Thanks for sharing that Ron. I did not know any of those stories. They all touched me, and they made me think of many other stories there are out there. I travel a lot on my job and in pursuit of my other passion in life; trout fishing. I see men and women in uniform in almost every airport I travel to, but I particularly see many on my trips to Charlotte. Some of these folks are going "over there" (or getting ready to) and a few of them I've met were coming home. I never go by without letting these people know that many people here at home, whom they have never met, care deeply about them, worry for them, wish them a swift and safe return, and thank them for their service. I hope these people never ever want for their fellow Americans respect and concern. And I hope that if you are reading this that you will reach out to these people when you see them in your own life, shake their hand, thank them for the job they do, and let them know in some small but sincere way that you care. You'll be doing that person and yourself a great deal of good in the process.

How long has it been in the ground? If it is newly planted the stress could have prevented it from forming new flower buds last summer. It could be planted too deep. It may need more sun or it may need some superphosphate worked into the soil. Or it could have gotten to much nitrogen if it is planted in the yard and your grass fertilizer got to it.

Janet, not sure what the issue is but DofA is one that is planted up close to the foundation wall and it does very well--a monster in blooms and vines. The general thought is that planting near the foundation is bad because the plant's roots will be under the eaves and won't get enough rain. What I tend to do with plants planted close to the house is to water them well when planted and then begin watering further out from the house from then on out. Plants want to survive so will send roots outwards in many directions searching for where the water is.

Oooh, I'm really Badddd! We have an acre and 1/3rd. I have hundreds of fruiting varieties of trees/shrubs/vines. Not counting the veggie gardens or herbs, or indoor/foliage/flowering/useless plants. It doesn't look like anywhere near that number! I plant in groups, and still have lots in containers on the patio. It adds up in a hurry. Last time I counted I had 50 Citrus. Yet, we still have lots of lawn left. I like to get all the varieties available in each plant grouping, such as all the dwarf Mangoes. Smaller plants mean I have room for more(G). One day I'll get a complete list together, and then I'll be horrified at what I have spent over the years. But, having fruit ripening all year round is so cool and such delicious fun! I really like roaming my yard, picking fresh foods every day! I encourage you all to grow your own fruit/veggies. Then you have control over your food, a easy way to execise, and a stress relief from day to day living. This morning I picked Papayas, Red Limes, Satsumas, Figs, Bearrs Lemons, Calamondins, Bananas, Barbados Cherries, Meyer lemons, Muntingias and Macadamia nuts. Oh, and 15 fresh eggs from the henhouse! Lisa