Hi again Dogonit. Beeone tells it like it is- you'll be eating your own corn, tomatoes, even eggplant and sometimes canteloupe. I don't know what the laws are regarding transplanting from the wild, but my own thought is that if done with an eye to conservation it's harmless. Many populations tolerate a little thinning. We've moved a few things -ferns, larkspur, violas (Johnny jump-ups) that have done well, but we were disappointed when a ladyslipper orchid (cypripedium montanum) died out after a couple or three years. We would not have lifted that one except that it was in the way of road construction. Rocky Mountain Wildflowers is a good choice, in my mind. There are others, but the Craigheads know their stuff from long experience. Local nurseries should be good. I lean towards older, funkier outfits. My wife worked for one just west of Helena in the 60's, but the name escapes me. As to the weather, remember there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Lay in a supply of polypro long johns, fleece jackets and vests, Woolrich and Pendleton shirts, gloves and mitten liners, and a few nice wool sweaters, and, of course, Malone pants (with suspenders, I hope!) for real comfort. Dress in layers so you can customize yourself to the (ever-changing) conditions. Insulated coveralls can make a world of difference when you're ice-fishing on Canyon Ferry or Georgetown Lake in the middle of the night in December. Montana people aren't like those back east because they're rarer. In the east there are so many people they get in the way, and people need to shout to be noticed. In the West there's so few, outside of our little cities, that you tend to be glad to see them when you can, and a whisper can be a shout. At the same time, we tend to value our privacy, and the opportunity to be alone in the hills or on a lake or river somewhere. Sometimes the measure of a good friend is somebody you can be alone with without much talk- so you may run into a peculiar kind of taciturnity. Plus, there's some jerks, too, but that's another story ... Best, M

Kevin, since you asked, life is interesting down here. It's very cool to be able to pick oranges, poncans, lemons, and grapefruits off trees growing wild or in the yard. We were going to go to something called "Smash-A-Rama" Friday night but forgot. Not only do they smash cars but they have school bus races, RV races and races with cars/trucks pulling trailers. Yup, the North Carolina rednecks were downright sophisticated and I didn't even know it. Instead Friday night, we ended up at an alligator "zoo"/marina (although they call them fish camps?)/biker bar/diner combo that, frankly, defied description. I was so amused (if that's the right word), I was speechless. It was beyond tacky. I had to eat at the restaurant simply to say I had (I had gator bites). The restaurant was covered top to bottom in different colored lights with lights also wrapped around the palm trees out front, also in various colors. Time will tell what other strange things I find here. We did go to Canaveral on Thanksgiving and take pics. It was wicked cold on the beach though because it was really windy. I did see the space shuttle and launch pad, from about a 1/4 mile, which is as close as the general public can get (I've seen it before, of course, but only from a highway). Since we had the digital equivalent of a 1000mm lens for the camera, we got some good shots of it anyway. If anyone is interested the Nikon N80 is sweet. It took about 5 seconds to fall in love with it, although I'm having to adjust to the different ambient light here and using my lenses on a digital camera. Yup, the orchids came with me, at least the few I have left after last winters disaster with an unexpected frost. I just put in a big order with Andy for tons of laelia and a couple pleuros to replace those I lost and because they can stay outside all year. Laelia and pleuros had become my "thing" and that's about all I care to grow anyway. I had it going on with the cool to intermediate growing pleuros in NC, so I'm hoping I can pull that off in Florida too. Right now the temps are perfect for pleuros (average winter low is 50). My one masdie is tickled to death to be outside. I won't even try the cooler growing orchids here though, so I guess I've seen my last drac bloom on my own plant.

Hi, I have 3 cats, one of whom is my "plant predator" so I can understand you frustration. To answer your question, the leaves will retain the chew and shred marks. Unless your feline managed to gnaw everything down to the bark, it will be fine. It'll take a while for the plant to put out enough new leaves and for the chewed leaves to drop off before all signs will be gone. I've had moderate luck with Bitter Apple. It won't damage leaves but can damage blooms. If possible, put the plant out of reach or ban your cat (like I have) from the growing area if possible. Good luck, Penelope

Morning... Hey OG. About MRI's..I was told and read they were safer than X-Rays, so what can one do? They detect much better than X-rays, that's for sure. My doctor sent me for an X-ray of my knee..When the X-ray tech asked the reasons I needed an X-ray, and I explained, he shook his head..He said, Toni, I don't understand why your doc ordered an X-ray for your problem. You need an MRI. 'Which I ended up getting a couple weeks later.' For a tech to admit an X-ray was useless makes me wonder why so many are given. MRI's are expensive, but when someone has chronic pain, and an X-ray doesn't show everything, plus they too are now costly,' it makes one wonder. Nuclear is a scary word, though...:( I wish we had a solarium, lol, but that'll never happen. Think you're talking about a Lean To. Usually a smaller gh that attaches to the house. Check charleysgreenhouse.com Once you're on the home page click on Sussex or Kensington. Charley's prices increased, but you can get an idea of home-attached green houses..those you'd consider and like. They sure are pretty. Lol, we were supposed to notify the village, get and 'pay' for a permit, but imo, since we already pay taxes, and it's our property, why should a person have to pay for something they place on their property.. Here, one needs a permit to work on their outdoor steps. What BS! The whole thing makes me sick. We're supposed to pay a yearly fee, per pet, too..it's none of their business. Too many laws, all crap. Money, money and more money. OG, I'm unsure of the the exact years we went to Hausermann's, but both times were in the 90's. Normally, I wouldn't say something so mean but that rude woman should have been fired. Well, it's her loss..I'm sure I'd have purchased something..But florist prices were too expensive anyway..Way more than the main Hausermann's gh. OG, thanks for the heads up on Housermann's supplies..I just checked their site; they sell bark..size needed, too.. Hausermann's is in Villa Park, on Addison Road. Depending on time of day and traffic, we could be there in 20 minutes..but w/the rain, it'd take an hour..It's pouring! I also need to go to a place called Schroeder's Materials in Worth...They sell coarse sand called Torp, and the smallest Pea Pebbles..perfect for succulents. Son and I drived to Worth summer 2011. I bought two 25lb bags of sand, and one, 25lb bag of pebbles..price came out to 2.75. lol..what a deal! I need to go back, too.. Regarding Perlite. I found a seller here in IL. He sells large 25lbs bags of coarse Perlite..Instead of having it shipped, we drove to his house..Paid 20.00 for 50lbs..not bad..right? Problem is, I don't like driving long distances, but don't want to pay shipping charges either..each company, of course, happens to be in opposite directions. lol. Murphy's Law! I rarely purchase small bags..expensive and goes fast. Og, most of my plants were purchased small, except for one Gardenia, citrus, 'size between 2.5-3' tall,' and a Cinnamon Tree, purchased at HD for 4.00. I kill small Gardenias, so when it was purchased, 1994/5, it stood about 1' tall. Wish it wasn't raining..I'd like to shop at a few places for repotting supplies. Get it over. When you said you buy larger ORchids, how tall did you mean? Mature Orchids are too costly, unless on sale. Something I rarely find..lol..So, it's babies or nothing. OG. just counted. I have 16 Orchids plus one variegated Vanilla and one green Vanilla Orchid. So, 18 in all. None are really tall..they fit on a home-made shelf dh made..he added lights on each shelf. The plastic shelf cost 20.00 at Menards. Doubt I'd buy more, unless a fragrant flowered type came along..I think ALL fragrant orchids cost a small fortune??? Wow, you have fragrant ORchids? What scent are flowers? I've NEVER smelled a fragrant Orchid bloom. Surprising, the variegated Brug hole wasn't all that large..Unlike my first Brug. Less roots, too. I think leaves tend to fall more after Brugs are brought indoors..Outside, they get better light, and fresh air. Once inside, especially when heat is turned on, they lose the requirement of fresh, circulating air and sun..although, I don't expect much light in winter. You know how it goes... Every so often I turn on the ceiling fan so air rotates. It helps to a degree, but nothing beats fresh, outdoor air. Ha, dh does very little work, if any..But, he goes to work daily, so I don't say much..no matter how messy and lazy he happens to be..lol. At times I get irritable when he and son are lying around and I'm rushing to get things done. It's frustrating...but what can I do? Our son is an adult, capable of helping, but dh doesn't admonish him while he's lying in bed, watching TV or listening to music on Youtube. I bought a few hanging planters from Collections Inc..they're so cute. A few came w/brackets. Dh was supposed to place brackets on the wall...a little more than a week ago. I'm still waiting..lol Anyway, have a great wkend. Hugs, Toni