Well it's been some time now, and our Ae-Ae bananas are starting to turn ripe. We've tasted a couple of them at various stages of "ripeness", but they're still not ready. So far, they taste a little like a manzana banana -- an apple flavor -- but still not good. We'll let them get more ripe and see if that helps in the sweetness department. Manzanas taste best when fully ripe and when the fruit is getting soft -- actually they're good when the skin starts to turn brown. Maybe the Ae-Ae is the same way. We'll find out. Here's a photo showing both the green and yellow/ripe variegated still on the plant. It's interesting how the green part turns "banana yellow" and the white part turns a light cream color.

I am really happy to see that a company will do the measured 'smaller' dose. Needs to be done more often and would save a lot of mis-use for the less common treatments but still makes them available on a smaller scale. It does bother me that a city recommends this tree for mass plantings. A nearby town did this once not so long ago, and I don't think there is one of them left standing. They also installed some trees with the potential of becoming massive into some fancy ornamental grates, and extremely near to buildings. Looked super for awhile, but the eventual and inevitable 'un-installation' is a major hidden cost. If you are field growing ornamentals, then it would be worth the cost and effort to send off some samples to a diagnostic lab for pathogen confirmation. It's getting harder and more cost prohibitive than it used to be in our state, due to budget cut-backs, but it may save you some time and $. Like said, however, I did see this a bit in my very young plantings this year, but sat on it before any applications of anything and the issue resolved spontaneously.

hello MY CHICKENS HAVE COME HOME. and they brout so many wonderful friends with them. I just love my great quilt, I cant post any picks due to problems with my computer but everyone did an absolute great row for my quilt. thanks so much and big HUGGS to you all. I hope the rest will soon be home too. michelle

Shirley - IT's never JUST a GAME! lol. J/K...The world series consists of 7 games. Best out of wins the whole kit and caboodle. Cubs did not have a good showing last night...stinky Indians. OH WELL...here's to the next 4! Annie - I just visited California for the 1st time ever last May and I loved it. I wish I'd had so much more time. It was a whirlwind. I had to go to San Francisco on business but managed to see the ocean, the bay, the GG bridge, Alcatraz, The Giant Redwoods, the Bay Bridge, The Fisherman's Wharf, the Sea Lions on Pier 39, China Town, and Coit Tower all while we were there! I had such a lovely time. Cannot wait to visit again! Now only 4 states left for me to see!