Nova Scotia is a long way from Mexico, so far, that the monarchs likely need a helping hand from prevailing westerly winds to complete the migration east. There were heavy rains in the southwest last winter, and that should have resulted in extra flowers for the monarchs to feed on as they migrated north this spring. I'm glad they finally made it to your neck of the woods.

Eloise yes please do tell about what the *shooting* is all about lol. There is no fireworks inside city limits. Now if I had Maddy I would go somewere with her to see it. I get to call my german relatives 7 hours before WE have New Years. Barb I can see them with pistols and shotguns...From the New years Celebrations in Germany I am glad that I do not have to be out there anymore. Way to many people get hurt. It is a lot nicer to just look and watch the fireworks. Now that I am more set in my ways lol Bob are you ok again? I still love it that you shared that special party with us. Now 2009 can come. After all the road trips will be great and you have it a lot easier to stay in touch with the ones you love...US :-)))))) Dorothy who won the paintball fight? Sure would like to know. Do you play also? So nice that they are coming back to start the New Year with you! What else do you need! gg so sorry to hear that you are sick :-( and have to work. I hope that you will get better soon. The softnes of the picture came about because I am playing with the new camera lol. Kristy yours are sure taking their time. How far along are they? I ones read that a Amaryllis should always get the stem first, bloom and then have the leaves grow. Only the one from Deb did that. Is there a difference? Susan yes I do NOW. I am doing catch up on all the things I had no time to do while getting ready for Christmas. This one is called Appleblossom and was a medium tall growing Amaryllis. Which made it a LOT easier because the stalk did not want to fall over. No tying it on the basket lol. So Susan I will see you here on New Years Eve and we party lol. Cause I think the kiss for me will come the next day since Hubby loves to fall asleep while watching TV . Which is ok for me. That way I can be here in peace rofl. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 to ALL!! Lucy

Interesting data. I don't have any "official" data, but I noticed my Burpee Jalapeno M were some of the first to pop up. They aren't the early ones per say, but they are usually the first variety that produces ripe fruit for me. Probably around 8 days if I had to guess to pop up(based on the 4-5 days it took for the 'maters). California Wonder, Big Dipper, and Chianti were about a day later. Anaheim were a little slower for some reason. Corno di Toro never germinated at all, as you know.

I bought an early girl at home depot before the flowers were on it... kind of a small plant then. I have 5-8 tomatoes on it currently. The first tomato doesn't look like it's going to get any bigger and it feels like it is taking forever to turn color ( weeks now) and it's still as hard as a rock. In mean while 2 cherry tomato plants are turning color. I hope this early girl puts out some more flowers and tomatoes... I was expecting more off of it. I only bought this as a back me upper incase my heirloom plants didn't make it. Between what I don't eat fresh and giving some away... I plan to sun dry them. I've never canned before, but I LOVE sun dried tomatoes... I can't keep them for long... I eat them like potato chips.