I find it rather peculiar that my posts are always the ones noticed when situations like this arise... no one ever mentions the original poster that began the train of thought... not that it matters... I want to let you all know that I am of mixed race heritage... born at a time in history when mixing races was more than frowned upon by horribly bigoted, narrow minded Americans. Because I am what I am, I was given away as an infant... to an orphanage. I am the last person who would be intolerant of any human being, regardless of race, nationality, creed, social or political class, or any defining physical or mental difference. I am not intolerant, and I will not be made to feel as though I am. In fact, I am impressed by those of other heritages that come here and write their ideas in a language that must be difficult for them. And I always try to respond in a way that, hopefully, isn't too difficult to understand. I believe the problem isn't translation of actual words... it's trying to translate what people mean... and even those of us who speak the same language sometimes can't grasp what another person is saying. Some people try too hard to read between the lines, even when there are no hidden meanings to be found... or they might read too fast and miss a key word or two that are very important in comprehending the imparted idea... from what I can gather in these situations, I'd say that actual language should be the least of our concerns. Let me say this so there is no way anyone can misunderstand... and let me reiterate that there are no hidden meanings, nothing left out or written with tongue in cheek... I am beyond happy to have anyone with an interest in hippeastrums, and gardening in general, join in our conversations, regardless of what language they deem necessary to type in... I am only hopeful that English will remain the main language used as that is the only language I speak and understand. I find it a bit frustrating trying to figure out what is being said when it's not in English. It must be equally frustrating for those who know only limited English or don't speak any at all. But I imagine that's why Garden Web designed other forums... so those who don't speak English at all can feel comfortable using their native tongues, if that's what they choose to do. Still, regardless of language, I am happy to learn from and share with anyone my love for plants. I think we all must feel that way as true gardeners. My feeling is that it's proper and polite to try to learn a little about the language and customs of other countries we may visit... and while it's a bit frustrating to find that I can't decipher a post, what's really frustrating is when my posts can't be understood for what they are... simple responses with no disrespect, nothing derogatory, and intended only to express an idea or opinion... it shouldn't be necessary to add a rider or disclaimer to a post, but there it is. For heaven's sake... can't we all just get along?

I live way up in Tennessee Yankee land...lol. Hermitage. I imagine it would do fine until the Fall in a container, if the container is big enough. I have a handful of 5 gallon nursery pots left. One of them would probably be fine. The little 1 gallon pots I had them in for the swap were obviously a very short term, teporary thing. Did the usual, like most people do, dig it up, throw in a pot, toss some handfulls of soil on it & water. I guess we'll wait a day or so to see if anyone chimes in about the bulb staying alive in the container & then go from there. - Steve

Thank you! I liked the richness of #1 a bit more & the fringe is unexpected. Not wild about the shams though, but you can't have everything & that's easily changeable. Donna, I think that taupe looks so wonderful in the pic but then I can see a soft but rich muted blue looking amazing too. I think what I like about the taupe is the treatment & moulding given to it - I'm not sure I'd like it quite as much if it were a flat painted wall.

If your current couches are comfy and well made, why not have new slip covers made in velvet. Or if you aren't happy with some aspects of your current couch, at the upholstery's they can make some changes in your frame and make the pillows the way you want them. I've been ordering a lot of stuff on line, including swatches of fabric for items I'm interested in - if you want the same make of couch and you know that it will be comfortable, ask them to send you some swatches of the fabrics your interested in. Sky