Your snowflakes may flower this coming spring. However, they can take a while to settle in. As flora says, they are great for naturalising. If I were to compose a planter and wanted crocuses I think I'd include something like Chionodoxa, and maybe miniature Narcissus, or one of the tougher fritillaries such as assyriaca because - both the snowflakes and the bluebells produce lots of juicy leaves which, when they are finishing, tend to smother whatever is under them. And they multiply faster than rabbits. Much. So other bulbs can be monstered. One way around it is to plant up in separate pots and use the big container as a cache pot. When the little bulbs have done their run you can take out their pot and replace them with something else. Bluebells do well in dappled light. Snowflakes are fine out in the open - even in pasture. Many crocuses prefer an open environment - good sun and fresh air, and good drainage, with very little in the way of competition from other plants' leaves. Something else you might like, but could be too late for this year, are the small Irises - reticulata, etc, and Anemone blanda which gives a good show over a longish time.

"glad to know it wasnt just us that got cold... it hit 45 here and youd have thought it was going to be 10 below by the way people were dressed :) " HAHAHAHAHA Galveston! Same here! When I drove to work on Wednesday AM, I saw people huddled outside with big huge blankets wrapped around themselves, winter knit hats, and even a few of those ski mask head hats! Unbelievable! But...dont look yet...late next week is looking to be colder :-(

Nana, it's easy to miss some detail but I think you covered most of it. Thanks, I will try to post more later. Mom's snowman wall hanging always brings a smile. So you had a dreary day today? My favorite winter days are ones when the sun comes out. PM, I should of ask what kind of dinnerware to add before I posted this! Did you notice the cups? The white tavern-style stoneware plates would match perfectly. Thanks, now I know what to use for my next ts with the pewter. Your depression dish BF bought for you sounds like a really nice piece. How about a picture? Here's your close up of the cake plate. Candy, your so sweet but I think you give me more credit than I deserve when putting my ts together. Most of the time I really just fly by the seat of my pants. Jeanne, I haven't felt bad. Just so busy with the businesses my decorating has been put on the back burner. I love it that you enjoy the odd things I throw in. I have a couple of smore cups that match the candles but couldn't use them. Thanks so much everyone for all the sweet comments. Stay warm and safe. Punk

5-Star is the company which made Viking. Five Star, built by the Brown Stove Co., is a new improved version of the original Viking line. Brown produced the Viking line for several years and when their relationship ended, Brown Stove introduced the Five Star into the market. I have read many reviews regarding the new Viking line as being as crap. I was also told by a high end appliance store that 5-star wasn't very good quality, but he also said that Viking wasn't quality and that I should go with a GE or DCS. Since I don't want stainless (gasp! imagine!) I don't have alot of choices. Lacanche my first choice is pretty much out of my range price-wise. Viking offers colors, but they are crap now - then I'm left with 5-star. American Range as mentioned above is only gas and I want dual fuel. I think I am going with the 5-star!