I'm just seeing now that others had posted here. I was going to post that I finally got some plants. It appears they are still gaining popularity at Home Depot, at least in my area. These were in hanging baskets and really rootbound, so I separated them into individual plants for now. Here's the same pink type that I had last year: And I also picked up a type with scarlet flowers and leaves that are tinged with red: I thought these were the "Pazzaz" cultivar, which I thought were distinguished by flowers that open even when it's cloudy outside, and I thought they were developed by the Danziger company in Israel. See here: http://www.markhound.com/trademark/search/6tfYB2Qpo Is it the case that all Portulaca umbraticola have flowers that open even when it's cloudy? I thought it was odd too that the portulaca with the round pointed leaves and these with the flat leaves are both being called Portulaca oleracea, but it could be that Home Depot simply gives them the wrong name on their printed labels. They are so notorious for this. Regarding my question about seeds, I see this from the same blog on Portulaca umbraticola: "When grown from seed, these cultivars are recessive. This means that subsequent generations raised from seed will produce successively fewer fertile seeds. Also the flower colour frequently reverts to plain yellow in the offspring and I suspect the size and number of flowers may also diminish over a number of generations." http://australianportulaca.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-history-of-portulaca-umbraticola-in.html Sounds like you can only take cuttings for propagation? I know they root well because I did it last year (see above).

The praise was sincere, and you know I've seen some spectacular photos on dpreview, pro quality or better. I have a nice tripod and even got a neutral density filter, but don't think we have any falling water around here except at the kids' zoo :-(. So I've had to put that desire on hold, maybe a spillway on a dam or something around here. Thank you, they are among my best but I think yours have an edge in IQ and technique, doesn't bother me. I think you might have seen the Hillary photo on dpreview. I posted it because they do that when they get a shot of somebody high profile. I tried to keep it neutral and will continue to do so. That owl was the sweetest little guy/gal. They bond to you and grow to trust you, be we aren't allowed to feed them. That one clawed my arm (not bad) setting up that shot. I was down on my stomach to get it, am sure I used the 24-70. I just grew to love those babies, but they soon disappear and you never know if they made it or not. At the link, there is a photo by gazania of her RW monarda. Sure hope mine doesn't get that tall. The reason it has to be monarda is that it is very damp there, over a french drain I had to dig to drain pooled water. The white I got last year, I found out what you mean, it spreads fast, but it's nasty mildew. So I decided to try this, 3 plants from BS, only need one but am going to try it on a problem corner of the garage where I can't get anything to grow and replace the white. I'll just yank what I don't want; it pulls easily enough if the soil is damp. It looked double in the photo at BS so I asked about it on the useful link thread. Some are and some aren't. I'd prefer single actually, and when it comes down to DD coneflower or that thing you posted (good shot), the coneflower wins hands down. Have a lot of time today because it's raining. Got most of the lawn spread with Grubex, so I feel like I've accomplished something, never attempted that before. I ran out before I got everything but hit the worst spots and did the best I could except skipped one terrace and out back. $37.xx at HD, so I really don't want to buy another bag this year. Made do with an inferior spreader that is hard to control and a hand one that doesn't dispense evenly, have to guess. Better than doing nothing, and at least I didn't have to worry about watering it in because of the rain, managed to do it between downpours. Have been worried about that, getting it down and wasting it because no rain. No way can I water it in well with the hose. It's not going to eliminate the JB problem but makes me feel like I've done all I can, and lots fly in from elsewhere, but I'm sure they start looking for a food source closest to where they hatch. Enough of that. Haven't checked dpreview for awhile. Just as well for now. Will get back into it come fall. I thought I'd upgrade but think I'll wait until next year; I'm still doing ok with the 20D for now. Is the metering better on the 30D? It has spot. I always use pattern and exposure comp negative, only positive for snow, amazing. Never really liked center weighted or partial and one is my biggest faults is I get in a hurry and forget to change the settings back to where I like to start. Another talkative post :-( Here is a link that might be useful: gazania's RW monarda in thread, she wasn't the OP

A fun project with the kids (or just yourself) are tippy pots. Pinterest can tell you how to create one with 5 or 6 clay pots and a 4 or 5 ft rebar. What to put in them that will survive is the question. RED geraniums do well. Red is the only color I know that will last and last. I've had some for years in Florida. But for a spiller use purslane with it. Especially in the top pot. It definitely needs a member of the succulent family. I put New born diapers in my clay pots and hanging baskets because those clay pots and the hangingbaskets dry out quickly. Sometimes you can squeeze a 4" plastic pot into the pots over the diaper. That will also help it not to dry out. Just cover tge pot with dirt so you dont see it. Purslane likes full sun so those pots get dry quickly. Put it on your front walkway or entry. Your guests will love it.

@Sueb20 I think you make a great point. I just don't think my hair looks healthy at this length-- now granted, I had a lot of split ends but I feel like it is more vulnerable to damage at this length. I have always been ridiculously focused on keeping it healthy, silky and shiny and I think that is best accomplished and showcased when shorter. Also, I have no movement now-- that will return at a shorter length! @Feathers11-- yes, i think the style was made for me. I have worn this style before--- like basically forever lol-- but it has been a very long time since I wore it as the longer length (late 30s). @texanjana - I bet a pixie looks great on you-- you have such a pretty face! @Zalco/bring back Sophie! oh thank you so much-- but really, my complexion is chanel's not mine lol-- also helped a bit by the light. I need to give my skin some more love and attention! @eld6161 Thank you-- I knew you had an opinion! I am glad you shared.. I value your posts because you are always honest and direct! Again, thanks to everyone. You've helped me to listen to the voice that has been in my head for the last 2 years! Long hair just isn't me. I am glad I gave it a try but it's time to move on. IRL my friends and family are still campaigning for me to keep it long-- but I only have long hair because of a series of events starting with the pandemic. I need to be able to see *myself* in the mirror again!