Thanks for the link Doris...what a great 'classic' song and performance. Few performers today can compare to the singers from the past. IMHO. Hi Sue, where you been? Hi Jim! I went on a little 4 day vacation to SC last weekend. I had internet service 'woes' before that, and have gotten a whole new roof on in the last 2 weeks. I stayed in, by day when the 4 men were on the roof working...just call me shy, and then had a lot needing done (mowing...sigh)once they left in the afternoon. We had some horrid way above average temps in there too...into the 90s...unseasonably hot for this time of year here. The Star of Beth digging season is finally ended here, as the foliage can no longer be found. Now I can really 'start' my gardening year doing things most gardeners get to do once their temps warm a bit. Things are overgrown, and needing moved, or divided, and the weeds got WAY ahead of me, and the irises all need cleaned up a bit of dead foliage, and stalks cut off now that I can see which ones to leave that are making big ole seed pods. I hope there are really seeds in all or most of the pods, as I know oftentimes they just make empty pods. Didn't you have mockingbird issues last year? Not sure if I ranted about them, but do remember asking who all listens to and enjoys them, as so many don't recall ever hearing them and are confused as to what the MB sounds like, since he sings the songs other birds sing. Anyone who has ever listened to a MB knows that his song is very distinguishable from all the other birds. That's cool that yours sings on your chimney and the stove acts as a megaphone. I've often thought about making a recording of him singing. Yesterday I was working in an area out by the road, a good piece from where I was working Wed when he sang so much it was annoying. He followed me, and was singing non stop out by the road then yesterday. I don't think he is serenading a female MB, but is instead serenading me. Could it be? I guess the rain finally stopped for you, huh? I got a bit of the veggie garden tilled up, but things got in the way of getting anything planted.... Cut some trees down that fell into the garden area. It now looks like I might have to mud in the tomatoes and peppers as it is well past the usual planting time, even for me and so wet from the 2 days of rain here. Hopefully things will dry out soon enough that I can still get some corn planted. I'm not so concerned with getting other things planted later, but know corn has longer days to maturity than most things. Could it be that I have already had too much coffee today? Sue...wordy as usual.

Other forums? I'll be asking the same question on three different hosta forums... possible a fourth... and GW does not like any direct mentions of other forum names. I know some of the folks here also post on some other forums... I only want one vote from each person on each category. In the past I've done one thread for each category... Green, medium, for example. But we were using it to while away the winter months when we couldn't play in the garden. I believe this time I'll combine things. So, for example, we'll start with Green... one thread to vote for your one (or two at the most) favorite green hosta in each of the size categories, which will be defined at the start of the thread. There are three levels on the Benedict Award... Honorable Mention, Awards of Merit, and then the ultimate... one hosta is selected each year for the Benedict Medal. These are those selected as the best of the best - like the Academy Award for Best Picture. (and like the Academy Award, lots of people disagree as there are often several excellent choices in the running. I predicted First Frost would edge out Earth Angel for the medal this year... and Niagara Falls (my #3 in guessing what people would vote for, but I think I would have chosen it #1 or 2 if I'd gotten my ballot in in time...) won the medal. So... the Benedict Medal winners so far are 2006 (First Honorable Mention list developed) 2007 (Second HM list) 2008 (Third HM list and first Award of Merit list) 2009 First Benedict medal awarded - June 2010 Second Medal awarded - Sagae 2011 Third Medal - Blue Mouse Ears 2012 Medal went to Niagara Falls So far, I can't fault any of the choices. I believe each of those represents the very best of their "type." And the balloting indicates that they grow well everywhere. Every year the ballot gets longer. I think there were 14 on last summer's ballot. This year I had to choose one from, I think 24. And it ain't easy - there are several I really love... BTW - any AHS member can ask to be a judge. They do seek a geographical distribution, but I haven't known anyone to get turned down yet...

Seriously, Honestly? I go to the Gallery and spend hours and hours going over all the latest pictures that Oceanna posted. Today, a little over 3 hours at the Gallery (Gee, thanks Oceanna! *wink*). Got nothing, zippo, nada done. Way too many ideas doing Funny Car crashes in my grey matter for me to make a firm decision on my projects so might as well go look-see everyone elses projects. Actually, truth be told there is no name for my 'style'. Believe me, I've searched. No way to describe it online so that I can get a decent search going. Because there is no name for my style, I come to a point where I get stuck ----- (the fact that my ideas have to be done on a miniscule budget makes it all that more difficult.) Kitchen not finished --- going on 15 months. Backyard/Garden Decor not done --- going on 7 months. Family Room not done --- going on 20 months. Sunroom not done --- going on 28 months. Master Bedroom not done -- going on 9 months. (Won't count the Master bath because in all fairness, we just started it. But I'm sure I'll come to a grinding halt there, too.) Why? Because I'm stuck, can't make a decision and stick to it because I can't find ideas for what I see in my mind's eye. I know there's got to be inspiration out there for what I'm trying to create but so far, haven't found it. I get ideas, tips and opinions from all the talented folks here and put them into play and all starts looking good but to head to the finish line? Nope. Isn't happening. So, I go to all the neato new photos on the Gallery side, thanks to Oceanna, kill a ton of time and not get a thing accomplished. Then I feel guilty for not accomplishing anything and I start the whole process over again. Amity, who is heading over to the gallery, again. lol

Nothing, maybe check on the canteloupe and melons out back. Should have a ripe one soon! I called in today from work to keep an eye on Alex. He had two wisdom teeth taken out yesterday afternoon. So far he's not in much pain and the swelling isn't that bad. Lauren and her friend, who spent the night last night went to the Humane Society. They volunteer there. Only problem is Lauren wants me to take all of the dogs she sees there. I almost had to stop her from going about a month ago because she was nearly hysterical over a puppy. I told her if she couldn't control herself she wouldn't be allowed to go anymore. I can't take and save them all. I might go out later and take Lauren to get her school supplies. We're going tomorrow to do the clothes shopping. Hopefully, Alex will feel up to it by then. Although, he does hate clothes shopping no matter what.