About the missing newspapers...I eventually got a call from the new newspaper carrier one day...who did sound like he was having trouble figuring out the rural route, but said he definitely delivered the paper the morning of his call (which wasn't there when I had checked for it). He remembered the sign I put out by the road. So afterward, I tried to get out really early to get the paper, then started planting an old newspaper in the bags they often use and leaving them out for part of the day. So far, several of the "old" newspapers have disappeared. I suspect a dog did it. I have my suspicions about one particular dog, but not sure. Keep in mind, my house is not real close to the road...as driveways go, ours would be considered really kind of long. So it would be very hard to watch for the newspaper thief, especially with all the trees in the way!
