Janis, it is so apparent every time that you post just how special Neil's and your relationship has been and continues to be. Wish everyone could be so lucky - this world would be much happier all way around. My DH is also my "bestest" friend, the love of my life and as you said, will be loved and cared for here at home, rather than a nursing home, with all the love, dignity and comfort I can give him should the need arise. After all, he would have his own private RN on top of the other benefits! Several of you who post regularly on this site should write books of your lives. I think you would be surprised at how much people would enjoy reading them. Mwheel, DH of "going on" 47 years knows better than to send me cut roses - he had better send the rose bush! Mary

The ants are not hurting it but the aphids are. Aphid poo is sweet and ants like to eat it, so they protect and "farm" aphids. The aphids suck juices out of your plant which can damage it. Spray off the aphids, as esh suggested.

Thank you all so much. Re the "packaged" picture frame. I got the idea from an office decorating contest we had at work. The contest was not so much the quality of the decorating, but which one looked the most "Christmasy". The winners had decorated every single item in their office, including stuff on the walls. They covered the art work with gift wrap and bow, and that was my inspiration. (mine is actually a picture of some lilies). luvs, re the opened package, LOL! The gift was from a friend who wanted to see me open it!

DD learned from Dick & Jane books in kindergarten & had a terrific teacher, 1st grade I waited about a month wondering why she wasn't in advanced reading class since she could read almost anything, some of names of kids threw her off, teacher listened to her after I left & she ended up helping other kids learning to read in morning & then in advance class in afternoons. Books were same size too so I think she wondered where all her old friends in other books disappeared to, I went to principal & got the school to change to teaching all out of same company's books as 1 company would have say 20 new words in their book & same level reading the other book would have many more new words. Not fair to kids to go back & forth from 1 yr to next because they might have a lot of catching up to do if they were in the "slower" series the year before.