Carol, here's the list, and believe it or not, I have NO room left in my garden LOL Obviously, I will have to pare it down, just a little. Thank goodness for pots... Not Available (Yet!) at Pickering/Palatine: Karen Blixen Jardins de Bagatelle Martine Guillot Narzisse Pretty Lady Sri-un Silver Jubilee Truly Yours Urdh Violette Parfumee Available to order: Vick's Caprice Duchesse de Montebello Compte de Chambord Jacqueline du Pre Ispahan Laguna Yolande D'aragon (2nd try - ordered last spring but ended up not being available) Aloha (the Boerner one, not the Kordes) Bride's Dream The author says these are all hardy enough (with a little protection) in zone 5, so hopefully I will be able to grow them here. Wish me luck! Judith

Another thing you can do is occasionally participate in her hobbies. Ask questions, provide assistance, compliments etc. You may not think that she has hobbies, but she probably does. Some women like to shop or decorate and actually those are hobbies for them. So take her shopping. At some point compliment her on her fashion, decorating abilities and then tell her you are planning on a new bed and ask her to help you plan the color scheme. (See how that would fit in with a shopping/decorating hobby?) For some women their hobby is actually housecleaning (not my kind of hobby, but it is some people's) Offer to jump in and help with spring cleaning. Talk to her about organizing a closet, then ask her for ideas about how to make your yard more organized. If she really enjoys cooking, ask her if there are any new vegetables she would like you to try. LOL, if her hobby is photography of course that is easy. You will have lots of subjects, for photography and she might get into planning photogenic areas. If her hobby is bird or butterfly watching, then make sure to plant to attact the wildlife. I guess what I am saying is to try to participate in what she does then try to make connections to what you do. If she feels that you are more interested and appreciative in what she does, it is likely she will reciprocate.

When I first saw all the other gorgeous entries I felt a little like my green caterpillar surrounded by all the beautiful butterflies! I love all the interpretations and everyone did an amazing job! I'm so honored just to be in this group and thank you Marti for coming up with such a fun idea that really brought out a lot of creativity and individuality from everyone. And THANKS to all who voted for me! Your support and kind words mean so much! --Amy

Well, my doctor about had a fit when she first saw this mess but once I explained about the mosquito bites, she calmed down. I am being treated with a round of antibiotics because one area of the arm is presenting exactly like cellulitis.....swollen, red, hot, and painful. I have also been carrying around a lowgrade fever for two days. I am to continue with icing (helps a lot), benadryl cream, and antibiotic ointment. I've brought home a can of DEET, which I can spray on my clothes, though I cannot use it on my skin. My herbal repellent has been very effective, I just need to remember to use it. So....an allergic reaction to a large number of mosquito bites in one small area which may have precipitated an incident of cellulitis.