Bob, there are way to many to pick just ONE BEST picture :-) Kylie, I am SO busy with trying to get everything ready for the vacation....Thinking about you a lot and the great time we had. Hopefully AFTER the vacation I will have a life again and can get in touch with you. Until then, potted up the Cuttings today because I do not want hubby to deal with cuttings in water. Hey guys, Kylie has the biggest smile that comes right from the heart. If I had not signed that waver, I would show you :-) Kristy how was it being back at work ? Rigo you just enjoy your children, the time together. The fresh veggies..oh man yumm. We are here when ever you got time to say hello. Lucy

I still get excited about getting a good look at any kind of woodpecker, but your photo is great! I have never gotten a picture of any of my woodpeckers. We only rarely see the Pileated (it's a big favorite for me, too!!), but our Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers call all day long, every day in the Black Gum Swamp. We also get Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers in there. Our very oldest, tallest Slash Pine is dying and I guess it will become a popular tree with the woodpeckers. It was struck by lightning at least twice since we moved to the property in 1997! Since we dug a new pond near our house we get to see a Belted Kingfisher and various enormous herons and egrets pretty often. Let's see, I guess my butterfly-related comment is that I wonder if there are any tricks to getting Red Admirals. Any suggestions on where I should plant my False Nettle seed? I already planted a lot in wet soil along the new pond where it's still bare. This forum is so tempting once spring comes along... but I need to go outside!

Hi Val, Sorry I'm late to the party, but congrats on your job offer and the fact that the govt guy wants to try to hold on to you! I've recently been unemployed for 5 months, and I'm a single mother as well, and it was torture. Worries about insurance, and would I find a position before unemployment ran out, etc. So I can truly understand your fear. My take on your situation would be to stick with the small company, precisely for what you said...it won't end in a year, and put you back in this position. Plus this guy has been interested in hiring you for years, so I'd say that he can see your potential in his company, and that's a good position to be starting from. I've worked for huge corporations and small start-ups. They each have their pluses and minuses...I've actually preferred the smaller sized companies, because in my experience it's been much more personal, and understanding regarding personal stuff. Currently I'm in a job that is paying me a fraction of my previous salary, and it's not a perfect situation (boring, alot of fresh out of college people who know EVERYTHING), but it is a job for which I am thankful. I have just taken a part time job as well, to make up for the financial difference, and I'm happy for that too. I see this as a stepping stone situation, until the economy straightens out...so if the small company isn't perfect, it's good enough to get you to the next phase. Good luck!!!

Magpie, thank you for the additional pics! Just love all that transitional colour! So Grateful for all your tips and experience...and suggestion re the appropriate forum. I will certainly do that! H. 'Praying Hands' is exceptional - so healthy. I have a new appreciation for it since I can see it up close, rather than in photos. Last year I was saying how it does nothing for me, that I was in no hurry to acquire it, but acquire it I would eventually as I am collecting all HOTYs. BKay, they were all the same - all tall, so dark green, so commanding of attention....I actually took a double-take! It's growing on me :-). Magpie, I have no experience with the PH hosta's mature size but .... another customer saw mine at the nursery and was astounded by the size. She commented she's been growing one for 3 years already and "it is nowhere near that size"! I usually do the research on new hostas after I bring them home....to familiarize myself...its origin, leaf size, vein count etc.. I have some homework to do. I appreciate the interest in this thread and the great advice you so willingly offered based on your own experience. It helps tremendously! Thank you all!!!