Hello Sue, How nice to hear from you. I haven't posted for a while. Don't give up on your plants, even though I'm disappointed that the first two haven't come true to their supposed names,last years was a superb rosy red with yellow middle. The new one to open this year was supposed to be Chiang Mae rainbow but is very much like Celadine my old plumeria but with a different sweeter lemony smell. Also it doesn't hold it's blooms like Celadine. I definately won't be buying any more as I've quite a lot. I bet my home grown seedlings have more exciting colours that's if the seeds were of the varieties given!If I can wait that long! They are around 4 years old now. Hang in there Sue! Kind regards Hazel.

I had a similar situation with my first child - during the first trimester of pregnancy, biodad decided that he wasn't ready to be a father (we were both in our 20s). He left me, and I continued alone. By the 3rd trimester, I had begun a new relationship with an older colleague with whom I'd been a business acquaintance for quite some time. He obviously accepted me (pregnant though I was), and he insisted that he was committed to raising my son as his own. Either way, although my new beau was my lamaze coach & assisted in the birth, I did not attempt to put his name on the birth certificate (he was NOT the child's father) - as a matter of fact, no father's name was put on the birth certificate (because in this state, the father must be present & sign the certificate). Needless to say, everything was bubble gum & rainbows at that point, but within 2 years (my son was probably 1 and 1/2), my new fiance simply disappeared (didn't come home from work one evening). I never pursued the situation with him any further, and I never got any answers (what difference did it make, really), but what I did get was STRONGER, self-reliant and more personally committed to RESPONSIBLY navigating not only my life, but the life of my son. Eventually, when my son was 3, biodad came to terms with the responsibilities of being a father and a husband, and our family was reunited. We were married for 10 years and had two additional children. Ultimately, our marriage did not last, however, we still respectfully, responsibly and lovingly co-parent our children, and years later, God has blessed me with the husband (and 2 stepchildren) He intended for my life. It is my belief that if you muddy the waters & create untruths, it is ultimately the child that will be hurt. Whether mom likes it or not, the child is entitled to know his true ancestry, and it isn't right to base his identity on untruths. He will undoubtedly resent you for it - the truth always comes into the light.

Kimmsr, as far as I know, mantids and stick insects aren't related other than they are all insects (class Insecta ). Ron, I know what you mean. What have those scientists created? What if a couple of them escape or are otherwise introduced to a non-native environment? Not like it hasn't happened before!

There's not just the broken relationship with Dad ... but the complication of having resented brother, as favourite, while growing up ... but with a residue continuing over the years, which was involved with the request/demand that you forgive. Life does get complicated, doesn't it? I rather like the idea of the two chairs, inhabiting each in turn. Sometimes when I have an issue with God, I imagine myself stepping out of my skin, going a short distance away, looking back and asking what response I imagine that God would make. Though we're supposed to respect God unquestioningly, I've suggested to a number of folks that it's O.K. to have issues with God: He/((She) ain't eggs ... She/He won't break when given some rough handling. I hope that you can find/work your way through to a satisfactory resolution to this issue. I hope that you have a trusted friend who is hugely respectful, caring and willing to listen (and who knows how to keep her/his mouth shut not only during ...[ but after, with regard to others, as well]). Sometimes a leader or regular person of faith can be helpful in dealing with such an issue. Good wishes as you proceed on this portion of your life's journey. ole joyful