You have just learned the hard way that not only should you label, but you should write it in a journal or garden diary just where things are... Some real experienced people may be able to tell the difference between varieties, but not me! When scapes are a decent size, I cut them off down as close to the leaves as possible. They are great in stir fried dishes, on salads, etc. If you remove the scapes, the bulbs will get larger. If you leave the scapes, I understand the bulbs will store longer. Garlic should be harvested, in my opinion, when there are 4-5 green leaves left on the plant. At that point there are still enough coverings so that you can peel off one or two when cleaning and still have 2-3 protective layers for the bulb. Ann

Most landlords and rental companies don't find it financially worthwhile to pursue getting back rent if you move out of state. If this is a low-end place, and it sounds like it is, then they probably won't bother. They can use your security deposit to repair any damages you caused, but they'd have to prove you were responsible for problems they caused due to not maintaining their property. Unpaid rent doesn't normally go on your credit record. You have some choices. 1. If you had stayed, the correct procedure would have been to complain about the needed repairs (including spraying for mites and other bugs) in writing. You'd have given them a date by when you expected the repairs to be done, say a week to ten days. Then you'd have withheld rent. This won't be 100% correct, but you could write that you're moving out because of the maintenance problems and their refusal to work with you. Keep a copy of the letter. Give it to them when you hand them the keys. Then if anything shows on your credit report or some landlord database, you can say you disputed what is owed because they didn't maintain their property. 2. You can just hand them a letter saying you're moving out on whatever date. Say in it that you are unable to pay the rent due to job loss, and that they have refused to work with you to find alternate solutions such as subletting. (Believe me, they will rent the apt. once you're gone.) 3. Just drop off the keys so they know you're gone. Do not in any case give them a forwarding address. They can't sue you if they can't locate you. If you're moving back home and they have your home address and phone as contact info, make sure your family knows not to let them know you're living there. You won't be able to use them as a reference. Once you are working again, when you go to rent an apartment, you can list them and explain why you had to leave or you can claim you lived with someone else. You'll have to decide this.

Oh, you guys are all so kind! Linda (doucanoe) I'll check my email next. Thank you! LindaC, you are so sweet to offer. I have cable internet, is that fast enough? AnnT, I'd be so indebted to you if I could get another copy of your cookbooks. I don't want any of you to tie up your computer or go to a lot of time and trouble. I forgot that I've saved several recipes on that feature "My Clippings" so I'm good for some stuff. I think I have Ann's scone recipe there. I'll have to go look. Thanks again for everyone's kindness! It looks like I'll end up with even more wonderful recipes. Sally

He mistook crocus bulbs for potatoes, Jannie? OMG, that's a riot! And the best part is catching him in the act! lolol Mine doesn't throw my stuff away but he puts it away WHILE I'm using it or before I'm done with it. It's not like I leave stuff lying around. For example, the other night I was making a pasta dish. I put the colander in the sink so I could drain the angel hair. Went to get the pot about 2 minutes later and the colander was gone! Gone! Where's the colander? Oh, he says- I thought you were done with it so I washed it and put it away. (Oh, I know what you're thinking, "Isn't he helpful! And look, he washes dishes!) Yeah, yeah..... it's not helpful to wash a perfectly clean item and move it as I'm preparing to dump boiling hot water in it! I asked him if he noticed the pasta boiling on the stove and he said he didn't, but he can spot a standing colander from 50 paces! He puts away salad fixings, too, before I've made the salad. It's ridiculous, I pull them out, he puts them away. I ask where's my lettuce and he says "I thought you were done with it." Um, see any bowls of lettuce anywhere, Einstein? lol Men. Grrrrr. Don't EVER let him retire, Clare! Find him a job. Give him a honey-do list that won't quit. Anything, but keep him busy outside! Oh, and how come Mr. "Place For Everything and Everything In Its Place" can't close the closet door in the LR? I close that bi-fold door about 20 times a day but if I say anything, I'm a nag.