Sago Palms are beautiful, and I highly recommend them, if they are suitable to your zone. It is not actually a palm tree, rather, a Cycad, one of the longest living plant varieties on the planet. They are from prehistoric times! Unfortunately, they do not do well here in South Florida anymore, due to the dreaded Sago Scale. A pest for which there is no good treatment. I am sure that this pest has not made it to you, and probably won't. I lost 2 mature Queen Sagos to the scale... one had an 8' trunk, the other about 6'. The fronds were at least 6' long... maybe 8'. I've tried a couple of King Sagos, which have a much smaller frond, but I just can't keep up with the scale, and lost those, as well. I now have another Cycad, that is not a Sago (don't remember the variety), which is not effected by the scale. It is very similar in look, so I am happy again. Sure do miss those big beauties though! Bob

Oh, the twins are totally precious...and BIG. They are just too darling laying int he hammock together! What sweethearts. I saved the photo of the pumpkin centerpiece for our Inspiration album (that I'm waaaay behind on). I REALLY like the idea of the frame crossing the tray, looks wonderful. I had to smile at Bigfoot, the scarecrow, he's a cutie. All the decorations look warm and inviting. Your rustic home, by the creek, seems like heaven to me. Even tho I live in Phoenix, I never was and never will be a city girl. I miss the country life. Glad you got your decorations posted for us to see. Hope you are doing ok. hugs, Karen

Disasters always bring out the best and the worst in people. Supermarkets and other larger stores have employed security guards to prevent looting, which is probably inevitable although we haven't heard of any. On the other side of the coin however, is the story of how a neighbour rescued somebody's pet galah (bird) - the only thing to have been salavaged from the wreck of their home. Or the story of the business owner who sacked all his workers because he couldn't afford to pay them, and they all, to a man, refused to accept - and have promised to stay on and work for free for a month to help out. Then there's the woman who has accommodated a young man unable to get across the river to his wife and family. She also has a family of 4 Vietnamese people who arrived in Australia less than a month ago, do not speak English and didn't know what to do or where to go when the water entered their home. There are many such stories, very heartening indeed. I have mentioned to a few people that I've posted this thread, and they have all been united in their gratitude for all the kind thoughts and the donations that have been made. They have asked me specifically to say Thank You on their behalf. Even a kind thought gives an enormous amount of comfort. I guess from so far away, the best kind of help that can be given is to give money as a donation. The cost of rebuilding entire towns and cities is estimated to be in the multiples of billions $$$, and every little helps. It isn't just the cost of repairs to damage - but with such widespread floods, there is already a shortage of essentials like bread, milk, fruit and vegetables, and prices for those have skyrocketed. Before the Brisbane floods hit, I did my fortnightly shopping last Friday, and decided against paying $8 for a single lettuce. Prices like that are downright scary, and while supplies can't be relied upon from interstate, also affected by floods, we can only expect things to be very expensive for the foreseeable future. But - we are a resilient people, and no matter how long it takes, we'll get through it. We're an unquenchable bunch. Still, your kind words are spreading far and are deeply appreciated by us all.

Thank you all! I loved reading about your precious kitties, stillanntn. You are so kind and loving. Cath, for some reason I don't have that episode, but I'm watching lots of them through the DVR. Big mistake watching Dr. Pol put down his own dog, Freya. So sad:( Millie is starting on supplements this week for her joints, so you are spot on Sonic and stillanntn. One of the vets will be looking at her soon, as she needs further deforming,( just to be sure, for the 3rd time, as she arrived loaded). She will also be getting some sort of allergy shot to help with her runny nose. Thank you all for your good wishes and kind words. She is a delightful little girl and so filled with joy ALL of the time! Yesterday, she caught(and ate!) a fly in midair. You should have seen the mighty little hunter. It's very hard to keep her calm sometimes. I wish you all could see her! She loves everyone, people, cats, dogs, you name it. They are all treated like dearly loved friends. The vets speculated that she might be a bit "slow" mentally at first, when she was deathly ill. Not so. After just three trips into the garden in three days, she made a quick realization. If momma puts those green Sloggers on, she's going into the garden, and I'm going to do my best to make sure I go along! I wish I could bring her out all the time, but she's so excitable. I don't want her to over do it. Here is a cute picture of Millie in the veggie box right after taking a bite out of an onion stem. Lisa