I don't grow gladiolas since I can't be bothered digging the bulbs in fall but that combo pic of the Stokesia, yarrow (Coronation Gold?) & glad is a stunning combination of color. The brick walkway makes a lovely textural contrast. Well done you!

Congratulations, Deeby! I remember the feeling of shock several years ago, that seeds I'd saved actually sprouted and grew. (Mine were descendents of some grape tomatoes that volunteered in my compost area.)

Gina, I was thinking that the hand vac might benefit you. Sometimes you just need some suction above the floor (I'm baiting EJ)... the hand vac would be a perfect supplement to that stick vac since the stick vac doesn't have a hose. Nice also that you can swap the batteries out if one were to die in the middle of a job. Those batteries are supposed to last a good long time though. David, try putting the fried chicken or bacon in the pantry instead of the 'fridge and discovering them a week later! And I was only 24 when I pulled those stunts! Here's a pic of the hand vac since it wasn't in the other picture. It looks good too! Lee, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't comment on your stick vac! (Your observations are spot on though... decent on bare floors, but not so good on carpet) It was recalled about a year ago! There was a case where the battery exploded in a ladies hand and caused severe injury. The batter is in the handle of the part where you hold it if take it out of the stick "shell" and use it as a hand vac. If you only use it as a stick vac, you should be far enough away if it were to explode. I just wouldn't want anything to happen to you, dear sweet Lee (that's my middle name, by the way :o) Lee, I'm linking to a story about the recall that has model numbers so you can check and see if yours is one of those affected by the recall. Fair warning though, there's a picture of the lady's hand at the bottom and it's graphic. Here is a link that might be useful: Electrolux recall...

Thanks everyone! My oldest daughter got some more good news today. She had missed the dead line of a nursing school she really wanted to go to due to having to take a nursing test (TEAS) before applying to the school. I must say it is too bad that every school has different requirements to apply. They called her today and said she could still apply and there is a TEAS test next Thursday. This is for St. Luke's in Kansas City so still close to us and to where my younger daughter is going.