'bug, yes, the memories of children over the years is what keeps all of in education going, isn't it! Schools are interesting in that the bonds we forge with each other really do last-shared experiences? Deanne, I watched the video of you on the Boston Connections show. How fun was that. I am so impressed that you are able to last eight hours a day in the garden. No wonder mine looks so pathetic in comparison! I think I may need to increase my dedication if I ever hope to be a worthy Idyll. Kathy, Mary's gardens are absolutely charming. You are so good to post all the pictures for us. Sounds like a mini IU taking place, Kathy. Have a splendid time all of you. Off to check on the rotten diggers-they were so funny to watch yesterday-one on either side of the stone steps going into the lowest part of the yard, sticking their noses under the top step. I pity the poor vole of chipmunk they were after. All I could see of Annabelle was her rear end up in the air with her tail wagging furiously. Clouseau is so good about coming when called, but she never lets go of the hunt unless food is in the offing-why give up a wild snack unless you are assured of an easier treat? When I walked down to pull her away, I could see they had completely dug out under the step, so that will need to be filled in again (for the third time). Jeez, can't break her of digging or jumping the fence to get into the woods. I think I will buy some chicken wire and place it into the dirt as I fix the step. May have to buy in bulk to discourage her. Too bad we don't have several acres for her to explore. Oh, and we had EXACTLY 14 minutes of rain yesterday (yes, I timed it)-enough to wet the soil to the depth of about 1 mm. Boo hiss. Humid and hot today, so a pricing trip to the nursery is in order and then the hardware store for chicken wire! Glad to hear some of you are getting rain. Chelone, that walk sounds positively delightful. I can't remember the last time I needed an umbrella. :( Cynthia

Leaf season has indeed begun and they're dropping by the ton. I've got 8 mature sugar maples so I really don't have to rely on anyone's castoffs. But I raked the bulk of my elderly shut in neighbor's this AM - not so much a random act of kindness as the desire to have her leaves too. I'll have more than enough so will donate some to the city rose garden after they complete the annual marathon "Minnesota Tip". Love this time of year... but remember back when open burning was allowed and everyone just raked leaved against the curb and lit a match? As fun as that was, composting is infinitely more satisfying.

Awwww Kylie - thank you!! :) Dorothy - Glad they're doing well! Lots of pics next year!! Elizabeth - I'm jealous! :)) You do need a GH though! Your love for plants always shows in your pics & in your posts! Pics - we want to see the GH when it's up & ready! Brandy - Not sure 'how' the room will look in February! lol! It looks ok for now! Keeping my fingers crossed for things to 'make it' until April! I'm glad your cuttings are doing well. I hope they ALL make it & bloom like crazy for you next Spring! Karma - I'm trying! :) Hope you're feeling better! Your typing looks ok! :)) Kristy - Yes - on the 'Rattail Cactus!' Got six cuttings from a forum member (the other forum) last fall for postage. They all made it! She's growing like a trooper! lol! Bonnie - Hoping they STAY 'neat & healthy!' :) It's a long way to April! Karen - I have a few duplicates of some - mostly the doubles. Hoping they all make it & I can pass them on to some of you guys & gals in the Spring! Shawn - The German brugs are still in quarantine. They have the entire front double windows in the living room! ALOT of sun! lol! I guess I'll have to get a few pics! :) TJ - I'm hoping there's one that I may get to register in the future! I have something in mind for a name already! I have one (Theresa's nephew - slight joke there!) that I've babied & pampered since last fall. It's a 'Double Peach x Herrenhauser Garten' and I'm hoping he'll be the one! He should bloom in 2009 - so we'll see! :) But if not - there are about 15 others that may fit the bill! :) Eloise - I love the 'Sphagnum Moss' method! It seems to work well! The cuttings looked bad (drooping) right after transplanting them into the potting mixture - but after a few days they perked up! They seem to be doing well - now! lol! Your cuttings will take off - give them time & a little extra love! :)) Lucy - Yes! I've thought about them in their full-grown stage! lol! It's going to be a sight with me trying to find just the right spot for them in the yard next year! lol! Of course - I'll have to ship a few to some of you guys & gals in the Spring! :) I can't plant them all! Joyce - Green fingers & toes?? lol! Too funny! I checked - not! But I do try hard to keep them green & alive!! :) The lights are the regular 4' shop lights from Home Depot. They ran $8.97. I then bought the plant grow light bulbs separately. I think the bulbs were $12.99 or $14.99 each. Not too expensive - but worth it. And they do the job! That's what counts! Sandra - How are your cuttings doing?? And the Epi's?? :)) Brenda! Brenda! Brenda! :) - A zillion one gallon pots?? lol! Maybe! And I think I'm losing 'Lucerno!' I know - you're going to kill me!! He looks pretty bad - but I'm still hoping he pulls through. 'Brenda's Beauty' on the other hand - is doing great! Yay! Dave - How are your cuttings doing?? Hope they're doing well for you! :)) Everyone have a good day today! Love the fur-babies & give them ALOT of hugs! :) Mike

Ooooo, your Colette is so Opulent Diane ! It must be wonderful to go out in the yard and bask in the beauty. I was really hoping to hear how the Rosarium shopping trip went , but I bet there is a lot of digging and potting going on tonight until dark. Next year I hope Northland will carry Colette. I missed a couple roses that I really wanted. Variegatta di Bologna sold out while I was trying to plan a trip there. I should have pre-ordered. Well, day is almost done, I'm happy with my roses that I have. I can't imagine having more rose work to do than this, but I really like to hear about everyone elses.