Checking in here! Thank you for thinking of me, northspruce! I am very fortunate because I live up the hill on the West Side, so my area is completely fine. Minutes from where I live though, down in the Elbow Valley they are in deep trouble. It is very scary indeed. Not sure where Shazam is, but I think that Shazam lives in the NW which has been safe, too. I hope that this nightmare will go away soon. I cannot imagine what it's like to have your home flooded. It must be terrifying - I really hope that everyone will be OK soon. Thank you for thinking of us. It's very much appreciated!

I'm in SW Florida in the Everglades and I have alot of plumies in big pots. Mine are fine and we got down to 30. I was worried about all my recently cut "sticks" so I brought them in on the second night of bitter cold. But I can't tell how the in-ground plants are yet since they were already pretty leafless. One rainbow I planted in a friend's yard was still blooming just before the cold even though it was all rusty, and the remaining flowers and leaves are now all brown and gross. Don't know if that means the whole thing is dead. Boy, I hope not - that was a gorgeous, highly fragrant big baby I grew from an expensive cutting! Thanks for your concern, Mike. I, too feel for those who are sad because of their losses to the cold. Susie

Brian buddy!! I do have several planted and boy oh boy do I get humming birds and bees. Butterflies and dragon flies too with the pond. I know right? Our summers seem to be a lot alike buddy. So do our dreaded winters, can't even think of that! Sorry buddy, I was away and no access to this site. I hate using it on my phone because I can not edit anything, ugh. Brian, today its HOT and Sunday we hot 100 degrees. Monday it was 100. I went to the beach and it felt like someone pressed an iron against my skin. I tanned up withing an hour, lol Then to boot, I had to wear my mask around noon because it got so crowed that I just left. I got there at 9 when it was quiet. Next time I will take a pic for you. You should see the huge thunderstorm I saw there the other day! Lightning over the water and coming at me like a tornado. The winds stir up the sand and lift it up right into your eyes. Try 60 dollars to park. I parked at the public parking area fo 12 bucks. lol Much better 2 dollars an hour. Brian buddy, it seems that Jan did on a HOT day.lol I appreciate you helping me with that. I still have to hop on that. So many need it and I keep putting it off. I know it will help them if I do. Brian, thank you for your comments on taste. I will take that to heart and ttry what you say is the best!! Thanks buddy. That is why we need you here. Always so helpful. and fun to be around. I can picture you and everyone with masks and gloves. It stinks. Yes, I have been more worried than ever before because so many are letting their guard down now and not being vigelant. They should be but not. I try my best to stay away from it. So hard when others are not playing by the rules. It stinks. It's not the actual flu that worries me, but the nasty side effects and the damage to vital organs that does. I know someone that has heart damage now and can barely walk or breath. So many sick in my city. Thank you buddy for caring. I will keep you updated. How'd you know that I have a monkey? lol I also have lizards I will be bringing that need a home. ha. Brian, Bo is the same age, I can't believe it. Yes, they say even raw food is best for a cat. They love animal organs and it's most nuttitious. I am going to try freeze dry stuff this Doctor makes for animals. It suppose to make them as if young again. I will see .lol probably finally kill a mouse for me. Hugs to you buddy. I will take pics soon, promise. Please stay in touch buddy and write. Jan and Laura, you are next, lol

Thank you to the Quebec firefighters. May they all stay safe. I hope they know how much that means to the US that they are with us. Kristine, the air has been like that here, too. Not so bad in the morning, luring us into a false notion that it's getting better, then by afternoon, it's back to where it was the day before. What I don't understand is that I can look out my north facing windows and see a totally different atmosphere than when I look south. 111plisa, that's incredible, but I keep hearing about it. Your prayers are appreciated!