Calliope and Rob's comments about Bulgaria in my patio thread got me thinking I should talk about what I know of the country and the trip before I go, and this is probably the most appropriate thread in which to do so... We are going because we have a lot of Bulgarian friends, and we have a priceless opportunity to see a new place in the company of insiders. We will be staying with a good friend who is a naturalized American but still keeps her apartment in Sophia. Also traveling with us is another native who now has an American passport, his wife (who's from ND, so you know she's cool!), and their 18 year old son. We'll also be visiting my girlfriend's parents, whom we've met before and who live in an apartment in the same building, and the wife of my girlfriend's brother. The brother is also a good friend of ours. He has a green card, so can't be out of the US for more than 6 months... and the wife is waiting for her green card and can't come here until she gets it... oh, and she's about 8 months pregnant. My friends promise to introduce me to a wide circle of family and friends. Most don't speak English, but my friends will translate... plus I understand I'll be able to converse with some friends in French... and I do speak a bit of Russian, if they'll forgive me for communicating in the language of a former oppressor. If all else fails, I'm a dang good mime. I'm actually surprised at how much Bulgarian I'm able to understand, and I can read the alphabet. We're planning on spending some time cooking together, some time visiting historic sites, like Rila Monestary, and some time at the Black Sea. From what I am told, these are some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. I suggested we hit Greece, since we'll be so close, but I was met with disdain (and Bulgarian pride), after all, Greek beaches are horrible pebbly places, while Bulgarian beaches are beautiful and covered in sand. Bulgaria was dominated for centuries by the Ottomans, and there are lots of residual Turkish influences. Lots of Greek and Russian influences too. They are proud people, and while they have adopted many of the foods and customs of people who have dominated them over the years (they seem to be gifted at choosing the losing side in wars), they can be a bit touchy about the whole thing and are quick to point out All Things Bulgarian. For instance, Bulgarian doesn't use the Russian alphabet, Russia uses the Bulgarian (Cyrillic) alphabet. Bulgaria is part of the EU, but they haven't converted their currency yet. They produce most of the world's supply of rose oil, a component in nearly all perfumes. I was disappointed to learn the rose farms will not be in full bloom, because areas of the country feature valleys full of roses as far as the eye can see, and the scent is supposed to be heavenly. Oh, and nodding the head = "no" and shaking the head = "yes". Apparently this is the source of much confusion with outsiders. I have been told that this is because Bulgarians are largely comprised of three tribes of horsemen, and this body language emulates that of horses... (they nod when agitated) but I don't know whether or not that's an apocryphal explanation... We're leaving this week and will be gone for a while. I promise to take lots of pictures and post stories when I'm back and over my jet lag.

The main thing? Every ache and pain is down to a dull roar and I feel better physically. School? I was so gung-ho that I ended up completed this week's doing assignment. Free day!!! I was so on target, the cases I found were exactly right. Not just free day, validation!!! The house? Ed's chomping at the bit to get the paint, the bathroom is fully unpacked, and I can find all of the stuff in the master bedroom. I asked Ed last night if he'd move the bar on the closet up a foot or so, but this morning I thought "Why don't I do it?". It'd require removing the wood holding the bar on (both sides), moving it up, leveling it, and putting the 4 nails back in. Duh. Think I will do it. And he showed me why the bathroom towel rack is falling down, so I can fix that too. This is very liberating! I've stood out of his way for fear of stepping on his toes, but now I'm showing him I can help. yea!

that is one handsome bloom! it's almost glowing! -ming

Wow Don, 23 Guacamole ?!?!?!? That’s dedication if I ever saw it. How does one come by 23 anyway ? If I’m not careful I’m going to end up with that many Andrew after the show he put on this year. Handsome Stud !!! But please share pics next year. Shame we can’t link fragrance, I’d love to be 3 feet from that bed in August when they are blooming. Esther - Thank you so much ! The endless attention I showed them really paid off until about the end of June, then it was all downhill from there. They look nothing like they do in those pics now. But with all the water we had it should really pay off next year when they come back double the size (hopefully). As for whether it was the squirrels or the 6 y.o. demon spawn . . . they have humane approaches to handling both. ::snickers:: Hi Phil ! You had actually mentioned to me earlier this year that I need to get them in the ground. I can assure you I have every intention. I will definitely have enough space for all of them when I am done, but getting there is another story. The ground I’m working in had not been touched in years and had really declined. So I am systematically amending and sifting one bed at a time. It is going to take me years before I have all the beds ready and everything in the ground, but until then they can live in their pots and grow up while they wait for their home in the ground. Being in Zone 7 I feel I have it a bit easier than some when overwintering in pots. We don’t have much freeze thaw and our winters get cold enough to let everything go dormant, but not too cold that I worry for their lives. Come 10 years from now it will be a whole different story. Thanks for stopping by to say hello. :) Dearest Mocc - yes I am back and happy to be sharing again. Your kind words warm my heart and I thank you. I saw your post the other day showing off your newest driveway bed and I smiled when I read it. I could picture you and DH out there just enjoying yourselves while creating something beautiful. I have to agree with Ken, palms and hostas is quite the juxtaposition, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. LOVE IT ! Jan - Ya’ know, I almost did get lost. There for a while all the rain and the sheer number of hostas to worry about got the better of me and I had to rethink some priorities. Having the new job on top of that didn’t help, but like you said it will certainly help fund the trip again next year and it was an opportunity I could not turn down. DD - Goodness Gracious really surprised me this year since I have a lot more shade than what I thought it preferred. But the colors pulled through regardless, so I am a happy camper. It is a tremendous hosta in both size and character. I have plans to give it a bit of a feature spot. Thanks again everyone, really glad to be able to post again. Ludi