Aaron of Aaron's Rainbarrels has set up a new blog - Aaron's Home & Garden Guide. It's a great informational site - the most recent entry talks about solar power. Go visit when you get a chance.

We recently lost one of our little buddies. Nicky the cat was with us for just about 15 years - we had to guess at his age since he was a rescue - and every day we remarked on what a sweet and gentle cat he was. Nick was one of the few cats who would roll over on his back and ask for tummy rubs. We sure miss him.

Shortly after he left us, my husband was talking about him with a co-worker. Within a few days Jen sent us a copy of Making Kind Choices by Ingrid Newkirk. I've been leafing through the book and am pleased to see so many references to protecting life in the garden. For instance, there are suggestions on assisting critters who get trapped in the pool and hints on pesticide free ways to grow your lawn. Ideas around creating butterfly and bird friendly gardens are included as well as understanding how to kindly deal with little visitors in the home.

This is a great book and I can't wait to read it through. Look for a copy at Booksamillion. Many thanks to Jen for her generosity in helping us honor our little friend.

I'm always so pleased when I've learned that someone has linked my site to theirs. Today is no exception. I've learned of three sites who have linked me. What a compliment! The Garden State offers some interesting insight into gardening in New Jersey. Then there's MucknMire gardening in zone 6 (central New Jersey), and The Clearwater Garden Journal not located in Clearwater Florida as I thought but in Idaho. This blog is written by an internet landscaper who supplies design and consultation for clients throughout North America. Take some time and visit my weblog friends.