Thanks to all! Your words of praise only stoke the flames that result in better ideas. Today, I spent about 5 hours "resetting" a couple areas that just weren't working. I know the plants that I need for those spots. Later this year it should be done. I expect the outcome to be magnificent. A conifer garden is like a huge etch-a-sketch. Every now and then it just needs a good shaking. ~Dave

where did you find 'Cave Hill,' Sam? That's one I should probably put on my radar screen. Please post another pic when it's fully leafed out. Right now it looks pretty clumpy and irregular. If it's like that year-round then it's a real winner. 'Haley Bop.' Superlatives don't exist for this plant. Glad to see you got one. It deserves a place of honor in every great conifer collection. ~Dave

hellion! you got it! we lived there for about 10 years and after we moved away and when friends would come visit, they would bring doggie bags from beltline bar....lol. we would stand in line however long it took to get seated then waddle out of there. glad someone else had the same pleasure. sam's joint had great ribs also. did you ever go to the corner bar in rockford for chili dogs? would love to have that recipe.

Have a great birthday, Haley. Do we call you our Big Bopper? (do some of you remember that singer? " ... you're what I LIKE!") ole joyful