You're all wonderful, ten times over! Melissa, boxwoods are a no (they're all over the place here). I did plant some 'Soft Touch' Ilex Compacta, desperately hoping my neutral pH won't kill them. I think they'll be like 3x3 balls of tiny leaves if they survive. The others you mention (rosemary & lavender) get so big here - not enough room, but definitely good suggestions. "1) the garden won't break; and 2) the gardener will have periods where gardening just doesn't have any appeal, but enthusiasm will return the first warm and sunny day." Excellent words! I planted some things today. Two double salmon hibiscus 'Jane Cowel' along the white fence near Anna Olivier & Perle d'Or even though they will get HUGE (hack, hack), a strawflower, two Marguerites - rose and yellow, some glad bulbs. None of which will add to the winter garden. :(( I fed the front and got about have of it composted. Just putting the dark compost down makes everything look better. Budeyes are swelling all over the place. Thank you, Gean my friend, you're always so positive - except for the hurricane part. lol That's such a big no-no here. Our insurance rates go up if you even whisper it - or the company drops you. :(( But you're so encouraging. Ingrid, I like reading your lists of excellent plants. I dearly wanted two 'Sky Pencil' Japanese Hollies, but I can't get my pH low enough in a million years. If these Soft Touches work, I'll be getting more of them. They're not unlike box except a deeper green & denser. You know, when I had my rosemary, it never bloomed, and I had it for a year and a half before it died. One day you'll have to gently ask your plants if they like 60% humidity and torrential downpours a couple of times a week. If they say yes, let me know! holleygarden, do you have Hermosa? Run go check it out if you do. Mine are loaded with buds, just starting to show dark pink/red. I have buds scattered around on other roses. It was a wonderful day - maybe 70. Cool enough to have long sleeves on and pants. A neighbor came to visit my next-door neighbor while I was out there. She told me I have a beautiful garden. I thanked her very much, but why do I want to argue with her? It occurs to me that others don't think it's as bad as I do - even the sticks, probably. And I guess they know what time of year it is. Thank you everyone. I feel much better for all your kind words. Sherry

believe it not,caffine is a huge contributor to anxiety. First panic attack I had was cuz I drank several cups of coffee.In fact,everytime I drink coffee (which I love the taste of) I have a panic attack. Usually I can tolerate a soda,but I have pretty much completely cut out all caffine. My family and friends think I'm wussy for this. I have been on .025 mil. of xanax for the last almost 5 years. it was the only real thing that helped my anxiety attacks. But I started slowly weaning myself off.One every other day,then every two days.Got to the point where I only began taking them if actualy really needed them,which for a while was once a week,then once a month.Sometimes I'd even break them in half and only take a half. Now I have been off for 5 months.I still kinda need one around PMS time,when anxiety runs the worst for me,but I deal without best I can. Exercise does help alot.It gets out pent up energy and tension. Hot warm baths to relax tense muscles. Also,you may look into getting one of those massage chairs. Intimate contact helps too. During my worst attack,I was shaking and having terrible thoughts.My husband layed beside me and just held me until I finally fell asleep out of exsaustion.Now when I'm really tense,I hate to be crude,but having sex helps alot too. I also find,I try not to dwell on being mad or upset.The more I do,the more likely to have an attack. You need to detox though before you do anything.Quiting cold turkey could be very dangerous at this point. And...you will have some side effects from quitting like insomnia. I do occasionally still deal with that as my biggest withdrawl. I really know how you feel though.It is so terrible to be run by anxiety.Alot of people dont understand or think you are making it up.

M3D's, this is the first time I've seen a pic of your bathroom. How beautiful and charming it is! I especially love your wall sconces, medicine cabinet and all your lovely transferware. The Queensway fabric looks like it'll work wonderfully with your loveseat for Spring. Just how close are you to Spring up there in Maine, anyway? I've heard it comes June-late there. I've always been taken with your Winter mantle. With the metal wreath, it looks like it could easily grace any magazine cover. BTW, did you make that wreath?!? I don't recall ever seeing another one like it. It's elegantly simple and I love it. And then the lamps . . . I am SUCH a lampaholic that I literally drool over your beautiful ones! Your newest find is such fun. It'll certainly brighten up your study when it arrives. Don't forget to post pics when you get it. And it looks as though you've finished the barley twist ones. What a great idea that was! As for the Chinoiserie, I can see from your picture that they're terribly jealous and upset that they're being replaced by the barley twists. I think what they need is a respite away from those little upstarts for a while, don't you? To New Mexico, perhaps? Lynn ;^P

LOL... It happened and I was only in my 40's. But you got to understand, if you were me, you could have made that same mistake! Picture this.... How often do you see the same make, year, color minivan with tinted windows parked at the handicapped parking space at the same time and next to each others? I mean... after all, red is not that popular of a color for minivans. Well... now you see... even young people can make that same mistakes 4 times. LOL... yep, 4 times. Come to think of it, I'm wondering if it has been the same van (not mine) that I kept trying to open the door with my key over and over again. Hum.... Anyway, my van now has a noticeable scratch that ID it. When I see the scratch, I know the key would work. It is mine :)