Japanese Maples are a prime target for plantkleptos. I often suspect the landscape crew that installs them, replenishing their stock for the next unsuspecting customer. The reason for my suspicion, is that they often disappear the same night after they are installed. Plant thefts are very common in my area. I have lost dozens of them, often right under my nose. I once took three potted plants to a newly prepared bed in my front yard and had to go inside to make a phone call, when I returned a few minutes later, 2 were gone and the third was sitting in the middle of the lawn, either dropped in their hurry or couldn't manage to carry but two. No sign of the crook. I have had them rip up dozens of plants that had been in the ground for months, but just starting to bloom. Once we left to go to a nearby Clinic for a routine test and upon returning, found that someone had stolen 2 large Banana trees fron the middle of our back yard, that were planted in large decorative pots. Yes they took the pots too! The last item taken, recently, was one of my bird baths, that weighed about 200 lbs. Feel sorry for the birds and other wildlife that used it, because it will not be replaced. I'm tired of providing plants and garden decor for people that are just plain criminal and have no conscience. Rb

When I first saw all the other gorgeous entries I felt a little like my green caterpillar surrounded by all the beautiful butterflies! I love all the interpretations and everyone did an amazing job! I'm so honored just to be in this group and thank you Marti for coming up with such a fun idea that really brought out a lot of creativity and individuality from everyone. And THANKS to all who voted for me! Your support and kind words mean so much! --Amy

Ok, I will stick me in here. I am 66, married for 48 years to my hero. We have a daughter 47, and lost a daughter suddenly 15 months ago. Slowly, we are coming out of the fog that put us in and I can see the light at the end of this tunnel. Remembering the happy times we had with her are slowly taking over the deep sadness. Over the years, I have worked at an answering service, a custom decorator at Sears and as a wig, bra and breast prosthesis fitter in a boutique for the hard to fit woman. What a fun and rewarding job. Women in crisis are a strong and inspiring group. We retired back home to Pennsylvania 9 years ago after 32 years in Ohio and Michigan. Settled about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh to be near family. Daughter is 7 miles away. My life revolves around her and the grand dog, Dh and my home. I love gardening and spend most daylight hours in my yard tending my flowers and shrubs when the weather is fit. In winter, I sew, work on jigsaw puzzles, and dust my hundreds of animal and bird figurines! I am very fond of all living creatures to say the least. I am somewhat handicapped, having been diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at age 17. I am extremely fortunate that I can still walk a little after all these years. I use a cane for very short distances and a walker or a scooter when out of the house. I have been enjoying the KT since shortly after it started. I don't post a great deal, but come here to keep up with all the goings on several times a day. I laugh and cry with you all and am so greatful for the support that has been given me when I needed it. This is a wonderful place to bring your sorrows or ask for advice...and to share your joys.

It's a plan...first research the strongest glue (link above but it doesn't cover all glues...) and, as I said, I wouldn't use expanding. Then youtube tourniquet clamp. Basically ropes would go around the parts you want to squeeze together--in your chairs is would be the very top rail down to the bit above where you sit...anyway lasso rope around that tie a knot and then tie a what-have-you (I usually use a hammer) to the knot with another knot. Then you're going to twist the hammer round and round...you'll see the cracked/broken area tighten so make sure your rope is strong...Also, put the knot/hammer near the seat because after gluing you don't want to have to stand there and hold the hammer. So you'll need something heavy to rest on the hammer to keep it from twisting undone... Let it sit until dry and then some. Don't forget to let it cure, too for a week or so (personally I would keep the clamp on it for a week). Let us know how it goes!