Tim, Actually it is the top of the growing point that is eaten, maybe about the last six inches or so. These things are huge. One can make a meal in itself. Ikz5ia, The trees you see in these shots include two native species, Cryptomeria japonica (sugi) and Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki). In one shot there are also a couple big Metasequoia growing. All of these trees can top out at 100+feet, thus dwarfing the moso. There is one sugi near my house that's measured at 150 feet and it has been lopped off several times by the hundreds of typhoons it has weathered in its lifetime. PF

If you like white chocolate don't buy the chips. You need to buy a good quality white chocolate. This recipe makes a very rich, smooth and creamy fudge. Not sugary unless it is over cooked. White Chocolate and Toasted Walnut Fudge 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup cream 1/2 cup of butter Pinch of salt 1/4 cup of white Corn Syrup 6 to 8 ounces Callebaut White Chocolate Walnuts 2 teaspoons vanilla Add the two sugars, butter, cream, corn syrup and salt into a sauce Pan. Place over medium heat. Stir while bringing to a boil. Lower the Heat and continue to stir slowly while the mixture cooks. After about 7 minutes, test by pouring a small amount into some cold water. You want it to form a soft ball. (about 235�F to 238�F on a candy thermometer) When it reaches soft ball stage, remove from the heat, and let rest for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add the vanilla and the white chocolate and stir until the white chocolate melts. You will notice the the fudge starts to thicken almost immediately. Stir another minute or two or until the fudge starts to lose its shine. Quickly add the walnuts and pour into a buttered dish. This Maple Walnut fudge also has a very smooth creamy texture. Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table Maple Cream Fudge ================= 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup cream 1/3 cup of butter 1/4 cup of maple syrup Pinch of salt Vanilla . Add the two sugars, butter and cream maple syrup and salt into a sauce pan. Place over medium heat. Stir while bringing to a boil. Lower the heat and continue to stir slowly while the mixture cooks. After about 7 minutes, test by pouring a small amount into some cold water. You want it to form a soft ball. You might need to cook it for another minute or two. Remove from the heat, add a couple of teaspoons of vanilla and start stirring. It takes about 14 or 15 minutes for the fudge to cool and thicken. Pour into buttered dish. Option: Replace the cream and cup of white sugar with one can of Sweetened Condensed Milk and increase the maple syrup to 1 cup. To make Carmels instead of fudge, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup white 1/2 cup white corn syrup 1 cup butter 1 cup cream pinch of salt vanilla Cook to almost hard ball stage. Let cool slightly, stir and then pour into butter pan or mini muffin tins. Here is a link that might be useful: Homemade Fudge

I agree that all distracted drivers should be more careful, but I've seen way too many go through red lights, not look when they turn in front of me because they're on their cell phone. I've also seen people driving too slow, swerving, etc...while talking or fighting? with a passenger. Cell phones just annoy me, I guess. People bring them to work and spend half their time on their phones instead of doing their jobs. Lauren and I had to listen to some loud-mouthed woman on her cell phone last week in a doctor's office when Alex was in the back. I was trying to read a magazine but instead I got to listen to her "private" conversation. People blocking aisles at the grocery store and totally oblivious to what they're doing because they're so immersed in their private conversation on their cell phone. Once I was in a restroom stall and a woman next to me was talking on her phone. At first I thought she was talking to me! LOL! It's just getting ridiculous. People texting in movie theaters, the light is really annoying when you're trying to watch the movie. Why did you pay all that money to watch a movie and then turn around and play with your phone? I wish they would outlaw them while driving and maybe in restaurants and movie theaters too. I do have a cell phone but keep it in my car for emergencies only...or to call the kids occationally if I'm out somewhere. Never while I'm driving and I don't take it with me into stores or restaurants. I don't understand why people want to be available 24-7 like that. It would drive me crazy. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Well now I'm stumped. I like jeans with some stretch, so they keep their fit and no bag and sag, so I THINK all mine are cotton and lycra/spandex, etc. WHATEVER. Is that what you are talking about? I keep the bags of wintergreen lifesavers for my hubby. There are usually one or two in his pockets. How fun for your niece and nephew! I had a Christmas cookie just this morning! But I have been really good on the treats. Yesterday I did allow myself just 1 chocolate peppermint candy and today the Christmas cookie. And I SO HEAR YOU about the stuff being discontinued. A friend gave me a little goody bag this morning and she included a new lipstick, because she knew one I loved had just been discontinued. Sadly, I don't think the new color is going to measure up - but it was sweet of her to think of it! tina