Mrsjunque, the hollyhocks died back to ground level (as they are supposed to), and came back again when the weather warmed up this spring. They aren't as tall as last year, but still looking pretty good. Did you give yours enough time to come up again? Jelly, the Joey is a new plant for me, and I'm not sure whether it will self-sow or not. I'm going to have to get back to you on that one, but I will be collecting some seeds myself, if possible. (In case it needs a little help.) If it doesn't come back, I would still buy it again. It adds such a nice look to the bed. I love it. Potter is very successful in his lizard hunting. TOO successful. I'm always trying to rescue them, but he is FAST and deadly. He cornered my black racer the other day, too, and was moving in for the kill, but the snake struck at him, and he jumped back yelping. But before I could reach them, he was heading back with every intention of killing it, but it slipped through the fence and got away, thankfully. I would REALLY have been mad at him if he killed my snake! I'm glad you like where I ended up putting the totem, Karalynn. It is just so pretty out there, with the sun sparkling on it. It makes me smile every time I see it. Laura, I love dachsies so much it isn't funny! They have really wormed their way into my heart, and as exasperated as I get with them at times, they are still making me laugh every day. Thanks, Katkin & Flowerlady. I'm so glad you like the beds. I still have so many areas untouched, but I'm glad to be getting some good bloom and color back in some areas, anyway. Felix, Maks is quite happy he got the tail!! (Apparently there was only one to go around amongst the BROWN dachsies in that litter!) Thanks, Linda. Glad you see the glimpse of paradise in my little retreat! Thanks! Marcia

I don't get up to TC often to see my folks. So it generally means that I have to squeeze in the gardening between other outings while I'm there. (I'm the gardener in the family so I plant their gardens.) So came up on Sunday (roughly 3.5 hour drive) for a horse event we were all (my folks, sis, & yours truly) invited to. Then went out to a place called "Moomer's" -- they make their own icecream. After which we all went to see the new Harry Potter -- end of day one Next day sis and I took the parental units canoeing. Beautiful day for it -- not too hot or cold. Got there before the 'hordes' so had a nice quiet journey with large sections of the river to ourselves. Went back to the folks' place relaxed for a bit, then started on some weeding. Bit later headed out to see the 'Beach Bums' (the city's Frontier League baseball team) play so that day was done. Next day ... went out for breakfast, then to a local plant nursery. Spent several hours there (much to my amazement -- for me that would be normal, but for my sis and folks? NOT!). Sis wound up buying plants to take downstate with her and my folks found a number they liked. (Couple of their flowerbeds look simply awful ... result of my not being able to get up here in the spring or fall. Been trying to move plants from one location to another without killing them or damaging them too much. Amazing how long that takes when you're trying to be careful moving bulb plants that are already a foot or more tall. So the 'renovation' has been gradual to put it kindly. I have managed to get a few areas cleared via relocations & have some idea of where to take those plots with new additions -- hence the plants the folks picked out -- to minimize maintenance once all is done.) So got back from the nursery outing and got to work on the weeding -- and there's a lot of that to do. Got one bed completed then the rain came -- and stayed. Now a new day and rain & thunder/lightning is pretty much on going with no real let up. Plan on heading back home tomorrow. Once again, don't know how much I'll be able to complete since the weather is not feeling cooperative. *sigh*

I didn't watch, but saw something that said Beyonce had some "side vag" showing. Of course, I looked at the picture. All I can say is that outfit and chair pose was only appropriate for her bedroom at home with her husband. Her hair and makeup looked awful too. I didn't recognize her at first.

Thank you! It has darkened some but mostly equalizing now. It darkens some with the Danish oil, and with the sunlight. Likely reaching a final color. But it is really a lovely shade. It has taken us a long time to get here so some pieces have literally been here for months prior to others. For awhile you could definitely tell the progression of cabinet build progress by what was darker. It is all pretty consistent now and not too dark. The bookcase has been the last piece of casework to be built and even it is pretty similar to the others now. Everything got another coat of oil today as the cabinet maker continues to make final adjustments. So cool they just glow!