'cause irises like to keep us puzzled? There are so many variables that come into play. Like you, we've had a weird spring; late cold spells, then a lot of rain, then some warm days, then cold again. Some of the "earlies" were late, & the very last blooms were very late in May... & the blooms were beautiful & the colors were spectacular. The buds did show some quirkiness or eccentricity, not always looking like what they would eventually become. At least they're not boring!

Hello, "When installing multiple official versions of Firefox, the main thing to keep in mind is that each different version needs to be installed in it's own unique program files folder (use the Custom Installation option on the Setup Type page of the installation routine) and each version should have its' own Profile; you also need to make sure that you always launch each version with the appropriate Profile.If you don't use the Custom option, Firefox will overwrite the prevoius installation in Program Files. If you are installing multiple versions, do not launch Firefox at the end of the installation procedure, see the section below about dealing with running multiple Profiles." http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2249039

Here's an option, although I don't know if it works with every kind of dough. Make a little cookie tart. Roll out the bottom round, fill with a dollop of jam, place another circle on top, seal the edges and then cut a big cross in the top for the steam to escape. Roll the dough into balls and make jam thumbprints. Or just make little rounds and fill with a tiny amount of jam and fold over and cut a steam slit. Or make a little log and fill with nuts and raisins and roll up like a cigar. Like I said, might not work with every kind of dough, but worth a try. I made those jam tarts once, they were a pain but very delicious. Google "jam filled cookies" and you will find lots of fun pics. of different ways to do it. Also can make a figgy filling without using sugar.

I do a lot of baking, especially at this time of year. Been through shiny (burn), dark (burn and stain), teflon-coated (shed) , air-insulated -- the whole menu. After we finished our kitchen remodel in 2004 I treated myself to a pair of W-S "Gold Touch" cookie sheets. They are terrific. Cookies bake evenly at the exact oven temp stated in the recipe. Never grease, never fiddled with parchment (which ain't cheap... a few rolls of parchment and you've paid for the pan.) I also invested in their Gold Touch cooling racks. These are so slick that you'd better not tip them when loaded. Nothing sticks to them. Since nothing sticks, clean up is a breeze. They're OK in the dishwasher but I do them by hand with a swipe of a soapy sponge. Now it's been 6 years and I've got three of each. They are available individually but their best deal is this bundled set of two cookie sheets, one rack. Worth the investment. Here is a link that might be useful: 2 Gold Touch cookie sheets, 1 cooling rack