Lyban, those are great considerations. I have been group texting with the three women who will be co-hosting and we'll be doing a zoom meeting next week. It feels like a group effort so far, but it would be easy for me to want to do it all myself. I'll ask them to create a menu (I'll pay) and figure out decorations and anything else. Maybe one of them should be the RSVP contact? Arcy, you're right, this will be more than a shower, it's more like a , I don't know what to call it! There is now a thing called a "babymoon" which, as i understand it is a trip for the parents right before the baby is born. So is this a Slumberpartymoon? At most, we will have 12 people. Probably less so I'm not too worried about my dd getting too many elephant-themed gifts.I If it was to be a huge gathering, I would probably do something less animal specific. As far as food goes, well, new, more accomodating me is willing to see what my co-hosts come up with. But Annie, your menu does sound delicious!

Orchids are very easy to care for, almost as easy as succulents. After it blooms, if the flowers spikes turn brown cut them off about an inch from the base. If they stay green you may get a re-bloom or babies. Some experts suggest that you repot an orchid after it loses it's blooms. I have mine in an orchid mix for Phalaenopsis from Lowe's, but if you can get a better one from repotme.com, or so the "experts" say. I use distilled water with a small amount of orchid food mixed in (also from Lowe's) and water when the orchid feels light when removed from the cachepot and the roots look white-ish. be careful not to get water in the crown which can cause rot. The aerial root with the brown section is fine as long as the end stays green, but you can cut it off if you like. Cut off any aerial (outside) roots that are brown and completely dried. I know it sounds complicated, but it's just water, orchid food and bright, indirect light. Now if someone could just teach me how to get them to bloom again, I would be happy. I can keep them alive, healthy, new leaves, new roots, even have a baby growing, but no blooms ! Guess I need to go over to our Orchid forum https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/orchidsand ask for help, or watch some YouTube videos. Anybody here know how to get new bloom spikes on a Phal ?

I’ve been checking in hoping to see some answers for mbug. Michael has such a great collection of hostas that I hope it is something that’s a one-time annoyance and not any disease affecting them. It does look like those spots will brown out this year.

We need to replace the slate tile on the floor of the porch, update the steps, and cover the brick foundation that shows beside/behind the steps. (Please excuse the dirt from the winter and construction! 🫣) There is a paver sidewalk leading up to it. We are open to a new design of the steps, possibly with a handrail. But mostly, want thoughts on what type of flooring, to coordinate with the pavers. We live in Michigan and the steps and porch get very slippery in the winter! Thanks!