Jean: I know about hot and humid weather and we are suppose to get back to those dreadful temps/humidity later this week. For now, I'll enjoy the cooler and windy weather we are having now. Easier to get gardening work done. mantis: Glad it helps you. I don't mean to downplay a hybridizers creation but if it doesn't show improvement in 2 years, it has to go where it can flourish better. Even with this seasons up and downs (it could happen again), it's another way to see which cultivar is able to stand the test of our weather patterns. Julia

Wow, Suzanne, what beautiful photos! What kind of camera is it? I need a new camera soon. Just ordered a new computer from Dell, though. I'm glad it's on it's way. I think about you all every day, so I don't know why I don't come by more. I guess I keep intending to write more and end up writing none because I don't take the time to write more, whatever sense that makes. Dear BJ, thanks so much for thinking of me and sending me a family update and pics! I was happy to hear from you! I even got so far as writing a note back and then I wasn't sure about the address, so here it still sits. I'm making progress in Second Life, and Myst Online - Uru is ending again. Guess they still couldn't make the finances stretch. Today a couple of Uru refugees came and visited me at my SL island. I was going to wait to post til I could post some pics, but it doesn't seem to be happening, so here I am without pics. My younger son is getting into virtual world programming and just took a job with a company called Soul Star or Soulstar, not sure which. They have a tool for creating virtual worlds and he is going to help them debug it. Part of my problem with posting is that I try to do more than I realistically can, and then things don't get done. I guess I've pretty much always been like that. Still staying as much as I can with low carb. It seems the way for me, and lots of vegies, like spinach, lettuch, parsley, zucchini, etc. Money still is short, especially since I spend it on paints, books, music, second life, etc. instead of clothes and food :) At least I pay rent, utilities, phone and internet, lol. I hope everyone is doing okay. Dave's been telling me how cold it's been in WI. Strange that isn't a part of my life anymore. I'll try to come back soon and post pics so y'all will know what I do with my days. I'm exhibiting in SL now and hoping to make enough money to at least cover what I'm spending. That's about what I do in FL, too. Oddly, I tend to stay away from people, even though I like people. I guess we all have some conflicting characteristics in us. Take care and I'll be back. :) Amy

WOW!! This is great you are over the hump!! I went online and put in my city,state and Red Hat Society and came up with 27 groups in my area. Over half are taking no new members. Four of them had websites so I lurked at them~~I found one that has two ladies from my quilt guild in it, one is even he Queen (what is that??) In fact I went to her 60th b-day party a few months ago and always sit with her at the guild meetings. Maybe if I chat with her they may consider letting me in:) BUT with so many how do you find one that is a good fit?? I would hate to join one and find out later I do not get along so well with the gals:( WC how do you choose a RHatter group????

Like Kate, I love garden shots. Give Sarah Hawes extra time...it is slower than most to increase and then explodes, at least, it did here. Blue Eyed Butterfly is a beautiful with the companion plants. I cannot have that lovely blue color here except very early in the season...it is too hot, and they die, water or not. Happy to see Rosie since I really enjoyed it and it did so well here this season, it's first in my garden. I really like your photos of Kentucky Lucky too. So very lovely with all your plantings. Well done indeed. kay