Sharbear, I meant to ask Santa for another house to put up, but I forgot. I will have to try to get another one before February, when they start their nesting. This little house has been so fun to watch. Melissa, he was so easy to see. Almost at eye level for me and in full sunshine to warm up! Did not even move a muscle as I scooted around the bananas. Marion, come to think of it, my yard is usually buzzing with dragonflies (because of the pond), but I haven't really noticed one lately. Haven't seen any dead ones either. Will have to keep an eye out. It always feels good to know we have helped a creature survive. The car was a good idea. Kate, I got a new camera for Christmas, so I'm eager to start using it more and more. There is little in my yard to take a picture of right now, though! Denise, most of the banana leaves are brown and sagging. The trunk and the little bananas on the one bunch have some brown spots, but don't look awful. I wonder if the bananas will continue to develop or it I need to cut off the bunch? By the way, the native rosinweed you gave me is looking great and starting to bloom. The dwarf poinciana is about four feet tall and had a few beautiful blooms before the cold came. It should do great this year. Will take pictures sometime. The kalanchoe are still waiting for you if you ever come up this way again. Trini, I seriously need to get more houses! Gary, could the heater be too warm? I've found lizards in my hoses trying to escape the cold. Boy are they sluggish. Anna

I can certainly see why. It's absolutely GORGEOUS. Look at all those buds and blooms. Hope you post more of it. Thanks for sharing it. (ADD TO THE NEEEED LIST) Lrae

I know this may seem a little bit off topic, but for anyone out there who has younger children in their lives, one of the best children's books out there, for both story and illustrations, is "Owl Moon" by Jane Yolen. I read this to my daughter for years and have given it as gifts. I also recommended it to countless people when I worked for Barnes and Noble. If you want nature, and especially wild birds, to hold fascination for your child, this is a great start. Walking out in the evening to see a special bird where he lives and being awe-struck by that bird sends a powerful message. It is a wonderful way to inspire some interest in nature and in owls, or birds, in particular. I hope some of you (who haven't already) get to enjoy it!

Thanks Miss elly! No sign of either owl this morning, but that's not too unusual...they often show up every other day, near as I can tell. Not so sure about a predator...that egg dropped while she was sitting on the frond and landed eggs-actly where her poop does! Plus...she didn't seem too upset, although come to think of it, she did turn her head suddenly and look behind her right after she 'laid' the egg. Could've been 'something' up there, but I would've seen a big ol' coon, I'm sure. Although...this morning, the shell was gone (I forgot to remove it!)...and there were signs that a coon had been in my yard! You know...the usual...dirty footprints on my white fence from it climbing over into my yard...prints also on a chaise by the pool...evidentally it walked over it instead of around it. At any rate...I'll go check the palm for any holes, but I rather tend to doubt I'll find any...the palm trunk is only about 4-5" thick. Would this be wide enough for a nest? I feel so bad for her!