Maryann - I understand what your mother was feeling, but please tell her it is a very natural feeling. For many years every time I first went to a new country to do the butterflies I had a little nervousness about the new species of dangerous critters I might encounter while there. But once I ran into my first on a trip and it all ended well, they were pretty much forgotten the rest of the trip. I soon got over being nervous when going someplace new. A little story on myself... I well remember my first trip to another country specifically to do butterflies many, many years ago. I was nervous after hearing all the stories about the numerous species of poisonous snakes, spiders, scorpions, tree frogs and plants in Costa Rica. Having a friend who was also lep smitten that was born and lived there would help a lot though. First day out I went hiking in a rainforest alone as Olaf couldn't get away from his finca until the next day. I was tip-toeing around looking for a specific bug in very thick cover that I just knew the countries entire population of Terciopelo (Fer-de-lance) probably lived in, and that they were all just waiting there for me to get close enough. I had plodded along for hours not finding the bug I was after, and luckily also no "Ticos". Then I finally caught a glimpse of what I was looking for flying along the ground in a small glade, Cithaerias menander. I know of no common name other than to lump it in with the Clearwings. They are on the small size of medium and don't fly fast, but the are very difficult to see in the dark dappled light of a rain forest due to their all clear wings except for a splash of red on the hind wings and flying close to the ground darting around plants. They seem to appear and disappear with every wing beat and are very easily lost sight of. I stalked at first trying to intercept this jewel, and then ended up running full out when that failed and I spooked it to finally net my first example of this bug. I had run in leaps and bounds for a long way and had completely forgotten about the Ticos. After realizing that I never worried about them again. I had plenty of encounters with them later on that trip (and other nasty things), but with the insight of Olaf I learned and kept out of trouble. BTW, a later trip down there with Olaf to do some specific backlighting was always referred to after it by us as The Night of the Jaguar (and later always saw a blank stare in Olaf's eyes when we talk about it). But that's another story. LOL L.

Maryann - My Rosemary mounds are planted out in an open area of my xeriscape in full sun, are 4' tall and over 9' across. So we could invite the whole forum and any folks they know from the Italian community over for pasta and still do no more than lightly prune them. LOL Sherry - Both males and females have the feather top knot, although on the males it is larger and more showy. Even the little puff ball babies have a small crown that looks like a Mohawk at the moment. Sadly the male only has 6 babies left today. The sky bandit (pigeon) that attacked them yesterday evening at my feeders met his maker (pellet pistol). But overnight something got two of them. No idea if it was a domestic cat, raptor, bobcat, coyote or fox that got the mother... the same or a smaller predatory bird, large whiptailed or collard lizard or a ratttlesnake that got the babies. But without the mother to help care for and protect them while still so small, it doesn't look good for this families family tree. While I have about 20-25 pairs that visit my feeders every day, only a couple other pairs have brought babies along with so far when normally by now I am up to my shoulders in baby quail. Makes me wonder if the extended cold thunderstorms and winds we had a while back right after 2-3 record setting hot days might of killed most of this years hatch.

Hi Guys! Well, I am trying to behave. Remember when NJ Karen used to tell us to "BEHAVE!" in her Austin Powers accent? ... wonder how she's doing? I loved when she posted the pictures of her newly adopted Asian son and her family...and the pictures after her boob job - haha! She was a kick! What a little firecracker! Well, the state chose a family for my little guy. I am torn...it's not the family we wanted...but he's gotta have a family! I told an old friend how I was on and off crying these days about the whole things and he said, "Think of it THIS way: you gave him TONS of love while you've had him. Now it's someone else's turn." I have to keep that in mind. We will meet his new family in the park tomorrow for a first play date. Can you say NERVOUS? Changing gears: I made a fun recipe the other night - VERY EASY. Take a square of heavy duty foil and place 1 TABLEspoon of BBQ sauce in the middle. Place a salted and peppered chicken breast on it and top with a little corn, sliced onion, and some non-starchy veggies. Top with some BBQ sauce and roll up the foil into a packet. Make one for each person. Bake at 350-400 for about 30-40 minutes or stick the packets in the fireplace or on a grill. Take out and dump the whole thing on a plate and surround with salad! It was yummy and my family loved it! I loved not having to wash a bunch of pots and pans! Okay, I'll be back to report on the MEETING on Sunday or Monday. NUSuzanne! -- and others! I am going to need some HELP soon. My 11 year old just signed up for the science fair. We are ordering (this weekend) quail, chicken, and pheasant eggs to hatch and raise in an incubator. YIPES! I thought a hamster was enough for her! I can use ALL the help I can get from EVERYONE HERE about how to keep this project going until the science fair in June. Yes, we have homes for all the feathered friends after the science fair! :-)

Hi Guys! Well, I finally have time to post a little! Raeanne- Glad to be back in the swing of things. I have been using my SAD light a little when I'm at work at night...helps the mood...a lot. NYSuzanne: My DD (11 yrs old) started raising quail, chicken, and pheasant for a science fair. Well, as soon as the fair was over, the racoons invaded and had a bird hunt. Soooooooo sad for everyone and every bird involved. The racoons, foxes, and deer on this island are a HUGE problem for humans- but that's nature for ya! They have no predators, so there are millions of them. I finally gave up planting anything that I could eat since the deer ate it ALL before me! I bought a 40 pound bag of clover seed and grew a front yard of clover for the deer - now I have people pulling over in front of my house to take pictures of the deer in my yard munching clover! If ya can't beat 'em, join 'em! Maddie - My dad gave me Kentucky Monthly magazine so I can read all about what's happening in your neck of the woods...and think of YOU, sister. Muh-wah! Ivamae - CONGRATS on your weight loss - what an inspiration you are! Tikanas - SAVE SOME TIME FOR YOURSELF, girlfriend!!! And when are we gonna meet up? Next time you're in Portland, Seattle, or whatever, let me know. I'll drive to you!!! :-) DeeMarie: I just got a cruise brochure and instantly thought of you! It's been so long since I've cruised... WAH! Isn't it strange how something (by happenstance) will make us think of each other? That being said, whenever I wash bras, I think of Besh - haha - she's the one who gave the sage advice of "Never put your bra in the dryer." Remember when we had the "Advice Week" thread? Ah, well...Let me see - other reminders: Whenever I think of cruises, I think of: DeeMarie Anything Salem-related or the bra thing (lol): Besh Horses or Sweet Pea Wine (We have that here): NHSuzanne! ANY wine or Chippino (We had that when we were with you): Raeanne (HAHA!) Hawaii and Futuristic Painting: Amy Kindergarten! & Successful SS: Marci ALF, Cats, and Cooking: John Harold's weigh-in thread and success!: Ivamae Austin Powers & "Who Cares About The FREAKIN Scale?": NJKaren "YUMMERS!": Happyto I have more, but I gotta get some work done... ...what are YOURS?