I am glad you guys liked the pics. Wendy, I didn't really have to do anything to the butterfly. As soon as this plant flowered, they were just all over it. Even when I got up close they didn't move. The flowers are kind of small and the foliage is big and tall. Probably 6 feet tall. Bug, you are too good on the plant ID:) I didn't know a cynara was an artichoke, but now that you mention it, it sure looks like one. I got the green pot at Lowe's. It was marked down to 8.99, so I got two. Deanne, my mondarda does eventually get mildewy, but I can't help it, I really like it, and it likes my yard. Plus the hummingbirds come every year, and I don't have to fill up my hummingbird feeder.. which I ususally don't get to. D.

Thanks to all for my Birthday wishes....Hubby took me to Tellers Chophouse (one of my favorites)...We had cocktails before and the chef made homemade rosemary garlic & evoo potato chips served warm..yummy! then we had a fantastic Rib eye dinner (the one i always talk about with the Truffle Butter...to die for) afterwards we went to and Irish Pub (Shandon Court) met about 15 friends and danced until 1:30!!! Still recouping from the late nite we had sooooooo much fun & Laughs!

You all are wonderful! A few people know that I get the blues on my birthday, I have for many, many years. All the lovely greetings here chased them away for me today! Alice had great intentions of making me breakfast this morning but the alarm failed to launch her into the kitchen. I have a promise of breakfast for dinner. Yum! And I'm pretty sure I'll be cleaning the kitchen! I'd love to come south for a get together in La-La! We live in two different states, you know. ;) Mostly I will attend to a pile of work today. The client emails began at 7:30 this morning. Hey, it's my birthday, fer Pete's sake.

happy Birthday, Eileen, be sure and let us know about supper. And dessert. And whatever the kids and hubs do for you. I'll bet it's going to be outstanding. Annie