It sounds like there are a few stories behind that comment, Vicki! Hahhaha. It's amazing the damage that one thoughtless person can cause in a family. (((Vicki)))

Sake barrels at a Shinto shrine in Kobe, Japan. Good friends of mine got married there. I absolutely fell in love with the barrels and just recently, while looking for Japanese home decor on Craig's List, found an authentic barrel for $10. TEN DOLLARS! Others I've seen for sale ran between $300 and $800. I'll be posting a photo of mine some time in the future asking for help determining what I can spray or brush on it to preserve the rope and decorative cover. Below is a link regarding the meaning of sake barrels at Shinto shrines. Jodi- Here is a link that might be useful: Sake barrels at Shinto shrines

Wow, great pics! This is our friend Mark, who is helping DH work on an old car. Every day when he gets here, Allie runs out to greet him, as fast as her little legs will go. They love each other! Mark gets down on the floor and cuddles her, also shares his lunch, as you can see.

Well I have no idea what happened to my original post. I am having a lot of trouble accessing any posts today. Oh well I will try this again. Sorry this is a purple flower, one of my spring bulbs sorry don't know the name. Love the checker pattern on it though.