From the reports that I have been observing, coir is not a suitable medium when used exclusive of other organic and inorganic materials. It is better incorporated into a potting mix as an amendment (one of the minor ingredients). I have purchased a composted bark product I like quite a bit from one of the big box stores, called Soil Conditioner. I've used it in my potting mixes for some time with great success. I would encourage the addition of perlite, too. Avoid sand and gravel PERIOD! At the very least, you could purchase a good soil-less potting medium like Fafard and mix a bit of your coir in with that. It would be very helpful to know what kind of plants you are growing.

So far, I haven't had any problems with moles and squirrels trying to eat my onions, shallots or garlic. Of course, I do have a cat that has essentially depopulated the moles over the past three years though the squirrels (and most of the chipmunks) still elude him. Sometimes though I wish he wasn't so darn efficient since my lilies are spreading like wild and there's going to be a battle royale between the lilies and Jerusalem Artichokes this season!

Several weeks ago, I read the original Italian Seven Fishes Christmas Eve thread and saw Lou's recipe for salmon cakes. I followed the recipe and my husband absolutely loved it. I made six large patties, but we enjoyed them so much that we both ate three each! Next time I make them, I need to remember to hide at least two of them before I serve the meal. I've got another can of salmon in the pantry, so I'll probably make them again sometime during the holidays. Anyhow, thanks for the recipe, Lou. Baked Salmon Cakes Lou (Hawk) from CF Â1/3 cup each finely chopped onion, celery, red bell pepper; microwave for 2 minutes; cool . ÂPut 1 - 14 ¾ oz. can of pink salmon in a bowl and break up larger pieces. (I removed the skin & center bone) ÂSprinkle with black pepper; ½ tsp. each of garlic & onion powder and ¼ level tsp. Old Bay Seasoning (I used salt-free Cajun seasoning), and 2 level tsp. parsley flakes. (I also added about 1 tbsp. lemon juice) ÂAdd 3 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise. ÂFold and blend this together and add ½ cup each of flavored and plain bread crumbs.(I used all unflavored crumbs because that was all I had) ÂBeat 1 egg and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder; beat well. ÂAdd this to the salmon mix and blend with a fork until just mixed through. ÂIf the mix is too wet, add a little more bread crumbs. ÂMake 6 balls and flatten slightly to 4 inches round and ¾ inches thick. ÂBake on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, sprayed with Pam. (I used Reynold's Release) ÂBake 20 to 25 minutes at 320 Degrees. ÂBrush with melted butter and broil on low for 5 minutes or until a golden tan. ÂServe hot or freeze separated with plastic wrap, in a Zip Lock bags or a container.

Shakti, I have to wonder if you have ever been in a stepfamily! Rob says he has been the father figure to his stepchildren for 28 years! That's hardly "only a friend." Would you tell an adoptive parent that they were "only a friend"? It sounds like he stepped in when their biological father had done them some pretty awful physical and psychic harm--that's not "just a friend" stuff, either. Sure biology and genes are important, but the day to day raising can be almost as powerful. Rob, I am closer to your age probably than some of the other wonderful posters here, and I might be able to offer some insight? Wish I could be of more help. One thing that occurred to me reading your anguished words is that you are at the age where we start to think more about our place in the world, what we have done, life review and all that. And seeing where we are peched on a family tree is so important to us all of a sudden. Whereas the young people in our lives are intent on making their own families, making their own way in the world--it sometimes feels like they have no time for us, like we are no longer important in their lives. And it sounds like although you feel your SD strongly prefers your wife over you, it also sounds like she is "buying" the favor, making herself indispensible by providing all those practical services for SD. (Didn't mean for that to sound negative--it's the way of the world.) Is there a reason you don't go along to visit your grandkids? (I didn't say "stepgrandkids" because I know so many stepparents who would never dream of calling their SKs their "children," but for some reason are comfortable without the "step-" with the next generation. Maybe because the grandkids never knew a time without them--or maybe because grandkids already have four grandparents, why not add another one?) Here's something else I discovered as I was thinking these things through in my own life. With my SDs, I am more quick to perceive slights and insults. But when it is my own children I find myself thinking "oh they're just kids." I try to apply that test when it seems like my SDs are ignoring me or not as receptive as I would like to an activity or something--I say "what if it was my biokids" and then it doesn't hurt so much--I find myself in the "they're just kids" place. Have you talked to your stepdaughter about missing her and the grandkids? Do you and your wife ever babysit? Your relationship with your grandkids will soon grow on its own, apart from their mom.