forgot to mention the others: doves, mockingbirds, grackles-common and boat-tailed, sparrows, painted buntings, blue jays, woodpeckers, yellow throated warbler, phoebe or flycatcher - not sure. yellow rumped warbler, turkey buzzards, crows. ducks flying over - don't know what brand. white ibis, lord and lady cardinal. cormorant flying over..woodstork. Think that's it for today. I love this time of year, too...especially for the birds. Have not seen the robins in a few days now, and the goldfinches flitted on through...only stopped for a very, very short time this year..yesterday I saw two..today nothing. No orioles yet, either, nor cedar waxwings...hoping maybe for this week, tho....it was the first week of March last year.

Oh, I don't blame you, Katkin. Letting your animals trash someone else's yard is the height of rudeness! I walk my dog all over the neighborhood, but never without a plastic bag, in case he goes somewhere. I even pick it up from the public easement. Who wants to step in it? I use a scooper in my own backyard, too. No surprises for me early in the morning, thanks! I have four cats who are all indoor animals. The average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is two years! TWO. They SHOULD live between 15 and 20, easily. For their own safety, they belong inside. My animals are MY responsibility, just like my children were, and they have to respect my neighbors. Oh, yeah...the garden junk forum would have some good ideas on birdbaths, I'll bet! I keep forgetting to check them out regularly. They are so creative! I almost always see SOMETHING I like. Marcia

I received my box from Faye today and wow! what a large box she sent stuffed full of goodies! I love everything she sent which included a beautiful tin "welcome" sign with flowers and a dragonfly, a darling patriotic cottage style windchime, a large pack of seed bags,plant ties,post it notes, sharpie markers, glitter glue, garden gloves, hand lotion, an "Outdoor Favorites Recipe Book" which my husband confiscated already, a great variety of wonderful candy and bouncing balls for the grandkids (they're gonna love them), and a bunch of different garden seeds which I can't wait to plant. And last but not least, the cutest card with an adorable puppy and kitty on the front with a surprise amazon MP3 gift card inside so I can purchase download my own favorite music! Perfect! I adore everything, but my favorite is the patriotic cottage style windchime! It matches my house style just right and how cute! You sent too much Faye. Everything is greatly appreciated. I would have chosen the same things if I were buying it for myself! You are such a great gardening friend! So thoughtful! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sue N.

Wow--a good jazz musician ought to be able to take that and run with it!