Annette, you are a fountain of knowledge! I think that it is the Platanthera hookeri (Rein Orchid) -- it fits with the dry area that I found the plants in and the leaves certainly look the same. I hope I can get back to Musgrave Landing in a week or two and find it in bloom. Interestingly, I have found Rattlesnake Orchids and ladyslipper orchids here, and it is supposed to have some Phantom Orchids. I keep looking for the latter but so far no joy. It is listed as one of very few places in BC where they may be found. It is an area of just a few hundred square feet, but is a little rock peninsular that is spectacularly beautiful! Here is a link that might be useful:

Wodka~I just read today & we bought & are going to try it: use a mixture of vinegar & water on weeds. I'm not sure about the strength. It is something that isn't harmful to children or animals or the environment so that was a plus as far as I was concerned. The bottle of vinegar, gallon, is still sitting there though. LOL I didn't know if we would go ahead & post on this thread on Monday since it is a holiday or start another one. I thought that I would post a weekend QOD & let it be good through Tuesday. QOW: If you could remodel one room in your home, what would it be? QOW: I think we would do the kitchen, simply b/c the one in this apt. is so tiny that 2 people cannot get into it. I was thinking earlier today, that is the reason that Dave & I both no longer cook, besides I can no longer lift the pans. I just hadn't stopped to realize. I thought that this was kind of neat: Going Green--Kitchen Remodel: Most kitchens are the center of energy use in the average home besides being a place where people like to congregate. Before you remodel your kitchen, think about these renewable, eco-friendly resources: *Bamboo is known to be strong and durable. It is lightweight in comparison. It can grow up to 2 feet per day and can be harvested every 4 years. An oak tree takes 120 years to mature. Bamboo forests are natural habitats for the Giant Panda but the bamboo harvested for building purposes is cultivated separately. Bamboo can be used for flooring, countertops, furniture, and other kitchen accessories. *Cork comes from the cork oak tree. It is the only tree whose bark regenerates after each harvest. The trees are unharmed from harvest and can be harvested every 9 years. It is popular for its softness and resiliency. Cork flooring is easier on the legs and back especially if you are on your feet. It is an excellent thermal insulator. It's perfect for keeping energy costs down. If you use cork flooring, be sure to use a proper sealant to waterproof the surface. *Marmoleum is named for a marble-coated linoleum. It will change the image of the cheap, poorly made, plasticky material from the outdated kitchens of the past. It uses ingredients including cork, linseed oil, and pine rosins & is 100% biodegradable. Marmoleum is excellent to use in a home with allergy concerns as it is easy to clean, very durable, comes in a variety of fun colors and shapes. *Recycled Glass is used by some artists for plates, bowls, cups, and other kitchen necessities. It can be used for decorating as recycled glass tile such as multicolored large tiles or tiny pieces for mosiacs. Recycled glass can also be used in the bathroom. *Appliances--How long has it been since you have replaces your microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, freezer, stove, or dishwasher? Many companies have changed their policies and overall makeup of appliances to make them more energy efficient. *Eating green no longer means you have to eat your spinach! Eating green means picking out organic foods. These are just a few things to consider if you are looking to remodel your kitchen and want to conserve energy at the same time. I don't think I really knew or considered any of them except for changing appliances. And my parents put up a cork blackboard on 1/2 of a whole wall in the kitchen when I was in high school. It was pretty neat b/c they could post everything that they wanted there: ie, chores, grades, schedules, pictures, appointments, etc. Well, I'm off again.

My Frances Williams struggled for a couple of years in a spot that got afternoon sun. I moved it to a shady spot with some dappled afternoon sun and it loved it. I like the colour more in the shade too. It's very blue with a limey green edge. At the same time I had taken a small section off and planted it somewhere that got a little more sun. It's basically green with a yellow edge. It doesn't even look like the same hosta. I'd leave Frances in the shade if I were you.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, but as it turned out, Sony decided not to send anyone to Toronto and is going to let the staff in Toronto work it out on their own without a director. I guess that is one way for them to save money. So I will wait for warmer weather before I visit Toronto, and Kevin will not be there, unless he goes with me. Last week a friend asked me to go to Brazil with him some time next year after April. He has to settle an estate there, and he knew that I could take the time off. We'll see if that materializes. I would like to visit Brazil, but I've been afraid to go because I do not speak Portuguese, but my friend does, and that would make me feel more comfortable. He will be mainly going to Rio de Janeiro, but would be making side trips to Petrópolis and other places.