LOL, McT, I have a remaining tree to dismantle as well--the big one! I have everything but the lights off. I am having shoulder problems on my right side. I'm trying to ward off surgery like I had on my left one in 2000. So, I am being slowed down abit from the reaching and wrestling action needed to deal with so many strings of lights! And, you're right, "hosta-freak" Phil--it is pretty boring to not have much else to talk about but cooking and shoulders! Such is life in the deep freeze of winter! Come Spring--we're all waiting with bated breath! Is that "bated" or "baited"? :o) So, John, which era of "oldies" are your favorites?? Hmmmm--I think I can smell those "heat sensors" cooking even now!!!Just "thinking" about them could put 5 lbs. on me during these slow-moving days!!! BTW, John, I saw on "the other side" of the fence, (I think that's the side) that you have spent a great deal in getting ready for your ebay business of supplying "hostaholics" with our favorite "fixes"!!! Being a "dealer/supplier" to true hosta "addicts" would be very rewarding, I imagine and I hope it proves to be the case for you! You're one of the best kinda "dealers" out there--you do it for more than financial reward, IMHO--I believe you are in it for the love of hosta and hosta folk! :O) janice

Hello! I'm in Enumclaw, WA (southeast of Seattle) and I've also got one little fella that's still here. The feeder is in a tree right outside my office window, and he's been coming and feeding for the past 6 months. When I saw him today, trying to feed - I was shocked! The nectar was frozen as our temp here is 16 degrees, with about a foot of snow from last night's storm. I filled the feeder with warmish water, and hung out where it would get more sun. I will try the idea of wrapping with bubble wrap tomorrow. Not sure why he's all alone, but sure want to help him survive. Is there some kind of shelter that could be built?

So sorry to hear of your loss. I think since DGM enjoyed gardening so much, she'd love the idea of plantings in your garden, in her memory. On a happier note...Happy Anniversary! Looks like you did some very successful shopping! I love 'one stop shopping' at community TS's...seems you find such a variety of great things. I have the same 'rant' with my GW. So many times I see items that are marked either the same price or higher than the store. Your candle holders were a great find..price and all, they were definitely waiting for you. Lovely cake plate and cute bunny dish. My favorite are the pretty For-Get-Me-Not plates. I love their delicate pattern. I'm thinking their name is also fitting to remember DGM by. I see great tablescapes using them and your other lovely dishes..which were also a great buy. Hope you and DH enjoyed a nice Anniversary with his favorite cake. jane

Glad I am not the only one, we have two of them, wild but quite happy to just hang out at our place. They are teaching their two young ones to fly at the moment and have caused much excitment for the children, (11 & 3) who have watched mum engineer some strange platforms to prevent them falling out of the nest ( it was built up in the corner of the carport). They have only caused one problem, an identity crisis for our two "gun" dogs, yes, a retrievor and a lab !!!! The dogs are constantly landed on which severely disturbes their "busy doing nothing" time and I have even witnessed them step aside and let the birds eat from the food bowls. Oh the shame, I am glad for the 6 foot fences so they are not publicly ridiculed on their morning walks.