Goodness gracious. I never would have imagined people would have such kind comments about me. I'm honored. Champagne, wine, food, new orchids - I'm there. Richard - 8 is for the total number of 4-leggeds and 2 leggeds in the house. It started out as Whitecat7, with solid white cat Kerplunk being the last animal added. Then we got the 2nd big dog, and Whitecat sounded better than BigMuddyBrownDog8. Gaston, so far, none of the way delayed gratification 'chids have appealed to me. When I started out, only plants in bloom would do - maybe a hint. Speaking of a new genus... someone gave me my first Bulbo recently - rupiculum. Eeensie beeensie. Bulbos have been calling me for the last few months. It was a "rescue" and may not make it, but there are others. Hee hee My orchids thank the forum for saving their lives and improving their quality of life. And more thanks from the 2-legged Whitecat8

None of the big stones were moved. They sort of arranged themselves that way over the past millennia or so! The whole back yard is granite ledge. When I first moved in, 10 years ago, there were lots rectangular garden plots and such but I wanted a more organic look. Everything follows the lay of the land and the cardinal rule "don't fight the site"!

My heart goes out to you. I'm in the same situation and the only comfort that I find is when I do things to keep his memory alive. I attach notes to ballons filled with hellium and then release them into the air. I've built a memorial website in my sons honor and I spend alot of time on the site just reminicing. Knowing that eventually I am going to see him again. Bryce is always by your side, though you may not see him he is there.As they say "When a spouse looses a spouse they are called widow or widower, when a child looses a parent they are called orphans, but when a parent looses a child there is no word to describe the loss. Don't Mourn For Me Mother, please don't mourn for me; I'm still here, though you don't see. I'm right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay. My body is gone but I'm always near I'm everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I'll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart. I'll never wander out of your sight-- I'm the brightest star on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach-- I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach. I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around, And the pure white snow that blankets the ground. I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond-- The clear cool water in a quiet pond. I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring; The first warm raindrop that April will bring. I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, And you'll see that the face in the moon is mine. When you start thinking there's no one to love you, You can talk to me through the Lord above you. I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, And you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze. I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep. I'm the smile you see on baby's face. Just look for me, Mommy, I'm everyplace ! (Author unknown)

Actually I do feel better even though I'm about 10 pounds heavier. The bad thing is that my blood pressure is higher but that could be because of the stress I'm under. I have a daughter-in-law that has cancer and isn't doing so very well right now. Thanks for all the congrats.