That's such a shame about the butterfly bush. I actually bought one for my garden. I researched which plants attracted butterflies and bought mostly those type of plants. I hope to see some flowers this year, but all the perennials are new except for one I planted last year that happily came back with pretty purple flowers. I hope to have at some growth and flowers so I can post a picture for you to see. I'm debating whether or not to call it 'Andrea's garden'. As far as breaking ground, it could be within the week!! Finally...

Oh, we LOVE Bermuda! We went there on our honeymoon, and took an 8 day cruise there in 2010 for our 35th anniversary. How are you getting there - cruise or flying? When we went in 1975, we stayed at the Elbow Beach Surf Club, which, I'm sure, has been renovated since we were there [after all, it WAS nearly 37 years ago ] We were married in early August, and we had simply gorgeous weather both times we were there.

So, fill me in, what are the details of your trip ??

It's supposed to be a beautiful week-end. Enjoy the nice weather before all the humidity hits...

We are cruising again Jacquie,
The rates are 1/3 what we paid last June high season, but will be worth it. I remember getting ready last year with so much tension. DH was going and he really did not want to. No way I wanted to spend 8 days with a grouch, or aloft partner being forced. Well, the trip was for the ds, dd and I to start our dd wanted daddy to go

But, it turned out he had a blast with all the food, the free style crusing, and only the norm of nasty stuborness affected the trip. If the norm for home, why not on a trip.
Just stupid things he huffed about like where to sit, what time to eat (after all he ate all day and was not hungry when we were)

I was able to relax. A trip I did not need to do anything but dress and go. No meals to make, clean up, beds to make etc.
AND no Internet for work a week, lol.

So glad you are breaking ground. What a whirl wind going on. I remember building our home and getting married 20 years ago. Glad that is over with. I can't even imagine taking care of a home that size. Right now, I can't keep up with just the upper level. Just the laundry is a killer physically.

I think Andrea's garden is a wonderful idea. A place for you to have maybe a bench and sit to read, smell the roses. Maybe even a hammock to nap on.
All of the perenials De had planted are planted here now, and each takes its turn blooming all summer. I need bird feeders filled up, and the hummingbird one put back out now. Love the nice weather,
di

My twin and I talked about taking a cruise in january to celebrate our 50th birthdays. We would leave out of new orleans and asked my other sister if she wanted to go as well. we would probably go a day early to enjoy the city a bit before we have to get on the boat....we will see. my sisters are so much fun!
bizi

You all would have so much fun. I saw where Norwegian went out of New Orleans, freestyling is the way to go. So many choices to eat at no extra cost, the entertainment.

I remember the first night as they crashed after supper I sat there watching weather channel. Not much on. The next day I realized it is full of shows, dancers, hypnotist, comedians, dance floors, the deck had live bands. The piano man played in a lounge area we relaxed with a few drinks.

We are not drinkers, but to get a package with booze included is best if you do like the cocktails. We had one or two a night, but also two bottles of wine.

Oh bizi, you all should go! You only live once, and, besides, you can't take it with you .

Di, you should have a great time. I'm glad that we took Andrea on a cruise once, it was back in 2004, after everyone recovered from DH's suicide attempt in the fall of 2003. That whole experience was truly a nightmare for all. That and also to celebrate and use some of the settlement money which was hard won from my car accident in 1999 which started all of my back problems. That lawsuit took FOUR YEARS from start to finish, but it was worth the wait, that's for sure!

Ciao for now!