Wow, Ben. Gorgeous Fragrant Flamboyant Cloud.

SoCal, how scary. I'm glad your husband is home and I hope he has a good recovery.

Judi, holding you and your family in my heart. I'm glad you've found solace and can enjoy fall beauty again, but I'm so sorry you had to experience the death of a small child. What a great quote from Hawthorne.

Kitty, I think the burgundy striped one is Crazy Legs. The other one from my garden in that vase is the big yellow apricot blush one called Day Breaker. They're both 2nd year dahlias, I've been experimenting with a special mulching technique to over winter then in the ground. I bought them from Swan Island Dahlias in Oregon, but they ship country wide.

It really is any day now for baby. Thank you for the well wishes. After 4 pregnancy losses, I appreciate all the good thoughts! I have so many Dr appointments each week since I'm in my early 40s...the OB office front desk said I'm in the frequent flyer club. Here I am after a day of appointments with another dahlia...maybe it's Jitterbug?