hello to all. yes it is that time again and for some of us (Lowes stores) the first time in a couple of years. I have been trying for the last year to get the "bag babies" back in my store in saginaw michigan. This year is the first year in the last 2 years that we will see them. its not a matter of what sells well all the time. sometimes its the deals we make with vendors to sell their product. I do not know about the other stores, but I have tried hard to get these items back in, and after a year of trying I finally have them coming back to my store!! I find it upsetting that some of your local Lowes do not get them. So I offer this to you....if you wish to get some and are interested in emailing me that you are, I will email you with a listing of what I get in. I dont have them yet but they are on the way as soon as weather warms up. if you are interested in any of them I will purchase them and I can set up arrangements for you to purchase them from me. I am an avid orchidist, and I will make sure the orchids are in good shape before shipment. I do not sell junk plants (thats why we have a clearance rack for items that turn by means we can not control). if they are bad when shipped I get credit and you get pristine plants in the end. You can email me at jrichards7376@charter.net for further information or if you want me to place you on a "want list". bag babbies expected are 2.5 inch cattleya, 2.5 inch vanda, and a 3 inch orchid division (species to be determined)But we have more than just those....email for listing of what my store carries.

I think you will find that B. nodosa is best grown on a mount. Mine is on treefern tacked on to a hardwood backing. It is grown all year in a glasshouse here but should be fine in Florida. The hardwood backing was needed as the plant overgrew the treefern and i didn't want to disturb the plant. Trialling a Rhynchostylis hybrid in Phalaenopsis conditions and so far so good.

Both are absolutely adorable! I, too, am quite enamored with the border on your quilt. I will add that to my "inspiration" photos. Thanks! A friend gave us a changing/play mat with felted wool batting -- I *love* that thing! It's super easy to use and wash. We didn't bring it to England, and it's one of the things I've missed terribly. I'm looking forward to having again next week! Kelly (Nebraska/England)

I used an old 3 dollar lol, lunch box. It was 5X7 or bigger , cut it and put fabric around it. Then I used Velcro on all the ends so I can change it up from purse to purse as a change it. Also maybe use and cheap exercise pad you can get at walmart for 6 bucks because then you can make a few diff ones for cheap.