I have read that florists raised forced, potted roses for the holidays. Often, they were ramblers which had been pruned heavily to make topiaries covered in flowers. Of course, it was much later than this (mid to late fifties), but when I was a small child, my great grandmother grew huge Boston Ferns and a number of potted palms in her living and dining rooms in Birmingham, Alabama. Winter months, there were forced potted azaleas in the huge stone planters in those rooms. Spring and summer, the ferns went out in the huge stone planters on her porches. Kim

Thanks! My friend makes her own cards and I will pass this on to her.

Friday was my birthday and it was so nice-got a ton of birthday greetings, went out for dinner with husband, daughter and MIL (son was working) and really appreciated the gifts of good health, my family, work I love, a home to shelter me and friends to wish me well. This afternoon my dad and stepmother are hosting a family pool party/barbecue to initiate the family birthday 'season'--in our large extended family between my birthday on August 31st and my son's on January 22 there are 16 birthdays! Today will also be the first time my sisters and I have seen each other in several weeks so that's always a party :). Can't wait for swimming, lounging, gossping and laughing with the people I love most in the world. Tomorrow I'm going out diving and lobster hunting with my husband. A boating day along is our special time, what a joy to be on that gorgeous blue ocean with the peace and calm of the day all around us. Ann

Wow, I really thought it was just me. I forget I buy things, forget where I put them, forget when I used them or where. It's pathetic, but can't be helped I guess. DH says because I'm always in a hurry (we have 5 kids!) I don't have time to dwell on things. It's more like ... "get this done and mark it off my list" type of life at this point. LOL! ;o) I just saw my photos from last year's Christmas, and was impressed that my entryway looked so good. Last fall, I bought an antique red sled, and for Christmas season, a friend helped me make a swag with berries, and I wrapped white lights all around it. I honestly forgot I had even purchased that expensive little gem until I saw the photos from last year!! LOL! So, opening my Christmas decoration boxes is like Christmas for me. I say "ooh, forgot we had this" and "where did I buy this thing"? Oh yah, I'm a fruitcake! It's pretty bad.