Hello, everyone. I recently saw a message from someone concerning thread creep and asking why folks don't just start another thread if they want to talk about something else instead of changing the subject. Having been guilty of doing this but also thinking that what I spoke of might be helpful to someone, I think it bears repeating.

I seem to remember that quite a few of you enjoy gardening. Just a few days ago, one of my neighbours lost two fingers because he was trying to remove a stick from under his lawn mower without turning it off. I'd just like to say to those of you who like to garden, please:

Keep your tetanos vaccination up to date; don't wear jewelry while working in your garden; wear a good sunscreen; when mowing lawns, wear socks, shoes, trousers and preferably a long-sleeved shirt; drink enough water while gardening during hot weather; watch out for things like poison ivy, sumac or oak and learn how to identify them; make sure garden tools are in good working order; don't stay out in the sun during the hottest hours of the day; keep animals and children away from things like mowers and garden products. . . . . . and so on and so forth. Sorry if this sounds obvious or patronising, but I hear about garden accidents all the time over here in rural France. Nearly a hundred people die of tetanos contracted while gardening in this country every year! Be careful and . . . happy gard