Diane, did you take that job offer? If so - where? You know I'll be there, asking you a gazillion questions. LOL. Every day is a happy day for me. No, not really, but I do try and find SOMETHING that'll make me happy, and there's always at least one thing. My Lilacs are blooming, too. The scent is heavenly. My wisterias (2 of them coming together over a huge pergula) is in full bloom, and standing underneath them, taking in the scent, listening to the hundreds of bumblebees going to town, hearing their endless "hum" - THAT is happiness :) Grabbing some awesome "Genesis" tickets sure was awesome, too, especially seeing my husband's face when I told him I got some.

Thanks paxfleur and Frank for your comments. Oh, Frank, I love your Candyfloss, it's so beautiful! I wish mine would turn out to be Candyfloss. Also, you know, I think I've got seriously infected with the "amaryllis fever"... I went back to the market for a 2nd trip and got another bulb, which I tried not to buy in the first trip... This one has two almost-spent blooms but there're still 2 buds, and one more scape coming up too. I love its deep red color and I had to go back to get it, although it cost wayyyy toooo much ($2.50). I guess maybe because of the Lunar New Year coming up, flowers are more expensive. Here's a pix of my second buy. Maybe Red Lion? Can you identify, pls. Thank you. And then, to make everything worse, when I was buying some pots... I saw a cluster of 5 budding amaryllis bulbs in a big pot that was selling for $10.00! I asked to have it for $8.00 and they agreed! I couldn't carry the pot home on my motorbike...so hubby will have to pick it up for me tomorrow! I'll post a pix when I have it at home. Wow, I'm going to have lots of hippis for Tet holiday (Tet = Lunar New Year) which is coming up in two weeks time. I'm so glad I went to the market today! Xuan (feeling so great!)

Oh I know-wow can it eat! This morning when I came downstairs I walked over and looked at him-there is little frass all over and the little leaf was gone! There is something I always wanted to do so I touched him and that litle osmeterium came out-that is so funny looking! I won't do it anymore but, I just had to see it for myself. Lasy year I made little containers-I cut the lids and put netting on them with glue. It is alot easier to bring one of them with you when you go looking for cats and eggs.It's small enough so I could fit it in my purse or backpack too. I have the egg in there all by itself. Aggie

Marion that's wonderful I have had that pleasure too. I actually get the ladder out and have a peek into the nests even take pics when the chickies are older, and the nest is not out of reach. I only do it when the parents have gone to dinner. One year a couple of birds nested in a Grevillea 90 cms off the ground right near the back decking so I used to sit there for hours watching those eggs hatch into plucked chicks with huge eyes then they got their feathers, and about three weeks after they hatched they were gone. I was so sad as it was the most beautiful experience, I see them courting now so maybe this week they will do it again. I know that you will enjoy this wonderful event as much as I did. Cheers...MM.