I went out my normal route so hopefully the 2nd sign was at the end of the street, but the sign at Beach + Forest was gone! I can't find the plants I got from Brian!!! I unloaded all the plants last nite and put them all in the patio in the shade (did not take time to look to see what I had) Tonite I cannot find them! WAAAHHHH! Did I leave them on the table?? Long day today and exhausted so will not be potting up any plants tonite or getting Jeremy's "mailouts" packaged up--work will be tough this week Donna--I think we might be converting your friend to be a gardener! Linda

Monica, Paula, Deb-Godsgardener, Theresa---wow, beautiful gardens, thank you for sharing your pictures. Theresa, you know your pics could make great Christmas cards or have they already? Deb, I'm saving your site, wish I was there at least in time for some lucious grapes, love em, all those tomatoes and roses, pink clematis, beautiful. No pictures yet, sort of poor-woman's garden, bird bath made from 4 cement blocks put together, holding a bottom tray from a large flower pot, refilled daily, gathering place for many critters besides the birds, platform bird feeder reinforced with clothes hanger wire---witholds the coons, always can see birds and butterflies, occasional stray cat...and most of the flowers still in bloom, guess our rewards for bad summers. Love those pictures and must run- just saw mailman pull over, smile. Bea WISHING BRIGHTNESS (have lots of the words stashed)

I love the tureen too - especially since it has a lid. Too bad you didn't get the accompanying note. Was the tureen local or handmade? I'm thinking it is probably both. I love making soup, and the soup bases will be a great help. I haven't tried Penzey's (only Minor's) soup bases, but I imagine that are very flavorful. I frequently use soup base when making jambalaya or dirty rice, in addition to soups. I'm looking forward to finding out what soup recipes you will use from your new book! Sounds delightful. Lars

Thank you all.. and funny, I consider this a "newish" house. It is definitely newer than the majority of homes I've lived in. I am still getting used to the small space (and close neighbors) but it has charm :) I really appreciate your suggestion to use the "happy space" for my office. That is what I was thinking when I originally set up the office in there. Unfortunately, the small bedroom is not nearly big enough for my bedroom.. or bunk beds. It is an over the garage room and it has sharp angles that what can go on each wall. It has one longer wall that would accomodate my table/desk. I have a queen size bed without a headboard under one of the eaves now. Truth is an adult wouldn't likely be comfortable sleeping there under the wall... it is ok for the younger kids though. I usually give up my bed when the older kids sleep here. What I should probably share too (because I know it sounds odd that I am working around nieces and nephews). I moved back to my hometown so that I could spend more time with the kids, my parents and my grandparents. My oldest nephew goes to college this year-- and I've lived out of state for many years. I am very different than my siblings and I think it is important that kids are influenced by lots of kinds of people-- even my kind hahah. We watch movies.. and draw.. and paint.. and talk about silly things and serious things.. and it is good for all of us. Keeps me young and them well rounded. I feel good about helping to shape young lives. Thank you all for your thoughts.. and for the compliments. My home is so much more modest than many of yours but it does have its charms... and it's home!