I don't know if it was that or that I have just the spot for them under my new lemon tree, but this morning I finally released my worm slaves.  

I am just going to have to hope I can find some worms when I want them.  I expect I will.  there is lots of worms in the garden now everywhere I dig.  

maybe it's the guilt because I'd become neglectful, not remembering to feed them enough.  or maybe it's just because it's something I've been meaning to do for ages or maybe it's all the happy worms singing a song in their newfound freedom, but yay!  I feel really good about it.