We had such a good Thanksgiving that I can't imagine anyone leaving the party just to stand in a long line at a big box store. Our DD and hostess had invited people from such different backgrounds to join our family and old friends. There was an old time hippy, who turned out to be so well read in everything from Sci-fi to the classics. There was not a topic discussed that he wasn't knowledgeable about. Mellisa from Ghana, tall, statesque, and full of laughter, unexpectedly had a English accent that showed her years of studying at Queen's college in London. Candy, who felt that her Chinese name was too difficult for Americans to pronounce, was fascinated by everything in our country. She wanted to know more about our history, our holidays, and how we happened to have a day set aside to feel thankful for all the good things in our lives. It was so interesting to learn about their countries from their prospective, rather than what we hear on the media.

Here is a view from above; you can see how the last flower to open is looking the wrong way. I am happy to say it appears my selfing of the first scape around Thanksgiving has taken and will stay (hopefully). I just want to grow little ones to see if I can and this is a nice one to try on. Curious what if any variation will come from the offspring. Can't wait for the large bold red blooms on the Red Lion. But no real movement on those. Although a leaf is growing, the scapes appear to have stalled. I fear the cinnamon sprinkled on top of the bulb after the cut created a kind of dried cement that is preventing healthy growth of the scapes who can't push through the now tightly sealed layers...

Wolfcub, Happy Thanksgiving to you! I also would like to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of the fantastic clematis growers over here that have helped me with so many of my questions over the last few months! Thank you to all and have a very Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving! Tracy

Um...hate to admit it, but opened a can of pumpkin! Still have several beautiful pumpkins - both orange and white - on the back porch. Maybe pumpkin soup or pumpkin bread around Christmastime? Happy Thanksgiving! J