GB What wonderful photos - the trilliums are unbelievable. They are all a treat but the family shot is particularly special and captures both of you perfectly! Woody - your dessert looks delicious and I remember your DH's freshly roasted coffee mmmmmmmmmmm!! In our house Indian food is one leftover that magically disappears. Just recently I saw Annie putting spicy Chicken Makahani on a bagel for breakfast. Hi Littlegardenbug and welcome! Now you've dipped your toe in the water perhaps you'll come visit when time allows. I imagine life is very hectic right now. Mary

House finches...to love them or to hate them? Here's the story. They are native to Mexico and the Western United States, but were brought into the NYC area as cage birds in the 1930's. When pet stores found out they were a protected species (almost all passerines are), they released them, and the released birds began to breed. From those few dozen birds, the population of house finches in the northeastern states grew to over 10 million, and they began to spread southward. The first accepted record of one appearing in Florida was in 1983. The birds now breed as far south as Tampa and Lakeland, with some isolated colonies appearing even farther south. The malel house finch's color can vary from yellow to red, with the females seeming to prefer the reddest males. So...they don't really belong here, but they sure are pretty, and I suspect there is not one thing we can do about them being here, so we may as well enjoy them. Great pictures, Kara! Thanks for sharing! Marcia

Having that many birds show up in the yard yesterday was such a treat. I had quite a time trying to identify all of them. It's been dry here for several days and the birdbath has been a magnet for them. Apparently the bluebirds have told all their friends about it because they're showing up here every afternoon. Bluebirds are such fun to watch. They shared their space well with the smaller birds, but absolutely refused to relinquish the birdbath to the flicker, who really wanted it to himself. I also saw them chase off a pair of juvenile pileated woodpeckers who were about triple their size. Funny birds :) Maureen

Tuscan Sun has colors that melt my heart. I like Priscilla Burton too- very showy. I'll bet it looks great in the garden.