I'd probably do a bunch of appetizer type items. Enough so that those who chose to eat light would be ok but those who wanted something more substantial (men and if there are any teenagers will most likely fall into this category) can fill up. In addition to the fruit, a couple of chip/dips, and some things you can easily make ahead. For example, meatballs (either make ahead or use frozen ones) in sauce. My favorite sauce is ketchup & beer - you'd be surprised how tasty that combo is. Instead of duplicating the cheese tray, why not do a queso type dip or VERY easy, cream cheese block with a sweet-hot jelly poured over the top. I've made a rice-krispie cheese "cookie" recipe which is very good, and again, easy to make in advance and serve room temp. If you want the recipe LMK and I'll dig it up. Again, this is a "cheese" item but without duplicating the lunch menu. Veggies are IMO always welcome so I'd definitely do those even though they were served earlier. When I have a lot of people over like that, it's nice to have stuff they can just graze on so that whoever is hungry can eat whenever they want.

I feel compelled to give you all an update. We talked some more today and she told me that part of the reason that she married me was to get out of her bad situation at home. She also told me that she would do anything for the kids but maybe not for me. The cincher she told me that we have nothing in common and the she thinks she may just want to live alone. She doesn't have a great relationship with her family, but what I noticed today is that we weren't sad talking about ending the marriage or anything like that. It was like planning a trip or something. It was very weird. As crazy as this sounds, I have always had to take care of her as well as the kids so I keep thinking that I need to fix this as well. Until today. I told her to make a decision and tell me how she feels and what she wants to do. I think it will probably end I just need to see a divorce lawyer and start to learn more about what I need to do. It's time for me....I'm tired of taking care of everyone else....may sound arrogant...but I'm exhausted and not going to stay with someone that doesn't want me around. I told her that there are times that I see her looking at me in disgust...she said sometimes she does. Being alone and enjoing my kids is better than wasting my time taking care of someone that doesn't want me around. I hope I meet someone too that wants to laugh, travel and enjoy life. Life isn't very enjoying to me right now and all the counseling in the world won't make me forget what she said to me. Take care everyone and thanks for all your advice.

I dramatically up-sized my mass of this by putting pieces on the ground here, with other Commelinaceae family members: Fantastic on the blooms, Josh! I can't get any of mine to bloom, makes me crazy. It did once, around 2012 & that was it. Did you take any pics of the blooms? FWIW, the roots on this never go more than an inch below the surface when in the ground. One could fill most of a hanging basket with empty bottles or something to take up most of the space, and the roots would still have plenty of room.

Yeah, yeah....it's the middle of JUNE, but....I have to say again that I really missed seeing you all this year! Miss ONE year and it's two in between - not good. Thanks to all for the notes and fun pics, and for plants brought to me by Lisa (some from Nancy, some from....who knows?) :) Next year it seems I need to get in on some Heidi action! Next year....it will be here before you know it! Sharon