Wow!! I have not been here in a while and all of you have gotten SO clever with all the photos. I'll have to try it but not this month. I'm trying to get the essentials done so I can go visit friends in AZ before they leave there. I was going in JAN. and still have not made it so... time is running out and there is no end to my list of chores. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Mail man brought me a box full of super goodies from my sweetheart of a Pal. Tha cutest straw hat that will come in so handy for the sun even if I don't make it to AZ this year. It had a red band with white polka dots and will look great with white or with jeans. A real good choice there pal There were two nice smelly candles and one was in a cute ceramic box. I love scented candles. I like plain ones too but scented ones are even nicer. An "oil based" paint sharpie marker. This is new to me but seems like it will be good for marking on pots. Three packages of Gladiolus bulbs, purple, pink and yellow. I had a few and have not planted them yet so I better get going but my neighbor said to plant them over a period of time so they don't all bloom at once. That seems to make sense so I'll do that. The MAlvas are perking up very nicely. The one may loose the biger leaves but the young/small leaves look very good. I think both of them will be fine. I know inAK people grow them in pots. If I plant them out here do they need to come in in the winter? And,the fire witch arrived looking parched but perked up almost instantly with a drink and a spritz. I am really anxious to see that one bloom. Secret Pal, you have done a great job of picking,packing and sending me surprises. Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend with the family. I enjoy getting your friendly notes. I hope to be on the way to AZ by then but just don't know yet. Thanks again. Bethb

Marie, congratulations on your new grandniece. Did you get to see her this weekend? Deb, I was out of town most of last week, headed Tuesday back to Dallas for work. Your box arrived Tuesday, so I got to sort through it on my way to the airport. Haven't had a chance to post until now. Thank you for all the wonderful stuff, I'm gonna find places for them today or tomorrow before I head back to Dallas for hopefully my last work trip. I received tulip bulbs, and I hope they ARE red - those will be spectacular! Also purple hyacinth bulbs, daffodil bulbs, and bulbs for bearded iris "Music Maker". These look beautiful, sort of a deep purple-black color. And then some orange tiger lily and purple (or purple and white) iris. Plus seeds for several different flowers. Another great box Deb - thanks for your generosity! Y'all have a great week! Alicia

I am retired also, at the early age of 57 after 28 years working on a Navy base. It was hard to do because you give up that salary but it was the most exciting thing I think I have ever done. After 7 months it is still hard to believe that I do not have to get up and go to work every morning. I remember being a stay at home mom for many years and it was hard. You have to be housekeeper, cook, chauffer (sp?), teacher, laundress, etc., etc., etc. But remember how you got paid??? With those big eyes filled with love and those sloppy kisses? And that was just from the hubby - LOL. I worked at a daycare so I could have some spending money and have my kids with me and then after they started school I went to work full time. I have never liked being away from my children. I think there comes a time when you have to put everything on a scale - mine was - work at a job I was getting bored with and receive a very nice salary or on the other side, spend time with my husband, who is ten years my senior, and enjoy life while we can and see my grandkids more often. You guessed it, work did not stand a chance. OK, I am talkative this morning, better start getting some work around the house done.

I'm still searching online, I found a few more candidates that have remote and may or may not have detachable bases... some look cheap and silly though. I could always just put real tapers in for looks and not light them - no way am I putting real lit candles above the memory foam bed! But I do like the idea of the ambiance of lighting from the chandelier. I'll definitely update when I find the right candles!