Thanks for the leads Goldenpond and Coffeemom. UFL is awesome with all the info they provide! Tom - That desert rose is gorgeous! My SIL in Sarasota grows them, but we didn't get to see them in bloom. You have a great garden - I've been looking through the posts, checking out your pix. Gary - I had the most trouble up here at planting time, making sure we passed the last hard cold. We waited till Mother's Day to put anything in the ground with spring being so iffy. Yeah spring - all 3 days of it lol. And the 9 months of winter.

Hi Susan and welcome. This is such a fun and interesting place to be whether you're a newbie or expert, and I agree, the photos are outstanding and I appreciate those who share their talent. I started backyard bird watching many years ago and it has become my hobby and passion so to speak. The beautiful friends who visit my yard bring so much pleasure. Get a few bird books if you don't already have any. Mine include books that not only help identify them, but cover lots of info about food preferences, nesting habitats, nesting cycles, etc. I pretty much know what my birds like to eat! Then put up a few feeders...there are many styles offered for various seeds and other foods. Believe me, once you get started, you'll be amazed at how many different birds you can attract. Too, this forum (along with the bluebird and hummer forums next door) are loaded with veteran birdwatchers who provide valuable info and will answer any questions...and you'll love the many bird "stories" that are shared here. BTW, what kind of seed did you put in your feeder? Donna

Thanks everyone, you are so nice! Mo, if your work won't yell at you for poaching their shrubbery, I'd definitely cut some branches! Burning Bush is so vibrant. In case you're in the market for these, I got the pumpkins from Hobby Lobby the other day. They are the plain white ceramic craft type that you are supposed to paint. I just filled in the indentions on the stems and highlighted a little bit of the grooves with watered down brown paint. To keep the white from getting damaged too much, I sprayed them with clear satin poly. MUCH less expensive than the fancy white ceramic pumpkins that were already done. The larger one was $4, and I bet the craft stuff will go on sale soon making them even more affordable.

Barb, Sorry my post didn't stay here on Wed. so I'll say it again. You fit right in with all your beautiful tables and decorations. Kitty is so cute and posed so nice for the photoshot. Your pumpkin center piece is fantastic. Did you make it? I loved your mantel and mirror decorations and how clever with your pumpkin candle holder you created. I just loved browsing your blog. You will fit in perfect with all these talented ladies. So happy to have you and it will also be fun to have your friend join. Punk