Oh, yes! There are plenty of Canuck Hostaholics, yours truly certainly counts himself as one. I participated in the Hallson's Secret Trade this past year -it was organized by Natalie from Montreal, not sure she's on this or any GW forum for that matter- and it was great fun and very rewarding. In addition I approached a lady in Ottawa -Hi Dorothy- and we arranged a swap as well. For those interested you can read all about my Hosta adventures on my personal website. I'm on a small suburban lot, 50x100, so there is really only so much physical space I have for planting in the ground, but I do grow a fair number in pots. I'm up to around 45 cultivars and always looking for more. I have attached below a link to my Hosta list @ Hallson's which shows not just what I have, but also what I'm lusting after. Here is a link that might be useful: Pietertje's Hosta Lists

Happy Canada Day! We've traditionally spent our Independence Days near the grill, before tailgating at the local fireworks show. This year, we are setting sail to a couple of Mexican ports with two teen children and a 3-year-old grandson in tow. It should be interesting, to say the least. I learned a long time ago that, although cruise lines serve lobster, steak, etc., it's usually just mediocre. They are, after all, cooking for 2,000 people. My goal, other than to relax and get plenty of photos of the kids, is to beat my wife at Cribbage at least half a dozen times; not lose at the craps table; and come up with at least 3-4 good food-related topics for my blog. I think I'm just as excited about my Sunday lunch plans. It seems there is an Alfie's Fish 'n Chips still operating near Houston. This chain went bye bye long ago. It won't be 5-star fare ... or even 2-star. But I'll get to revisit one of my (young) childhood faves and write a Yelp! review to boot. Have a safe and happy Fourth, everyone!

Annie, I haven't tried the soap thing to discourage the deer. Daughter has some hanging in her yard and says it seems to work as long as the soap in within a few feet of what she wants to protect. Liquid Fence works well for me if I am diligent about timing and consider any rain washing it off in the equation. I should hang the soap to help take up any slack. You say Ivory, I have always heard Irish Spring. Joanmn, my memories of Bison is a herd of them walking within 10 feet of the road we were riding on in N.D. Too close for comfort when on a motorcycle. Love your pics of these magnificent beasts.

Thank you rhizo, and other American posters! I wonder if you could give me your opinion on this. When I'm listening to Americans (on t.v.) discuss what they did for Thanksgiving and for Christmas, it seems as if more people make Thanksgiving their bigger gathering, if they can't do the same for both. In Canada, I feel as though Christmas is more often the 'bigger' holiday to get together. I'd say we also have more huge shopping sales around Christmas, than Thanksgiving. Anyone care to share which holiday meal they tend to celebrate more, with others?