Happy late Birthday, little Benbear!! Looks like he is one happy little dude! I love his cake, so cute! I can so relate to the Thomas the Train obsession, my son,(who is now 20) would watch it over and over and over!! Thank goodness they had come out with the recordable VHS tapes so we could tape them. He would even start to tear up when he knew they were about to end. He saw the Barnum and Bailey circus train pass in front of us at a trainstop one time and he about climbed outta his carseat, he wanted to get on that train so bad. He done his "shadowing " in High School for the railroad company here in town for two years, he wanted to become a conductor. They recently moved the school to another state and you have to relocate and then be placed there, so he went into computer networking and (sob) there went his lifelong dream. He is such a homebody, he couldn't see moving that far away with slim chance of coming back. So, be careful with Ben, his love of trains may be around for awhile! Glad he had a wonderful birthday with his family! blessings-sherri

Dear Monique - what with one thing and another I've been unable to get here to wish you a very belated but Happy Birthday. But here we are - some flowers from last year to remind us our gardens will bloom again. very best wishes, Mary

Hi Brian!! I almost missed this until a friend mentioned for me to check this thread!!! You are so nice to give such kind compliments.. Just don't know what to say except Mahalo my friend!!! I have learned from you as well.. we all learn from each other and i agree, this is a great forum!!! Talk about hot and Humid.. today it felt like a tropical rainforest. I could hardly breath, but im sure the trees are in heaven!!! Please send me an email next time you are here in VB. it would be wonderful to meet you and for you to come over and see the trees!!! We always love to share experiences.. Peg lives close to me too! Take care and thank you again. It means so much.!! Laura

A very happy birthday to you.......... Parmesan Pan Fried Tomatoes 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon onion powder 2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup Panko Japanese breadcrumbs 12 slices tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick (about 3 tomatoes) 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons olive oil Combine flour, onion powder, granulated garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well. In separate bowl combine panko and Parmesan. In third bowl combine eggs and mustard. Take slices of tomato and dip in flour, dust off excess. Then dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally dip in parmesan/panko mixture, pressing Parmesan mixture onto slices for good coverage. Repeat until all slices are breaded. These should be stored in a single layer dusted lightly with extra crumbs. Heat olive oil in non-stick frying pan, over medium-high heat. Place 3 slices in pan, and let cook about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, until just golden brown. Don't flip too soon or Parmesan mix will fall off. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings. Linda in Tennessee