one more comment about the mulch... i filled up a pot with it to see how some seeds would react, but the oddest thing. every time i tried to water it, the water seemed to go right through to the saucer and left the "dirt" dry. i literally had to mix it like i was playing in mud but today it is bone dry again. the stuff just won't hold water.
since wandering out to have a few brews now and then i've been getting somewhat lazy with my diet. i've probably gained a few lbs, but i am back on a good schedule and i'll see how it settles out in a week. it's not helping that i've been passing on my busy weekends due to the 100+ temps up in Riverside almost this entire last month. bagels continue to be my Kryptonite.