Ingrid and Tosca: It's nice to know I was missed: thanks for the welcome back! I was in Florida for two months and went into hibernation as far as the forum was concerned. Failed to offer good wishes on a lot of birthdays, too. But I was present, though silent, and the garden is definitely still around, and growing. Well, sort of. We've gone over three months with about half of inch of rain in that period, and no rain in the forecast. The garden is still hanging on, and at least the temperatures are dropping. Lately we've been transplanting things. This is earlier than usual, but the plants are so dry and so miserable that I figure they'll probably gain from the transfer. I'm weeding and mulching, and staying in touch with a lot of Italian gardening enthusiasts, whom I would say are a relatively small but rapidly growing group in this country. The weather's pretty (though dry), and all in all I'm a pretty contented gardener. Thonotorose: Your situation sounds grim. Good luck. Melissa

Vermiculite, perlite, a bale of peat, plant labels, and new tubes for my plant lights. If I've been a really good girl (probably haven't), I'd like another seed starting mat. I know that's stretching it. Can you guess how I spend my winter months? Oh, more snow would be good. My gardens would really appreciate it. Sledding would be much easier. Hope Mother Nature will come through. Kate

Hello Everyone, Sounds like we all have been busy!!! : ) K, I really am glad to hear that Plumeria are hypoallergenic!!! LOL...now i can tell the DH thats it is truly not the Plumeria that is causing the "eye roll.." LMAO. Maybe, its a "winter thing.." LOL... Seriously, i did the dance yesterday when i brought in another cutting from a friend when we had lunch! I thought that i was quick enough to place it upstairs with all of the other gems..but i was caught in the act.. : ) Its a good thing that it was small!! Thanks Peg!! Psycho is a wonderful choice, im sure you will have great success in finding a cutting!! : ) Mike, I know what you mean about all of the $ going for the kids, just wait until they get older...the price of each item only gets bigger!!! My kids are all grown and will be here for CHristmas, im looking forward to a fun and relaxing time with them. Enjoy your little ones..they sure do grow up way to fast!!! : ) Colors are a wonderful thing... Im sure you will have a few colors in your spring collection... Have a wonderful Christmas!!! Alex, I sure hope that your Pudica will turn around for you!!! How has your weather been up north? Sounds like your Plumies want to stay active... The ones that i have under lights and the ones just sitting in my great room are doing well. They are all still happy and with most of their leaves. I am just letting them do what they want. It is very interesting to see how all of the different varieties react to winter. Some are ready to rest, others dont want to be silent at all. I will just listen to what they want to do. I agree with wanting more colors... I also forgot to mention that California Sally is another "wish..." Nice to see you, how are your Palms doing, have you put up any protection yet? Qaguy, Love all of the pictures!!! You have certainly been busy!! All of your decorations look wonderful. I hope you are having a great turnout for your charity!! What a great way to help out..You and your wife have done a great job. I can undertand that she is ready to take it all down since you started in Nov. My tree is up, lights are on...but the ornaments will be on soon. Maybe tomorrow... Glad to hear you have a new camera. The old ones sure are easy to use, especially when you have had them for awhile... Mike, I dont know what to say, Thank you for that special post! You have truly warmed my heart... Thank you!!! I am very happy.. : ) My kids are doing well, Hubby has new "eye drops" LOL... Really, he is doing great and so is my Mom!! Thanks for your concern... The greenhouse will be fixed, hopefully soon. It has been a problem, but i have had some wonderful help!!! The baking is mostly done, and now i am ready to relax. I do have time off for the holidays and i am really enjoying the time with my family and with the joy of what Christmas brings... You have always been so generous as well, thank you for all that you do. I know that someone else has been a big help to you here on this forum. Very kind and generous as well! : ) Thank you for everything Mike!!! Merry Christmas to you all.. Laura

My very favorite gift was from a friend who can cook quite well, that went to the trouble of sending it to me via post. In nice containers too. My son and I would try one each night. Maybe even two. Or three. It was nice to enjoy! List? Not really. My work gave me a turkey (already eaten), my boss gave me a check, my workmates gave me some really cool pop them in the microwave booties that can warm my toes, mom gave me a check, nephew gave me cash, and my sister gave me shiny baubles. I did buy myself an incredibly cheap tablet. So cheap, it is a 10 inch screen, but it came with a keyboard case and stylus, all for $100. I'm not kidding. That's how cheap it is. I have figured out, I only use the tablet for games and magazine reading. I rarely even surf the internet with it even. I'm just glad anyone thought of me at all.