Thanks, Chaz... the cactus seedlings are just from the seed pack you can buy where ever seeds are sold... I just sprinkled them on top of the little pot of light soil and barely covered them... I did keep the soil rather moist to start, but once they came up I took off the plastic covering I had on them, and there they are! Once they get a bit bigger, I plan on putting them in individual tiny clay pots... the ones you can get at the craft stores... Michael's has them for a few cents a piece. As for Red Pearl, I think that one will be a very rich satiny red once opened. I have it in the same north facing window as Aphrodite is in... Wildebloem... I like your version, and in fact, yours is the one I see most in catalog pictures... I have mine in a north facing window, which could explain the light coloring... Mine seems rather chiffon-like compared to yours... yours seems more solid, and the veining and color way more pronounced. Either mine is not what it should be, or light intensity plays a huge role in coloration!

I've been thinking of him, and am glad you posted this! I am not a nurse or doctor, but sometimes I've heard of low BP after anethesia? He had surgery right? Whatever it is I hope he gets back on his feet soon! Keep us updated when you hear more Barbara.

Sounds like she is going to need to hit rock bottom before she can make a move to get better. Do you feel she's reached that point yet? Document, document, document! And as hard as it may be, make sure someone has an up close conversation with her before SS gets in a vehicle with her if possible. If she appears intoxicated or smells of alcohol, call the police immediately. Then perhaps you can get an emergency order for sole custody until something permanent can be put in place. Letting her know your intentions may or may not be enough to kick start her recovery for fear of losing her child altogether. Is her bond with SS strong enough to prompt her to "fight" for her son, otherwords fight the addiction? I think that I would let her know that regardless of what has happened in the past, that both you and your DH support her in her recovery efforts but that is where the support ends until she gets clean. In the meantime, you will do what you have to do ensure your SS well-being. Maybe you can convince her that without having the extra responsibilty of SS, it will give her the time to clean up her act for not only her son, but for herself. I pray she is strong enough to follow through for your SS sake.

Thanks Oceanna for all your hard work! Can't wait to check all these out. tina