Hi Purple, What was the name of the flower book again? I can't find the thread. I just ordered a couple items on Amazon, wish I had the name of the novel before...'free shipping @ 24.00.' Purple, as for vacation, 1st, money is a problem right now. I probably shouldn't bring this up, but I'm semi-agoraphbic..long story. I need two surgeries, one major, but detest being hospitalized..I panic. Another long story. Days are getting longer so awaiting spring/summer is something positive to look foreward to. But, thanks for the offer, 'IF we lived closer.' :) After sending, I'll check your link. Yep, I agree..if you go camping, you don't want to be a skip and jump from civilization. Cujo's Island, lol, was very secluded..the only sounds we heard were wildlife, 'crickets/frogs/birds,' tree leaves brushing from the breeze. NO people whatsoever..for miles and miles. Are Apr nights warm enough? No spiders, yep, go in Apr. :) Wow, what a story! You're all exited about camping, but can't leave people stranded. Well, you guys tried..that's the point. Some people would have driven by w/o a second glance. Having to unload the car is enough work, then spending an hour trying to get their truck going! Chalk up one for you and dh. Purple, our trips to and from were a tad cramped..An understatement. Cujo was a Rottweiler. Can't recall his exact weight, (over 100lbs) but he was large, took a good portion of the back seat. Mike and brother were huddled close so Cujo had enough room. lol. We didn't have a truck, drove down in a car..thank God it wasn't my old Fiero. lol. Michael, 'son' and my brother would sometimes come along. But, we did have a lot of fun..many happy memories, back then. Dogs are not allowed to run free in IL either, but because of the location, 'isolated,' Cujo could swim and run free..He'd never go far from us anyway..Rotts are very very protective to their family, loyal. Maybe when you go camping in Apr, you'll be far away from people and can allow your dog to walk w/o a leash?? I agree, dogs should not run free in most areas. Yep, who wants to step in dog poop? lol. Some people don't care where their dogs poop or pee. One spring, I just planted tiny annuals in the front garden. A woman down the street was walking her dog. I watched from the window w/o her seeing me. There goes her dog..lifts his leg and pee's on my newly planted plants. This happened more than once, so that day I stepped outside and explained, 'nicely,' the plants her dog was PISSING on are babies..and will die! Well, sort of nice. LOL, there's another thing fish do in water. :) I didn't know salt water softened hair..you're lucky. Too bad Lake MI is fresh water..although I wouldn't exactly call it fresh. I have faith in salt..unless too much is injested. It's great for certain ailments. Purple, what do you mean? You have a wonderful voice...Do you sing to your plants? :) No matter what some say, plants like all types of music, including Rock. I really hope you and your family enjoy your trip..have you started writing a list of supplies? Larry...Do you have one SADS light or is your home filled w/bulbs? I once looked into winter lighting, 10-15-yrs ago..8,000.00! lol. I can imagine the cost nowadays. One time, we bought an alleged SADS light bulb..I placed the bulb in a ceiling fixture..Let me tell you, I felt SADDER w/this bulb..it was literally eerie. A blue halo surrounded the bulb..the room looked blue.. Heck, I felt blue. A waste of money. I went to the hardware store, bought and replaced with 150 watt bulb, and felt a little better.. The same thing happens to me in winter. My energy level drops drasticlly..no motivation..heck, watering and misting becomes a chore! Something I normally love doing. Trying to think positive..only, what, 10-weeks until spring! lol. 10-weeks go by fast. Thankfully, daylight is a little longer, well, 1-2 minutes per day longer. At least there's some sun today. They're predicting 40-50F degree this week..Yay!! Thanks Purple and Larry..it really helps talking..luv ya both..Toni

What you describe sounds like it might be aphids and not spider mites. Were there webs on the under side of the leaves? Either one can be killed by spraying with a MILD solution of plain Ivory soap and water, followed after a 10-minute interval with a complete rinse in water at room temp.

Hi Ray, Thank you for asking about ‘Sugar Candy.’ Your question motivated me to put my work aside, seek it out, and also check my Excel data file. Too often I get so wrapped up with work that I forget to take much-needed breaks. This afternoon, I found some surprises. Amidst her leaves, ‘Oriental Lady’ has a scape emerging even though she flowered a few months back. There was also a lush seedpod ready to harvest, which was produced by crossing two striped leaved parents. It is raining here, and I found that the roof leaked in one of my growing areas. Fortunately, the leak only watered pots of winter growing African Amaryllids. Back to your question about ‘Sugar Candy.’ I got the offset bulb in December 2008. It has not flowered for me. However, I trust that it is true to name because of having utmost confidence in the source! The bulb is living in my warmest solarium, is healthy, and still has leaves today. Like ‘Pink Floyd,’ it pulls itself down under the growing medium. Unlike ‘Pink Floyd,’ it appears to be solitary in habit. Seven years is a long time to wait, but I know that eventually my patience will be rewarded. Best, Blanca

No worries! We're always happy to help! Just for clarification, are you getting a modular or a manufactured home? The reason I ask is that you stated it's a "Fairmont modular." I know there is a Fairmont brand manufactured home, but am not aware of a Fairmont modular. That being said, I know very little about names or manufacturers of modular homes, so I'm probably ignorant about Fairmont. The advice given will really fit either situation. In fact, it fits any home being built, including site built. You get what you pay for, you need the best general contractor you can find and whom you trust, and you should educate yourself as much as possible so you can see when something's not right. Have a good homeowner's warranty, and USE it! Christopher-H, I don't think I've seen a picture of your home before. It's lovely! What a serene environment! One thing Joy and I like about our little manufactured home is the quiet and lack of city lights. It's in a very small park, 38 houses all in a row on one side of the street, the other side being woodlands. Most folks here have been here for decades and are aging in place. No troublemakers. We are literally surrounded by farms! (I've never seen a "tractor crossing" or "watch for cattle" sign before!) At night, it's perfectly quiet--no cars, or any human sounds. Just the coyotes howling. And the stars!!! They are SO beautiful here without city lights interfering. I hope you and your DW are still loving it there in your Vermont retreat! Truly lovely! :-)