Oh my gosh! Those are fabulous! I haven't madeanything with concrete this whole summer. If its warm this weekend I'm going to buy a bag and try little planters. And yes, I'm a absolutely not ready to end summer! Kathy

It sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you, re-potting everyone... I wish we lived closer; I'd pop by to help! 100 adult bulbs plus offspring is a lot of bulbs! I'm very glad that they all "weathered" the elements and insects well... those were my biggest fears, and the main reasons why I decided not to bring my bulb family outdoors this year. I lost a Sprekelia bulb to rain and insects, and their seed pods earlier in the season, and that was enough for me! I think germinating and growing the seeds outdoors worked out really good, though... my little seedlings are doing well. They'll winter under lights, and I may take them outdoors next spring to grow... we'll see what the future brings. The perennial seed harvest is going well, and very soon I'll have seeds to send your way! I've got several varieties and types of seeds drying out a bit right now... once I get them in envelopes, off they go! I'll be sending seed packages to several people... use what you like, and share or discard the rest. Most are from perennials I grew from seed or division, and most are cottage style garden plants in a plethora of colors and sizes and shapes! Good luck with your potting, Lizalily... I sure wish I could lend a hand... but I will be thinking of you, and sending those good thoughts your way! :-)

UPDATE After reading comments here, I thought it worth my while to read the service manual cover to cover. Enduring's suggestion to see if there was an error code displayed lead me to try reprogramming the top drawer to turn on when the drawer was opened (like the bottom drawer would do). In trying to do this, I discovered that I couldn't; I also read in the manual that there were two separate circuit panels (duh, one for each drawer). Since the top drawer wasn't responding to re-programming, I felt the circuit panel was bad. So when the F/P serviceman showed up this morning, I told him this; he also tried to program the top drawer and was unsuccessful. He ended up replacing the circuit panel in the top drawer and was able to get it to work. He stated the circuit panel was weak and that's what was causing the problem with the top drawer turning on, but not starting. He ran a rinse cycle and everything worked like it should (Houston we have lift-off!) No sooner did he leave, I ran a fast cycle and so happy with the result- sparkling, clean dishes. Thanks one and all for your support and help! PS I did buy the service contract with Sears; just for peace of mind...PQ

I immediately thought of what Parma said about the european temps this summer when i read your post. I agree, there were good lessons rolled into your experience-- and not that you need my validation, but you made the right decision. I know this is a trip of a lifetime for you-- it wouldnt have been as enjoyable if you werent all feeling great. Hope your daughter is recovering well from the virus and her surgery. Maybe you can do something to whet your appetite in advance of your trip next spring. Maybe plan a trip into the city for an authentic meal. I LOVE Lupa-- one of Mario Batali's restaurants. It is not as upscale as Bobbo but it is a much more relaxed environment and the food is memory making. Of course there are so many great italian restaurants in NYC... many of which are smaller and less expensive. Perhaps you already have your own favorites. Another option I highly recommend is a walking tour of the italian neighborhoods of NYC. Addie Tomei (Marisa's mother) runs Savory Sojourns-- I have been on a few of her tours over the years. She is so vibrant and interesting and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Her tours hit some "must see" sites as well as hidden treasures... and the whole experience is peppered with interesting and entertaining narrations about the life and history of the neighborhoods. It is really a great experience and I think well worth the price (about 150pp). Or.. for a much more modest price, have a family movie night and rent The Big Night or Il Postino or Enchanted April or Under a Tuscan Sun (I didnt love the movie as much as the book-- but still it has gorgeous views of the Italian countrysides). Here is a link that might be useful: Savory Sojourns