The first plant is indeed teasel. The second plant is a bellflower. It looks to me like running bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), a non-native plant. Here is a link that might be useful: Campanula rapunculoides

Oh Wow Lynn...I was laughing too.. but nervously! Those type of things (in the night) would scare the heck out of me too. I was also thinking of the poor police officer going off in the night, not knowing what to expect. I'm happy to hear all is well, and it was JUST a pop of a transformer.. I agree it was a good thing you were up w/DH with his foot cramp when it happened. Do you have an alarm system on your home? We do and that would have set the alarm off, when all the power goes off. Our system has a backup that sends it right out to security. We live out here in the 'sticks' and I always feel like I'm so alone, but the alarm gives me some peace of mind. I can't get over you sleeping with your doors open like that...I would be too chicken to do that. Guess it's a 'growing up in NY' kind of thing..but then again, being out here now in the 'Country'...it's the 4 legged creatures now, versus the 2 legged!! Glad all has ended well for you...what a way to start the day, and Punk is right..there will be many laughs over it. jane

I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

Bestyears, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can imagine the joy that Ash brought into your life, & the void he leaves behind. I wonder if Ash knew it was his time & stayed behind in the car because he was seeking a quiet resting place. I know, it may sound far-fetched, but it is possible! It has been said that all animals know when they are about to die, & they will often seek out a cave-like environment, perhaps under a bed or in a densely planted area, so they may peacefully pass away.Though you may not of known of any health problems, Ash may have had this awareness. One thing is for certain, Ash passed away knowing he was loved & cared for. I'm sure you were a wonderful cat mom, as all of your posts here indicate that you are a kind, warm-hearted person. I'm sure Ash received the best care possible throughout his decade on earth. I would find some comfort in knowing that my cat died a peaceful death. Ash was not hit by a car or attacked by a dog. A grizzly fate such as that would be even more devastating, as then Ash would have suffered great pain. I know these days must be so painful for you. My thoughts & prayers are with you as you grieve. Peace be with you.