Was this the beautiful row of trees you posted once? You didn't say then, but I can imagine. I'm sorry... or congratulations... more correct would be "Peace" really because that always fits. I have 2 episodes [strangers] that caused PTSD just before my 20's... not symptomatic anymore, but there is a part of the brain that longs for something still to erase what can't be erased or comprehend what I never understand. It is another life, though... so far away and blurry, thank God. I had a "coma dream" I call it [during a coma, obviously ;], but it was terribly spiritual and could be seen as a near-death-type happening, I suppose. I have my Joan of Arc days where I see the message in the dream again and wonder at why I am here but know that it is on purpose, in any case. I do celebrate the anniversary of waking up :)

man, paul, i sympathise. been there, done that, though not with that quantity of cats. that's why i don't bring in all the cats i find (but i do with monarchs b/c so far we have so few). i guess nature thins them to the point they can succeed outside. anyhow, the times i flat ran out of food, if they were close in size, they will just go on and pupate a bit small after a day or 2 sans food. that must be what happens outside if they run out. if they're really little, there isn't much to be done. you probably know this, but they'll eat the pods, too. just thinking aloud here- there are a couple of monarch web sites- i wonder if you could order stems of milkweed & have them shipped? i believe they sell the eggs to hatch & watch, so logically, they must also sell a food source. or, is there a zoo or butterfly garden close who may be able to help or point you in the right direction? i wish i could help. with this in mind plant more now for next yr (need tuberosum seeds? i got lots). or, try to plant one of the larger leaved kinds, like syrica, that last a lot longer. that's what i'm trying to get established. nandina, i have to think that you were seeing black swallowtail cats on the parsley and monarchs on the asclepias. monarchs can't eat anything else but asclepias members- they can't digest other things. now, strangely, black swallowtails can eat most parsley family members and also rue of all things- odd. they do look similar, especially to someone just glancing or not into butterflies.

Hi V, I amm just so happy to see those beautiful pictures.. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh... makes me wish i had a glass of cold Iced Tea and sitting on a front porch talking to good friends... like you!!! Your pictures remind me of VB like LagoMar said. Lots of change taking place up your way and i believe, like here in VB you will witness this push in zone changes and seeing these Palms, tropicals make there way more so up n your area. I remember planting my trees 17 yrs or so ago and people thinking i was nuts.. well... look at all the changes now. VB is planting Palms in the shopping area and i must say they look great..(Hilltop) Thank you so much for taking the time to show us your beautiful "quiet" places around your area. I just love the feel of it. "Reminds me of the low country Now you have me itching to show pics again here.. My trees are the same, so that is why i haven't posted much here.. My trees are just "there" LOL.. but i know some may have not seen them, so i will get some pics together and post. I just love that Hibiscus!! Just beautiful V!!! Those Egrets settling in for the evening on that beautiful tree remind me of a decorated Christmas tree. Natural ornaments!! Love it!!! Hello to all that i havent seen in a few!!! Take care, Laura

Been to both, and been to VA Beach lots of times. For your needs, you don't want VA Beach--it's a prime hang out beach for college students. Not a lot of partying on the beach, but the main streets and some hotels can get raucus. Until we had kids, I greatly enjoyed VA Beach more than any of the others (Ocean City, Rehoboth, etc.). Now our needs are changing. To the Californians: This is the Atlantic. Beaches are completely different here. VA Beach actually has more waves than many of the other beaches because of it's location (at mouth of Cheaseapeake Bay). But it's not big surf country--that's why people go to CA to surf. The Atlantic is much rougher than the Pacific, but out on the ocean, not near the beaches (though there are exceptions). And it's neither dirty nor run down--it's just a resort town like most of the middle class resort towns on the mid Atlantic (they are all starting to look too much alike in my opinion). There are other types of beaches, like the Outer Banks (and Martha's Vineyard, I'm told) that are more about the beach and less about the beach attractions.