I think I agree mostly with the last three posters. It is so hard for me to pick one characteristic or trait that I like best in hostas, I just LOVE hostas period, every time I think I've got enough I find myself drawn to more. I'm fascinated by the different patterns, colors and the way they change over the season, whether it be subtle or bold. Jel said it best I think, "a rich tapestry of colors, shapes, sizes".

Joanie- your best bet would be to go straight to a store that is just for swimsuits. Mostly all of their selections are separates and many lines have bra sizing. Yes they are pricey, but it's my summer splurge. If I'm going to be half naked in public, you bet my suit is going to fit and hold my parts in properly! IMHO spending extra on a couple of well made perfect fitting suits is a no-brainer (considering you take care of them, hand wash etc they can last for years). We have a store in a local mall that is called "everything but the water". Name speaks for itself! Unfortunately, I have no advice for the ones who "fear the fitting room germs". Unfortunately, I am petite and curvy (not overweight, but not ready to wear either) so have to try on everything, and have to get most things tailored. It is a fact of life for me! Thankfully I LOVE "the art" of shopping so have accepted the fact that it takes me some effort to get the look I want. I have many favorite places to shop but most are at least a 30 min+ drive, so usually plan a "shopping day" (not very often with 3 kids!). There are a couple of local boutiques which I love, and although one may think "stuck up" or "pushy" when it comes to boutique shopping, once the salesperson gets to know you and your style, they become like a personal shopper. Plus I get advance notice and first pick on their special sales! My place calls me when they think I might like something that just came in. There is no pressure on me to buy. 9 times out of 10 I just browse and may buy on that 10th visit. I too live on a budget, but make sure I put away for my "happy fund" when that occasional splurge is needed.

Mudlady - You are correct that TPN means "total parental nutrition" (or similar). I made a mistake lumping the accronym w the other ones. For some reason, I was thinking it was latin, but clearly not..! Earlier in the thread, we were talking about girls' only schools. I was fortunate enough to go to a single sex school for my whole schoolgirl career (from aged 4-19) and loved it. However, at the time, I took it all for granted (as kids do), and it's only in looking back, that I realise the opportunity that I was offered. Academics were not my strong suit until I worked out to study at univ., so I missed that boat in earlier school; however, I do have a strong set of friends with whom I am still in touch. Looking back, my school seemed very restrictive in everything, but after I had read its hundred-year history book (during Xmas), I really understood how forward it was with the serious things. Yes, you had to have certain coloured socks and wear a hat and have indoor shoes and outdoor shoes etc. but it was really a great school otherwise. (And I actually quite liked all the rules.) Here is a link that might be useful: Bedford High School (ages 6-18)

@msrose -- a fruit forward wine really can occur with any varietal or blend, but is often a style associated with certain types. But if you enjoyed the Gewurtztraminer, then you might like ones from the Alsace or from the PNW (e.g., Hogue, Chateau St. Michelle). There are also good Rieslings and Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio from those areas. If you want something less sweet, you may want to try the Chateau St. Michelle Dry Riesling or an unoaked chardonnay/Pinot Grigio like those listed. If you find you still want a red and those other choices you tried aren't working for you, you might venture into a Zinfandel (Rancho Zabaco, budget Rosemblum slight step up). They can be fruit forward to the point of being jammy. Slightly OT, but I had read that much of the US red wine production was pushed to fruit-forward, bold wines by the palate of Robert Parker, an influential wine critic. He's the one who came up with those first 0 to 100 point ratings you see listed in advertisements, and now emulated by many publications. Thus the vintners let the fruit ripen longer on the vines, driving the sugars and resulting alcohol content up.