ML, You're right - watch this one closely for mealies. In fact, I grow mime away from all other Hoyas to be sure it never has a chance to get them. (Bad past experience!) It really isn't a climber - more of a trailer. (Though I have to admit that I'm a big fan of climbers myself!) And it doesn't necessarily take a long time to bloom. Give it ideal conditions - bright light (not so much direct, just really bright), don't let it get terribly dry, and fertiilze and it will bloom in a reasonable time. First Hoya, huh? Bring on the addiction! Denise in Omaha

SEA was a good team... But haters leave out the fact that they were on the 5-yard line because of the Tyree-like catch that was made the play before. Both teams deserved to be there, could have gone either way, but NE has had its last minute heartbreakers and you cant expect their fans to feel guilty for savoring this win...

It looks like a snapping turtle to me. The shape of its head, snout, and carapace says snapper. Those are called snappers for a reason. They have a strike as fast and any snake and the head can extend forward at least 1/3 the length of its shell. They have an exceedingly strong bite and once locked onto an object may not let go without serious prodding. When provoked by a strong stick, they have been known to grab the stick and hang on hard enough to be lifted off the ground. That turtle has been wounded and it was more than a hit from a hawk. At this time of the year, snapping turtles emerge from their winter homes, looking to eat, mate, and lay eggs. Likely, this one was looking for a place to lay its eggs.

Wasn't the weather crazy everywhere? I remember seeing your posting of all your water. And then you had freezing after that? Yikes! That was enough to take out some of your lilies. Sorry. Something we cannot control but surely gives up enough to complain about. I think the weather is why so many of mine bloomed in the foliage this year. Anyway, glad to see your season starting and your seedling does look good with that green throat. Kate