I was amazed that out of all of the 4 grafted plum, peach and apricots on the single tree I have, that the red plums were so good. The tree is still quite small and now has about 10 peaches almost ripe. About two weeks ago, I noticed the 6 or so small red plums had been slashed open, probably by birds. I picked them all and was amazed at their taste. The pluots are usually always good, but these few plums were also very sweet, even though the seed/stone inside was fuzed to the meat. I don't own a plout tree and have been considering planting one, but they barely can handle a Z6 climate. They must be bought through Dave Wilson nurseries as they are 'patented'. I was not happy with a nectarine tree I planted about 4 years ago, so that one was destroyed. Its fruits would turn dark brown and fall off very early. The woodchuck also used to climb that tree and chew limbs off. Because of my physical age and aches and pains, I am reducing my vegetable garden to about half its size in future years, in favor of growing a few more fruit trees and other permenent things like asparagus, and berry buses. Right now, asian pears are planted, as well as a hopeful replacement for the dead quince I planted this past spring. Gotta get out there today and pick all the apples off one of my trees. They look really good, with no insect damages or any nasty diseases. Again, thanks to all for your birthday wishes. Its people like the ones here, who are truly friends in the home canning world.

Thanks for the good wishes everyone! It's been a great day so far and we've still got dinner to come! My husband and I both took the day off work, slept in and generally lazed the morning away. This afternoon we hit up my favorite cooking store. I had a gift certificate left over and figured I'd be able to couple that with my 20% off birthday coupon to get my first saute pan. So I was looking at the Cuisinart saute pan (because it was in my self imposed price range) and my dear husband wanders over to the Le Creuset section, holds up a saute pan and says "hey, isn't this the same brand as your dutch oven?" There wasn't any discussion after that, he just picked one up and headed toward the counter with it while I wasn't looking. Sneaky little brat! And just the day before he'd come back from the coast with a beautiful myrtlewood cutting board for me. I'm beginning to feel a little (ok a LOT) spoiled. :) After that we split a slice of pizza, had gelato and went to the home improvement store where we made THREE whole decisions about the kitchen remodel. I would have been thrilled with one decision, but we decided on a sink, a faucet and the cabinet hardware. I don't know what stars aligned in the cosmos, but I'm not complaining. The planning for this renovation has been quite a time-sink, sorry I've not been around this forum more. Thanks for remembering me!! Thought you'd want to see the cutting board dh found for me. He looked at the "regular/boring" square butcherblock ones, but thought I might like this one with curved sides, end grain and brick mold layout more. He's so cute! :) Bri

Thanks everyone! So far I'm just at work as usual! DH and I have a "date" tonight. I believe I've talked about our "date night" before......... It involves sitting on the porch with a glass of wine........................................................... ................. ............... snapping beans. Yup. Picking up 30# of beans tonight. :-) Hee hee. Yes, the trip with my mom was partly a birthday thing, partly companionship for her! We both had fun!! I'll post later if there are any surprises in store, but don't hold your breath!! Deanna

There's a special place in heaven for Baseball Moms Ter! - with big ole missed birthday cakes and Eric Ripert serving Pacific Coast Fishies in a tux ;-). Hope you get to find a little window thats all about you or a homerun that has a "Hi Mom" moment all over it. ((((((((((((())))))))))))))