I have a lot to do this winter, so I'm kinda hoping to get most of my perennials out now and then have until March before I do any more big sowing. I have the time now because I'm taking a break from Christmas this year. After being in school this past semester, my hiney is whupped from writing and reading (and thinking so hard) constantly. Did Christmas come really quick this year or what? I thought I would have time to plan my cookie list and bake after the semester ended, but, all of a sudden, it's here--and now I've got a cold. So the most I'm going to do is bake a lot of little pound cakes. That's it. So my kitchen is freed to play in dirt. It's supposed to warm up to 50s in Syracuse this weekend-- but I figure the fluctuation in temps will be good for the Prunus Tomentosa. Maybe it'll help me get an edge on the warm/cold period they need. I think any seed that needs that kind of break down of the seed coat will benefit from the temp fluctuations.

Chris, Yes that is the FFO on that fan of SANFORD INTERMEZZO, so I think that it will get better and better as bloom continues. VOODOO MAGIC is an awesome flower. I planted 2 individual fans of it here in my garden in early May. Even the FFO was stunning. I can't give you any info regarding increase, but would highly recommend it on just the beauty and size of the flower. Linda

12 pounds! WOW I just got back from a 15 mile bike ride. Cool out, and wet, misty. We were wet when we got in. Sorry not to have done any posts this week, but it has been hectic. I did the weight workout on Monday, a quick bike ride on Tuesday, another weight workout on Wednesday... but I was always in a hurry. Our former exchange student is back home now. Yesterday I took her back to the airport. Things should get back to my kind of normal again. ;) Moni

When I got home from work, DH told me that YSD called one more time. She confessed that she wished we would come for Thanksgiving because BM and grandpa will behave better if we are there! YSD said BM and grandpa are laying it on heavy about SDs' religious choices and they know she will back off if he is there. Those poor girls! But I think I handled it well. I told DH to suggest that they invite somebody--anybody--to come. To tell BM that "poor Caitlin doesn't have anywhere to go, can she come to our house?" Because if there is a guest, things should go better. But it doesn't have to be us! DH did suggest that to YSD, so hopefully she can find someone. And he said, "Honey, it is really not my place to protect you from Mom and Grandpa. Just tell them that you don't want to spoil the holiday and you want everyone to respect everyone else's belief and that is the meaning of the day." Thumbs up, DH. He seems relieved, he thanked me for the idea (stolen from the New York Times this week, ha), and I think we will have a good couple of days just the two of us. Thank you again for lending an ear--I'll let you know if he can actually let go of the guilt for the little vacation.