haven't really had any quality of life. Imagine being in excruciating pain all the time. Meds only do so much.

Hi pocketsquirrel, You may find that these wont grow in our area. Here is a document for you to read ( its short) that talks about why the potato onion is grown in the south and not here in Canada . http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/MagRack/COG/COG_A_96_08.htm Also if you decide you would still like to search these out you could search for "hill onion" or "Yellow multiplier" onion Signet

This isn't a competition. Do some reading (EDU sites) on the technique of solarization. You'll soon find that the outside temperature matters when it comes to cooking (steaming, actually) the soil via radiant energy. It simply is not warm enough, long enough in your climate at this time of year to rely on solarization to accomplish what you need it to do. If you cover your weeds with clear plastic right now you'll likely end up with a fabulous jungle loving every minute of their luke warm winter, lol. It won't get hot enough to steam seeds, either. I've given you an alternative suggestion, which also happens to be something that many (like jillions) of home gardeners do in the winter. Eliminate the sunlight by whatever means you wish. Most of us probably prefer to use something that will improve the soil, but I know of some folks right here in the Gardenweb who cover their gardens with black plastic over the winter and say that it's effective, too. YOU need to be the 'tie-breaker'. Do some research and you'll be able to make a good decision. Bonne chance!

We have 5 cats and 6 boxes. And because a couple of our kitties don't get along, we can't put all the boxes in the utility room. We have 2 in the basement, and four in a room that I use as my office/tv room. Three of the four are tucked into corners, and the fourth is this Hol storage cube from IKEA. I cut a hole into the end for easy access and put a blanket on top - and am looking for fabric so I can put a cute cushion on it instead. I put the whole thing in front of a window and the cats do use it to nap on, however, I have to say, it is the least used box in the house. As mentioned by a couple of other people, a lot of cats just don't like to use a covered box. I also like the looks of the IKEA Hackers Pretty Potty - will have to figure out how I can fit that one in one of these days! Here is a link that might be useful: Hol Storage Cube