I have lost fish two different seasons to a heron. After the first attack I got a plastice heron and it seemed to work. No attacks the following year. But then last year we lost 3 more fish. I caught him in my yard a few days later, but I scared him away. Now, I'm not sure what to do this year. I saw this motion sensored singing tucan and I wondered if that would do anything??? Maybe I'll try the owl too. Just thought I would post that I still got attacked even with the plastic heron. Of course maybe I needed to move him around more!!

bougainvilleas are not available in my area, guy that has one does not want to give me a cutting although there are many twigs on it, he thinks it is bad luck, he never prunes it and he treasures it soooo much because he got it from his native country. should i make that crucial move and still one cutting? how could i give him some other plant that i have, pretending that i have no room for it, or should I just leave it at his front door unanimously ?

I'm late chiming in here, but must say I agree with all the other comments. Love the container and the centerpiece you made, and your dishes, napkin rings, placemats, etc. all look so festive. Love the dish propped behind the tray in your outside picture too. Most of all, I have to say that you've been holding out on us with your painting talents! I love the sunflower glasses you painted! They look great. And you did soooo many of them! Wow! I have to say that the sunsets in the desert are gorgeous. I've been lucky enough to get to enjoy a few of them during our travels. So glad you don't take them for granted and still pause to enjoy them--nature's beauty. Luvs

The problem always is, and always was, when people decorate with current trends and not timeless looks. Accessories & paint are great for bringing in a trend if you really love it (as opposed to want it because it is in). I almost hate when I like something new that seems trendy. The more new and out there something is, the more it will date itself and look silly very quickly. We all know 70s, 80s and 90s decor (and snicker at it) yet somehow buy into doing what is popular now and think that it won't be soon out of date, at least to some extent. We need to design for function, aim for classic in the expensive materials and have some fun with the cheaper elements. I'd hate for people to decorate in a boring way, but then again, doing the same trend everyone else is doing is a huge yawn inducer for me too. What is great about GWers is I can see a pic and often know right away whose kitchen it is. That means there was some character and style that was specific to that person. It would be sad if we all had cookie cutter kitchens. Bottom line, have some fun with the decor but try to shy away from mass produced and mass marketed trends such as the recent "Tuscan". If every Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, etc... has items that go with your "theme", I'd rethink the look.