It was exactly 18 years ago, on April 1, 2004, when I was sitting at my computer straining my brain to come up with a timely subject upon which to pontificate. It occurred to me that my column was going to appear exactly on the first of April - a day that traditionally has been set aside for enjoying a practical joke or two…


Each and every month of the year I can hear the garden calling my name, asking politely to please make time for this task or that one. To me, time spent in my garden is always pleasant, perhaps even more so in…