Good afternoon GB - glad to see your clems are blooming despite being left to fend for themselves. Did you loose any? Baby Reed made me smile - what perfect little features. Ei - I'll have to go smell my quercifolia as I've never noticed any fragrance. I cannot remember now which cultivar it is. Michelle - hope your case Shingles is not too severe. It can be a rotten experience - take care of yourself. Chelone - glad Rex is doing well and being such a good patient. Cynthia - any updates on Katie? Last night really lived up to Michelle's title for this Idyll - a hot summer's night. Never the less it turned out to be a great evening with the Chicklits (our book group). We had a wonderful selection of food, lots of wine and good book talk. David came and played his guitar to us while we ate - he played so beautifully it almost brought tears to my eyes. A friend of my sister's from New Orleans has just moved to our town and I was able to introduce her to the group. It turns out she moved in 3 doors down from another book club member and both have sons the same age. I love it when you are able to introduce people and feel they will enjoy getting to know each other. Only one of the group was up for a swim and we floated in the pool under the stars with fire-flies flashing till late in the evening. It felt sooooooooo good. Another friend chatted poolside, entertaining us with stories of her wild youth. We've known each other for over 10 years and I would never have guessed at some of those secrets. We're all rather conventional now, happily engrossed in raising children, PTSA, jobs etc. but sometimes it's fun to remember earlier carefree days. Today I had a work lunch - it was social more than work, and I had the chance to see a training video I was filmed for earlier in the year. I was mostly pleased with the sections I was in, but thought I looked decidedly "wrinkly" especially on my forehead. Perhaps it's time to splash out on some Oil of Olay Regenerist. Tonight there are leftovers from last night (an easy supper), then David has Karate class. I think I should probably shoot for any early night too. Hi to all Mary

Sure you don't want another boy Sharon? Jack is still looking for a home and his dad is beating on him and he is soooo cute and cuddly and he is a great watch dog and he LOVES to romp in the country and, and, and........... Did I mention he is black and white? Such handsome furkids! I can never resist an opportunity to talk about pets! I have five shelties and all of them are black and white in some way or another. Jack, however, must go to a forever home since his dad will never allow another male on HIS property! Jack is only six months old but that is the age of consent as far as his dad is concerned! Time to move out! If anyone is interested send me an email Always so proud to be the centre of someones univers even if it is my dog's! Keep the pics coming! Ginny

Plants? Yes, we have plants. Their condition varies. Some of the orchids were plucked from their pots as they had innocently enjoyed a peaceful time outside during the summer. We found *most* of them in various states of mangle-ment. The ONLY water lilly we had is missing. We have the basket.... shredded ... no gravel that was in it or any sign that some kind of planty thing ever lived inside it. Water lettuce needed to be thinned over the last week too. Three azaleas are, uh, made ready for the compost pile. A variegated Japanese Maple was pruned to form a bonsai which we really lacked in the back yard! There are four empty pots in the yard. What was in them? I honestly do not know! Spider lily ... vanished! We do have duckweed! :-) Pets are Relaxing! Going to asphalt the Camp Nappy campgrounds next year. :*-(

Sealavender - congrats on your new little bird! He is a cutie! I have three of these little guys and they are so endearing. If you dont have much time to spend with him, you might consider another budgie so he has a pal. These guys travel in large flocks and really crave the company of other parakeets. My first parakeet (Pip) was found outside by a friend. Eventually, I bought him a buddie (Sky) and the difference in his personality was amazing! It as clear he was craving a friend. Since budgies are very active animals, I bought them a double flight cage. They use every inch of that cage. Pip passed away recently, after 8 years. I found Petuniae on craigslist, living in a very tiny cage and with a smoker to keep Sky company. Petuniae is a boy, but because of his mutation he looks like a girl. Luke was found flying around town (I named him after Luke Skywalker as he was flying the galaxy). Luke wasnt in great condition, but boy is he a cheeky little fella now. Sky: Luke, Sky, and Petuniae’s cage (I cover one side to shade from sun): Busy body Luke (right) and Sky: Tiny Petuniae: Pip and Sky: Sky: Pip and SKy were best friends (RIP Pip):