Glad to see you are OK,Terri! Tornadoes are not a big problem here in the mountains,as the mountains themselves sorta prohibit the development of them. Hope you have a successful 2014 as far as hostas are concerned,and also your personal life. Phil,on a mountainside in NC.

Theresa, so good to hear from you. :)

I too have been largely absent from most of the conversations this year. Life has this thing about taking us where it wants, versus where we think it ought to. I received a promotion back in May and damned if it hasnâÂÂt kept my tail in high gear. A lot of expectations, but the role is rewarding and I am finally settling in after almost 6 months.

A shame about your computer problems, but it seems you are past that hurdle as I can read your text quite clearly.

As for the tornados, God Bless you. I would probably suffer a small heart attack before the tornado ever touched ground. I very much respect the capacity of Mother Nature at her worst. Wonderful that you came through with only a few less shingles and siding. Did any of your potted hostas take the brunt of the wind ?

I know it is so cliché, but that which does not kill us only makes us stronger. Think how much better things will be in the Spring when the gorgeous foliage returns to us all.

So glad you took the time to check in. Provided the gnomes donâÂÂt crash your computer again, keep us posted since we missed most of your botanical adventures this year.

You Go Girl !!!

Ludi

Theresa, with my pecan trees, the squirrels are not eating the hosta, but they are burying pecans in the pots. That means the hardware cloth over the pots is well worth the effort. Since mine are now dormant, I must add the hardware cloth and do a lot of pot tipping very soon. It's cool enough now for a while, but we are having cold steady drizzle off and on day and night.

Welcome back. Good to here from IL.

Beverly