Yes that is the 2,11 carat Diamond I bought on an auktion. The price was reasonable compared to buying the diamond in Antwerp where diamonds of similiar size cost between $13000-20000 depending on colour, clarity, and cut. Only problem was that I had to ask for her ring size so I could have it mounted on a ring with the correct size. So it does not come as surprise, she knew I asked for a reason. Had I gone to a regular jewelrystore I would not have been able to afford such a big diamond. Btw did you know that the Briliant cut of a diamond produces 8 arrows and 8 hearts seen from below? I hope she will like it?

You know Kristy I'm not sure Santa thought Barry was good enough to get a little something.LOL (just teasing) But I'm not sure Barry has a chimney. Santa may have to find another way to deliver something to him. No Barry we were not able to get you one of those girls that work at Hooters. We tried but the were all taken. Shoot, I'm not even sure he knows what a Hooters girl is. LOL They may only be in TEXAS. I think if Santa does have something for Barry he may just toss it out of his sleigh as he's flying over on Christmas Eve. Gee, Barry I do hope you get some little something. It's not alot of fun looking in from the outside. The fireplace is so warm and the hot chocolate with marshmellows, and homemade chocolate chip cookies is so yummy.Not to mention all the brugs and seeds that are being shared. Linda, I would dearly love a couple of those pink daffs. I do have a field next door to me of plain old fashion daffs. I have dug up about a truck load and planted them around everything. The neighbor has a field full of them and he doesn't want or like them. So he said I could have all I want. Now doesn't that just figure, someone that has them doesn't want them. He probably has about a 5 acre field of them. The past two years I've gone and dug a bunch up and shared them with other people. You would be surprised how many of them things you can get in a flat rate box. They are buried pretty deep and it's alot of work for an older woman. (grin) But I would dig you some if you wanted me to Linda. Merry Christmas everyone, Love Marian

Jane- I like the idea of sphagnum over the roots instead. I'm in NE Ohio, and have two orchids, indoors only. It's not dry here, so I'm not worried about the roots drying out, like when we lived in AZ. Yes, I would've waited normally until spring but I had the feeling I had to do it soon or I would have rot. 99% sure I was correct. There were two roots that were black on the tips, and I cut those tips off. The rest were green with a couple that were light yellow on the inner portion. Sadly I did not take any right after washing the roots. At the very least I gave it my best shot. My guess is it will be a while before it thinks of flowering again. That's ok, I'd rather have a healthy plant. Funny- I thought sphagnum was the enemy of orchids. Tropicbreezent- yes, I keep getting new leaves and they look healthy so far. Orchids are addicting. My husband says, good thing you ran out of space (Pfft....like that would really ever happen......lol).

LOL, 2many, I think Sriracha tastes like vinegar and hot peppers, but can't taste any other flavors. I'm a wimp, I like just a little heat but I don't want the enamel on my teeth to bubble. I think if it's so hot I can't enjoy the flavors of the food, it's kind of pointless, but Elery loves heat, the hotter the better. That is one mean looking panty liner, BTW. (grin) Sleevendog, I found a similar potato in my storage: I left it propped up on the counter for Elery to find and he didn't even notice it, LOL. So much for that Valentine's Day thought! Thanks for the sriracha tip on hummus, Elery would love that. I suppose I could just mix it in at the end, so the entire batch isn't "contaminated"? (snicker) AnnT, the steak looks delicious, as always, and although I don't care for very many hot chilies I love peppercorns. It's a different kind of heat. Annie