I've got a hellebore bloom, and one more on the way--I can't believe they withstood the winds and water this past weekend! Tete a tete daffs are out, and some purple and white crocus still hanging on (yellow ones are all passed). Forsythia in bloom (for second time-first in Jan), as well as a few blooms on the vinca and the pulmonaria. Can't wait to get out there on Sun--although I fear it may still be too wet--my neighbor came over to survey the water damage and sunk above his ankle in the garden---quicksand! I just know under that big footprint is a poor little plant, trampled and muck-logged.....

I have decades of experience in retail as both a business owner and employee. I fully understand the frustrations of shoplifting. But there are a lot of misconceptions. It's very difficult to sue for holding a suspected shoplifter, if it wasn't, there'd be a lot more lawsuits! But they can ask for proof on a suspicion with reasonable cause. The best thing is of course to get a cop out. A frustration on prosecution isn't the misconception that you MUST actually SEE them, that they walk out the door, get in a car, etc. That essentially comes down to the laziness of the prosecuting attorneys in the area and the laziness of the cops. They can successfully prosecute on only circumstantial evidence. Yes it can be more difficult to prove, but often it's more airtight than an eyewitness since it's easier to crumble an eyewitness than a series of circ ev. Many don't want to spend the time on it if they are politically motivated. The biggest frustration I have, though, is the people who refuse to get involved. To me they're lazy, unpatriotic and doing what they can to contribute to higher prices and increased crime. It's my opinion, flame me for it if you want, but when the good won't help the victims then they're no better than the criminals. And actually, considering that if you drive a getaway car without knowledge that a crime was committed you can be prosecuted, even for 1st degree murder if a death results so why shouldn't a bystander who won't stop the crime be so charged? Aren't they an accomplice if they impede the prosecution and/or prevention of crime? Something to consider. Fly all the flags you want, sit in the front row of church, or whatever else I see people do in the name of doing right, but to me, there's duties and responsibilities that come with the ri, er privileges of living in the country and enjoying the benefits and privileges offered. I view it this way, if you go AWOL from military service or AWOL from civilian duty, it's no real difference. If someone is truly so paranoid, they should arm themselves, put a moat and razor wire around their dwelling and buy everything off the internet. Not long ago, there was a high speed chase going on and I can't remember too many of the details, but the issue is that a bunch of motorists on the road, blocked the road off so the offender couldn't get past them and allowed the cops to catch the criminal. I stand and applaud them! Kudos for getting involved when it would be easier to not. But they felt a duty and if more people would, we'd be a lot better off. There's a lot of issues that retailers face, but to me, assisted shoplifting should not have to be one of them. To modernize the 300 year old quote, the only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. There. Enough of my rant! :) An interesting side note. A friend worked for a large retailer for a while and would see shoplifters and turn them in. He was told not to anymore. The policy of that store was to let them shoplift if it wasn't at least thousands of dollars. Why? No, they weren't afraid of weapons. They weren't afraid of being sued. They were afraid of losing their business! They felt the shoplifters would come back and buy stuff. I won't shop at that place and hope all the shoplifters go there.

That's really a great tag Buzzard - and as the rest have said - ask the questions and you'll get the answers. (not from me, but the more talented ladies here). Hope you enjoy your stay here - it's one of the best places on the web. Elaine

That's great, Buzzard. I've been wanting to do that one. Maybe I'll do it next. Teri