You know what? I've been finding that I'm getting some very interesting colors from variegated African violets that are growing under fluorescent lights. Most of my plants are growing in the window, but I put a couple in some of my terrariums, and I have some leaves started on a lower shelf under fluorescents also. These guys get no sunlight. One of my plantlets is growing leaves that are completely pink (they're supposed to be green, cream, and pink variegated.) Another one is also growing more pink bits than normal, and is very variegated. It was never this variegated in the window. Maybe it's something to do with the fluorescents? I'm just throwing it out there as one of the reasons you may be getting very bright red leaves, when those in sunlight aren't so much. But I don't know for sure.

Gloria, I feel sure these ups and downs are very, very normal due to the heartbreaking loss you have experienced. I am sure you have thought carefully about going off the meds for depression. You seem a little lonely, so be sure you are doing things during the day that put you in touch with others like lunch or a movie with a friend, visit with a neighbor, take a class, etc. Take good care of yourself, do things you like to do. Don't worry...spring will come, and you will feel better. It's a time of rebirth, and may your tender spirit be lifted by the beauty of new life. Susan

Fortunately the deer and snakes are pretty much in bed at night. However, the coyotes, bobcats, and cougars are out. We don't have many cougars, but there are a few in the mountain area. I just can't imagine running on a little trail at night. We do hike the trail, but during the day. Todd (the guy who sets everything up) has to run/walk the trail and make sure all the markers (uses small reflective flags) are on the trail and all turns are marked well. He usually does it at least 3 times the week before the run. When we do the bike ride we paint the markers on the pavement so they can't be moved, much easier than flags. beverly

I'd picked some tomatoes, feeling that whatever didn't appear at the churches that day were totally shot, and dropped them off along with things that I'd made ready on Sat at the second just as the choir was ready to process up the aisle at 10:30. Actually, I could have signed in at the ER and gone back, as it was nearly 2 when they got me into a cubicle, but I'd had little discomfort during the wait. Had an interview, then took a blood test and had an X-ray later and I was having a comfortable time while these procedures were going on. The nurse came to say that they'd found something in my blood, were going to give me a shot, and that if I cut myself that night I'd bleed more than usual. Shortly after that, around 7:00, they released me and as I was walking I had a bit of discomfort if I took a deeper breath. I had a little under a quarter of a mile to walk to the car and the evening was rather chilly, so I thought that it would be a chilly process, as I hadn't brought a jacket ... but when I got about 300 feet from the door, I took a bit of a deper breath and there was a bit of a click or something in my chest, then I could take a deeper breath, so was able to walk to the car more easily and quickly than I'd expected. From then, or just after that, I was able to carry on life mostly as before, though I was rather careful of what I did for some time, keeping watch for any difficulties. Still do, actually, though rather routinely so. ole joyful