My new desk has arrived at the office. It looks huge and bare, especially compared to my rather cluttered current desk. We started interviewing today so I will need to move soon. 27 years of accumulation in the current desk. It may be just like moving to a new house and lots will get pitched. I was quite giddy when I saw all the drawers had the full extension glides and are self-closing. I think the two young cabinet builders that built and installed it thought I was a bit off. I actually mixed up some concrete tonight and cast a large castor bean leaf. Of course you never mix up the right amount so there was enough left for a alocasia 'Coffee Cups' leaf and then with still more left I dug a mold out of the basement of a butterfly stepping stone. I've never used it, but I figured Kenzie would love it for her garden. There was the perfect amount of cement to fill the mold. It was a beautiful day today and the evening was practically cool. Deanne, I am once again absolutely amazed at your photography skills. Saucy, I don't believe I've ever seen a porcupine. I don't imagine that they have a lot of enemies, somewhat like a skunk. Your lavender picture reminds me of a recipe that I heard on TV last night for lavender cranberry lemonade. I thought it sounded so good. One of my lavenders is blooming I may have to try it. I just pulled two trays of oven dried roma tomatoes from the oven. I had sprinkled them with a rosemary garlic seasoning, so the house smells divine. I think I'll have a couple with some fresh parmesan cheese on top. I made roasted beets for dinner after 'bug gave me the idea. They were delicious as well. Michelle

Jeanette, so glad to hear the mascotts are both resting safely in the infirmary. I see that we can't send any more of these guys out on road trips. they must not be as tough as old nuts the squirrel... though he did get a bit beat up in his travels too. I have been reading magsfrom the box that Remy sent and need to send thanks for the goodies that were included in the box. The special fall Country Living Gardener is terrific is beautiful with so many good articles and the sunflowers on the front cover. Extra special, thanks. Peanut butter kisses are favorites. My brother worked for years for the company that makes them and they always bring happy memories. MMmmmthanks Remy, the watch is so pretty. Thank you so much. My watches are so totally functional and utilitarian it will be a treat to wear something Pretty for a change. Sue, did you make the soap? I want to make some too and have some questions. It sure smells good. I love stuff that smells good. The garden stake and pink glads will go out front in the spring. and the thank you cards are both attractive and practical. Love the old timey wheelbarrow and wish I could find one for my yard. What a treasure that would be. There are also recipe cards and stickers.... hope I didn't miss anything but there were a lot of goodies especially considering how much good reading material was in there too. I appreciate the Green Scene mags as they are close enough to give me ideas of things to plant and places to visit. I've been reading those and enjoying them a lot. I might decide to join PHS myself. When the birdie that is at Jeanettes finds her way home that will be the end of this swap at least until after Christmas. I figure most of us will be pleanty busy from now to then. Thanks everyone for playing. This magazine RR is one of my favorite GW activities. BB

I think that is what it is! It is among the birds folks have seen at Hains Point (https://ebird.org/view/checklist?subID=S30317459) Thanks a lot!

A cormorant of some kind ?