Those are gorgeous, Xuan! Thanks for sharing those photos! One day, I will have photos of my own flowers to share... I can't say exactly when, but I have faith that Mother Nature won't let me down! While I'm slowly gaining confidence in growing orchids, I've had confidence in my writing skills for quite a long time. I'm only too happy to use that skill to help those that might be unsure, to understand that there is an entire world of orchids out there that are tough and adaptable! Most plants are rather resilient by nature, and can take a little punishment before they give up! So, there's really no excuse for wanting an orchid, but not having one! One of the ways I hone my skill at growing things is to start with young plants... that way, I can watch them grow and change, and I can see how my care affects them. But one day, one of these orchids is going to decide it's time to bloom, and then I'll have pictures to share... that day will be a day I'll celebrate!

Ah, just what I need today, more gorgeous pix, thanks for the concern, the snow was amazing, first major storm in autumn I've seen here. Cowboy I see you posted a pic of El Nino on the alphabet thread, how do you find First Frost compared to El Nino? Are there noticeable differences? Myrle I'm glad you were able to get back on. Hopefully you'll be posting pix soon.

Thanks guys! I had forgotten about these pics...just stumbled upon them yesterday. Brett, I give them 1tbsp FP with a little vinegar (and lately I've added FE to the witches brew), but not every feeding. I try to do it at least twice a week. When I water without feeding, I drench all the pots with the hose so the water runs out well. That way, I don't worry too much about deposits.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, but as it turned out, Sony decided not to send anyone to Toronto and is going to let the staff in Toronto work it out on their own without a director. I guess that is one way for them to save money. So I will wait for warmer weather before I visit Toronto, and Kevin will not be there, unless he goes with me. Last week a friend asked me to go to Brazil with him some time next year after April. He has to settle an estate there, and he knew that I could take the time off. We'll see if that materializes. I would like to visit Brazil, but I've been afraid to go because I do not speak Portuguese, but my friend does, and that would make me feel more comfortable. He will be mainly going to Rio de Janeiro, but would be making side trips to Petrópolis and other places.