Thank you all once again for kind thoughts and encouragement. saintpfla ~ Dabbling in photography is fun that is for sure. I've taken a few night shots too with old camera and look forward to trying it with this one. The macro with this camera is 150 cm (W) (0.4 in.Â1.6 ft. (W)). I was right down on the flowers. There is a lot to read in these manuals, I just plod along and practice. It's a learning experience and a fun one at that. treefrog ~ I've also tried to capture the color of the blue sage with old camera and never could. There are a couple of roses I had the same trouble with, so I hope they come out truer with this new camera as the blue sage did. Evelyn ~ You are so right about picture taking being addicting, almost as addicting as some flowers are. : -) Ambersky ~ I looked up what you thought the purple unknown might be and I'm not sure. Someone else told me something else and that didn't quite look right either. I'll try to get out tomorrow to take a picture of leaves and flowers so you all can see the whole thing. You could be right though. Nancy ~ It is a long time isn't it? I think of you everytime I'm around the two roses you gave me, Smith's Parrish, and I think the name of the other one is Old Blush, which is in the main garden and doing terrific. Thank you again for giving them to me. It was nice meeting you also and having a little visit at 2Jay's. I've worked at my job yesterday and again today, so haven't been out to take more pictures. I'm off tomorrow so maybe I can get out to shoot some more then. Thanks again for encouraging me to get out and take more pictures. I always enjoy seeing everyone's beautiful gardens and flowers. I get inspired to get out and work in my tropical/cottage gardens. FlowerLady

Like a couple of others here, I had no idea of what this was about. So I followed their lead & went to 'conversations.' I am astounded! ! ! Wonderful progress in such a short time! Congratulations, Bob and Judith! That definitely IS a fantastic birthday present. It brought tears to my eyes. You are both now in my thoughts and prayers. Rusty

The Rain Lilies sound neat! They sound like determined little guys. Its cool that you were able to recognize and preserve a part of your house's history. I have found all kinds of weird things here. There are hurricane lilies both white and red that pop up all over the front yard. I tried moving a few of the red ones into the flower bed then the chickens discovered they were yummy to eat so I am not sure if they will come back up lol. I think I will leave the others out there. The other day I saw some other type of tall strappy leaves that look like some kind of lily but not a crinum (at least doesn't look like the others I found). I will have to wait and see what it blooms into. ~sjn

Thank you Dev, Chris, and Bob! I'll ask for the mango farm next year Bob! ;-). Chris...he funded the tree...I bought it and told him he bought me a great present and watched his puzzled expression...