'When I first went to the United States in the 1950s, I impertinently remarked to an archetypal guru, Chief Justice Felix Frankfurter, that what with Senator McCarthy and southern segregation, and civic corruption everywhere, I was not much impressed by the condition of America. Be patient, said the sage. America is like a pendulum, swinging from good to bad, from bad to good, and before long it will swing again. He was right, and with luck, perhaps the pendulum is almost ready to swing back once more. Whatever we may think in our moments of despair, America is still a marvellous and lovable country whose patriotism can still be touching: try restraining a tear when you listen to Irving Berlin's setting of the words on the Statue of Liberty - the ultimate American text, with music by the emblematic American immigrant. The Great Republic is great still, full still of decent clever people trying to be good. Even now, it is as free as can be expected, and its democracy is fundamentally honest and robust. It laughs at itself, criticises itself and dislikes itself just as much as we do. All it needs is someone with a key to unlock that Idea again, and I hope it will be that next president, whoever it is, even now gearing up for the election. Please God, may it be a poetic president. Inspiration has been the true engine of American success, and all its greatest presidents have been people with a divine spark. The dullards may have been efficient, respected or influential, but the Jeffersons and the Roosevelts, the Lincolns and the Kennedys have all been, in their different ways, artists. So may it be a president with the key of original inspiration who can release the Idea from its occlusion. All the ingredients are still there, after all - the kindness, the imagination, the merriment, the will, the talent, the energy, the goddam orneriness, the plain goodness - all there waiting to burst out once more and bring us back our America, blessed and blessing too. "Give our regards to old Broadway", sang Cohan, "And say that I'll be there ere long." So will we, so will we, just as soon as America comes home. · Jan Morris The Guardian Feb 2007 Best wishes Jon - who also first went to the United States in the 1950's

Gee thanks EO. All of my hostas are planted in the earth, no pots. This pic was taken in spring when Dawn's Early Light was at it's yellowest. The soil is fairly level in this bed, it's just that I have the biggest one in the rear, El Capitan and the smallest, Toy Soldier in front. As to settings I just go with what pleases my eye like most of us I guess. What nice things to say HJ but you know you've become one of our foremost enablers ;) Time issues have kept me from posting more:( Limbo, Liberty is one of my top ten favorites, I just love that hosta! Looks like you got a really good one, I'm sure it will take off for you as it is a good grower. And Lainey I also do like Fireworks. I keep hearing what a problem child it is but so far so good here. HF so glad you posted a pic of your Independence. I forgot all about that one, I have to go searching in the garden tomorrow to see what it's hiding under. I'd love to see what your's looks like now with an extra year of growing!

Well Kirk, I sort of 'missed' the 4th. No holiday here, my two oldest kids left for cooler states and vacations. DH played golf. So I bathed my 5 whippets and little Zorro. LOL. You know how much I love Bart, and love seeing him decorated all thru the different holidays. He's one handsome Dude! I'm totally jealous of the fantastic 4th your family had. Please adopt me!!! Oh wait, you did that, I just can't get to WA to firm it up right. ;o) hugs, Karen

Pretty table, Dream, and I'm really glad you popped in to share with us. I check out your blog to keep an eye on you. ;o) And I always check BNOTP tablescapes on Thurs. You do such lovely tables. The red beaded placemats are neat, and I especially like how you did this centerpiece. Ribbons n roses...pretty! Wonderful candles too. hugs, Karen