Denise, you asked "Now, what's this about a lacunosa/obscura cross?? I've never heard of such a thing. Where did you get it? Can you post a photo??" I was curious also, so I did a search on the net and came up with the hoya that is suppose to be a cross between H. Obscura and H.Lacunosa ssp. Paddiflora and its called Hoya cv. Sunrise. The vendor in HI, carries it? Flowers looks a lot like Lacunosa, but supposedly the leaves resembles both.

Annie, I just did a search on last year's swap, and you're right, Wendy did take over the hosting for me. Reading those threads brought back a lot of memories, so I'm gonna keep this short and go to work where I can get my mind on other things. Anyway, has anyone thought to ask Wendy if she's still up for hosting the December swap? Peace. -Dan

Well, we've exchanged family presents and I got an absolutely GORGEOUS!! sapphire ring and pendant from my AMAZING husband! And it came with the most adorable panda bear with it's baby on it's back! A new manicure set and lots of hand lotions, the really deep moisturizing ones and a new sweater from my sister in law. And I got a new black Stetson hat from Santa and I'd already gotten my new digital camera from DH a month ago :) Oh and my little boys got me a really precious keyring with the word Mother on the front and a wonderful saying on the back! What a haul!! I'm finishing up the dressing while I get dressed, and we're going to Cliff's Mom's for Christmas dinner and to exchange gifts with his Mom and Stepfather and Brother & family. I'll get a picture of the jewelery to post and show off! I'm thrilled! No man in my life has EVER bought me jewelery as a gift! And neither of my ex husbands would have chosen something so absolutely perfect for me! Especially not all on their own as Cliff did! Hehehe.. can you tell I'm happy? No word from Bunny yet, but since she's been so quiet, I'm hoping for the call soon and will post ASAP! But I know she wasn't feeling well the other day, not the baby, just not feeling well. Poor dear! Merry Christmas all!! Kathy

Also, make sure if they have a trough with a heater...that it's not sparking them. Sometimes, the protected cord gets a little short and it's a slight shock, but enough to discourage them from drinking. If you see them bobbing their heads up and down in the water, rather than drinking deeply, replace the heater. Had some Earl Grey earlier, but I've been so busy, I haven't stopped by. My friend and I just released our new book for Halloween (first in a series) and it's free on Amazon today and tomorrow. Here's the link if you like adult romance, with just a little magic. Here's what we put on Amazon about it... Maggie McCrae knew her granddaughters were not ready for the legacy she must leave them. The house, the grounds and everything that went with it would now be theirs. She vowed she would do all she could to protect them and hopefully, give them the time they needed to fulfill their destiny. Gabriella and Moira must learn to trust themselves and each other, as they discover the true magic of Burrows Bay. First book in a series. Here's part of the Prologue....so excited! Hope you like it : ) She placed the lavender and mint in the bowl, followed by the basil and rue. Then the bit of tansy, the native plants that were written in the book, as well as the sachet of secret spices handed down by her great-grandmother. When all were carefully laid in the bowl, she took the wooden match and lit the candle. The vanilla fragrance filled the room and as she said the last line of the verse, the candle flared. Probably a draft, but she smiled at the drama of the moment. She would take it as a good sign. She poured a bit of the wax on the herbs and then added the rum. She had forgotten the vodka, but the rum would have more meaning. She’d seen that, in her mind’s eye and had decided to write it down in the book. They might appreciate that, when they discovered their heritage. At the last moment, she decided to take the bowl and candle out onto the balcony. The last of the trespassers might appreciate the light show. She could use all the help she could get. She waited until the herbs had wilted in the rum and then she took a breath, as she readied herself. With a final look out over the forest and bay, she began. “This is for all who have come before, and all who will come after,” she said, knowing these first words by heart. “For them and for myself, I ask that everything we love and everything we guard, be protected by the ancient spirits of this island and the ancestors from our Scottish homeland.” She looked up at the night sky and continued, “I offer all that I am and all that I will ever be, to ensure that the children of my children find their way and be protected from the evils that walk the earth and dwell in the hearts of weaker beings.” She took the candle and quickly lit the herbs, now soaked with rum. The flames jumped up and she took a step back, still watching the woods. “The evil that knows no limit, no fullness, only hunger. I ask that all that is good, light and helpful in this world watch over my children’s children and help them on their journey. Give them the time they need to learn, to grow and to become all they must, to protect everything we know and love.” As she spoke, she raised her arms out to her sides and then up to the sky. She could feel all her power, all her might, draining from her. But she kept going, until the words were finished.... https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Burrows-Bay-Lorri-Moulton-ebook/dp/B01M5G6H3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477679757&sr=8-1&keywords=the+magic+of+burrows+bay