Randy, it's just another way of saying I wimped out. Ingrid, Enchantress' first blooms balled pretty badly. Maybe it was thrips or temps or her being a baby in the pot. This flush is doing better, but I don't think I saw the finish of that flower. Souv de Francois Gaulain balled, too. It was not a good first flush really. JBS has not looked anything like she did last year. Her flowers were bigger and deeper pink in the centers last year. The second flush is about silver dollar size. Mrs B R Cant is starting her second flush, and they're normal buds and flowers but not as many so far. Ya know what Forrest Gump said about the box of chocolates? Well, that's been my garden so far. Even Louis Philippe is still balling. He never did that last year. Bermuda Spice looks terrible and has the tiniest flowers. Don't know what's going on but this year is different. Mme C Testout was about the only normal one. She just sailed through. And Souv de la Malmaison has been gorgeous. I just got 2 SdlM's in February and also the climber. I just put one bush in the ground today. Her flowers are wonderful. Oh, and Niles Cochet and Gen Gallieni were planted today as well. And I got soaker hoses down in two areas. It's been a very productive vacation. Didn't get the front feeding & mulching finished, but I got a lot of annuals/perennials in. Sherry

Your pets are indebted to you Helen, especially Honey. : ) If he knew how, he would've gotten you a present. Chloe thanked me by waking me up at 4:30 Sunday morning barking. My oldest daughter pulled weeds for me for Mother's Day. I didn't even ask. She wanted to surprise me. I think she knows me well. It was a great present.

May I be the first to wish everyone a Happy and CLOUDY Groundhog Day 2007 ? -Bill

Thanks for explaining. That helps put it in better perspective. I'm surely no authority on marriage having been married more than once myself. Keeping in mind this is just MY own experience. When I started a relationship with someone who was a good fit at the time AND there was also a lot of physical attraction, when we hit the dry or rough spots (as is the case in all relationships), we always got through it stronger. When I had married a good guy who in hindsight was more a pal than soulmate, it didn't last. Whatever passion was lacking also extended to our non romantic interactions (trying to be delicate!). I tried to break off the engagement because I felt I was settling, but he pleaded and I was very young. Ironically, he ended up wanting that "you light up my life" relationship and asked for a divorce. At this point I guess you just need to develop some more outside interests? DH and I too have a lot of time together, but honestly we are really used to that. We commuted and worked together for years so we are really good at yours, mine and ours time. Sometimes I will just go out for the day. Hit the library and read all the magazines, have lunch alone or even a movie (fortunately I like my own company), power walk the mall when it's too hot outside. Just fake it til you make it if you aren't interested in joining any clubs or doing volunteer work. Is your daughter nearby? Mine lives far away but even before she had kids, I'd take off on my own for a few days and go visit. Even if she's at school or at work, there's exploring to very done. I wish you the best!!!