You're more forgiving and tolerant than I am. It did take me 3 tries to get a Bountiful Butternut to grow but they are the only place that has a self-pollinating "butternut" and one of those tries had more to do with the motorcycle running over it than Stark. One more try and I would've called it quits on them for nuts. I would either give up on them and try someone else or give up on that fruit. I've decided bare root grapes and strawberries were not for me from Stark or anyone else. I had given up on grapes for close to 15 years because of my trails with bare roots.

Norma...what a lovely, *loving* tribute to Keebler and what a beautiful dog! Gosh he's even gorgeous in those awkward "teen years"! At about 6 months old all of my dogs always looked like they were just ears and long legs. :-) I especially love the pics of Keebler with the grandchildren - it's so obvious that they loved him and he them. The pic of your grandson looking into Keeblers eyes and Keebler looking into his says it all about wonderful Keebler. I know it's not much comfort now, but Keebler really was a lucky dog and I can see in his eyes that he knew it too! He had a good life! :-) I loved the letter to God too...that was so cute! And the beautiful tributes from Eden & Sue. So I hope you don't mind but I want to leave you with just a few of my favorites too: Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. LOL, I have to remind myself of that *all* the time! :-) A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. We wonder why the dogs always drink out of our toilets, but look at it from their point of view: why do humans keep peeing into their water bowls? EPITAPH TO A DOG Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man Without his Vices. This Praise,which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over Human Ashes, but is just a tribute to the Memory of "Boatswain," a Dog who was born at Newfoundland, May, 1803, And died at Newstead Abbey Nov. 18, 1808. - Lord Byron - Norma, I wish there were something I could say to make you feel better (though I know at the moment there is not). It's so hard losing our loving companions. And so sorry to hear about your loss too Jain. It's been eight years since I lost Spike and almost 10 years since I lost Willie and though of course life goes on, still, every time I think of them, I wish I could have them back here with me. It's kind of weird cause the love and the grief is so real, but you think a lot of people wouldn't understand, would think "it's a dog". But, luckily, we have this place and these people to talk to, right Norma? Shannon is playing in my head... Ei

That pretty much covers everything!!!Thanks for making me smile.

Thanks, Moni. That reminds me of a poem I learned as a youngster, I couldn't remember the author so I googled and found it. A PLEA FOR A SINNER Dear Mr. God, please listen, Since I had to give him up, Please take good care of Tippy, Sir � He's such a little pup. Mother says You called to him And he just had to go, I wonder if he misses me, 'Cause, gee, I miss him so. I know You'll treat him awful nice. But he's really lots of care, And if it's rainy out-of-doors, He'll track mud everywhere. He'll sure get into everything, If You leave him just a crack. But, Mr. God, if he bothers You, I'd be glad to have him back! � Peter Reed It is a sad day when we have to be careful about mentioning God, in order not to "offend" some one.. Sue