[Diana in Wisconsin]

“I hope S.Other Does not harass you to chew his boots in the morning before he goes racoon hunting!”

LOL! Nope. He had a whole bucket of rendered bear fat for just that purpose. And we just bought toe-scuff protectors for his favorite pair the other day. He’s good. :)

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Forcing Branches into Bloom Indoors

This age-old practice is about bringing flowering branches of trees and shrubs indoors in late winter. The branches are budded but they haven’t bloomed on the tree. However, when you bring the branches inside, the buds will gradually open and blossom, filling your room with the lovely flowers of spring. Common branches to “force” are Tulip Magnolia, Quince, Forsythia, and Pussy Willows. (More at link) I pruned my plums last week and should have brought the branches in to force! Oh well!