Carpenter ants will swarm like that, too. It actually happened in my house! They were coming out from the dining room light fixture on the ceiling while we were trying to eat dinner! Talk about a freak out. Called the exterminator the next day and saved some of the bugs. Thankfully, they were ants and not termites. I've seen fire ants launch like that outside as well.

Geesh, how come I am the last to know about this Etsy. Actually, my first buying experience did not go all that smoothly. The artist's description of my desired purchase said it was 19" x 17" oval. And that she would ship it in a wood box to protect her work and shipping is $25.00. So I click to buy it and print out my invoice. Went to the Post office and got a money order for the final amount on the invoice. Before mailing it, I got an email from the seller saying it will be $15.00 more for shipping with the wood box. I relented and sent the extra $15. When it came, the actual measurements of the item was 16" x 14", not the 19 x 17 as described. The size was important to me and a deciding factor in my buying it. I am a little unhappy, but it is beautiful and I will keep it. I emailed the seller and she was appropriately dismayed that this "mistake" was made and said that she would refund $25.00 of the money I sent. I haven't seen it yet, but it is early. This experience won't keep me from future purchases, but I wlll be asking a lot more qestions of the seller in the future.

I have learned more things than I can list here. Any time I want information, or suggestions, I turn to the KT and I've never been disappointed. Also I have learned that people you've never met in person can be so caring. I've met 39 KTers in person and I love them all. We almost feel like family when together. I have received so many cards from KTers and I have them hanging by ribbons around my hall door. I have to walk through that door to get to my bedroom and bathroom. I feel a great strength every time I walk under those cards. Thanks to all my good friends at the KT, You've enriched my life in so many ways. And I look forward to meeting many more in person.

NHL - I can see where the Fall would definitely bring some sad memories.... And I didn't mention - the other thing about Fall is the coming holidays, with all the emotional baggage they bring: ups and downs, and decorating, cleaning, baking, shopping, etc., etc.... Oh well, its all about attitude, right? And looking for the positive. And one question for all of you hostaholics: about those 'nubbins' on my Honey Pie (and I have them on a number of others).... do you try to cover them for the Winter? I was out perusing them the other day and quite a few of mine want to ride pretty high on the soil. By that I mean - I planted them so the crown was the same as it was in the little pot it came in. But over the summer they seem to have lifted themselves up, with some roots clearly visible along the sides as they reach down into the soil. And I'm pretty sure its not water erosion or soil compaction. I didn't brush anything away in order to take that picture above, and to see that growth. It's maybe similar to what I saw with my Blue Mouse Ears that was in a pot for the last few years.... it just wanted to have all the eyes sitting up on top... On those out in the garden, should I mulch in those places before Winter? Or is this okay?