I'm a newbie, too, Jay. I'd love to see your photos. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I get some brown stems. It has been very pleasant & sunny during the day, but cold at nite. The apple gourds are still on the vine! There are lots of gourds, but only 2 or 3 that I think have a chance at maturity. Or, is it too late already?

Ruth , Thank you so much for the gift of he Farmer's Almanac and the lovely butterfly card! Love them both! I usually always buy one, but hadn't this year! Thrilled to get it! Card is gorgeous! Thank you!

Babs, I was at Arnold Arboretum last weekend for the first time in about 15 years. [g]. I now have to go more often. I want to go after snow and then in the spring too. I saw a Fothergilla by the entry gate, that was planted in 1934 and it was in excellent shape. And an 'Elizabeth' Magnolia that was huge. I did not know how large they get. I hope I can get there to see it bloom. I've been wanting a witch hazel for the longest time. I think I have a place for it, but it's not full sun. I think that has to go on my list for the spring. 'Arnold's Promise' seems to be the one i want, but I do like that 'Winter Champagne', Claire. I really want fragrance and big flowers. OH, right - leaf retention. I really don't want leaf retention. Now I remember why I haven't bought one yet. [g] The only thing I have blooming indoors right now, is Rosemary. I can't find my camera. I should be finishing up my seed order right now, but I'm going around in circles, on what to order from who. Oh well, back at it.

Jeanne. Thanks so much for hosting especially with your busy schedule. I enjoyed participating. No worries about prizes here either. I did find out about the mug. It came from my coworker. I volunteered to work extra hours for two weeks on a special project that was usually done by our team lead but she was out with Covid and the other person that assisted had retired. So we took the lead to get it done and she sent me the mug out of gratitude for my help. She is the nicest person. I am fortunate to be part of a great team. It’s like working with family where I work and it was such a sweet and unanticipated gesture. She said she had wanted to send me flowers but with the prices and added delivery it would have been too costly. So she opted for the mug with flowers instead. She knows I am an avid gardener and it was a perfect and thoughtful gift. I will be posting the March FOTESS activity soon.