Hi Holliwog! Nice to hear from you, you've been missed! I think it would be a very good idea to post to the Lilies Forum, but in case you don't have time or have trouble receiving answers here is what I've learned about lilies in general and have practiced in my own gardens with good success: * Make sure the bulbs are fresh when they arrive * If you can't plant them right away, wrap them in damp newspaper until you are able to get them in the ground (which should be asap) * They are best planted in early fall at least "wrist deep". Trumpets need to go even deeper. I'm in zone 5 so that may be different advice than for your zone 7. Good luck! PattiOh

Hello Dear Friends, Yes I haven't been on much....just busy with one thing are another....thought things would maybe slow down when I "retired"...but as I am sure all know that just don't really happen.LOL I have moments when I think...how did I do everything and work!! Last week I did fill in Mon and Wed. at the florist...but Fri. I went in and about 8 got a call from Susan and she said Mom had a fever...I had gone in to give Mom a kiss before I left and thought she felt warm..but often she does feel warm...well to make a long story short I called the doctor and they said for us to take her in to the E.R...we had been having trouble with Mom coughing while we fed her...and finding that even with us giving liquid with thicket her diapers were not wet...we were at the E. R. until 6.30...they ran all kinds of tests...they gave Mom a antiboctic...doctor was so very kind...told us that we had caught it at the beginning but that Mom had started getting sick..said that this was just the beginning and he had talked with Mom's doctor at length...he ordered Hospice. We brought Mom home and Hospice came Sat. to talk with us. My sweet little Dad sat and listen and understood...he said only God knew when it was time for her to go home..but that he wanted her to die at home. We talked about how blessed we are...and cried...we talked about honoring Mom's wishes...and cried...we talked about loving her and enjoying each day we have...and cried...we talked about none of us knowing that we have that next day...and cried...we talked about knowing that when death does comes for any of us that we will be together again with Jesus. We agreed to take each day and not dwell on what is to come....my sister was here with us as we talked with hospice...I think that maybe she has finally realized...for me it is such a comfort to know that Hospice will be here. Mom had a good day today....eating went well...she has been talking....most of it we can't understand but at times we can. She walked around a little with help...I know that we will have good days and bad...Breezy...how true your words of wisdom...we are in His hands and He is faithful...He will sustain us. Your heart hurts...you long for them to not be in pain...with hospice they will help us make sure that Mom will not suffer....please keep us in your prayers. My daughter and family are coming this week-end from Ky...my daughter in Memphis is coming...we will all be together....the house will be full...that will bring joy to Mom and Dad. Bless you all for your prayers and concern....I pray for you also. Nora

Very nice package you have there Trixie! Sorry to hear about the recent loss in your family. You are going to LOVE that Ice Wine. Sharon sent the very same kind to me a couple of years ago. Congrats on the soon to be new Grandbaby! David

Thanks everyone :) Janie, she gets to take Pinkoo with her; she also has a tiny green turtle she's just crazy about, so that will go with her too! I'll miss her so much ... she falls asleep every evening suckling on the inside of my palm. It's just so endearing :) Glenda, thanks so much, I luuurrrveeee brownies ... **drool drool** ... now I think I'll make DH take me out for some late-night dessert :) Czech chick ... LOL, didn't know that! Good thing Mishka doesn't understand Czech ;) Alisande, I'm sure Oscar is a very lucky cat. Please do post pics of him once he comes to his forever home. Purrs, Pranjal