Thanks for the reply! Yes, I have storms, but for some reason not all of the windows have them and those that are missing are not in any logical--to me--pattern. Also, most are ugly metal (aluminum?) jobbies that are ineffective I have been told; there are a few good old-fashioned wooden storms that hang from hooks. Unfortunately, these have not really been maintained, so pretty much all of these are in crappy condition. Still, those that are there seem to help considerably. I have considered adding internal storms as well as replacing/upgrading the exterior storms with something like MonRay storms. This would definitely buy time, which would help. Unfortunately, it doesn't cure a few problems: there would still be lead paint on these windows, the tops don't open, etc. Also, it seemed silly to me to paint them again if the idea is to strip them. Otoh, I suppose one more layer won't make much difference. Lord knows how many layers are already on these windows! In any case, my long-term plan is to both restore these windows in addition to adding storms; in the areas of the house that are particularly cold I've even considered using exterior and interior storms simultaneously one day, when budget allows. Still, I take your point about using multiple panes and from what I have read this is a very good idea. Btw, thanks for the reminder about "sashes" as opposed to "panes.". I think I've done enough reading to educate myself fairly well, but I am constantly forgetting the right nomenclature. The old growth wood issue is something I have heard from others and it is one of the reasons why I won't allow my current general contractor to replace my windows even though he swears "modern" windows will be better. It seems to me that a high-quality storm and a restored antique window such as the ones I have should perform at least as well as most contemporary windows and for about the same, and even possibly less, money than a replacement window. I honestly didn't realize that window restoration was becoming a niche. I sort of figure, perhaps naively, that it was something on the rebound, what with the greater emphasis on the environment (eg-keeping historic windows out of landfills while still saving energy) and a growing homeowner awareness in things like maintaining historical integrity, etc. Then again, I am an historian, so I suppose my perception might be skewed. BTW, what interior, or exterior, storms would you recommend I look into? I am completely open to suggestions. Thanks, Aaron

Yes, it is still blooming and has more buds to go. (My Guacamole, Fragrant Bouquet, Royal Standard, Kiwi Full Monty, Sugar and Cream, Plantaginea and Halcyon are also blooming.) And the leaves are usually lighter/brighter than they are this year - lime or chartreuse (sp?). So it is still a mystery. My last hope is the other forum that bk2000 suggested. I am having technical difficulty there and waiting for a response to my msg to the board admin. There is one more thing abt the mystery hosta that I haven't mentioned. It is quite sun tolerant. It get's dappled morning sun then from abt 1 or 2:00 on, the front starts getting full sun and by 4:00 or so the whole plant is in full sun until sun down. Afternoon sun here is still brutal at 6 and 7 pm. The front leaves do eventually burn but I'm surprised the whole plant isn't burned to a crisp by mid-July.

why do you need 3 posts on this .//????

bkay..you taught me something..I've noticed some hostas have wavy edges, leaves that curve etc but I never realized Undulatas have "the twist on the tip of the leaf"..