With the extreme sun and heat we've had in the NW this month, I would think it's probably just the wrong time to be planting anything, especially a shrub that doesn't do so well in heat and sun. I'd pull the survivors up, put them back in the pots and into the deep shade somewhere, keeping them well watered until the weather cools and the rains return. Then replant them.

Stacy, this chicken dish is really good and is only about 30 minutes from start to serve. You could serve it over rice or orzo that you prepare in advance and just warm up. Creamy Tarragon Chicken From Fresh Market-Grand Rapids, MI 4 boneless, chicken breast halves Salt & pepper to taste 3T all purpose flour 2T olive oil 1T onion, finely chopped 1/4 c white Bordeaux wine (you could use any white wine) 1T fresh tarragon, chopped 1/4 c chicken broth 3T butter 1/4 c heavy cream Season the chicken breasts with salt & pepper, dredge in flour. Set aside chicken and remaining flour. In large sauté pan, heat olive oil over mediumh igh heat. Brown the chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside and keep warm. Add onion to pan and cook 1 minute. Pour wine into pan and increase heat to high. Deglaze pan by cooking until almost all the liquid has evaporated, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium low and add reserved flour, stirring to form a thick roux. Stir in tarragon and broth. Return chicken to pan and cook until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, about 10 minutes. Remove chicken to plates, add butter and cram to pan and heat through. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve. Joe's Seafood lasagne is rich, and super elegant. You can use any combination of seafood you like, really, and it can be made ahead. WHITE WINE SEAFOOD LASAGNA Makes 6 good portions; 8 for the smaller ones 2 pounds bay scallops 1/3 cup butter 1 cup green onion \-\- chopped 1 clove garlic \-\- minced 1/4 teaspoon thyme \-\- dried 1/3 cup all\-purpose flour 1 cup chicken broth \-\- regular strength 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup dry white wine 8 ounces lasagna noodles 1/2 pound crab meat \-\- cooked, shredded 1/2 pound swiss cheese \-\- shredded Rinse scallops well and drain; if using regular scallops, cut into 1/2\-inch pieces. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 12\- to 14\-inch frying pan. Add onion, garlic, and thyme; stir on medium\-high heat for 1 minute. Add scallops and cook, stirring often, until they are opaque in the center (cut to test), 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour scallops into a large strainer positioned over a bowl; let drain 20 to 30 minutes. In the same frying pan, melt remaining butter on medium heat. Add flour and stir until it turns a light golden color. Remove from heat and smoothly mix in broth, cream, and wine. Return to high heat and bring to a boil, stirring. Set aside. Fill a 4 to 5\-quart pan 3/4 full with water and bring to boiling over high heat. Add lasagna noodles and boil, uncovered, until tender to bite, about 10 minutes; drain. Rinse lasagna with cold water until cool; drain again and set aside. Pour scallop juices into a 1\- to 1\-1/2\-quart pan and boil on high heat, uncovered, until reduced to about 2 tablespoons; stir near the end to keep juices from scorching. Mix juices and crab meat with cream sauce. Line the bottom of a 9\- by 12\-inch buttered baking pan or dish with 1/3 of the lasagna noodles. Spread noodles with 1/3 of the sauce, top with 1/3 of the scallops, then with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat layers twice more, ending with cheese on top. Cover pan with a lid or foil; if made ahead, chill up to one day, then bring to room temperature. Bake lasagna in a 350 F oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese is golden, about 20 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting; lift out portions with a wide spatula. Makes 12 servings as a first course, 6 as an entree. Posted by Joe (Gardenguru) Linda

They are definitely not written for children, much as the covers may make you think that-the covers are done by a Japanese artist in the "comic bookish" style. I have read all of them. There is the occasional reference to boyfriends and the occasional "knee-melting" kiss, to her widowed mother having a beau with the overtone of how close were they...??? and to her college aged sister dating a policeman-but besides the fact that they are murder mysteries and, thus, will occasionally describe with some detail a murder scene, I wouldn't have minded if my daughter had read them at 10. She read The Giver at 10, and that subject matter is darker than these.

Much as i love mysteries, I never had a desire to do a murder mystery party. I like the dress up aspect but I don't really like to "perform". But a friend has been doing monthly virtual murder mystery parties via Zoom with others from our college group and they have all had a blast. They all dress the part and use props and/or backgrounds (they've shared photos on FB) This doesn't answer any of your questions, Rory-- but i thought I'd share it for others who may be interested. I *think* the friend is doing the murder mystery zooms as a business-- but not 100% sure. I can confirm/reach out to her if anyone is interested.