Sorry...I wasn't being clear. Maybe my terminology was wrong. I didn't mean to imply that I thought the crosses were genetically identical, but rather that the parents were the same. I have a science background, and while I'm not completely ignorant about the genetics of sexual reproduction, I am completely ignorant about how orchid judging works. What I was trying to clarify was the awarding process, and what criteria are used to judge the plant. For example, say Phal equestris and Phal gigantea were crossed thirty-some years ago and one of the resulting plants was awarded. If someone today were to do another cross of Phal equestris and Phal gigantea, would the previously awarded plant be taken into consideration when judging the new one? Does the new plant have to be judged better than the old one? I'm just trying to get it straight in my head why newer hybrids should be better than older hybrids. The car analogy is a little flawed...you said the processes in orchid hybridization have not changed, yet the processes in building a car have definitely changed. We have better cars today because materials sciences, engineering processes and manufacturing processes have improved. If hybridization processes haven't changed then what is it that makes modern hybrids superior to old ones? Or is it just awarded hybrids that are superior because the award status of the older cross is taken into account. Sorry for dragging this conversation a little off topic. Tyler

You can't beat the recipe on back of the vanilla wafer box. I've had this one, and it is excellent Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding Recipe courtesy Paula Deen 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies (You can use vanilla wafer, instead) 6 to 8 bananas, sliced 2 cups milk 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ohh.. very nice and fragrant too....

I know what you e Jane. I miss his contributions to the forum too. I'll have to tell him that he's missed. He sells his excess plants on eBay and I think his business is growing. He told me he thinks he does have a couple divisions of this Catt. He should be back in town, I need to email him again.