Aw thanks everyone for the warm welcome back. I missed chatting with you. I used to have kind of a "meh" attitude about Florida and now I can't for the life of me figure out why. It's so easy on the eyes. And really nice folks there - although maybe they're just so nice because they're living in paradise. /Eileen. I hear you about the furry babies. I have been out of town so much lately that my cat is punishing me. ._.' So great that you have 3 sisters down there! I definitely hope I get to retire near my sisters someday. /Poseidon. "I agree, joni is one of those people that you just do not forget meeting." You just could not have put it better. That's what I keep trying to explain to people about her. I can't quite put words to her, but she's one of a kind. /Pug. It is exactly like that. I felt like Homer in that episode of The Simpsons where he is in The Land of Chocolate. All those little planty faces staring up at you, and their moms nearby so you can see exactly what they will look like when they are of an established size. It should make it easier to decide what you want, but really what happened to me was that I suddenly saw the appeal of all the plants I'd previously vetoed when merely viewing them online. Unfortunately Kelly has been busy addressing some health issues. We recently heard she was making some progress and I'm sure she'll be on here again eventually. I miss her too. /Renee. Whoa a vacation with both Bulbophyllums and Hoyas?! That's pretty posh. :) I hope you're able to make it out to Sarasota/Siesta Key. My sister really wanted me to drop her off in Siesta Key while I was visiting Joni but unfortunately for her, she slept in and I wasn't going to wait any longer! :P /Ima. It's a really pretty area, so I think it would make a fun day trip. If your daughter takes you, maybe as a thank you gift, you'll be faced with the same conundrum as I was: what a person's First Hoya should be. I went with polystachya, but Joni's suggestion of merrilli was a really good one, I thought.

*waves hello* Oh my. I'm a little red-faced, having not been around to see this before now. How nice to see so many familiar names. :) Thanks so much for the birthday wishes. That's very kind.

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry I've not been over here to chat with you two! I came by a couple of times but seemed no one had been here so I didn't post. Belle, so glad you are home. What a blessing you are to your Mom and neice. That raffle was a great idea, I would never have thought to do something like that to help the family with all the expenses. So glad it was successful. Anj, the situation with your back sure doesn't sound good right now. You poor thing having to go through so much pain and your family is always so busy too. Loved that your friend thought of you and brought you those bins of wood cutouts, books and paints! Woo Hoo! I would have been green with envy too, but the most I've done with my books for the last year is look at them, so know I don't NEED more. LOL With that said, I did end up buying myself a late birthday present and got another Renee Mullins book. I haven't even painted the designs from the last one I bought, but I can't resist her cute designs. This one is little signs/banners painted on the Roc Lon that Belle had used. Belle, can you tell me where you bought yours? I googled it and got drapery lining sites and I looked at Hobby Lobby online because I have a gift card and nothing came up. Of course I know these can be painted on wood and other things too, just thought it might be fun to try the Roc Lon. Gosh, all three of us have Cricuts now. We are going to have to share pics of our creations with it sometime too. Belle, I haven't made much this past year, but I did make a few cards and was pleased with them. Still want to do more, although they do take a bit of time. Good way to make smaller things and use up scraps too. What do you use for words? So far I've just used some rubber stamps--but I always hold my breath hoping that I get it on straight and it doesn't smear! LOL I love doing the vinyl lettering on glass and I've made several 2x4 block sayings--those get pretty heavy if you put too many sets in one storage box so be warned! Anj, I bet your kids like using your's don't they? Will really come in handy for some of those school projects too. Belle, I want to go back and relook at some of the items you had made for the boutique. You sure did some cute stuff I remember. Anj, I'm surprised you remembered my little sign. It's still hanging on my side gate outside. Will be a cute design on a can. I can't wait to see all the neat projects you are making for the sale. We are doing pretty good here. February was the one year anniversary of DH's diagnoses. We've come a long way in that year. Was a real learning curve for me in so many ways, but with lots of good helpers and prayers, we are doing pretty good. Sort of settled into a routine, and as soon as I finish the rest of my organizing projects, I'll be ready to do some painting projects. Actually, I'm ready now, been thinking about it and wanting to for awhile, but just haven't gotten started. I do feel proud of my accomplishments though. Got the office/computer room rearranged, cleaned, and put a twin bed in there. I still have boxes of cords and wires in the garage to dispose of and a few more file drawers to sort through, but nearly completed. Then I sorted tools and kept only what I thought I might need and gave away the rest. Let son have first pick, then neighbor's nephew, the guy who helped with the motor home and my contractor neighbor on the corner all took some and I donated the rest. Now I'm doing the golf stuff. Kept DH's most recent bag and a few hats, shoes, golf balls etc. just in case he might ever wonder about them. (very unlikely, but makes me feel better to not get rid of all his toys) Have three of his golfing buddies coming on the 5th to see him and I'll let them take whatever they want then probably donate the remainder to one of the schools that have golf classes. DH had way more than he needed, five golf bags full of clubs, six pairs of shoes, lots of gloves, tees, balls, towels, hats, etc. Just no use in having them sit around unused. Anj, I saw the birthday greeting. Thank you for your kind wishes. This one made me officially Medicare old! LOL Mentally, I can't believe I'm that old--but there are days I feel even older! LOL I'll make sure I get by here more often this next week. Need to see Belle's answer about the Roc Lon fabric for sure. Luvs

Happy birthday, may this day always be a special one to remember. Shirley