The U.S. Federal government non-essential employees are not going back to work until the House and Senate agree on several bills. The Post Office is self-funded so our mail will continue to arrive and shipping will be possible. The main thing that will be put on hold is the IRS - and I've prepared to file my taxes early. That will have to wait till a budget is approved. If any of our participants are U.S. federal employees they will have some free time to work on these projects (and here's hoping there is back pay at the end of these days of political turmoil.)

Thank goodness the cold temperatures have moved out of the region; I've had yard work waiting on good weather and my improved health. Today I'll start out by trimming out all of the dead asparagus fronds and moving some soil into the depressed area where the fill is settling in over the new sewer line.

I hope some of our lurkers will drop in and tell us what they're up to. New blood is always welcome!