Snidely, thanks for sharing that. I didn't know and that's very interesting. Georgysmom, I totally agree. In the over 35 yrs. that I live in the US, race discrimination has been the most puzzled to me. From a foreigner borned point of view, I see it differently. US is a country that is composed of immigrants from many many other countries. There are no real Americans except for the Native Americans which has a small population in this country at the moment. Different people from different countries migrate here to look for a better life. Thus, it made more sense to me that this country would have the least discrimination. After all, everyone must have had learned to live together in order to have a hand in building this country as one of the most powerful and influential country in the world. Ah yes. Then, there's the black Americans which reminded me of a true and sort of funny incident that happened at a friend's working place. At a break room, there was some debating and a bit of rivalry about discrimination between some white and black workers/employees. One of my Asian friend stepped in and firmly told the black workers to stop being bittered and complaining about the past. She further said that if not for slavery brought to the US, they would have still be living in Africa and probably died of hunger or poor health condition. Instead, they should forget about what no longer exist (slavery) and be blessed that they live here where one can enjoy the benefit & freedom this country provides. The rivalry stopped; everyone laughed & agreed.

I have used it before and it is one of the best I have ever used besides Tide with Bleach powder. It used to come in an unscented formula but they stopped making it. They rather have something that smells really strong I guess?! They ruined Tide Original Powder--and say that it (new scent) was preferred over the old. I find that hard to believe myself. Just like the old smell of Downy. After thousands of complaints they are still making that sweet-tart version. Oh well, I use the unscented now.

Yes that first bloom is always anticipated! Here is a shrub Iceberg captured from someone’s front yard. Our extra rain gave otherwise neglected plants a boost and the cool weather made all the Icebergs in the neighborhood blush. This one was so spectacular I took a picture. Perspective is looking up.

Our apartment complex had a whole "Resident Appreciation Week" this past week. Monday was "Try Your Luck", and everyone found a lottery scratch off ticket on their door. Tuesday was "Your Favorite Room in Your Apartment" contest, where you had to submit a photo and a writeup of why this particular room is your favorite--also had a $75/$50/$25 Visa gift card prize. Wednesday was "Best Decorated Balcony" contest, with those prizes. Thursday was "Breakfast Is On Us" day--we had to go to the office, in the corner of the complex, to pick up bags of yummy-licious bagels, cream cheese, and OJ. These kind of contests are fun, particularly when most people have been cooped up for COVID isolation. Pudged wanted to know what I'm going to spend my prize money on. Heh-heh, it's already been spent! Happy Frog potting mix, 3 window boxes, 2 hanging pots, 2 fuschia plants, a pot of geraniums, and various other beautiful annuals. Two turnbuckles to hang the fuschia pots, nylon strapping to make the hangers, outdoor fabric and PVC tubing to make the sun screen and the parapet, plus a lot more I can't even remember. But it's worth it, as my garden was my sanity during this forced isolation.