Dear SnB, You've outed me, or at least my atrocious spelling. I knew something was wrong, but couldn't determine what. Oddly enough, if you water it year-around, it will stay in leaf year around. That's what I do with all the Sarcs. When I first got them, I'd let them go dry in the summer (and they'd go deciduous), and then they'd take quite some time to get gioing again. Someone suggested NEVER stop watering them, and they stay in leaf throughout the year.

Terrific job Lee!! I especially love the apron. When I was young I loved looking for the Ninas. Okay, anytime i get my hands on a Hirshfeld I still do love it. Enjoy Jessy, if you don't post much for a while we know you are Nina hunting. -Robin

jkom, you're right, not always. I work for the first female Prosecuting Attorney in our county, and I hold a position usually held by a man. We are dealt with because we must be, but I know what is said "behind closed doors". They don't call me "the Pitbull" for no reason and that's one of the more complimentary terms I've heard. MThe boss gets it much worse, she's commonly referred to as "That B*tch". There's a "good old boys" network alive and well here and although we appear to have successfully opposed it, it wasn't easy. I was told several years ago that I could support my female boss and "kiss my career goodbye", or support her male opponent. Because I couldn't work for someone I didn't respect and believe in, I chose the former. Fortunately she won that election, but our all male board refused raises and promotions for years and still refuses to fund the office beyond anything except basic necessities. We succeeded anyway, but I don't take anything for granted. As for doors, I'm as likely to open one for the man behind me as I am to wait for one to be opened. I don't want, need or expect to be taken care of, I learned the very hard way that it's counterproductive, I'd better be darned ready to take care of myself and everyone else I care about. That's what life after divorce taught me. Would Elery be happy to take care of me? Of course he would, but it would make me extremely unhappy. That "helpless female" part just doesn't exist in my general nature, I've made darned sure it's dead. He has remarked that it's nearly impossible for me to ask anyone for help, ever. He's right, but I learned that help was not always available so I'd better be prepared to do it myself, whether it's paying the bills, ordering dinner or changing the oil in the Jeep. I hope I've taught my girls by example that having someone to help is nice, but not necessarily guaranteed, they'd better be prepared to rely on themselves for everything, although I sincerely hope they never have to. Having said all that, there's a difference between good manners and being condescended to. Just as I'd hold the door for anyone behind me, regardless of their sex, I expect that the person who reaches the door first would hold it for me. When I'm dressed up and going out, I appreciate the hand on my elbow to keep me from falling in the gutter when I step on the curb, and I do the same thing for my girls, it's not just a guy thing. Elery and I both cook, but we never make unilateral decisions, he asks if I'd like something specific and I ask the same. He's in charge of grilling, not because he's the guy, but because I just hate to do it. That's why I shovel the snow and rake the leaves, because HE hates it. Our relationship is based on mutual respect as equal partners and that's what works for us. Other people have different beliefs, different backgrounds, different experiences and different personalities. They have to do what works for them. ...

Depends on the restaurant and what they do well. From a burger joint to greasy spoon to fine dining I eat what I happen to like at the particular place. I will drive out of my way for that special something. Even simple things like that special burger or clubhouse sandwich (where they use real roast turkey, not the deli stuff). I never order salad unless they make an exceptionally good taco, fresh fruit fruit or seafood salad. My friend and I were recently talking about the wonderful fresh fruit salads diners used to serve. They were huge and sometimes served in a pineapple bowl. Other times on a plate, sometimes with canned pear halves or peaches added alongside the huge mix of fresh fruit.. Always a choice of sherbet or cottage cheese. One place even added a square of jello to the plate. I don't understand people who order basic bacon and eggs when several variations, chops, steak, linguica, omelettes and scrambles are offered. Same with grilled chicken breast. Why? I do eat things I can fix at home but that DH doesn't like. Like liver and onions or lamb. I'm a veal piccata person he likes parmigiana.