Using styrofoam balls, a bunch of toothpicks dipped in glue and glitter—and a handy pipe cleaner for a hook—Mom made Sputnik ornaments in honor of mankind launching its first artificial satellite into space. This, too, was Mom and Dad’s first Christmas as a married couple. They were living in an apartment on High Street in Columbia, MO. Mom was teaching at Lee School and Dad was finishing his degree. The year was 1959.
Winter Waning
One Pleased Peanut
The Little Doll
Grow Dwarf Alberta Spruce from Cutting
Welcome, New Feesh Friends!
Vallisneria Nana
Narrowleaf Vallisneria: Graceful Grass-Like Elegance for Your Aquarium
Narrowleaf Vallisneria (Vallisneria nana) stands out as a resilient and visually striking addition to small to medium aquariums, making it an aquarium hobbyist favorite. Its grass-like appearance and low-maintenance nature contribute to its popularity.
Key Features:
- Placement: Ideal for mid-ground or background.
- Growth: Reaches up to 20 inches in height, providing excellent refuge for timid fish and fry.
- Propagation: Prolific and easy to propagate.
- Care: Hardy and undemanding, making it suitable for beginners.
Care Guidelines:
- Lighting: Moderate to high lighting preferred but adaptable to various conditions.
- Substrate: Plant with the crown above the substrate; adapts to sand or nutrient-rich substrate.
- CO2 and Lighting: Can thrive without CO2 supplementation; adaptable to different lighting levels.
- Water Parameters: Adaptable to various water conditions; prefers slow-moving, hard water rich in calcium.
- Maintenance: Avoid trimming leaves, as damaged ones may rot and fall off naturally.
At-A-Glance Characteristics:
- Tall growth ideal for the background in small to medium aquariums.
- Easy propagation for a lush aquarium environment.
- Provides ample cover for fish and fry.
- Extremely hardy and durable, suitable for all experience levels.
- Grass-like appearance adds a touch of elegance to the aquarium.
Care Snapshot:
- Temperature: 72° – 82°F (22° – 28°C)
- pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Origin: Indigenous to Central and South America, cultivated in US nurseries.
- Aquarium Placement: Background, Midground in larger aquariums.
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate.
Narrowleaf Vallisneria offers both beauty and resilience, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an enchanting and undemanding aquatic plant.
Lame Start
The Star Wars That I Used to Know
Repotting Mat
Helpful, simple—and inexpensive—tool for your gardening tool box! This simple mat snaps in the corners and forms a tray.
It helps control the inevitable mess and chaos when you’re trimming, repotting, dividing, etc. When you’re done working you just throw away any debris, give it a wipe off, and fold it up! Easy to tuck into a drawer or shelf until the next time you need it. No more mud in the kitchen! 
(Steve will appreciate this, too. No more grit in his grub!)
Similar products available in an array of sizes, colors, and from different merchants.