Ken, BK took the words right out of my mouth. It is a treat to just go and see a growing hosta right in front of my eyes. Instant gratification, even with the condition I test each one for HVX. And to be truthful, I forgot to look at the price. When I want something, how well it satisfies my need to have it, trumps price....unless it happens to be a Mercedes. :) EAH, I notice that the description for most of Plant Delights Nursery hosta mention "hummingbird favorites". I do not think it requires a fragrance. Hummers supposedly love the red flowers best, so perhaps purple/lavender blossoms work as well. Most of the large plantaginea family blossoms open later in the day, so I could not estimate if that makes them better or worse as a hummer attractor.

How wonderful!! A friend painted a picture of my old barn (at our other place) as a surprise for me. She even included two of the horses in it....which was a little funny because they were boarded horses, not mine, but it is a treasure and I so appreciate it.

You say you've threatened to call the cops if they physically hurt their sister... it sounds like you may have to do more than threaten if it ever happens again. Physical abuse is a crime, and I don't think you have to be 18 to be accountable. There is a very clear line of what can and can't be condoned, talked through or otherwise worked out and physical abuse is over that line. The boys need to know very plainly and in no uncertain terms that if they hurt the girls or anyone else, they will be picked up by the cops. As for the other stuff (lying, refusing to do chores), well, obviously that's harder to deal with because it's more vague. But I think it's safe to say that in most human dealings, the best way to influence or improve somebody's behavior is to make it real unpleasant for them to continue what they're doing... to make it in their interest to change their behavior. And let them know the deal so there is no surprise or uncertainty so that if they choose to misbehave they have no one to blame for the repercussions they suffer but themselves. It may not prove a foolproof method, but I'd guess it's worth a try. Like for example: "Dude, you are NOT going to like what happens if I hear you call your sister a bad name again, because you're not going to like scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush and vinegar at 5:00 in the morning. Your choice." Or: "yeah I know you don't really feel like doing the dishes. And I don't really feel like cooking you dinner or paying for your phone either. If you back out on your promises and contributions to the family, I guess others in the family have a right to back out on their promises and contributions to you. It's much better for all of us if we all pitch in and do things to help each other out. But again, your choice." You as the step-parent who isn't even living full-time with the step-kids REALLY don't have to do anything for them. Their mom obviously has to provide a basic decent level of care and make sure there's food in the house for them to eat, etc. But at their age she doesn't have to cook it! There are plenty of "extra" things you and she can leverage and refuse to do for them until they learn to behave decently, without running the risk of being negligent parents. In the meantime, though, do proceed with family counseling. Even though the boys' behavior desperately needs changing, it sounds like there are some genuine adjustment problems and anger issues that need to be addressed. Especially with the older boy, who sadly sounds like he has had a lot in his life to be angry about. He just can't be allowed to continue expressing it in the ways that he has been.

About time you showed yourself Lady! I've missed you but you do have a good excuse - I guess...... I wasn't here for awhile either but now I am back. Love your stained glass picture! I signed up to take classes a few years ago and before the doors opened up the shop folded. I was very disappointed to say the least. LOL I used to collect small stained glass pieces to hang on the pane of my windows but I broke them all - now the ones I have hanging are plastic (but I don't tell anyone that) LOL I hope you won't be away again for long. Anne