Cindeea, I am ready to order the Stars & Stripes. I just need another person to join, so I could order the package. So two so far have owners then. One more, and I am adding the package to the order. Good that there is this forum. One can order varieties that would not be available otherwise. I will try to find your e-mail address to try to set up the details with you if we find a third taker. elizabeth, That is indeed Jungle Star. That is what Hans says is the Papillio Improved. And if it is Improved then I have two Papillios and no Improved. Actually, I like it better than Papillio. It has more character. jodik, My credit card is charged, so I assume that the shipment is occuring soon. I can't wait to lay my hands on the new bulbs... Finally... I will update you when I have new details coming up.

NHL, thanks! :-). I'm liking this potting experiment - #1 reason is the hostas look really good and are too high off the ground for the slugs!!! I admit I've been good this year, not as lazy, and sprinkling bait around occasionally. I love how beautiful they are. DD, thank you very much - you are too kind! I'm just the water provider, the hosta lover who speaks in a regular but low voice to all the "stars" in my yard. Lol Funn, >> thank you and yes, good observation! You remember - separated both Junes last year. At the end of potting so many hostas I ran out of one pot at the end and put a small piece of June in with the "revert". I so enjoy looking at them together that I have not yet separated them. These two will definitely grow beside each other :-). >> I noticed recently I have one blue leaf on a June that may be getting a bit of colour in it...I'm observing it for changes. I will have to twist (ouch) it off if it stays blue. The ones last year had good eyes to cull but so far just this one leaf. >> Oh, you SO got it - I love rearranging them! and having them at arms reach is so gratifying! Just this morning, while having coffee, the Queen and I visited (QOTS) while I was checking her for bugs, etc. cleaning off a few errant leaves from the small dogwood. The best thing about having so many in pots, to plant, will make the job of placement a bit easier when you can switch colours so easily. It's reaching the final decision that is difficult! I have to say that I think plants are like people...they respond to touch. I can't resist running my hands over the tops of seedlings as they are growing, or any plant for that matter! I read that if you want good strong roots, touch them, ruffle their tops...similar to patting your doggie - he'll waggle his tail, love you even more, and be the happy and healthy dog that he is meant to be.

You're always going to find someone who'll lowball the price you've been given just to get the work, espeiclaly in this economy. That said, I've got two contradictory things to say. First, as you've already found out, HD is hit or miss, and I've seen just as many nightmares as I have happy endings. Secondly, the price you've been given really isn't that bad, provided you get what you're paying for. One other thing-- You say you haven't gotten the faucets or sink yet-- you want to make sure that not only do you get those to them before they begin fabrication, but you also want to get a receipt from them that you've handed those pieces to them, so there's no question about it later. As for going directly to the fabricator, they may very well have a no- compete clause with Home Depot just for that reason.

Probably they used light countertops in the ad because of the contrast with the black costume and to give an overall light/optimistic "feel." I am not a design or marketing person at all but (after several viewings) I can see how carefully the ad was constructed. You all do notice that it's a GIRL'S bedroom, right? Love it. OK, I admit, I didn't really notice the countertops until the second viewing. But still. LOL at all those TV kitchens. The "pre-reno" ones are still pretty nice compared to a lot of real life ones! (Including mine.) I bet all that color in them (walls, cabs etc) is for a reason. If I knew anything about design I'd know what the reason is...