So....here is how I have digested all this info: (BTW, when I went three yrs without repotting, it was because I did not know any better and I have NO IDEA how I got so lucky with such hardy and healthy plants. They were all 7 bucks from Costco!!! All have been repotted since and most have lived on and bloomed.) Yes - light and root rot seem to be my issues. So, I am tracking the light and moving plants around. Was not ready for harsh autumn sun low in the sky. Watering...am "listening" to my orchids more now. The Yellow Boy that was in root rot crisis...had a nice little trim of his roots and potted him shallow in clean medium. Happy plant! Blooms are busting out all over now and the one scary, curly leaf is just ready to fall off. My sad Vanda that was under-watered for so long....drum roll please....has 2 new leaves AND 2 new spikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gee, amazing what some water can do :o) I love the idea of creating a monthly calendar and index cards for each plant to keep track...that is right up my alley and I think it will be important in assimilating information and making sure each has what it needs. I do not plan on mounting any of my orchids at this time. I have cats, so mounted orchids are just cats toys waiting to have their roots ripped off! I love having my vanda as a hanging orchid and will likely stik with Phals and Cids from here forward. Fertilizer and lights (artificial) still have me a bit stumped, but I know there is tons of info available here for me to search. I love the simple and basic stuff best and am happy to have the tip on peroxide. I have mostly clay pots but have plastic liners...considering removing the plastic as an aid to prevent root rot. Thanks for that tip. Water quality: well, I use the same water as the guy down the road who has prize winning orchids, so I am guessing it is OK, but I have learned to heat it in the microwave for a few seconds first and my plants really seem to like that. I will likely join the Cape Fear Orchid Society, but thanks for the tip on AOS...think I will look in to that too. I have reviewed the recommended books and added a couple to my christmas list. Light light light...that is where I am going to direct my focus next. THANK YOU...ALL of you! :o)

Yeah Toronado, the Metasequoia is starting to put out some orange, but with Sandy coming thru thewre is a coating of ice on the ground and probably the trees. It was dark when the ice cover started so I am guessing there is a glaze on most trees. I do have a pic of the swamp white oak it is just a peach color not really red

Ah! Good to know :). I love this rose, I do wish it bloomed more, it's gorgeous and one of the few that is really hardy. The bees and other bugs just love it, they don't list it as fragrant but I think it is when in full bloom. Yours looks like it's in some shade and looks fabulous!

That time lapse was interesting! I've seen some weird ice formations, but in the woods after a storm, not in my refrigerator. I made ice in trays in two refrigerators (kitchen, garage) for many years. And finally had my plumber run a line to the ice maker in my last refrigerator a few years ago. Yes, I know, but old habits die hard ;0)