it was on heat mat only in feb/mar. but it's been getting to 75-77F by the windows on the sunny days a few days a week past month. though i've started to a/c on hot days;). the 1st spike in FL lasted about 7 weeks in low 70s - it's good enough for me. though of course by tropical standards low 70s is practically winter temps :). could i expect pups from such a young 6mo pup?

Thanks again for the tips! I was wondering about the procedure for the seminars, so terry_r's info helped. I'm flying out of Fairbanks Monday morn to do some shopping, etc. in Seattle on Mon/Tues. Then Wed/Thurs are devoted to the show. I am SO bummed I will miss the orchid sale on Sunday...I'll plan differently NEXT year. I don't know any of you, but will keep my eye out for any signs of GWebbers. I will be wearing something that either has a rhinestone moose on the front or that says North Pole, AK...SEE ya! Barbara

Try Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Buchanon, Michigan (this is extreme southern Michigan, close to South Bend, Indiana). Their web address is www.fernwoodbotanical.org, or call them at 1-269-683-8653. Fernwood is on a river. One of the plants I like best there is a beautiful tri-color beech tree. There's also a gift shop with not only the usual stuff but plants as well--lots of kinds of ferns, for example--and they have a really big plant sale (twice a year, I think)where you can buy great stuff you don't find in most catalogs, let alone nurseries. They offer a nice little lunch buffet in a dining room with woodland garden print wallpaper. But of course, the best part is walking through the gardens. Do you like woods, prairie, river bank, or English-style gardens? Take your pick; they're all here. Here is a link that might be useful: Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Do you have a place picked out? What appliances are available there, and in what condition? When my kids sold their Mom's house, they arranged with the purchasers to buy some of the appliances - stove, fridge and dishwasher. Washer, dryer, freezer are stored here. Have you ever driven a truck? For many, driving a truck is no big deal, for others, it is a major undertaking. Do you know someone who has a cube van that you might be able to rent? Possibly a local farmer ... who attends your church? Ask around among your friends and acquaintances. Here's an idea. Check where you live now or in the area in Fla. to which you are moving, find someone with a school bus for sale, rent it, bring it to your location, fill it, drive it to your new place, return it. Make sure that your insurance company covers your goods while packing and en route as part of your home contents insurance ... or get a special rider from them - they should offer temp insurance on the stuff for a week or so at fairly low cost - and make sure that the current owner has the vehicle insured ... at the level that you find adequate. But moving yourself is only viable if you have some helpers - who are careful. Not folks who'll merely shrug if they scrape a piece of furniture on a screen door anchor or a door jamb. And have someone who's meticulous in charge of packing the vehicle, wrapping all fragile stuff and scratchable/rubbable furniture in quilts, bedding, towels, etc. And packed in so tightly that it can't jiggle back and forth. If you can find some quilts, blankets, etc. at yard sales prior to moving, unless you have a pile of them yourself, I imagine that you'll be glad that you did. You can rent packing quilts from moving companies, also, I think. Good wishes as you move forward with your plans. ole joyful