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

What a shame, those are beautiful!

In a town with lots of old houses people know who you are not by your last name but by which old house you live in. Setting mouse traps, wrapping windows in plastic and digging out draft stoppers are part of the "normal fall routine". Quilts, wool blankets and curtain rods of various sizes and shapes and condition have been hung over least used hallways,doors,windows. Down comforters are on all the beds not because they are fashionable but because they are required to keep the chill out at night. The idea of a heated toilet seat now makes sense to you. You gladly share your bed with the cats and dogs you have. That extra body heat comes in handy on those cold nights. The phrase "making do" takes on a whole new meaning when you are going thru a major project and either the bathroom is shut down or the kitchen. Hopefully not both at the same time. You know more about the house's history and PO's than you do your own family tree. You treasure every little tidbit of information you find on the house. Be it a pic, a mention in a book or just someone you know who knows someone who played in the house when they were a kid.

Wow....what an amazing list of people.... too many of them no longer with us or active here. It is nice to remember some of their names and their struggles that we shared. Thanks for the memories.