WARNING: In an attempt to enlighten, the following post may/will quote and/or copy verbatim portions of text that are copyrighted by individuals and business concerns that in at least one instance are not native to the United States of America. The miscreant begs the forbearance of concerns local and abroad displeased or injured by his well meant actions. "Light is the only plant food. All the other things we give a plant are just to help it digest and use the light. The more light a plant gets the bigger and fatter it will become, provided all other needs are being met. If there is not enough light, nothing else will make the plant bigger or produce more." That quote comes from a British hydroponic gardening website which link was furnished by RP1, a regular contributor. I grabbed it because it says in one succinct paragraph everything I try to say in six. I couldn't help but notice this line from fatplants last post "I won't be able to keep them outside in the shade much longer because temps..." With the opening quote in mind, shade is an absence of light. It can be the total absence of light or it can be partial but usually it leans more to total than not, regardless of what it seems to our eyes. Porches are not good places to grow orchids unless carefully studied for light supply. That opaque 100% shade roof makes only the low angle early morning/late afternoon sun available and because of other structures nearby those light sources may be absent to some degree. FP also says that "it is a phal. I know I can easily maintain it's temp. requirements, not so much the others." Which others? Phals don't have particulary 'easy' temp requirements for Zone 7. Yes during the height of summer but not at any other time of year. Most any other orchid you can name will be more willing to poke along for months at typical household temps (~70F) than phalaenopsis. Mehitabel says, "With orchids, you're always having to make judgment calls on what conditions to provide. Decisions, decisions..." 'Aint that the truth. But allow me to offer some simplification: for much less money than a mini-GH one can buy and operate a small light fixture with a 42W CFL light in it and this will prove of much more utility in regrowing roots and keeping life in indoor plants of all kinds. Every few months another orchid grower goes out of business. If orchid growers would recognize and promote the value of indoor lighting the way they promote their wares the future of the hobby and by extension, their livelihoods would be much more robust. H

Vic, why did your basil die? I started them in potting mix in gr house and their about 2 in. tall but crowded. Little black gnats? are pretty thick this morn so may try transplanting them today, each in their own 1/2 gal pot. Can't remember the natural rem. for gnats. I need to know what you did wrong so I won't duplicate that. Not selfish am I?

Very cute bag for a very cute little girl with a thoughtful mom. I hope all is just a memory now and you are feeling great. Jayne

Love all the ideas--thank you all! Rubyclaire - I absolutely love that tote but the color we'd have liked is the beige. Neither of us like red and well, a white tote would be a disaster (for me, at least). Maire-cate, my ted baker also has a very noticeable plastic smell. I love the floral print though! Ice cream is such a beautiful thing-- thanks for thinking of us but alas, neither of us can eat it. :( Sue - I really want to get her pjs but she doesn't wear them. We definitely know the city-- but maybe a fun map with some of my favorite spots marked. Some funky stores and boutiques, a spa, a movie theater, my fav pizza spot, my fav sangria, etc.. .along with some gift cards. I don't think I will be going out much but I am sure going to encourage her to go out. Thanks for the ideas-- I especially wanted a mix of prices and splurge levels so this was a big help. On the positive side, a few things standing in my way for a July surgery are starting to move (I've had a hard time getting the drs together on a pre- and post-op protocol required for genetic blood disease I have). The only remaining hurdle is that my father may need surgery July (one more serious than mine). If that happens, I'll postpone to August.