Alvin - You may have sent me the wrong link, but that little blurb of info you posted is helpful. That sounds like the way I have been growing this plant. I know I tried a lot of different light levels and finally settled on lower levels since that's where it seemed to be the happiest. Again, I think it was our blasted hot summer that caused all the problems. Clara - Those are beautiful pics aren't they? Does anyone out here grow some of these? I've been tempted a few times, but never got around to buying any. This plant has history. 3-4 years ago there was a guy out here who rescued around 1000 orchid plants from the Baker & Chantry nursery in Washington state. If I remember correctly the owners had died and the property was being bulldozed along with the plants. He sent the rescued plants to forum members who requested them. This is one of those plants. When I received it, it was a single backbulb with a couple of roots and the start of a new growth. All that was written on the tags was the name and "probably cool?". It slowly grew for me and up until this summer had 5 nice sized PBs. I was hoping it would bloom soon. WC - Thanks for that link to the Mpls library. I do have a card, but rarely go there. It's nice to know I have this online option. At this point, I just want to see if this thing is going to survive. Still a green leaf and from what I can see of the roots, they look good too. K

Thanks so much, you guys! It feels so good to read all your well wishes for me. I had my surgery yesterday and it went just fine. I'd been having so much pain that I was more than ready. The stone was pretty large--it broke into 4 stones, each of which would normally require surgical removal. Glad it's gone!! My dh asked if he could take the stone pieces to work :) I guess it's good to have something to show off about, although I do wish I could create something a little more useful and a little less painful. pecan, that was very sweet to think about shuttling the kids for me! That was actually the hardest thing to do pre-op. namabafo, so glad your stone passed on its own. I was told by a nephrologist that pregnancy often leads to kidney stones in those who are prone, so if you're looking at further pgs, watch out! I hope that was your only experience, though (with stones)!! bill, I just wish you could bust my stones! Plus it might turn into a lucrative little side venture for you :) Bill "The Stone Man" Vincent! Donna, thanks for the information about pH. I have also looked into it (ever the researcher--just give me a topic and away I go, which is how I ended up TKO). The cocktail I am supposed to drink is lemon juice (fresh), cider vinegar, and apple cider, 2 oz of each. While this is a rather nasty little martini, it does work! I used the test strips and found that initially my pH was in the basement, but after drinking the above once a day, it came up into neutral/normal range. I am hoping that if I continue this regimen, I will not form stones anymore. The homeopathic doc told me that the stones are my body's way of trying to get rid of the excess acid. Sounds sensible but we'll see. The problem is that I have so many foods and drinks on my no-no list between migraines and stones and adrenal fatigue that the only thing I know is ok is water :) not2old, thanks so much for your information! I have been checked many times for thyroid/parathyroid problems but I always check out fine. My official diagnosis is "idiopathic nephrolithiasis" which just means stones for unknown reasons. However, I am going to take your suggestion and see an endocrinologist anyway. The homeopathic doctor I mentioned above had me run some saliva tests which showed some things very much out of whack but not what was expected, so I would like to see an endo and look into it further. The homeopath is not near me--she lives in Hawaii and is the friend/associate of a friend of mine, so I have not actually seen her in person. She just ordered the tests for me and my friend, who is a compounding pharmacist but is on the homeopathic side herself, set me up with this doctor. She (the doctor) specializes in women's health, but I think it's interesting that she may be the one who comes up with an approach that works in preventing my stones. Chris, I hear ya on seeing a vet!! I totally agree that they sometimes see what the specialists miss. Interesting that your dog has the same problem I have! So tell me, how do you treat your dog? Is it just through diet? Thanks for your good vibes, too! Pauline, yes! Gone! Yippee!! And, to go OT, could you give me your baklava recipe again, pleeeeeeeease? I remember you used cardamom and toasted the almonds first, right? I'm hankering for some baklava and am set to make it tomorrow! It's, er, not exactly on my ok list but hey, it's not like I'm going to make a stone tomorrow, right?! Rachel, that was very sweet!! What a lovely thing to say. I do appreciate your prayers very much. Maddie, OMG, I am so sorry for your BIL but I could NOT stop laughing at that story!!! If ever I am tempted to pee in a tree, I will remember your warning and refrain :) I hope he got rid of the stone eventually? Thanks for cheering me up! sjerin, yes! I can't even believe how great I feel today. Yahoo! Thanks for checking on me!! Honeyb2, it's funny how you sort of grow used to pain. You know it's there, but it's sort of a background thing that will rear up and kick you around but a lot of times is just something you live with. I had forgotten how it felt not to have it lurking there, and I must say it feels great! I SO hope your shingles will soon be the same--a memory! proudmama, thank you so much for thinking of me. REally, all of these thoughts and wishes helped me immeasurably! Cheri

Michael darling, I say with all affection....Give your head a shake! "May" is good....it's not "won't be" surely she could not say "are" ...not her place. It's Easter weekend, they interviewed you on Good Friday. You are right they they are not focused on this interview until tomorrow. I just know this will work out.

lamom, I'm glad your little warrior is feeling good today. I know you are making use of every minute that he feels good and has energy. Have fun today. Face/neck radiation is probably the most difficult to deal with, because not eating/drinking well affects EVERY other aspect of life. All I can say is hang in there. The radiation effect will get worse before it gets better, but it will get better. One of my current patients (almost 6) also struggled alot during his neck/face XRT, and lost lots of weight. He did much better with a G-tube for feedings, and felt so much better. If you haven't already considered that, I'd ask your PedOnc about it. Where is he being treated? I'm sorry your SS is such a pud. Some people never really learn...or are never taught. But I'm really glad that you were able to put your feelings about him aside long enough to acknowlege your grandkids birthdays. Grammas and grampas are so, so important for kids. This year, my FIL and his not-so-charming 4th wife, ignored my oldest (not their's, biologically) and our youngest (yes, she's theirs!) for Christmas. For whatever reason, they are snuggled up tight with DH's exwife and her husband. They didn't like the fact that SD wanted to come live here, and that DH helped her make it happen. They assumed we were pushing her or forcing her, or whatever. So they "punished" DH by not sending Christmas gifts to 2 of our kids---sent them for both of DH's kids w/EW....at EW's home. Both kids live here. And get this, the wife was never even MIL to exwife...go figure. I guess the point I am trying to make is that the kids don't understand why you wouldn't celebrate/acknowlege their special day. Our little one certainly didn't understand why Gramma & Grampa didn't send her anything for Christmas. I felt sad for her. I just cannot understand why they would do such a thing, even if they don't agree with the custody change.