Let me tell you this, Jörg Kohout sold, exchanged or give away the 'Ice Breaker' only to collectors and told them emphatic NOT to propagate this plant. One way or the other this cultivar went to the other side of the big pond under the same temporary name. To tell it in a short way, all these plants in your country are propagated illegal so this plant couldn't never be well known and be established. Jorge never put any conditions on scions he shared with some North American collectors. He knew he couldn't make any money from the plant in this country so he didn't care. Be careful who you acuse of doing something illegal when you don't know all of the facts. Besides, three years ago I saw hundreds of these in some Dutch nurseries/collections. This is the only name for the plant now and the name 'Ice Breaker' never excisted. Sorry, but the name was validly published on the internet with a description. However, since the internet is a gray area and I will be publishig the name in my catalog for the first time this year, adding Jorge's surname to it isn't a big problem. Technically, I suppose I could have Picea abies 'Gold Drift' renamed to 'Fincham's Gold Drift', but I think I'll leave well enough alone. Dick Bush did the same thing with his introductions but 'Lace' was already published in print. So that name is confused. As Stephen mentioned a little while ago: The people from Europe are the one's that MOST of the time set the record straight! I don't keep count on that sort of thing. Does this mean we should start having a contest? Should we also keep track of who puts the most crooked turns into the record as well? I don't think so. Anytime scion wood is ditributed the plant is going to get out to collectors. I have a plant called 'Buttermilk Falls'. Only one collector in Europe should have it. But it has been distributed in Europe because scion wood was taken without permission by someone else. Now I have lost control of that plant and if it proves to revert and not hold its variegation, I will be accused of releasing it too soon. Even though I have been studying it for ten years now without offering any for sale. Because some got out, I will probably start offering it without a full evaluation. Edwin, you share a lot of valuable information on the forum. Just try not to be so touchy about a complaint when someone has changed a name that has been publicised on a plant that is already so well known. And no matter what is said, it is a name change. It was never presented as provisional. I believe Jorge is only responding to his father's wishes and it put him into a difficult position. Dave can be blunt at times but I know he did not intend anything personal in his comments.

Awww...Dan, I only WISH I was that relaxed! LOL! You're right, Marie...it is beautiful. I just wish it didn't come with the destruction. :O) Here's one quick "after" picture, it's horrible because I forgot to reset the white balance on the camera. All the downed trees had to be removed with the tractors, and our utility pole (what's left of it!) is still propped up with 2x4's. The back side of both buildings were hit & smushed....but thankfully, you can't see those from the road! :O)

Hey! I'm so sorry; One of those Senior Moments. The Gum is "Beemons" and the google site says that the ??? company only makes Beemons and Black Jack once in a while. I do know that it is often hard to find. Beemans Gum - 20 / 5 Stick Packs [BGBEEMANS] - $11.45 : KJ&K KandiesKJ&K Kandies Beamans Gum - 20 / 5 Stick Packs [BGBEEMANS] - Stock up now on America's original chewing gum, while we still have our supply on hand. www.kandkkandies.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=148 - 29k

It is condensation from the broad temperature differential and higher than tolerable indoor humidity. Even if the aluminum windows have a thermal break (foam insert) they are going to be your most conductive frame material and therefore get cold when it is cold outside. Cold surface + warm air = condensation. Most windows that are considered thermally broken are actually just insulated and not truly thermally broken. You can lower you indoor humidity and see if that doesn't fix the issue temporarily. I think we can agree that these are pretty irregular temps for Dallas.