Hello everyone! We're in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and today it has been minus 3 degrees. Our little Anna's Hummingbird visited the frozen flowers today and I do think they survive on insects at this time of year...well until the Spring they must. Anna's Hummingbird is relatively new to Vancouver according to my bird book and they are a joy to see. Our summer variety, the Rufus Hummingbird is long gone to warmer climes.

Giantslug Several years ago I purchased an unlabelled passion vine at a regional flower and garden show. I have since identified the plant as P alano-caerulea. I have it growing in a 10-12 gallon plastic pot. The pot originally did not come with any holes in it and I drilled an oversized hole in each corner. In the spring after the weather becomes reliably warm I move the pot to its outside located next to a trellis. The pot sits directly on the soil and the roots quickly grow through the holes and into the ground. Within a month or 6 weeks the plant begins to bloom. I would estimate that I have over 200 blooms per year. The plant is sterile and does not set fruit so it puts all of its energy into bloom. Before the first frost I cut the vine back hard to get it off the trellis and I have to cut the roots with pruning sheers to get the pot lose from the ground. Some years the plant seems to sulk due to the large amount of root loss. I move it to my unheated garage for the winter. The garage is cold but it does not freeze. I am probably located farther south than you but I highly recommend this passion vine. A photo that I took a few years ago is below. Leon

Wish I could have the opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis-it seems I have seen some great pics lately. This blog has more info & other useful information. Here is a link that might be useful: Blog about photographing Northern Lights

I missed this, too! This is a beautiful kitchen! Warm and elegant, yet so functional! My layout is similar, except our stove will be on the other side of the sink/"L". The niche behind your stove is perfect... makes me want to do the same! I'm also doing an appliance garage (on the other end of the counter)... love the look of yours. I like how you went dark on the hardware, instead of chrome/nickel/stainless. And that pantry!! Everything looks perfect and I'm sure you will enjoy many, many years of happy cooking and entertaining in this space! Congratulations!!