There is a lady whom I've known forever, who was a dear childhood friend of my mother. She is a prolific letter-writer and used to correspond with Mama over the years, or we'd visit when we had a chance to go to my mother's birthplace. This lady is in her later eighties now and is shut-in for sometimes weeks on end and many of her pen pals are now deceased. I have kept up written correspondence with her for a number of years and especially since my mother passed away. I can't keep up with her on sheer numbers of letters sent, but keep in touch by pen and ink (or printed on my puter printer) with only occasional phone calls. It's a dying art, and this woman joys in getting mail in her box to pour over perhaps several times and maybe even stow away as physical evidence of her friendships. Sitting at her desk and sharing her thoughts are an important part of her day and her mind is as sharp now as it was ever and I think the letter writing has been part of why. In addition to that, I have gained some really precious insights to my mother's life when she was a young girl, especially since it was a different perspective than the stories my mother would share with me. Now, that as they say is 'priceless'. So yes, I keep an active pen and ink habit. I also will surprise my three cousins with a rare letter even though we do phone each other on occasion. Now, when I lived overseas it was at a time when phones were not mainstream in homes in those places and very, very costly to make long-distance calls and there was no email. I had several friends in America with whom I would send mail. It took about two weeks each way, even airmail. So new news was old news by the time each of us would get answers. Patience, patience..............it's also become a lost art, no?

Looks like cypress spurge or Euphorbia cyparissias. A rampantly spreading, freely seeding euphorb that is listed as invasive or a noxious weed in some states. I know it is on the list in Colorado, which is pretty darn close to Arizona :-)

Hi Alice, Diet pals is just dieting pals - no matter what diet is followed - some are doing Weight Watchers, some are doing their own thing, doctor recommended...you can join any, all or start your own - we are all here to support each other and share inspiration and knowledge. Feel free to post anywhere, anytime. We are always happy to hear from you! Cheers, McPeg

Happy Birthday Heather...you also share your birthday with my daughter...She is 38 today.... patti