My idiot neighbors never controlled, watched, or interacted with their idiot 10 year old son (unless you consider their screaming-his-name-at-the-top-of-their-lungs-in-the-middle-of-the street-as-a-method-for-calling-for-his-attention "interaction"). So, given the appropriate tools of destruction...fireworks and lighter, free time and no supervision...he proceeded to shoot fireworks at my house and light the accumulation of dried up materials in my gutter on fire. He's lucky he could run faster than me. I'm lucky he could run faster than me. I would have pulled a "my mother" on him and he would have never touched a firework or lighter or come anywhere near my yard again. Of course, I'd be in jail and not telling you this story right now, so maybe it was a win-win that he took off running. I digress. I stormed over to his house and, in my pent up fury and naturally occurring Irish-temper, let his pitiful excuse for a mother have a verbal lashing that would have shamed my own mother, whilst searing through her skin with my maniacal blazing eyes of fury. Never had that problem again and shortly thereafter they moved. Sometimes it pays to be nice and sometimes it doesn't. Only you will know what works best with this person you've had time and experience with. I wish you the best of luck. And, if needed, I'd be happy to come over and out-crazy her anytime. Sometimes I just need to blow off a little steam. ;)

DISCLAIMER: ridiculously wordy post below! Advance apologies! My belated thanks to you all for your compliments, and for the laughs--maybe I should start calling Donna S "Mad Max" or "Wonder Woman" LOLOL Nothing cracks me up more than recalling memories of our collective 70s-80s past :) K, do you suppose my cousin would KILL me for recollecting on here how he used to stick a towel in the back of his shirt, and then spin himself around like WW? LOL!!! (But not me...I never did that...nope, nope...) OK, Jen, speaking of dating one's self: I am so freaking clueless when it comes to computer issues--I have absolutely no idea how to make my photos larger! Perhaps you can help me--you use Flickr too, right? I'm all ears :) To your question, Jen, Donna S was sluggish to come out of dormancy this past spring--by the time she did, two of her three tips had sealed over. Those two both eventually branched profusely (4 each, I believe), and on one of those two, the biggest new branch popped an inflo. The second inflo is on the tip that did not seal over. Clearly, this tree wants to put out flowers...and I ain't complainin'! K, you next: beer and snails?...discuss... :) Mona, how totally cool that you work at a plant farm!!! I'm jealous. BTW I'm 40 exactly, so my family relation with you would I suppose depend on how young you would have become a mom LOL that's YOUR call, not mine haha :) but son, brother, good either way! :) So sorry to hear about your Charlotte E, but how nice to hear of the generosity of Tally in sending you a replacement! Sending a shout out and a thank-you to her too! Simi, thank you for your kind words. Haleakala is a stunner, for sure--I'm tickled with it. Tell you what--if Haleakala continues to be unavailable in the years ahead (which would be a real pity, gotta say), reach out to me...perhaps we will be able to arrange a trade. Based on your lovely photos, I am certain that you have some beauties that I might be interested in! Deal? Lynn, like I always say on here: we addicts help each other remain in denial by continuing to enable each others' addictions. You don't have to thank me LOL it's my pleasure :) Besides, your amazing collection has made my own wish list considerably longer too mmmkay? ;) Kim--thanks, and please, please post photos of your Titanic when that ship comes in!! I coveted that lovely flower and bid on it multiple times in past years but never came out on top. Peg, thanks to you as well, and you'll be pleased to know that your Veracruz Rose is becoming a lovely little baby tree :) It was probably all the better for our waiting on the shipping. You'll have Christmas at Thanksgiving in St. Pete!! :) So exciting, right? Brian: thanks! Do you have Waimea? It really is one of the best, both in appearance and in scent. Houston: I giggled when I saw your post, and appreciate the kind addition to my Bat-post LOL I have been admiring your gorgeous photos as well! Shame on me for not adding my compliments to your post. Good work! OK, call me Mr. Diarrhea of the Mouth...I'll wrap this up, but, I appreciate everyone's insightful comments on the topic of general growth habit as our trees age. Next season will be the year where the majority of my collection will turn 3 (so, so many bought in the frenzy of 2010--yeowza!) and I hope and pray that I will be able to report next year at this time that year 3 is when our trees "stop the madness" and become adults, thereafter growing slowly and modestly. If it turns out that they continue to grow as fast as they have so far, I'm gonna have a big problem on my hands! Holy hugeness! In closing: here's a phone camera pic of Haleakala from early this morning-- as Jen aptly says: THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!! Have a great week, all. Greg

That's not what I expected. lol But pretty cool. I put up a clear, stick on the window feeder today. I haven't had it out in years. It takes them awhile to find it and start using it. I have two other feeders out though and have really been enjoying them.

Done lots of these engines. They have a problem with the intake gaskets. You might be lucky. I'm sure that year of engine also has aluminium heads. I know the 96 does. working on that engine is no different that any other. just a lot more stuff to remove before you see the heads. That engine may have a roller cam and if it does DO NOT mix up the push rods or you smash the motor. Just a suggestion. DO NOT change just one head gasket if you take it apart. You are asking for trouble and get the manual for it. That engine could also have an aluminium manifold that only takes 10 lbs. torque and the bolts use lock tite. Again get the manual and all proper tools, or send it out. P.S. That engine is easy to work on. well to me anyway. Try a 3.8 in a Taurus. Good luck