Must be more than one HH around. There was not a single Paph to be seen in their greenhouse. John Leathers and Gary Meyer focus on Dracula and Masdevallias. John may have one of the better coccinea collection in the country. Gary and John together probably know more about Dracula than anyone in America. (J&L are pretty much up to speed on these also). The third partner, Bob Hamilton's special interest is Odontoglosums and their hybrids. At this time of the year, when they are in bloom, it is not safe to go there, a spectacular display. Brought a few these home, another reason to stock up on dog food. The only safe way to go there is to leave your cash, check book and plastic at home. Nick

Isn't that a great story of revenge. I love it. Linda

Hi all, I'm new. I just want to say that many of the issues you mention really aren't YOUR issues. Things like her fraudulant lawsuits for example. I have an ex who's always frauding someone...but it's not my problem. The system will catch up and when it does, they'll have to pay somehow. You need to focus on dealing with the children when they're in your care, and disregard what they do in her care, unless they're in danger. You seem to have stopped the spanking but maybe you should make their Dad handle all the discipline. You could even try a "wait until your father gets home" stance when they are in your care and your husband is away. Once you stop engaging with them, they will stop engaging with you. You've only been married two years, so you have a long road ahead. Your nit-picky issues are just that, little nit-picky issues. I'd blow them off and laugh it off as a jealous bio-mom...those do exists sometimes. You know YOU and those around you know YOU...don't waste your time focusing on what she says or does. Keep documenting everything and always anticipate the worst, but hope for the best. If the relationship with the girls is broken, I'd really try mending it. If you're interested in some ways, let me know, maybe we can get creative. If you plan to stay married, you really need to get along with his kids, they don't go away after they turn 18, only the CS.

Well, DH got a message from them today. They call his cell phone which he can't answer at work, instead of his work number which he gave them... so makes me wonder if they just don't wanna do their job. (I worked in government so I know how some can be...) They said the employer bounced a check and has since sent more checks in but they will not accept checks from the employer anymore since he bounced one. So, the second payment will also likely be rejected and he will have to pay back 195.68~ hardly fair to make the person that is already supporting the child, pay back when it was the person who is NOT supporting the child (or in this case, her employer) that made the mistake. I went to pick up SD yesterday and yes, BM looks like she might be showing. Even so, I am not convinced she isn't lying (isn't it horrible when someone lies about so much that you can't believe ANYTHING they say?). She just had on a loose blouse, which isn't her style. That doesn't prove anything, besides she hasn't told us she is... is there is a reason she wants it kept secret from us? I feel so bad for SD though. I got there to get her and BM was home but SD had been at BF's parent's house and BM sent BF to go get her. So, she spent the afternoon with BF's parents instead of her mom. I had to wait about 20 minutes for her to get back. I don't understand how a mom that only sees her daughter six days a month, sends her to the BF's parents for half a day... and this happens all the time. I guess the least BM could do is go with BF to get her and pretend she gives a crap... when BF pulled up with SD, BM came outside and ushered her in to get her changed into 'our' clothes.