Hi Howard, I'm in Birmingham. I've gotten tired of the big nurseries that bring seasonal stock in and out, but I do go to "English Gardens" to get a quick fix. "Telly's" is fairly close to the Bordine's you mentioned (on John R between 16 and 17 mile.) It started as a small family business, but has done well (if that can be judged by the price increases year after year). "WoJo's" might not be too far from you (on 24 off of I-69 - Lapeer area). I do search out old family businesses of which there aren't too many. There's "Young's" in Warren - small shop, but when searching though their greenhouse you might find a real gem. Saw some nice crassulas including a "Tricolor" and bought this epiphyllum the other day. Probably not too impressive to most people, but these are impossible to find in this area. The bark is at Bordines's. This is a quote from Al - "...you can (at least last year you could) get GREAT PBFs at any of the Bordine's locations. Clear bag - blue label w/white lettering that says "Royal Gardens Landscape Mulch). It's great for the 5:1:1 as is, and you can easily screen it and get a high % of usable product for the gritty mix." Let me know how you make out. Gail

dedtired, Hints for seasickness... 1.) Look off the stern instead of the bow; 2.) Fix your eyes on the horizon instead of looking a few feet ahead of the boat (you'll be out of sight of land); 3.) Sip on cold Diet 7-Up; 4.) Many people do fine underway; but when drifting they start feeling queasy. Whale watch boats stop frequently for whale sightings. While drifting, stand at the gunnel stanchions & hold on to a rail if it's rough rather than sitting down...much better. Actually, more people get seasick in calm water than in rough seas (within limits, of course!) When there's good wave action your body gets into a rhythem. In calm seas, there's just a slight up/down, up/down that gets to some people. Beam seas are the worst! That side-to-side motion can do in even the saltiest of seamen! Since I've been a boater, I can't imagine WHY people stick babies in cradles! Inhumane punishment, IMO! Also, if you're focused on looking for the blow spouts of whales your body won't notice the rolling sensation nearly as much. We need Lori. She's more local to Newport...I'm about an hour away. But here's a place to start...a fun lunch spot in Newport is the Red Parrot. Allow about an hour just to read the menu & make your selection. It's also a great place to people watch. And go hungry! Parking is tricky. Don't be a hero & try to find a parking spot on one of the side streets...it's mostly "Residents Only". Just pay your $15 & chock it up to a good day in Newport. You can also rent the most adorable two-seater scooters in Newport. The shopping is one of two things...either touristy or very expensive boutiques, gallery quality art, designer jewelry, home decor, etc. There are also some great bookstores. History lesson on Newport: Did you know that most of early Newport was built with slave labor? Most people don't realize the extent Newport relied on slaves. The wonderful granite cobblestone roads, the houses, the ships...all slave labor. By 1770, the entire workforce was slaves mostly from Ghana. They came as children & were different than the southern plantation slaves. In Newport, most slaves lived in the same house as their owners often slept in the same bedroom as the owner's kids. They were taught skills & became highly trained. By 1830, most Newporters had freed their slaves. They went on to found businesses, become councilmen, teachers, policeman, fireman, & held high offices. But they came to America as slaves. End of history lesson. Follow the signs for Ocean Drive/Mansions & go to Brenton Park. It's right on Ocean Drive. On weekends, it's a popular place to fly those huge kites in different shapes. The water is right across from the parking (free). Actually, you could just sit in your car & stare at Newport Channel for hours watching the boats. You'll see many huge international & corporate yachts. The rocks at Brenton Park are also a popular dive spot. Look for small boats with a red flag floating in the water near the boat. The red flag means, "Diver Down". When's your trip? /tricia Here is a link that might be useful: The Red Parrot

Lordamightee. I've been looking at these pictures for the last 15 minutes, and I still can't pick a favorite - thankfully, I don't have to. But, I will say, the picture of Makayla tucked into bed, is the sweetest. Btw, the spot you chose to set up camp, looks just like one of our little hideaways, up in Luddington. Wonderfully Zen-like. So, AB, will you be up for the challenge again, next year? Uh oh, I'm picking up distress signals from planet Annie. Sol

What a wonderful weekend I had in MI! Cathy and I told Sherry not to go to any trouble, just toss some clean sheet on the bed. Beds were made nice and comfy, but the food! Cherry pie, rhubarb pie, carrot cake, Kalhua chocolate mousse cake, pecan cinnamon rolls, molasses cookies, chicken salad, quiche, pizza, brats, breakfast soufflé, lemon ricotta pancakes with raspberry syrup. I gained 5 pounds just typing this. We had nice long visits, great times shopping, relaxing and playing with Dexter, the snuggledog. And dear, sweet Roger, he is a trooper. Wise man that he is would just roll his eyes and go with the flow. It was so good to see Annie and Elery again. And Annie surprised us with the new 100th Anniversary Edition of the Ball Blue book. That is one hard to find book. Thanks again Annie for keeping us safe when canning. I wholeheartedly second Sherrys statement. Meet CFers when and where you can. You will not regret it Peppi And I did like the chocolate cover bacon. Sort of a sweet/salty/crunchy thing with the little bits of bacon. Not sure I would go out of my way for it, but not offensive either.