Andrea, if you plant that Norway spruce in the ground it will be a lot happier (and be sure the root swell is exposed and the roots untangled from being root bound). It will also get a lot bigger (so don't plant it close to the house) and will send out a new central shoot from a nearby branch.

Today it warmed enough for a comfortable hour in the garden. I cut down big okra skeletal remains, pulled out a huge sunflower stump and raked up a lot of detritus that is now going to hum along in the compost. There is more to do, much more, but I broke it down to one task because I have a lot more elsewhere to take care of today. Potatoes will go in soon, so next I need to dig those beds.

I have some shopping to do, but this time of year I have to work out a route that takes me around the horrid mall-congestion at some intersections and freeway exits. And before I go I'll have a dish of re-heated leftover lasagna from yesterday's luncheon. It's always better on the second day!

SRS