I left work early in anticipation of greeting said cat and foster mom. We've met, and this cat never stops moving. Never. For that one reason alone, I don't know if she gets to stay. And she bit me and LF because???? We were individually petting her at different times and it must be some spot on her body. She was a stray, so I can see that. Other than that, she seems really sweet, attention starved, but sweet. She purrs constantly. She didn't really talk at all last night, but seemed more confident and did a bit this morning. She is big cat, or maybe I was just used to withering away Keegan, but she must, must, must be on top of me while I am sleeping. Next to me would better. She is pretty trainable as I can already get her to jump up on top of things (for instance when I am on the couch or the bed and I don't want to reach down to get her) when I want by saying "Maggie up". I couldn't bear the thought of saying Mishka for the next decade, and so I changed her name. She used to be Daryl. At any rate, she was looking for places to be up all evening long, but I think that may even be over with since she doesn't feel threatened by us, as she did by the alpha male at foster home; no more climbing the cat house for her, maybe. I like her, and foster mom said, you can't tell from a few minutes with her, and that she'd check in later, so I don't feel like I am stuck or if I feel like it's wrong, I guess she will have enjoyed a vacation. Or maybe she has a new home. She is obviously a Maine coon mix. She has the massive paws with fur inbetween her toes, the mane on her scruff, fluffy butt and tail, and the tufty ears. Stroke of luck there!

Ria, it's later in the day, but I hope you are still celebrating -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Yesterday was my DD's b.d.

I have small quantities (damn drought!) of: Salvia guarantica (the species, cobalt-blue blooms, from cuttings) Salvia transylvanica (seedlings, will bloom next year) Tricyrtis latifolia (decent sized first-year seedlings) blue mophead hydrangea (not sure of variety, Niko maybe? gallon-sized plants from cuttings that should bloom next year) Columbines (seedlings of "Ruby Port" and "Nora Barlow," but as promiscuously as they cross I make no guarantees) Armeria maritima (sea thrift--pink blooms) Sedum "Vera Jameson" (from cuttings) Aster tongolensis (East India aster--divisions; this aster has compact foliage, blooms in late May) Geranium "Claridge Druce" daylilies (undistinguished seedlings, some tall in red/orange shades, some short yellows, probably Stella D'Oro offsprings) ditchlilies (could dig if anyone really wants them) Steven

My adorable and inspiring Great Pumpkin Cookbook from Ruth Arrived yesterday with the mail forwarded from AZ. It's a winner even if it took the scenic route and arrived after the contest ended.. I love Pumpkin in almost any fashion (NO Pumpkin Spice Lattes for me) and have a good supply of nice winter squash. Look forward to trying several of these recipes.Tammy also sent laminated cards with substitutions and measures. Very useful and handy thanks Tammy. Again sorry about all the confusion over addresses and deliveries but All's well that ends well. I am redoing and expanding your book a bit should get it done and mailed by the end of the week