Red,
I know I've mentioned it before, but if water is that expensive out there, have you thought of using a rainbarrel, and directing the roof water towards the garden? The rule of thumb is that 1 inch of rain gives 627 gallons of water from a thousand square foot roof. I'm definitely going to do it at the end of the summer, but now it's actually rainy enough! I suppose one has to rank their activities. Also, I have to improve the edging here, so the water doesn't spill onto the patio, so I'm monitoring the drainage and taking pictures, and watching to see if others have similar challenges in the neighbourhood.
I've done some research on the price of edging, too, as well as watched youtube videos. Everytime it rains, I just get more motivated for the project in the fall, since I'm recording how much it's actually raining. I do that calculation they do on credit card companies who want my business at the big box stores on the receipts when they print "you could have made so many loyalty points" if I bought their card. Only I apply it to the rainwater, and think of not having to bend over(if I run a smart irrigation system) or just not flooding the sewer systems(which cause backflows in the old city infrastructure into our basements).
With this disposition we share, it's hard enough getting by.
Although I called the chiropractor(again), can anyone with a sore back assure me that "all" gardeners have sore backs during the beginning of the season? I tried sitting on a yoga mat, and I just can't do that. Lying back is really the only postion for me.
Thanks for your compliment on the avatars.