Mike, "BINGO", it's all about the money. I'll do some research in reference to more energy-efficient pumps. Our spare pump is about shot anyway and should be replaced. So, that solution should be doable. Good idea! Nancy, I didn't know the UV lights didn't last long. Our filter is above ground but is almost completely surrounded with thick landscape stones with a cover. It's also located under our breezeway that connects the house to the garage. Don't think it will ever freeze but it's good to know that we should keep an eye on it. Lsst, in the past, without fail, I've always thoroughly cleaned the pond in early spring and in the fall. In addition, I'm usually on leaf patrol all year because we have huge trees. Some that shed in spring and some that shed in the fall, so, there are always leaves to contend with here. This September my mom was ill and I spent 4 months in middle Georgia. Honestly, when I returned home and saw the pond, I was surprised ANY of the fish were still alive. The boss is excellent at building things and the technical stuff; however, if the water is clear, the boss thinks the pond is clean & healthy for the fish. I've been playing catchup ever since my return. Hardin, if I had that cold and snow to deal with all winter, I'd be a nervous wreck. I did live in NJ for 3 years in the 80's and every winter there...I WAS A NERVOUS WRECK! Thanks again, everyone. I'm always learning around here. Bon

I haven't been able to sell chard at all (except to 1 guy at DH's work, 1 week, don't know if he'll order more), only sold 1 bunch of beets (for the greens). No kale (though that gave out early on me). Arugula seems to be the thing everyone wants. Won't plant summer squash again (except maybe a couple of plants just for us) - yellow squash just isn't selling, zucchini is of course notorious for (over) production, I did manage to sell a little but it's not worth the space. Took just a couple lbs of Blue Lake green beans to market Friday, those sold quickly, edamame was a little slower but the people who wanted it were very enthusiatic, I will plant all my seed (bought in 2011) next year. I thought it was supposed to ripen all at once but found mature pods and immature pods on same plants so ended up picking it like green beans, that does cut down on the profit but since I have the seed I will do big planting next year, maybe once it gets going I will find some of the bigger pods "holding" until the others catch up. Berries are very big sellers but I am finding wild berries (esp. this year) take so long to pick not profitable. Maybe next year my blackberries will come in like they did in 2010. Hoping the cultivated ones will do better - my great-uncle's cultivated blueberries are very easy to pick. Still trying to find the right tomatoes for tastes here - taking a chance on Black Krim this year, it's not something you find in the grocery store so takes education but may be a niche item.

I'm the type that has to clear up misunderstandings very quickly. I have no problem saying I was wrong. Years ago when I started meditating I realized that when our egos get in front of a "situation" nothing good is going to happen. I try to quell my ego and think along the lines of the other person and how they feel. I'm not saying I won't stand up for myself but I am saying that some issues are just to menial to bother. Live is so short and love can be forever if you swallow your pride and fess up you may have screwed up. After a while it becomes so easy. That being said, as a child and young adult, I would NEVER give. lol

I'm so sorry. I was in your shoes this time last year. I knew our almost 13 year old German Shorthair Pointer was at the end of his life, and I was thinking I'd wait until after Christmas, but I realized that I needed to do it the right thing for him even though it was hard for me. We put him down on Dec. 17. :( I probably waited a bit too long, and I didn't realize how much stress I'd been under thinking about whether or not it was the right time until he was gone. There was almost a sense of relief. Missing him wasn't as difficult as wondering and worrying about whether or not I was doing the right thing. We all still miss him terribly, though. When the time comes, I highly recommend getting a vet to come to your house. It was so peaceful and less stressful than taking him to the office.