Tony, can I ever relate. The only difference is that I had never made a thing grow in my life before. The plants I received during the many hospital stays, I managed to kill within the year. I had three failed back surgeries which left me with no use of my left leg and foot, a back that I can no longer bend, turn or twist and lately severe Arthritis has attacked my entire body (especially my hands) and horrific pain 24/7. I was in deep depression for a very long time and perhaps if my children would have helped and worried about me as you do about your Mom, I would have pulled myself out of my world of self-pity a long time ago. Alas, I was not that lucky, however, one can only live like that for so long, before thoughts of ending it all take over, and I thank G-d for giving me the strength to find the will to search every avenue to help myself. Also, I have a family physician who is modern and not adverse to giving me enough medication (even narcotics) to take the edge off of the pain. When my youngest moved across the ocean, I bought a samll computer to keep in touch with her. I taught myself how to send e-mails and then I started wandering around the Internet. It was then that I came across GardenWeb and after reading the different posts for days, I got the courage to post and ask questions. You would not believe the many replies I received with all kind of advice on how to start a garden (some giving me sites where to find more info) Last winter I kept myself very busy planning my little garden, searching through catalogues, gardening magazines and the Internet, looking for perennial plants that have "good garden manners", as my garden buddy Newt taught me.I have several container plants and start working on them when it is too cold to plant in the ground. My garden takes up most of my time (even the many long sleepless nights). I agree with the poster that said that outside help can be very frustrating, however, if you have the time to supervise then they will do as your Mom would like to have in done. Who knows, I just might find another hobby to add, that will ensure that I have no spare moments to dwell on all the things I can no longer do (I was not born disabled) Also, I am not adverse to getting a little psycological help now and them when I need it most. I have to digress here for a moment and tell you that the great friends I found here on GardenWeb gave me a new lease on life. I still write to some and they answer when they are able. We exchange jokes as well as gardening information,links where you can find more information for every subject and seeing that we are in the same boat, in one form or another, it gives me the strength to carry on. (We understnad each other) Perhaps that is why I am so grateful to GardenWeb,and to this new Forum. The advice you got in the previous posts are excellent, and if I may, I would like to suggest that if you do build a raised bed, sitting on the wall and twisting around to care for the plants does not always work for everyone. I know it doesn't for me. I don't know if my solution will work for your Mom, however, I had four large (tall) rock garden stones with relatively flat tops placed in strategic places so that I can move around on them (not have to twist my spine). That way I am closer to the ground and can get my hands in the dirt. I guess I will have to leave the composting to purchasing it in a bag (not quite the same as making your own, I understand, however,it's the best I can manage.) Just one last thing, I have purchased some excellent "Enabling tools" through a Catalogue,the name is called Gardenscape, they have a toll free number, which is: 1-888-472-3266, the are situated in Toronto 416-698-5339, they are very reliable, guarantee all purchases and ship promptly. The Catalogue is Free. (I believe they are a GardenWeb sponsor) Good Luck, and G-d Bless Punky.

Well, I made the trip this morning. I didn't meet the person from the infamous voice mail though. I told the clerk when the cat was taken in and what she looked like and the story about the kittens. She said that she didn't know of anything like that but that I was free to look at all the cats they had. There were some beautiful animals there, but I didn't see my hotel kitty. I can only assume the worst. I showed the lady the picture and she said she didn't remember seeing a cat that looked like that. I guess they get so many it's hard to keep up with each one. They had several kittens as well, but I don't know which if any were hers because I didn't get a look at them before animal control came. Maybe it worked out for the best. If I do get a second kitty as a companion for Jasper and myself it should really be a boy (according to everyone who seems to know), and one that is tame. I don't know why I wanted this kitty so badly... we didn't connect... I spent hours chasing it and watching it run full speed away from me. I asked myself why I really wanted this kitty. I think I just wanted to feel good about "rescuing" a "homeless" kitty. I want to expand my family, but I think when the kitty is right the situation will work out. There was a beautiful silver and grey kitty at a gas station 2 days ago that I tried to approach. It ran so fast, I thought it was going to dart into traffic. I think I would like to get a kitty of the street instead of going to a shelter (especially this one after my dealings with them!). I will just have to find one that isn't quite so scared if that is even possible. I would of course take it to the SPCA to have it speutered and vaccinated before I took it into my home. Anyway... that's the update... thanks to everyone who responded.

Tulsa just set a new record of 22 straight days of rain last week. The previous record had been 13 days set several decades ago. We had a few days of sunshine and now it is back to raining again today. It's not all bad. It at least knocked some of the allergy crud out of the air.

Katie, I wrote a comment yesterday and then deleted it because I felt that I was reading the situation all wrong. But now I am thinking I was okay. Your current layout is very much like mine. My kitchen is the main pathway from the garage to virtually the rest of the house. And your range is right next to this pathway. In my case, I have no countertop next to the cooktop. This pathway will limit you as well, in my opinion. Then there is that big window to deal with! Just like me. UGH! Is your current kitchen a peninsula with room for a table by the large window? I feel for you! I have the same frustrations. We are in limbo right now due to our restrictions/budget. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like you have the luxury of waiting it out to save more money.