While the snow is heavy, I can relax, knowing that my plants are safe. Those established in the garden, those planted late last fall (November here) and those in pots stored under the snow for next year. Once the snow begins to melt, it gets trickier, and survival, depending on the year, and the type of melt becomes more tenuous for the plants in pots. I find it very beautiful. In fact, we are leaving our very snowy property this weekend to attend a winter festival. Almost every day, I chop wood, to keep me active and fit, but mostly, so that I have an excuse to work in the forest for a while. I love stopping and listening to the bird calls - different than those birds which come up to the feeders near the house. The stark relief of the black cherry and maple trees against the white of the snow is phenomenally beautiful. I love the strengthening sun of February. Outside, it feels as cold as ever, but we open the doors in the late morning to collect the early solar for the house. Ken, the snow does turn blue certain times of the day. This winter has also been exceptionally bright, with lots and lots of sunny days. And though we haven't had a proper snow storm in weeks, there is a dusting every night which keeps things fresh.

DOUBLE RIVER WYE was a gift plant. I wouldn't have chosen it but it seems to have pulled out of its first few bloom funk from earlier this summer with not doubling correctly. I too like ARCTIC BLAZE and have been trying to cross it with WILD IRISH pollen. No luck so I'm wondering if it is not pod fertile. I have one more chance today. I expected new ones this year to bloom off cycle as I see that several Spacecoast ones I planted this spring are sending up scapes but the scapes are short as was the one that just started blooming on PAINTING THE ROSES RED. The yellow finches are already eyeing the sunflowers. Well today I pick up my Hanson purchase from Grace Gardens and hopefully get it in the ground before the next round of thunderstorms roll through. Julia

Thanks, all! Man, this unpacking business is just about to kill me. LOL I took tonight off just to lounge and be lazy! Paula, thanks -- I'd love another start of the 'chokes. Boy, I could just kick myself for that. Glenda, we're up in northeastern Missouri now, around Monroe City. We're absolutely loving it up here. Feels like winter is here already, though! Dawn, we only brought the two dogs, four kittens, and about a dozen chickens. We sold and gave away the goats and rest of the chickens (and the hogs a while back). I'm going to have the blog on a new domain soon, to kick off our new adventure so I'll let you guys know when it's ready to go. Brand new palette indeed! :-) Btw, my forester friend came over and told me we have cherry, peach, apple, and mulberry trees. And I now live roughly an hour from Stark Bros. nursery, she said. Yay! Diane

To me, Uli and Anthony Ryan are head and shoulders above the rest. With Emilio having frequent flashes of brilliance, interspersed with the occasional dud. Laura K's outfit, for someone known for her supposedly excedptional construction skills was VERY poorly made last night (and my degree is in fashion design, so even through the tv, I can pick up flaws). It was very poorly fit--that crotch thing was appalling. The pressing was awful. The proportions with the fur jacket on didn't look good at all. Of course, that's only one person's opinion. I did like the color she used. Had figured that the final would be Uli, LK, and Anthony Ryan and/or Emilio. Got that wrong, obviously, after last night. Don't think either Joshua or Ivy have a shot at the final runway. But they could turn things around in the next week or so. I find I don't like all-stars as much as the regular show, but then the next season may not be as good either, without MK. Shame to see him leaving