Hello Beverly, this morning I was kindly surprised by a message sent by Sherry (wcqypsy) concerned about how we were faring about the quake in Chile. Only then I found out that such a major earthquake had shuddered thru central Chile. We are so locally concerned and spring is coming so soon, that every bit of time is spent getting ready for the season's rush. I just potted some Dahlia bulbs that arrived on Mo. I've transplanted a full tray of pansies and will be doing soon Cantebury Bell's and stocks. Next prepare the artichokes plants. They go into polyethelene black bags until mid november while they are hardened off outside the greenhouses. Eventually if we have enough heat this summer we will be harvesting fresh 'chokes by february. So will me the case for fava beans. I learnt from my Armenian grandmothers how to make a fava bean and archichoke stew along with sheep meat. I'm looking forward to that treat. Someday I'll take the effort of writing down our plant list which is quite extensive. Meanwhile, three ewes have lambed and they are being handmilked. I make yoghurt regularly. Unfortunately the three first lambs died soon after birth. the first was born with its intestines bulging out of the navel. The second died because we were unable in time to identify why the lamb didn't suck enough milk . Eventually I discovered that this particular first time ewe, has difficulty with milk let-down. As a result she eventually develped mastitis on the right gland ( sheep have only two niples on the udder while cows have 4). So she is being treated and has improved considerably. The third was born with serious develpmental restraints such as club feet and died a few hours later. So meanwhile one has to keep up with my own house chores plus keeping connected with the world. Many times I wonder how do so many people handle their mutilevel activities. Perhaps, because I'm already 66 or because I'm so busy with my dayly chores that time seems to vanish like a mirage. I ask for forgiveness in answering a month or so late. Kindly Arturo
