Since your research suggests they like acid soil, MissSherry, I would be hesitant to add lime to the soil, with will raise the PH. I have managed to get Spicebush to grow 3 years and it always dies the 4th year - weird, huh? I planted my current one in the front yard amid pine tree, honeysuckle, hackberry, etc., so I can better monitor it. I have also been feeding with an organic fert called LadyBug John's (Austin, Texas origin). It is a 3-1.5-2 ratio, which is the ratio recommended by Al on the container forum. He's a physicist who has soil and nutrients down to a science, literally. Anyway, this organic fert is more of a soil builder than a plant fertilizer with micronutes and all. I have been giving in a 1/2 feed about every 3 or 4 waterings. It has responded well to this. My Spicebush is located where it gets shade to dappled shade to some West sun (only about 1 hour), like it would if it grew at a forest edge. So far, so good, but it's only the 2nd year. The true test would be the 4th year for me. Sandy would be helpful since she has had hers for a few years now. I'll be interested to see if she responds here, too. The problems with Sassafras is that it is so hard to transplant. I've tried 3 times and failed. If you could get a very small seedling or seeds to start with, it might be a better solution. I don't think the seed is viable for very long, with fresh working best. If you know someone who has Sassafras and get either fresh seeds or a small volunteer, that would be great! Susan

I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow, see I originally thought it was the cold, and still kinda do. However, it is supposed to be hardy to zones 9A and up, in which I'm on the line of 9A and 9B climates. I've found them growing good in people's yards and even a few that are wild on Galveston Island, TX. I have two plants, so I'll do a test run of cutting off the top on the weaker one. Just terrified I'll lose them. I'll hopefully be moving to the Hollywood region of Florida in a year or two so I'm trying to stock up on tropicals. 3 kinds of guava, 2 kinds of mango, tamarind, royal poinciana, rainbow eucalyptus, jamaican hibiscus, jackfruit trees, several different breeds of papayas, so far at 7 different species of fruiting Passiflora (and still collecting those), 2 kinds of grapes, soursop, and many more. Anyways, thank you for your advice.

It's so hard for me to understand a disinterested grandparent. I would be thrilled to death if I ever have a grandchild. My father is a very disinterested grandfather. My mother, on the other hand, adored her grandchildren. (she and my father were divorced many years ago) As my children grew up, they had a loving relationship with Grandma, but not so with Grandpa, who took no interest in them at all. I feel that Grandpa is the one who lost out, he chose not to establish any kind of relationship with his grandchildren and now that they are adults, they are polite if they see him, but have no real interest in him either. He is like a distant relative that they barely know. I agree with the post who said invite them but don't expect much. My kids grew up fine without Grandpa in their lives, what is important is that you have a warm and loving relationship with him. And yes they surely do grow up fast!

with sofas, one really needs to sit on them, and be prepared that almost everything new deemed "affordable" (whhich is not cheap at all btw) will be of worse quality than it was say even 20 years ago so I'd say -either be prepared to pay more, but also go to stores and try to sit first and see whether works for you since seating is very personal..depends on one's height etc..you might also be lucky and they'll have sale, or even better- floor models they want to get rid of, etc. Check Room and Board, Design Within Reach(can't get over the name lol..but the quality's nice), different stores carrying good imports from Europe..Cantoni for example..will be very different price yet who knows, one might get lucky. Or even very lucky. or. If you're inclined to invest your time rather than money(which is what I usually prefer to do)-go to vintage stores, even flea markets if you have good ones in the area..some sellers refurbish vintage mcm, and happen to do it quite well. Then you'll be at West Elm price, even lower maybe, but much more superior quality yet another option -your local Craigslist. Saw amazing mcm couches there many times ..pity that I don't have where to put them lol. actually any site that will have option for local pick up is worth checking, but one needs to search by area. these would be Etsy, Chairish, Everything But The House.. I'd take my time in searching for the right sofa. and I might go for a different one-say fabric as opposed to leather. So it'll be purposeful, interrsting mismatch, yet within same sensibility, and with propotions that will have similarity. I spent my childhood with mostly mcm furniture and it's just as comfy as other furniture..when made well. Again sit on it first. Otherwise you play sort of roulette-will it be comfy? will it be not? Whatever's good for hundred reviewers might have absolutely no relation to me when it comes to seating.