Wow! I had no idea we had so many younger people here! I guess I'm just not used to my peers liking plants as much as I do. Anytime I start talking about C&S, or chaparral and natives vs. exotic invasives, they start looking at me all funny. Although, I have had a few moments of vindication - when I go on hikes with folks from my old department and I'm able to talk about the specific plants and vegetation we're hiking through. :) Likewise, when I'm in a BBS and I start talking with folks about the C&S I'm buying. Mike: I agree, spread the love amongst the young-uns! Keep the faith alive! That's pretty cool that you bring C&S to the kids. They are truly fascinating plants, and I can just envision the imaginations they'll capture. :) Remind me again where your neck of the woods is? Josh: I, too, am not the least bit "Asian" (Greek & Lebanese on one side, English/Irish/French/German on the other), but I spent a year working in an "Asian" grocery store, where the majority of customers and employees were Chinese, Vietnamese, and...well, Mexican, which isn't Asian, either, but anyway. Not too many Japanese or Koreans - they had their own stores. I'd have to agree with you, though, Korean is a beautiful language. I enjoy Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese (food as well as languages). :) *CG*

Lalla, Sue , and Lightning, thank you. :) This Saturday is the official dinner party and then dancing, think electronic music though and not ballroom. LoL I've requested that everyone who is attending dress up for dinner which is out of the comfort zone of many of my friends. I on the other hand love to dress up so I will finally be able to wear some of my newer clothes. I plan on breaking in some new shoes as well so I think there are going to be blisters on me feet come Sunday. Mike Here is a link that might be useful:

Hi Brian!! I almost missed this until a friend mentioned for me to check this thread!!! You are so nice to give such kind compliments.. Just don't know what to say except Mahalo my friend!!! I have learned from you as well.. we all learn from each other and i agree, this is a great forum!!! Talk about hot and Humid.. today it felt like a tropical rainforest. I could hardly breath, but im sure the trees are in heaven!!! Please send me an email next time you are here in VB. it would be wonderful to meet you and for you to come over and see the trees!!! We always love to share experiences.. Peg lives close to me too! Take care and thank you again. It means so much.!! Laura

Hi Everyone!!! Thanks Al, You really need to fix that computer of yours since it continues to tell you my birthday!! ;-) I was trying to stay under the radar, but.. noooooo!!! Lol. I do appreciate the well wishes on my Birthday! It is much appreciated! I guess I'm working on getting to that point of living a long time.. Lol!!! Thank you George!! I did have a wonderful day!! Mahalo!!! Peggy , you stinker... All I will say I'd that you took me buy surprise! A pleasant one at that!! You are so sweet and I am thankful to have you as a friend!! Thank you!!! Thank you Roxanne! You can sing all you want!! I like to sing too!! Lol!! Cheers.. ;-) Mahalo, Chuy!!! I appreciate all you do and I think you are a gem!! Thank you! Barb!! You are so sweet!! I hope we all have a blooming year too! Thank you!! Pat!! Thank you for the Birthday wishes!! Mike!! Thank you so much!! Good luck with your trees this summer!! :-) Christopher!! So nice to see you again!! We like having you stop by and say " hello". Another friend father shares the same day.. I'm sorry for your loss.. Thank you!! Mona!! Lol.. You are to funny!! I actually didn't buy anything for myself on my birthday!! Maybe when I go to Cali.. ;-). Thank you! You are so sweet!! Thank you Texas!! I do appreciate your kindness!! Musabora!! Thank you so much!! Mahalo!!! Odyssey!! ThAnk you!! That is very kind of you to say!! Got to love the " Old Dominion!! ". :-) Gidgetsocal !! Thank you !! Much appreciated!! I hope I/ we all have beautiful blooms!! Please Plumeria Gods!! Hi James!! Thank you so much!! I did enjoy watering the trees and i did want to fertilize, but I just did t make it!! It was a good day, crazy day!! But isn't it always!! Thank you for the birthday wishes!!! Tony! Awwww. That is so kind of you to say!! I do appreciate your kind expressions. Means a lot. Mahalo!! Iso.. my sweet Iso!! I have been thinking a lot about you.. Having issues with my mother, I know you had the same with yours a few years ago. So I keep your thoughts in my mind when I need peace. You are a wonderful daughter to her and a wonderful person and friend. I can't tell you how much you touched me .. Thank you!!! Thank you everyone!! I certainly do appreciate you all.. Thanks again, Al!! That was very kind. Paybacks.. ;-) Mahalo Nui Loa !!! Laura