Well, isnt this just the craziest weather?!! Its 50 out and sunny. Its supposed to rain tonite and then turn to snow with possibly 4-8" by tomorrow am but then go back up into the 40s next week. I got outside this am and weeded my Lamium bed. I cant ever remember the weather being this mild in January. As Sue says, tho, Im sure this is just a temporary reprieve. Well, the good news is that despite being bad yesterday I found a piece of chocolate in the cupboard and caved I dropped 2 lbs. And this am I tried on one of the leather pants outfits and I was only able to get the pants up as far as my knees. So no hope there. The taupe suit however, might be possible. The pants have an expandable waist. I dare not sit in them now b/c the hips arent expandable, lol. I can snap the jacket, but its tight. The jacket is trimmed in taupe suede and fox. It might be a bit out of date, but if I can fit in it, Ill wear it. I wonder where the taupe sweater is to go with it? Trying on those outfits did inspire me to stick with this diet. I'm glad I did it. Babs, your centerpieces sound fabulous! How lucky they have you to do it again for them this year. Youre so creative. Bonus that youre getting paid as a monitor! Deanne, too bad we live so far apart I have an entire wardrobe of really nice stuff you could select from. I only weeded out sizes 4, 6 and 8. I cant believe I ever got down to size 4 yikes! I have a small fortune in "dressy" and "nice casual" clothes from the job. Now I only wear sweats, jeans and t-shirts. In fact, since I retired, Ive only had pantyhose on 5 times! Now thats simply the best! Sorry about the wind damage. Its maddening, I know. We had some earlier this yr and lost a whole panel of lattice on the side of the deck. The Clematis that was on it is laying on the ground. Dont know if it was damaged. Mary, I dont see Ruth as often as during gardening season. But we email from time to time. In fact, we exchanged one this am. Shes really been busy running with the boys and working. Ive already tried to convince her to come to IU3. If any of you guys stay the nite before or after, Im sure shell come over to visit and a sip. Oh poor you, having to try on bathing suits. That's the pits. But just keep focused on the reward for doing it! Ooooooo, Coldwater Creek is having a sale? EB sales, too. Gotta be good, gotta be good, gotta be good. Brenda, Im so sorry you dont have good fresh produce at your markets. Luckily ,thats one thing we do have here is lots of fresh produce. Ive got to run to the store today for some fish and salad greens. They came in fresh yesterday. I still have to do my treadmill thingy and then hope to start a project today. Tomorrow or Sunday if the weather is bad Sat., DH wants to go to the local dog show. Were not planning on bringing anything home, but theyre supposed to have an agility show wed like to see. Well, Im off to get this day underway. Hi to anyone I didnt specifically address! TTYL. Honey

Swept along in a rush of who knows what but wanted to check in. Just got back from a bonzai overnight trip up north to accompany Mitch while he photographed the preview of The Late Show on Thurs evening (twilight or "magic" hour for photography, doncha know), same garden show Kathy attends on Sat. The speaker lineup sounded great, esp. mosaic artist Jeffrey Bale, but had to miss it. West Coast idyll plans sounds great, and maybe I can finally get to one, ya think? I'm so very sorry about your friend, Chelone. Cause for sadness indeed to lose a friend in such a way. And a dollop of extra beatings for the Wrecking Crew for vexing you so. Saw The September Issue, inside look at Vogue/Anna Wintour, and enjoyed it very much. Those who enjoy photography, fabrics and design might find it interesting. Hurray to Brenda & V for meeting up and then telling us all about it, with the requisite photos (and haikus...) PM, what ghastly news. Best wishes to you and your family in such stressful times. Michelle -- your garden knocks me out, but you know that. Sounds like your Mom has all the support she'll need for the upcoming surgery, thank goodness, and from your brief description of her I bet she's the kind of patient that roars back from joint replacement surgeries. I know my mom was such a patient and has done fabulously well with two such surgeries. I'm still missing lots to comment on with this scattershot approach. I did so enjoy the French cat who repeatedly dunked his head under the faucet, and so did Duncan -- I think 'bug may have posted that. Great shot of Mary's girls lined up on the henhouse, with the ringer in the middle. Two of my neighbors are in the special ed dept of the school district, so I know how exhausting that work can be. Honey, sorry your beautiful garden has to have its boundaries redrawn and replanted. What a nuisance. But seeing what you've created, I eagerly look forward to the new "after" photos. Deanne, the bird photos continue to astound, and I enjoyed the before and after photos of your container garden. What a surge of growth you get from those pots in August. Temps continue to cool here, which is a godsend. Ein's fur is growing in on his back where he chewed himself a mohawk when the high temps hit in August, the little dickens. I'm up to my ears in little cat food cans of seedlings that are now sprouting and will need repotting, and it looks like the fall-blooming salvias might give a good show this year. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

Yes, it is Canadian. Jaxon (his real name) played guitar, banjo and a musical saw! LOL He's in his late 30's I would say. The food was finger food.......lots of cheeses, crackers and fruit, wines, beer, apple cider and water to drink. At a brief intermission she brought out the desserts......lots of mini squares, mini pumpkin muffins, cookies, that kind of thing, and the fruit and cheese still. Decaff coffee and regular coffee. It was so much fun, lots of mingling and visiting and talk of music. Jaxon lived in Saskatchewan and moved to Oklahoma City a few years ago. He's married, with a 5 year old, and this is only a couple-week tour. He loves staying in people's homes and socializing. He's very easy to talk to, so easy-going. The hosts do this once a month, so it's a different musician every time. Here is a link that might be useful: Home Routes