I am so glad that it got there okay and that you like it. The tibouchina grandiflora (Princess Flower) will have large round leaves (up to 9 inches) that are have silvery fur on both sides. It has the same purple flowers as the regular Princess Flower and same growing requirements. Yours will look like the one in this photo. They are frost tender. http://centralfloridagarden.com/favorites/tibouchina.html The Strictocardia (Hawiian Bell Vine) is a vigorous grower and makes pretty hot pink flowers with a yellow center, my mother plant has buds on it right now, so it likes to bloom the most in the fall but sometimes will bloom sporadically the rest of the year. They will need protection if it freezes. I would prob. wait till spring to plant in them in the ground. They will both need afternoon shade in TX. The raccon village figurine is from my dd. She saw them and wanted to get it for you and bought it with her own $ lol! She thought they were so cute. Then I had to also get her a redneck xmas cd because she wanted one too when she saw yours LOL! I plant those pink and white sweet potato vines under the brugs for ground cover. They look especially good with pink and white brugs and will climb up the trunks with a little coaxing. They are frost tender so I usually bring in a few cuttings in the winter to keep them from dying out. ~Lenette Here is a link that might be useful: Stictocardia beraviensis

Shelley, what a terrific swap box Pam sent you. The theme is so cute. Love your "man" in the apron. I look forward to seeing that beautiful dish show up in your dinner photos. Just so you know Shelley, you aren't the only one that worries about all of those things you mentioned. I think that everyone that participates has the same worries. Ann

Great package! Love the penzey's stuff! I picked up a small container of the creamy peppercorn dressing mix last time I was there but I have yet to try it (had to use up all my other salad dressing stuff first!!) Everything else sounds great too -- esp. the eggplant pesto!! Looking forward to pix!

I also love that bowl - it's great. And the edible goodies are mouthwatering. That's supposed to be The Word on Italian Cooking. I have the book, but have been too daunted to know where to start. Marcia - please do post any recipes you try on the discussions thread. And for the rest of you who have this book, please let me know which recipes you recommend. With over 1200 (and no editorial comments), I don't know where to start. Enjoy it all. Lynn.