Thyme, I had to smile when I saw the word peaceful, right behind the fence in the first picture is a 4 lane highway. But you know after living here for 45 years we're used to the traffic noise. I love to go sit up by that little pool late at night with a cup of coffee, the traffic has usually died down by then and you can here the other night sounds. That little bench is situated between two small beds, there's a gravel path in front of them which runs from my pergola to the enclosed area where the first picture was taken, on the other side of this path is a longish perennial bed. This section of my garden is behind the garden shed seen in the second picture. I'm still scratching my head over what I'm going to do with this whole section, I want to keep a lot of the plants but the two smaller beds are being dug several time over the next couple of years to get rid of the cursed couch grass. The long bed isn't bad so hopefully will get that done in the fall. I wish I had a magic wand to wave but I can't seem to find one. Me thinks a lot of constructive staring will be done before the my light bulb comes on. I think climate change has a lot to do with the browning of my saucer magnolia blooms, just when they start to open we get some heavy frosts and then rain, rain, rain. Our springs have changed drastically from what they were when we first moved here. On the other hand my stellata magnolia that has grown into a small tree, blooms a little later and most years it's lovely. Annette

Good Luck with the move! Will be waiting to hear from you...and see lots of pictures. Hugs to you and John!

We'll be in Boston the week of Dec 17 to meet up with my 19 yo son who is currently out of the country but will be in Boston that week. That's the reason we've picked the dead of winter to visit Boston which otherwise I know would be crazy! It will be me, my husband, my 16 yo son and my 19yo son. Most of the tourist attractions I've been finding on the internet (other than museums) will be closed and I was hoping to get some good indoor ideas of alternative things to do. We will do a couple of museums but can't do six days of that! We'll be staying at the Mariott Copely, and don't plan to rent a car if we can avoid it. Also looking for restaurant ideas which will accomodate my vegetarian son. Thanks for any and all ideas, suggestions, etc!

Thanks. Patti I'm just nervous because I have never been to this fest before. I've heard a lot about it though. Once I am there and set up I will be fine. Temps are supposed to be 53 degrees, sunny but at least no rain (for now). Will dress warm and have a thermos with me. DH is going to drop me off and then go home. No sense in him sitting there for 8 hours. Oh...my other strategy is if they buy a large painting I will throw in a free 8x10. SamKaren your resident DJ