Paul, Thank you for the kind words, but I am far from an expert. One thing I learned in the Marines is do everything to the best of your abilities, and for your passions, do even more. Hibiscus are a passion to me and I ask a lot of questions. If I can assist any hibiscus lovers, I am glad. Ed

It is not a perfumy fragrance...more of a musky...cinnaminy..kind of 1950's wanna eat it crayon fragrance (crayons smell different these days). It is unusually delicious...sexy if you will, and I find my self frequently going to sniff...well worth the C note....there is probably four inches of new growth since I got it in early August...it appears to be pushing out new branches already...it still get six hours of full sun and the temps have been in the 90's...it loves it.

Lynn, I think I know who you bought from, but I will not mention his name as last year there was a lot of talk of him hand writing over labels with names, then putting names of rare plumies over them. Did you lift the plant out of the pot to examine the root ball?? I do know know if the plant is in your soil or his, but if its in his lift the plant out carefully and examine the root ball to see if their are healthy new white roots, or if its all dark and brown. Again Luc and a few other experts told me when you have issues with leaves or even what looks like beginning of BT, a lot of times its deficient root system or could be disease. Let me know after you pull it up. Cheers

Thanks so much everyone for the nice comments! LOL Terri, Jason wishes he could be the king of gaming! We only have the Wii because the kids can play on it too. June- yes, she is a border terrier. I love that breed. She is so wonderful with the children and she's smart and sensitive. They are just such a KIND dog. That's the best way to describe it. (Although she just ATE a large Dentabone in about 20 minutes...their teeth are huge) She was bitter about the coat though. When I called her and she saw it she very reluctantly came over and just drooped when I put it on. Poor tortured girl! LOL That's really nice Carol! When we eventually get to Disneyland we'll stop by and you'll wish that you had never said that, LOL. The pioneer dress is from the thrift store. I think it was formerly a Mennonite dress. The apron is borrowed from the theatre and I made the mob cap the night before. It was really easy. (And Solo would never forgive me if I forced her into that dress. I think that would be a deal breaker.) I told you to come and take a peek at them Ed! LOL And it has been a nice winter so far although I'm longing for spring! Moni I WISH I had a dishwasher, LOL! I'm saving up for one. But I know what you mean, I can't believe that Annie's 8 and I only have another 10 years with her. It makes me teary. I'm not too panicked about the other two yet because they are still relatively little. :) Oh my gosh Granlan, you and Annie both! She is sad that we have to return the apron and she keeps saying, "But it's just too beautiful!" I'll have to buy some of that material and make her something with it. Oh a pioneer project, Toni? That sounds so neat and like so much fun! Annie is a little bit terrible with hula hooping because she has no hips at all to keep it up. :) Thanks again everyone. I appreciate you taking to time to peek at my pictures! Danielle