Morning all, well it is still raining but it looks like we we'll get a reprieve for a couple days and I think I'll be able to work outside this afternoon if we don't get the predicted thunder storms. So very much to do still. I've got the back gardens in pretty good shape but haven't done a bit of work in the front except to do some clean-up. Heather's boyfriend has been working for me a day or so a week and he really can get a lot done in a short period of time. He's gotten the entire back gardens mulched! I edged everything and he traipsed the mulch up, down and around and got it all spread. I cleaned out the borders but he did all the raking and cleanup in the back and behind the pond which is a huge job. Now I need to get to work on the front. The driveway garden needs a ton of work and I've got to replace or change a bunch of plants from the rodent damage. My worst casualty there is the enormous clump of Oriental 'Bergamo' lilies, there were at least two dozen last summer, anyway, they are all GONE! every last one of them. drasty rodents. The good news is that Doug FINALLY listened to me and took Zicam and his cold magically disappeared in three days. This morning he told me to stop gloating, LOL. Saucy, love Ginger, what a cutie. She looks like a sweetie with a bit of mischief in her. LOL about putting bacon in the boy's pockets. Whatever works right? ~~~ We need to touch bases about getting those hosta leaves here. I'd like to get them painted and think about situating them. No need to worry about the stands at this time. WE can do that later. Sounds like you've got a very full plate these days. Bug, the furnace is running here as well. I can't believe I'm wearing a fleece turtleneck with a sweatshirt the end of May. ~~~ LOL, love those buggy Pj's, so cute and that sweater is great! ~~ I'm the same as you with running at half speed when its so gloomy out. Can't wait to see the sun again. ~~ so cool you checked out Neos and vrieseas, they are so cool! Here is a pic of a few of my Neoregelias The coolest thing about these plants is the ease of culture. They don't need to be watered often, almost no feeding. The Vrieseas grow well in filtered light to light shade and the Neos, depending on the variety grow and color up well with a half day of sun. After they bloom the mother plant dies off in a year or so and the plant throws off multiple pups so you now have replacements at no cost and very little effort. Kathy, you are so lucky you dont' have to deal with the woodchucks. They are so terribly destructive. I wouldn't want to deal with banana slugs though. yukko! looking forward to seeing pics of your new hoyas. Julie, yes, we are going to be on the Garden Conservancy's Open Days in July this summer but we were also on a local garden tour last year. Next year I'm taking the year off from tours. Too much work! OKie Dokie, waving hello to one and all, have a great day and lets all hope for some sunshine and warm temps. Deanne

Great picture Harry-----I had my back surgery the morning of Feb 5 and then the big snowstorm came that night----thank goodness most of the nurses were able to come to work the second storm happened while I was staying with my daughter in Lancaster----I was lucky to squeeze between all those storms and make it home on the 15th--- I'm lucky to be home and snowed in and enjoying all the Olympics--- AGAIN--that is a great picture Florence

Babka - I went to the site ... Enjoyed reading JGH's post ... then noticed it is two years old! Oh well, so curiosity took over and I read over his very extensive hosta list...which he updated in May of this year. Wow, what a list!!! I have, from time to time, wondered how he's doing and miss him on the forum. No doubt he is fully recovered and likely on an adventure with Sheila somewhere exotic. :-) Jo This post was edited by josephines67 on Wed, Jan 15, 14 at 1:22

I haven't seen a robin yet (Quad Cities, IL), but I have heard the cardinals chirping in the morning! I'm missing the little robins! Just got back in town from Galena, so cold but had to shop the main drag. If anyone lives there or near, I got really good discounts in almost every store. Got a $300 bag for 1/2 off!