Wow..these are all so beautiful!!! mel I hope you get to feeling better! mary lu I have followed your progress from when you first posted pictures and your gardens always amaze me! I go to the cottage garden forum often, mostly just read and look... Another one of my favorites is also on the cottage garden forum from 'gottagarden' and her red bed. She posted pictures of her 2nd year w/this bed and as usual my mouth drops when I see her pictures too See the link below Dena Here is a link that might be useful: Red Bed 2nd Year

Judith - Who knew? I thought Mr. Dove maybe an anomaly, but I've since learned that age is not all that uncommon. Yes,I am looking forward to doing something with the wire vases, they were my bargin from Lillian Vernon. They were marked down to $7.98 @, and I had a $10.00 off certificate. I couldn't resist. Karen - Houdi and Mr. Dove do get along, not bossom buddies, but because their cages are next to on another, Houdi gets upset when the dove is gone. I also let them visit one another from time to time, Mr Dove's idea of a good time is to poke Houdi with his beak, which Houdi doesn't like, parrots are preeners by nature. Houdi will take so much and give a warning scream/ warning nip back to the dove's head or go up to another perch out of poking distance. I have always wanted a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, I have enough of the ceramic ones. LOL I do indeed have a dog, Selena, that I inheirited. She's a big collie/shepard mix and gets along really well with cats and the birds also - Miss Kitty is her buddy. Selena Miss Kitty and friend

That is one VERY cute baby, a very thoughtful look, too. I was so wrapped up in what I was trying to do that I didn't comment. Annie, Sam does look a good bit like Sean Connery but wasn't thrilled with all the picture taking that was going on, I think. Basically he's a happy, fun-loving person to travel with. Ann is my best friend and we've known Sam for years and traveled together numerous times. Neither of our husbands like to travel but don't mind if we do, so it works well. You're on the countdown with the wedding now and I know it will be beautiful and I'd say fun, too. You've put in a lot of hard work and I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all about it. jude

Thanks, thirdkitchen - I forgot about the Stone Studio. Yes, they did our counters. I tried to send photos to all the small businesses that helped us and they've made the rounds for sure! :) BTW - can highly recommend them. They were great!! Thanks for the heads up, though!