Gibbet Hill is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! We went there for Thanksgiving last year and it was superb. And we had a window seat looking out on to rolling hills and black angus cattle. Delightful! I have been there a half dozen times also since their opening. THe food is terrific. Staff friendly and very competent. And they were like this since day 1. Very impressive. (with prices to match unfortunately) They do functions too, but haven't been to one yet. They get sooooo busy, that reservations have to be made way in advance. And Sat nights they don't even take them except for large parties. Maybe its not so bad now that the novelty has worn off a bit. I went to an herb sale at Herb Lyceum once. no biggie, but I'm not especially into herbs.

As it is just next door... yes. Most famous for its tulips but also other bulb flowers is the "Keukenhof" -- try this link: http://www.keukenhof.nl/ The area in between Amsterdam and Lisse is plastered with bulb producing nurseries, but the Keukenhof is surely the most spectacular to visit. Check out their indoor flower shows, too, like for example "·20 April till 25 April Daffodils, Iris, Special Bulbous Plants". Depending on the amount of time and the means of transport which you'll have during your stay, you might find a way to other Narcissus festivals in the neighbour countries, for example the "Fete des Jonquilles" in Gerardmer / France, on 16th / 17th of April (http://www.societe-des-fetes-gerardmer.org/fete2005.htm). Another interesting event is the "Genter Floralien" in Belgium (http://www.floralien.be/DE/index.aspx). Only a short trip over the German border and you can see the beautiful private garden Lucenz-Bender, which is famous for its narcissus collection. (http://lucenz-bender.de/gartenpforte.htm). Sorry, the site is only in German, you can catch an impression with the link "Gartenansichten" > Frühling. They open their garden doors on 30th of April / 1st of May. Europe is tiny, you can easily reach many places within a few hours of travelling.

Andy: Here are some addresses in France you might try to contact for information on France: They helped me when i was seeking info there! claire,lelann,webmestrie@marie-mayenne.fr cleboleux@jouve.fr (you may have to include his first name: Christophe.) didiermagnan@esiea-quest.fr joelsurcouf@wanadoo.fr I was searching for information on one of the towns in france that our army group liberated in WW II. Those folks sent me lots of info, photos, and other things. They even recorded me telling my story i had written about when i was there, and then broadcast it on the radio in that area! One of the people whose address is above, heard it on the radio, and wrote to me about it! Try these names--might be able to get you some information on the area you mentioned! by: Rustyj p.s. give them my name: J.M.Hammitt

We have a local pediatrician that does di-chro jewelry. He wears pins and stuff everyday at work and has given lots of it to his nurses and receptionists, who also wear it frequently. He gets lots of questions about the jewelry, and people always want to know where he gets it (most of what he wears is very whimsical). Several years ago he began to have an open house at his own home in early December to sell his jewelry (he and his daughter make it all). They invited their co-workers and friends and just served cookies, crackers, cheese, and punch. They told everyone to bring friends. Every year it has grown and last year they probably had a few hundred people go through their doors. I love his stuff and do lots of gift buying there every year, buying about 20 pieces per year. They now have picture frames, serving utensils, sculptures, and lots of jewelry priced mostly from $10-100, but some a little more. People get there early, waiting outside, to get first pick of everything. Most everyone there purchases at least $100 or more. I get compliments on his jewelry all year long and tell people where it comes from and they ask how they can get invited to this "exclusive" party. I just tell them to call his clinic and they will give them the date and time.