The ground cherries started out so small its hard to believe they've grown so big. The plants are nice and stocky and so far I've had one branch on one plant fall over and most of my plants aren't staked at all. The tomatillos I have are very spindly looking and I've already had to stake up the 4 I have in the ground. I've seen pictures on this forum of other peoples tomatillos and they looked much more robust than the variety I'm growing. I'll probably try a different variety next year. I got to taste my first ground cherry today. I noticed one of the pods had fallen off and decided to sample it. They're really, really tasty. I was tempted to grab a few more but I've read that you should wait until they drop to eat them. I have a feeling my family will be snatching them out of the air as they fall once they try them. :)

NewDawn: Thanks -- the oil paintings are my favorites here too (apart from the DH and the cats .....well ..... maybe the cats ..... Just teasing! LOL!) ttodd -- Just can't tell you how thrilled I am with all of the very, very kind responses to the photos of my home .... honestly .... I am overwelmed! :) Artworks???? -- This is my secret --- my DH carries them around until my "TRY IT OVER THERE" attitude wears him out -- and we finally just hang the darn things up! And adjust them as needs come up .....THEN I change my mind .... and end up switching them around in the house. ((add glass of wine ....)) I keep my own hammer and supplies in a handy drawer in the kitchen ..... I'd LOVE to help you out! Jan

Long day! I returned all the trial drapes and went to Linen and Things, Sears, JCPenney's, RH AND Pottery Barn!!! The first 4 stores - really carry mostly silky, shiny drapes - but I did see the ones lyban suggested - and I like them a lot. They are much darker than the cream, but I ordered them anyway - just to try. I really loved the leaf ones that Les suggested (from Penney's) but they don't carry them in any lengths longer then 95". I might as well get it right at this point! Looked at Pottery barn & Restoration hardware... Pottery barn is a LOT less expensive - but RH were nicer in feel and color, so I ordered them as well! I still have other fabric swatches coming in, including the other one Les suggested... THIS IS A LOT OF WORK!!! LOL DH doesn't like the cream... likes the darker gold better, but now that I have been staring and staring at it... here are my thoughts. The darker gold just wasn't doing it for me - guess that's why I painted over it in the first place! I Did/do still like the terra-cotta, but now that the cream is there, it is more an "airy", "lighter" feel, plus the accessories do look better. It's a keeper for me - and I'll be posting new pictures tomorrow. Found another console table lamp... it's different, and I paused for a long while before putting it in my shopping cart. I should have paused a bit longer and left it at the store - it's ugly and one of those "What was I thinking?". It's already back in the car to return. :( johnatemp, what a great idea - that could really add a lot... now just need the panels! annz, I moved and added a few things around. Still need to find some larger items.... which I was "I dream of Jeanie" and could nod my head a bit and have it done!! Oh well...

The Professeur's new sprays. Parson's Pink China taking a well deserved break. Look at all those hips. Madame Isaac has regained her natural 'fishing rod' figure. Now onto the pot pets.... Hugo Roller is a stunner (Sorry America!). He will be going into the ground next winter along with his mate Sophie. I shoved a little sprig of Sophie's Perpetual in with Hugo last autumn, and she's put down roots and is about to flower. (yes, there is parsley everywhere. It's a weed) The 'Fake Pearl' the nursery didn't have the heart to charge me for is improving incely. I think the graft is bad, so I have attempted to bury it so that it goes own root. Catherine Mermet is a constant pleasure. I think these two ladies will also be going in the ground with Hugo too.. Tipsy Imperial Concubine is still my favourite though. Love that marshmallow scent.