WOW! Thanks for sharing. First, your puppies are adorable. Your gardens seem like a fun place to be - very whimsical for the puppies. Your orchids are amazing. I am in Georgia. I wish I could grow some of the plants in your zone. Again, awesome garden!

Amber, when I want to use bad tasting fruit or fruit that is not perfect looking I do preserves French style, that is I just simmer fruit and sugar or honey, put it in the fridge overnight. Next day I cook it for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on the fruit and put in jars to be used as a topping with pancakes or yogurt. I just made some bland tasting apples from the store like that also some peaches from the u-pick farm that were not the best looking. I also make any bland tasting melon like that. You can add vanilla bean, citrus or any other flavoring that you like. And the lesson learned at least for me is to try to get a review on a fruit or veggie from people that know what they are talking about, (very few) lol. I never forget the time that Dr Carolyn from the tomato forum, after posting the picture above, she asked me "did you like the tigger melon"? because she knew it!:) Silvia

Hi Everyone - Happy Thanksgiving! Deb, glad it got to you before the holiday. Thought you'd like the gold - LOL! The little knife is handy for opening all these packages, but I reckon you've lost that one! ha! We'll probably talk to our families on the phone this evening, but DH worked night shift last night, so it's pretty quiet around here today. Guess you can tell that since I seem to be the only one posting. LOL! Anyhow, just wanted to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving. Susann Here's a thought I just wanted to share. BE THANKFUL By Author Unknown Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Fantastic garden, Rhonda. Everything is lovely and settling in nicely. I'm glad you're beginning to see butterfly activity. How could they resist all those tempting blooms! I especially love seeing the blooming Lion's Tail. Mary