Messing around with boats...how it brings back memories. Ski-boats and Ocean boats. Good times with good friends. Most of the boats and many of the friends are gone now, I am so happy to have experienced the boating years. Sometimes I wonder if I still could get up on skies, naw, never mind...

Thanks for your kind comments guys ,the plant is about 4 years old ,it wont be a giant as its not bred for that, i grow most of my Vrieasea in very bright light ,but some need a bit more shade ,and some just good light ,it depends on the genetic make up ,but very good light is best for the bulk ,the spotting has improved as plant gets bigger and so has the colour ,and yes Nev , Sylvie is a beautyfull young lady ,it is allways the unexpected that makes it all worthwhile , i will post a couple of the others later ot of same cross, Jack

Sue - You hit the nail on the head. In my first post a couple of weeks ago, I did state that there are some maternal feelings towards this kid. Maybe he does need male influence, but I've always thought he needed a mother figure as well, something he hasn't had. On one of my post in the pet forum, when I was discussing us keeping his dog, I mentioned about how bad I felt for this kid when he got a Xmas card from his mom. He hadn't heard from her in a couple of years. He actually called me soon as he got home from work just to tell me that he had gotten the card. So, yeah... I wish I could be there for him like I was my own son, but the problem is, I know my son a little better than I do this kid, thus, possibly what to expect or mostly, what concerns to have. As far as calling, he's only called the one time, and because I sent the message that he could. I told him he can call me again when he finds out when he'll get released. The gf and those kids... I have taken her a couple of times to run errands and to the Dept of SS. She's getting foodstamps, but I think I had already mentioned that. Why do people do such stupid things to ruin their lives and the lives of their families????

Chisue yes, they tried many different and new treatments. (they really had nothing to lose) About 6 weeks ago the Dr's told her they could try another high dose of radiation. They were very candid in explaining that it might slow down or shrink the tumor, but the treatment would be brutal and she would likely die before they were done. Amber bravely tried the treatments ( I think 2). Then she elected to stop them. I understand the pain she was in was unbearable and very, very hard to manage. Her mother had long ago given her complete control in making her own health decisions. They have always known she would die from this tumor and have been very candid about it. Her father died of the same cancer. Thank you all for the kind comments. And yes, my pains are but a blip when I think about her struggle. Thankfully she is pain free now.