If the smaller orchid nurseries in Australia were to form a consortium or a loose association that united in producing advertising in the publications of local Australian orchid societies or in promotional efforts at local meeetings where the real interest in orchids can be found then that could be a direct challenge to this larger grower. If you are vying for competition in the flower market then that is a horse of a different color though small growers can pool their crops with united sales programs but overhead of such may prove just too much to be worth the effort. In the USA this phenomenon is occurring throughout the agriculture industry as the costs of running a family farm skyrockets and corporate ventures move in and simply out compete them. It is a market economy and the politics of that market really dictate the reality of survival.

I think it's wise to wait until the construction dust has settled to invest in a new personal computer. When you do finally look into getting one, a thought is to look into getting a laptop with a wireless connection. Personally, I think business machines and personal machines should be kept separate. The only thing you can do right now, is to keep your machines covered when not in use, and to unplug everything and vacuum to keep the dust at a minimum. Larry periodically takes our machines to the basement, and uses a compressor to blow the dust out. We keep our machines plugged in through Blackout Buster surge protectors. They're probably the best on the market. Even though I don't have ADD or OCD, I still manage to overdo collecting! I began with 2 bulbs last fall, and now, I have over 60! I'm not sure what the exact count is... I haven't counted in a while! I also began collecting orchids last winter, and I now have 7! I've pretty much abandoned collecting regular types of houseplants, which I used to have lots of... I've gotten more specialized, I guess you could say. I like the challenge that orchids present, and reblooming all my bulbs! Getting back to computers... when you do decide to look into new systems, Larry would be pleased to help you in any way you need. He's a perfectionist when it comes building machines and programming technology... he always says that a machine will never beat him, and he will work at a problem until it is solved. His tagline is: "God made me simple... technology made me a god!" So, if you need any assistance, like choosing the best machine for the best price, figuring out what components are best, where to go for the items you need, or any type of programming help, he said he'd be more than happy to lend a hand. He just headed north this morning to help my son with the electric in his house, and to help a few friends with their computers! Like you, he has so many things going on! He's always busy, and sometimes, he doesn't know where to start! The ADD doesn't let him rest, and while most of us are sleeping, he's busy with technology! I don't know about you night owls! I like to sleep at night, and if my insomnia lets me, I'm out from around 11 pm to at least 5 or 6 am! I'd stay up and keep Larry company, but gardening is best done during daylight hours!

Thanks , I think Pheli go it right. I have looked at many pics of Anosmum and read write ups..and I'm pretty sure Pheli is correct. Like I said "I have not seen it in flower" but i will show the property owner pics of Anosmum . She has had it many years and will know. As for me...my knowledge of orchids is just about Zilch, it could be a stick of rhubarb as far as I know. Actually I do know some species but my forte is Australian Grass Finches. I'm just on a rescue mission to save what I can from her property before the bulldozers arrive in msrch. Thanks again

Annie, I took all the oils and the penzey's spices on vacation and they were great. We have been on a bit of a from scratch pasta sauce kick and the basil oil meant we never had to buy fresh basil for just a tiny amount. I have also been quickly depleting the garlic oil, so good over broccoli with butter and a splash of soy sauce. I used the lemon oil in Tomato Basil butter the other day and it was a real time saver. I think I will be ordering oils soon :-) Although I did find the garlic oil in Trader Joe's on the cape. I look forward to the champagne vinegar as well, this whole package is so wonderful. I even found a source for unripe apples next year so I can try a greater selection of the recipes from my new cookbook. Good friends who are always happy to eat my jam have an apple tree on their property. Ann, you are right the box was huge, I used it to send out my swap package. So my swap partner will be receiving a well traveled box. -Robin