We got the rest of the chilies planted yesterday, and the jalapeno that I was worried about perked right up after being watered. I've been watering my new herbs and chilies again at lunch time, and they seem to like that. The chilies seem to be growing really fast, but the basil is only just now coming up, while the basil plants I bought aren't doing well. I should probably stick with growing them from seeds. I planted tomato seeds also but have never had that much luck with tomatoes in Westchester, except my first/second year, when I planted cherry tomatoes in the ground next to the grape vine, and they put out tomatoes continuously for over a year, but they kept getting smaller. I have some new succulents that still need to be repotted, but the epiphyllum are all doing well. I put them on a shelf on the SE side of the house, installed a temporary roof over that, and put mosquito neeting (from an old gazebo) around them to help filter the sun. They are in an area (similar to the opposite side of the house where I have orchids) that has walls pretty close - only about 8' apart, and so they already get partial shade, except around noontime. The orchids are on the NW side (my house is at 45 degrees from NS), and so they have more natural protection, but I did build a roof for them and put up a bamboo curtain on the SW side. If I had more shade around my house, I would grow more bromeliads, and several that I have now are blooming. I bought a new one last week-end that I will keep in the house because the last one Iike it that I bought got sunburned almost every place I put it outside, except in the orchid area. It was 81 today - much warmer than normal, but still pleasant. It's very nice for gardening when I get home from work. I'd definitely try to make it to Yosemite one year in mid-May. I like that the days are a lot longer in May than in September, and I would like to see the falls at full power. I can handle a bit of chill if it is not windy. Lars

Luckygal, where in the world are you? Somewhere near a beach obviously--but which one. Sorry no good luck on the TS shopping, do keep trying! Jeanne, I have two baker's racks outside, one is a corner unit--but neither look nearly as cute as yours with your collections and vignettes. I need to work on mine I think. That is so neat that you do the Farmer's market too. Candy, I'm another one who does tablescapes for my "imaginary" friends. DH will only eat at the table when we have company--rest of the time he prefers to eat in front of the tv. Karen, I didn't do a table, but I did glue a little cheese tray and glass dome on a pedestal and decorate it--can I get any points for that? ;o) Kathleen, the rooster napkins like in your photo that you shared with me are some of my favs. We don't do sit down breakfast often, but I like to just sit the table and display them on the plates because they look so cute.

Debbie I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I know how you feel. I lost my mother 2 1/2 years ago and it took me some time to get over her. I am not an attorney, so I cannot give you advise. I am sure your attorney will be able to give you the advise you are looking for. My mother was 60 years old and September 24th was the day her and my father were married. My mother had kidney failure, strokes, high blood pressure and diabetes. I remember her telling me a few months before she passed that she was tired of suffering and wanted to move onto to the next life. I cried with her and told her that we needed her and I did not want her talking like that. A friend of mine told me that if I were in her shoes what would I want? I then decided that I was being selfish and I would not want to live my life that way. My mother had a living will and she made the choice for us to not have her on a ventilator. That was easier for us. We were all in the room encouraging her to move on to the next life and believe me it was tough. Tears are running down my eyes as I am writing this to you. I miss her and love her so much. Set up a shrine somewhere in your home and decorate with things she enjoyed in her life. My pain was shifted about 2 1/2 months ago, Dec. 1st, 2006, when my 20 year old son was killed in a construction accident. Dominick was my baby boy. He was my Christmas baby, because he was born on Christmas. This past Christmas he was to turn 21 and boy was he excited about that. I ask the Lord every day why he took my son and not me? Again, there is a reason for why things happen and we never expect it to happen to us. Keep your father occupied and bring the family closer with weekend gatherings. That seems to help us with our loses. I will pray for you and your family. Ascencion

As long as I get some strawberry shortcake I'm happy. Going to my oldest's for dinner. They asked what I want and all I could think of was asparagus or brussel sprouts. Need to think of an entree . I'm just happy I'm not the cook . It's been wonderful my youingest daughter has been cooking since I started chemo and trying new things. Seniorgal, the drive sounds wonderful . Growing ue we did Sunday drives with all of us piled in the car . Drives through North Jersey with fall colors and stopping for apples or ice cream. Some nice music on the radio ... have a wonderful ride today . Whether it's time to yourself or spending with family , I hope all of you enjoy Mother''s Day !