OOPS!!! Sorry I didn't know that about Jan. 1 being "everybody's" birthday, if a specific date isn't given. Oh well, Happy Birthday, whenever it is. :>) Mwoods, your statement about each year bringing "joy, laughter, and some tears" is so true. None of us ever knows what's ahead for us. But, as my DH says, "It's been a trip, but I wouldn't change any of it!"

The oleander is the variety they sell at WalMart on clearance when it has a touch of scale and is potbund. I realized today that technically I protected the oleander because I sprayed it with Wilt-Pruf late last month. I'd like to hit it again before it turns cold again. I killed a gloriosa last year with no protection or special siting. It was buried under snow and ice for upwards of 3 months. This one hasn't had snow on it for more than a day because all of the snow on the ground is melted around it. We only had 7" of snow in December, it will be gone tomorrow, but it's been consistently cold, 10 straight and then 12 straight days below freezing with a monthly low of 8. Could've been worse.

Maryanne sent a wonderful package! A Decorative Techniques & Projects book "Handmade Clay Crafts" plus a bag full of delicious thumbprint cookies, and a bunch of "Tastefully Simple" products.. Sweet Southern BBQ sauce, Merlot sauce, Sweet & Sassy Mustard sauce, Peach Praline topper, Chipotle Ranch dressing, Lemony Dill sauce! I've been to a couple "Tastefully Simple" shows and love the products! Also, a ceramic rooster plate (so adorable), Swiffer Duster (love these), Farmer's Almanac, shipping supplies-tape, paper seed packages, bubble envelopes. Also, a really cute "I love my Dog" frame for Tobias! St. Christopher auto pin for my car! OOOhhh I almost forgot, a Garden design book that features English Gardens! What a neat box! Thank you soooo much Maryanne! I loved everything you sent! I'm going to miss being your Queen, LOL! Everyone sent me such wonderful, thoughtful gifts! Deb

Hi all! I'm new to the forums but I have an idea why this one doesn't get much response. It's not listed in any of the categories, it's only listed sort of alphabetically in the s's as The Single Life, it took me several visits to find it and I still have trouble remembering where it is on the list to click so I can lurk! Maybe someone should suggest to Spike? that it be made more visible, I know that there are a lot of singles on the forums. Just thought I'd pop in and say something and maybe someone else has had the same experience. My New Year's Resolution is to be proud of being single and not be so quiet. Happy New Year! Charlotte