Regarding the bee crisis: Organic Gardening magazine (Nov.-Jan. issue)had a cover story on this--very enlightening. They had a balanced view of the situation. Apparently, the native bees, which mostly don't colonize, are picking up the slack in pollination along with other native pollinators (like flies, moths, hummingbirds). We can help this situation by doing what all of you here have been doing so diligently--avoiding harsh chemicals, planting flowers for all seasons, providing "housing" like wood or bare soil, and water. Your eco-friendly ethics are what will save this situation. There are about 4,000 species of native bees (like bumble bees, orchard mason bees, squash bees) and most of them are harder working than the European honeybees and that's saying something. I had a beautiful bee in my garden that had a blue-green metallic body and made its home in the sand. Turns out it's a sweat bee and a very good pollinator, non-aggressive. It makes me sad to think people will spray the heck out of their yards and hurt this little guy. Makes me glad I'm too lazy to mix up that smelly stuff. I have learned so much by hanging out with y'all and I'm proud to be among those who have such care for the environment. Julie in WPB

SM, We're all here to live and learn! LOL Michael Chiarello is a doll. I met him at Wm Sonoma years and years ago in NY when he was demonstrating a recipe with his flavored oils. It was a small store of theirs and empty so I had a long chat. BTW, I use the recipe from that day and his book a lot. It's Pastina Risotto with Roasted Peppers & Broccoli. I'll post if anyone is interested. I loved Julia, warts and all...she still kills me when I see her old shows Ina I find simply annoying because she is so monotone and her speech pattern seems patronizing. Besides, I'm sure that she is out to kill her husband by cholestrol poisoning. Legal, right? I watch anyway...sort of a fascination with the calm. Felt the same way about the old Martha Stewart; respect for talent notwithstanding. Glad I didn't see either of them bath. LOL The there was the Galloping Gourmet! I loved him.

georgysmom, I'm sighing with you. My DD has seen it twice, at least one of those times was Broadway; don't remember about the second time. She told me I really ought to see it; it was just so good. Some time later it came to Richmond, and I went with a friend on a senior bus group. We had to leave very early to get there and I was exhausted by the time the curtain went up. I fell asleep during the first few minutes. My DD couldn't believe that!! I'll tell her about it being on PBS tonight, but I don't know if she gets that channel. Sue

Yes, it's a remake. And Robin Ellis, who was the original Poldark, has a role in it. I think he plays the minister. The remake was a huge hit in England. Here is a story about the original Poldark, Robin Ellis: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2980655/EXCLUSIVE-Ross-Poldark-arrest-star-original-70s-hit-series-escaped-idyllic-life-France-nemesis-Captain-McNeil-nearby-apprehend-costume.html