I've grown Acalypha wilkesiana since I arived in Florida 25 years ago. They take full sun to 1/2 day shade. And yes, they can freeze back in tempatures that dip around 32 degrees. In south Florida, they can reach upwards of 15 foot. but here in St Pete, 6 foot is more like. I have several around my yard. My big red one - "Louisiana Red" stops traffic. The white one named "Java white" always gets an Wow! And don't forget about the chenille plant, it's in the same family, too. I think they're very easy to grow. If you can grow a hibiscus, you will not have any trouble growing one of these. Does anyone know the name of this one? http://community.webshots.com/photo/85749816/102335439FbLFIe Here is a link that might be useful: Louisana Red

As Mrgreenlawn says, while trying to find webpages I'd previously veiwed while planning our vacation, I pressed the wrong button, or did DD? Anyway all the pages came up as tabs and here was the original post. I glance at it and think, "this sounds familiar". I start to read it then DD whacks the computer again and it is gone. I tell DH about it when he came home. Later I read this thread. You all seem to enjoy the soap opera. Some of you seem to be considering the problem and offering advice and well wishes. Thank you for your concern. I was going to write an huge rebuttal but I'm not really interested in airing dirty laundry nor do I feel I need to defend myself by detailing what I consider personal. I will say that I disagree with parts of his account. Also, I was not truamatized, not homosexual, not medically or mentally ill. I love and like my DH, want to be intimate with him. I agree that I'm stubborn, complacent and can be selfish. From his posts I see that he is distressed and I already know there is a problem. If he wants to do couples counseling, fine, I'm not opposed. Our communication clearly needs an overhaul as what I perceived as an off hand comment (during a tense moment or arguement? can't truly remember) was to him a genuine invitation to therapy. If mrgreenlawn wants to continue this discussion with you, I'll stay out of it. I have no intention of creating my own posting.

We took a Princess cruise and land tour several years ago. It was wonderful. We got a room with a balcony on the top deck so we could sit out there and look at all the sights without standing on deck being cold. We went in early May and the weather was not all that bad.....in fact, no mosquitos and very little rain. It was great to wrap up in blankets and call room service for coffee. We loved staying at one of the Princess Hotels in Denali and took the bus trip. Excellent! The train ride to Denali was OK but we took the bus back to Anchorage and enjoyed it much more. Our very favorite side trip was outside Skagway on the bus tour to the Yukon. There was also a train trip but the bus ride was a great experience. We got to stop along the way if there was something interesting to see.....like a big wolf near the side of the road. The guide was really a lot of fun and knew the history of the Yukon gold rush. We also stopped for lunch at a museum/gift shop. I bought the book Alaska by James Michener there and re read it. I would suggest you read it on your trip. We opted not to have scheduled meal times and that worked out very well. We met some people who were from a tiny town here in California where my maternal grandmother was born. Small world. We took the trip to Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau. Take lots of pictures and keep a journal so you can share your experiences with us when you return. Have a wonderful trip!

You don't have to worry about calling and complaining. Go ahead if you want. I can assure you that one complaint will certainly *not* result in the loss of a contract to the company! Actually more people *should* call, both when service is unusually bad or unusually good. I received a follow up call after delivery. Deliveries are tough. I've done them before. Some go great, some are nightmares. I have a lot of respect for people who do on-site anything. I bought a stove and refrigerator from Home Depot last year and part of the reason I bought there was the free delivery and pickup/disposal of the old appliances. I couldn't be happier with the service I received. They almost called too often! The two guys were unusually careful. They pulled them out of the boxes on the driveway, checked it over top to bottom for scratches, dents or damage and were unusually careful about cleaning up every scrap and checking for anything that may have been left on the driveway! I was surprised. I got a call that told me where in the queue I was and an estimated time something like between 9 & 10 am. Then I got a call from the delivery guys two or three times. They called before the one right before me and when they finished and would be on the way, giving time estimates on each. I have some extra blocks on the back steps to make for shorter height steps to be easier for me to go in and out. I said it was easy enough to move them but no, they said that wasn't necessary and went right up them and they were twisting themselves to be sure not to damage the door jamb or anything. Amazing. I gave them each a $10 tip and a big thank you. They were surprised and very appreciative. I imagine not too many people tip delivery guys. I kind of felt cheap about it afterward. But the time frame vs the amount was a pretty good income anyway. I also realize that the odds of getting them for another delivery are slim to none and it might be a total nightmare next time. But when they take that kind of care on cheap appliances (about $900 for both OTD) they obviously have a great work ethic.