Chitweed's Blog at GardenStew.com

Everything is Blooming

Chitweed — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:33:54 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:33 am (GMT 0)

The garden is going like gangbusters. The daylilies have hit midstream...only a few left to open for the first time this year.

This is the corner bed where most of the daylilies reside.

'Mighty Chestnut'
I really like this color. Its a dark rusty brown, not orange or red.

'Vanilla Fluff'
A taste of this fluffy confection anyone?

'Little Grapette' (I think)
And her next door neighbor 'Red Carpet Rose' is poking her nose in.

'Bridgeton Bazaar'

I have fallen under the spell of this daylily this summer.
It is called 'Nosferatu'.
To figure out how someone came up for the name of a flower is just about impossible I think, but this one really has me wondering. Its not scary. Not fanged. Not awful in anyway that makes me think 'Nosferatu', the bloodsucking vampire.

All I can figure is in the side view one petal is turned up on each flower...maybe like a turned collar on a vampire cape?

What I've been up to...

Chitweed — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:19:53 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 11:19 pm (GMT 0)

I've been very busy in the garden. We just put a pond in the back yard. For never having done it before, I think it turned out pretty well.

This is the area we decided to put the pond in. Hubby dug the hole for the preformed pond liner we used. After we put the liner in it was leveled, and edged with small stone to help with drainage.

We bought stone to edge the pond with, and to make a waterfall. This is the dry run we did without the rubber waterfall liner in. When we liked the arrangement of stones we added the liner, and did it all over again making it permenent with cement and pond foam.

This is the almost finished product. We still have to add a plant shelf and water plants (already picked out). Possibly we will add some small fish. I am leaning toward goldfish because they are supposed to be 'easy',they are inexpensive, and given the right environment they just about take care of themselves. I guess we will see.

Not too bad, huh?

The sound is just loverly. It's very relaxing to sit out on the back deck and listen to the waterfall. It was a lot of work, but worth it.

The Nut doesn't fall far from the Tree

Chitweed — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:48:08 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 2:48 pm (GMT 0)

This classic self portrait was on my camera as a surprise.

This is my daughter SB and her cat Zeus. (I call him Seuss because he's such a sweetie)
SB is 20 and is a very smart, fun loving, outspoken young lady.
Zeus has been on every horizontal surface in my house, some I believe he must have levitated to in order to accomplish the task.
My kids are just as strange as their Mother...and now I have proof.

I'm being Stalked

Chitweed — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:26:20 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:26 pm (GMT 0)

You might remember this guy from the other day?

The 6ft wide growling Spider?

He has sent in the reinforcements to take over the Hydrangeas.

They are seem to be of the same ilk, so I suppose they are relatives. This one was trying to fake me into thinking he was the center of a hydrangea fleurette.

This one was grooving on the Hydrangea that seems to have a tye-died-Hippie-kinda-vibe going on this year.

This one is enjoying the Lady in Red Hydrangea.

While the Spiders seem to keep the Hydrangea areas under surveillance. They've sent other troops
to the rest of the gardens.

Can you see the little Lady in the center?

Enjoying the Lavender.

I suppose if they are gonna keep check on the garden for me, it's OK. I can use all the help I can get.

The Wildlife in My Garden

Chitweed — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:01:40 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:01 am (GMT 0)

I look at my garden flowers so much I sometimes don't notice other things. Sometimes I do notice other things, but not quick enough to catch them with the camera.

Today was just a little different. I noticed some 'wild' things, and I caught them with the camera.

These guys actually hang out and watch me garden often. The wild thing I found while looking at them was the 'zoom' feature on my camera. They were patient and posed. Then they continued on with their conversation about the weird lady in the garden with her camera.

This guy has been hanging out in the Hydrangeas for 2 days now. It is 6ft wide and growls.
(...maybe that is my spider-phobia talking?)

This 'wild' little beauty landed in the pots on the porch as I walked out the door. It doesn't show, but she is a metallic green. I've been following her (or one of her relatives) with the camera for about a week now, and never got a clear picture 'til today.

These 'wild' gardening clogs were found in my closet. They forced themselves onto my feet and made me accidently take a picture of them by the Nicotiana.

All in all, a wild day in the garden.

I forgot about this little bit of Magic

Chitweed — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 21:23:35 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:23 am (GMT 0)

Can you see her?
Way down in there?
The bit of pink?

This is Gillyweed

I got this plant 3 years ago, in honor of Harry Potter. Its a big part of the book 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. This Gillyweed variety will not help me grow gills and fins and swim underwater for great amounts of time...but I like it nonetheless.

I forgot all about the Gillyweed. The Stella D'Oro Daylilies didn't get divided, and neither did the 'Moonbeam' Coreopsis. They both magically grew to proportions big enough to cover my poor little Gillyweed.

I found the little gal today while weeding, taking some pictures, and running from H while he was watering his Mom...I mean watering for his Mom.

She had no care. No trimming. Practically no light. But there she was...just like magic.

Day Lily, The story begins

Chitweed — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:07:14 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:07 pm (GMT 0)

Believe it or not there ARE flowers in my garden that aren't Hydrangeas. There are quite a few Day Lily varieties starting to come on.

At my previous home I had more Lilies than I have now, but they were left behind in a wintertime move. I guess it just means I get to collect all over again (sigh, the chore of having to pick out flowers...well, if someone has to do it...).

I've been adding a few to the garden every year. There are always such new and interesting varieties and colors every year its hard to choose. I tend toward the reds when it comes to Day Lilies, but lots of colors end up in the garden.

It starts for me with the Stella D'Oro (gold), but I've already shared those with you. Here is what opened today

Orangutan is actually oranger than this photo shows.

Black Eyed Stella

Purple D'Oro
Lots of buds coming on this baby...

Siloam Cooper's Chantilly

Another Purple D'Oro

The First Step is Admitting You have a Problem

Chitweed — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 20:28:12 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 12:28 am (GMT 0)

Hi.
My name is Chitweed,
and I'm a Hydrangea-holic.

I know because when I start with Hydrangeas, I can't stop at just one.

I keep going...

and going...

and going.

I have a problem. Yesiree. When I came in from taking Hydrangea pictures today, and I had 35, and most of them were from separate bushes. It hit me. "Chitweed, you need help."

Is there a 12 step program for Hydrangea-holics? Is it cold turkey for stopping?

Is there a patch?

Will I go through a withdrawal period?

I hope it doesn't take too long to get through it all...

...Because after I'm cured of the Hydrangea-holism, I need to work on my Day Lily-itis. I might be suffering from Hosta-fever, I get a little warm when I'm around them. I know I have Chronic Garden Fatigue.

Well, at least I've made the first step in admitting there is a problem. I'll get the phone book out tomorrow, to look for help groups after I plant the new Limelight Hydrangea I bought today.

Oops.

Bloomin' Awesome

Chitweed — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:39:20 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 12:39 am (GMT 0)

The Endless Summer Hydrangeas are probably at their peak.

I love bringing flowers into the house.

I cut everything. Trees. Flowers. Shrubs. Ground Covers.

Of course I especially love the hydrangeas. This vase was my Grandmother's.

This is the best of the pictures.

I put this one in so you could see Jane in the window.
I have been shooing her away from the vase all day. She thinks they might be delicious.
So far she hasn't gotten a taste.
(so far...)

Plant-Slaughter Up-Date

Chitweed — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:15:35 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 12:15 am (GMT 0)

The plant I was very 'if-y' about was this Astilbe.

It seems to be doing better after a deep watering, and being planted in the shade.

Its called 'White Gloria'

My fingers are still crossed.
(so are my toes)
(my knees)
(my eyes)

It's Easy being Green

Chitweed — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:06:43 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:06 am (GMT 0)

I LOVE Hosta.
So hardy and so low maintainance. They are a great 'Neighbor Plant': they multiply, and are easy to divide for giving away.
They look great spring to fall. They even get a nice papery flower that is great for cutting.

If I ever invent my own Hosta I want to name it "Kermit", because Hosta's make it 'Easy being Green'. (hopefully its not taken, maybe I should copyright it?) :)

This is 'Guacamole'
It's my favorite. The green is wonderful. Bright green center, with darker green edges. When the moon is out, I can see this hosta in the garden at night.

Blue Umbrellas
This is my largest variety (for now). It looks like dinosaur food. The leaves are huge. The plants are about 3 ft tall, and 4ft wide.

This is 'Paul's Glory'
It has a green center with a blue green edge. This is a hosta I can let have a bit more sun, and it gets more colorful.

This hosta is 'Frances Williams'.
It's another hosta on the larger side. She is about 2.5 ft tall, and maybe 3 ft wide. A nice green/blue color center, and golden edges. This hosta has filled out quite nicely in no time at all.

Its funny how my taste for Hostas has changed over the years. When I was younger Hostas all seemed green with the white edge. I thought they were beautiful. Then there were the Blue Hostas. Love em. Then the Mini's started coming in...great to mix for height contrast and for the borders of a garden. Got them. Then the wavy or curly varieties, then the lime greens, then the quilted looking leaves, etc. For gosh sakes will it ever end? I hope not!

Now I just want...them all. With that being said...you can imagine I have quite a few. My garden has lots of shady spots, perfect for hosta. I have room in my garden for many more, too. (more beds can always be dug, right?) I will have to take a few more pictures to show them all. This might take some time.

Your Honor...it was Plant-slaughter

Chitweed — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:05:50 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:05 pm (GMT 0)

I go away for 2 days.
TWO measly days.
Really only 2 days and a night.
Actually only a day and a half, with a night in the middle.
A pittance in time.

It was enough.
If you have a weak stomach...turn away.
It's grisly, horrific, ghastly.
The plant-manity of it all...is almost more than I can take.

ME: "Please make sure to water while I'm gone".

HUBBY: "No Problem".

ME: "It's gonna be really hot..please don't forget".

HUBBY: "I know, I know. You're only gonna be gone 2 days. Everything will be fine".

ME: "Watch the flats especially. If you only watch one thing...".

HUBBY: "No problem".

No Problem? I have a big problem. Fine? This is not fine.

It was only 2 days, or whatever, but OMGosh! This stuff fried. I hope/think the zinnias will come back. They are pretty tough. I'm not sure about the used-to-be-beautiful Astilbe. I'm gonna plant it and cross my fingers. Surprisingly the coleus did just fine...

My poor babies. :(
So it's plant-slaughter if it's un-intentional, plant-ocide if its intentional?

I am glad to say only the plants suffered. The kids and animals did live thru the time I was gone with no problems. (You were gone?) (I didn't know you were going away...) (You're where?) (Meow?)

I'm gonna go water again. The first time mostly ran right thru. (sigh)

Things are starting to shape up

Chitweed — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:15:15 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:15 pm (GMT 0)

The garden is really coming together now, even tho I got such a late start. The perennials are starting the show as usual. The annuals are 'getting there'. The pots are for the most part done (except the deck pots).

The corner garden has all the Day Lilys in it, along with other plants and shrubs. The first Lilys to bloom each year are the 'Stella D'Oro'.

These bloom all summer long.

They are like gold in the garden. As all the other Lilys and perennials ebb and flow, these stay steady at it.

The 'Stella's' also multiply like crazy. I can divide them every other year...or not.

The 'Kiss Frost White' Gazania are in front of the Lilys. They are some of the all white plantings I am putting in this year. This isn't a great picture, but for one thing I want to show you. This plant's leaves, as it gets older, turn fuzzy and grey. (Kind of like a Dusty Miller). Against the white showy flowers, its quite striking.

This is a better picture, but they are still quite small compared to their mid summer size. They love the heat and sun.

Roses are not my faves. This gal was new to the garden last year. It was the new intro from the 'Knock Out' series. It's a double 'Knock Out, Red'.

She was the sample sent to me by a company to confirm a truck they were sure I would not accept. They were right...she had one whole branch...so they didn't send the truck.
:) I did get to keep the pitiful sample, and this year the ugly duckling is a swan.

Jane (the Pain)

Chitweed — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:31:02 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:31 pm (GMT 0)

This is Jane.

Jane is the youngest of our cats. She is approx 9 months old. She was a stray at the stand, it took me about 3 weeks to finally catch her and take her home.

She is the smallest of our cats. (This however does not mean Jane is the lightest)

Jane rules the roost. She picks on the other cats regardless of size. Takes their toys. Edges them from the food bowl. Jane is the first to the food bowl, the last to leave. Jane won't let the other cats in her room, or on her bed. (Until Jane, this room was known as mine, as was the bed). This is all done in a spoiled-baby-sister kind of way that the other cats seem fine with.

We believe Jane had dogs in her ancestral gene pool. Jane fetches. Jane roles over (but only for my Hubby). Jane 'speaks' for her food and toys. Jane does somersaults (We don't know what gene pool that came from)

Jane allows my husband and me to sleep in her bed. We are grateful. She leaves the bed several times each night to see if there is someone who she can annoy for a little while, then comes back to bed.

Last night Jane came back to bed for the second time around 3am. I felt her jump on, walk up my side, and come towards my shoulder. I thought she was seeing if I was awake and wanted to play. I 'stayed asleep'... until I heard an 'eeek eeeeeeek'. I opened my eyes to see Jane almost nose to nose with me, holding a mouse in her mouth.

It was my turn to say 'EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKK!'

I scared Jane, Mouse, and Hubby. Mouse scampered across me towards the end of the bed. Jane scampered after Mouse. Hubby scampered out his side of the bed. (People he DID scamper, I promise, he says no).

No Mouse to be found. We take all covers off bed. No Mouse. Jane is not happy. Jane insists Mouse is still in bed. No Mouse on floor, or in room that we can find. We put bed back together. Jane keeps searching bed for Mouse.

It creeped me and Hubby out for remainer of the night; each time we brush the other as we move/turn in bed, we ask "That was you right? Not the mouse?"

I don't Like Roses

Chitweed — Sat, 26 May 2007 23:11:06 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 3:11 am (GMT 0)

I'm sorry. I just don't.

Everyone loves roses.

My hubby loves roses. It's one of the ways he tried to meet me where I work. "I'm also a member of the National Rose Society"...he's lucky I went on our first date with that line!

My mother-in-law loves roses. She has many, many, many, many roses in her yard. She herself is a lovely English rose from Peterborough, England.

I sell lots of roses where I work. Lots of people love roses. I DON'T!

Don't get me wrong. Roses are beautiful. The fragrance of roses, divine. And was Valentine's Day invented for roses or what? (but give me a rose bush over a dozen in a vase anyday)

My problem is...bugs and diseases ALSO love roses. I don't have time to keep after every little bite, snip, and hole made in the roses. I don't have time to look after black spot, powdery mildew, and what-ever-the-heck-else that comes down the pike AT the roses. I don't like roses!

I however,
DO love my husband...
who loves roses.

Therefore I have roses in my garden.

I have 'Knock Out' Roses in my yard. In fact I have 20-some lining the driveway. They are wonderful 'no work to do' roses. I don't take care of them at all...other than the first prune in Spring. These are roses I can get along with at least.

There is only one rose I take care of in our yard. It's called '4th of July'.

I spray, spritz, and prune this baby.

I look at her everyday (almost) to see how she is doing.

Believe it or not these blooms all came from the same bush. It's called 4th of July because it looks like fireworks are in each bloom. Like fireworks, each bloom is different.

I think this rose is
...ok. :)

Boy, do I love my husband.
(...still don't like roses)

Here's where I work...

Chitweed — Fri, 25 May 2007 22:04:14 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 2:04 am (GMT 0)

I was noticing some of the pictures of garden centers in peoples' blogs. I thought I might show off where I work. :)

It has been in business for 34 years. It has greenhouses, a nursery, garden center, gift dept, old fashioned candy dept, organics foods, and a deli. What we are most known for is our produce. In fact we have been voted Delaware's Finest Farm Market for about 15 years in a row now.

My Dad and Mom started the farm stand when we kids were little for extra income (there are 6 of us kids), and to keep us busy in the summers. The family still calls it the 'stand' even tho most people think that's funny. My brother now owns it, and oversees all. My sister runs the produce and deli. I run the greenhouse, garden center, and gift areas. My sister in law does the organics. My cousin does the nursery. There are a lot of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles that work with us. Also lots of 'non-related' people...they aren't connected by bloodlines...but by heartstrings.

Well...here are some pictures of what I do at the stand.

This is a view out the side door, towards the nursery. Those roses on the left are some of what was unloaded today.

If you look out the side door and to the right...this is the shade area. We keep a lot of perennials under this structure.

These 'Firewitch' Dianthus are up the walkway into one of the greenhouses. They are in front of the birdbath area.

This is a view into a house that was newly sided last summer. This is the front portion of that house.

These are a few of the succulents and cacti that came in this week.
This is the biggest of the greenhouses. It changes greatly during the year. In Nov. and Dec. it holds our Xmas displays.

Close up of the succulents. The colorful peachy ones are called 'Lovestruck'. Aren't they pretty?

The biggest cactus is in a 14" pot and is approx 25 yrs old. It's very cantankerous..it bit me no less than 4 times when it got unloaded! :)

Another area of the 'big' house as we call it. These are some of my favorites...BEGONIAS!

Another 'big' house pic. This is some of the material from the tropical truck that came on Wednesday.

Towards the rear of the 'new' house.

Waaaaaay funky pitcher plants from Florida.

This is a particularly well endowed pitcher plant, even if say so myself...

This is the fountain area. It also has a few house plants. It's a transition place from the garden center to the gift area. The doorway leads into the gift department. Maybe I'll take a few pictures there sometime...but its not really garden related...

I hope you like it. I know I love working there. It's something new everyday. I work with friends and family, in fact the 'stand' is like another family member to me.

I Solemnly Swear...

Chitweed — Thu, 24 May 2007 22:22:23 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:22 am (GMT 0)

Each year I tell myself the same thing.

Chitweed...listen to yourself... Remember all the work and sweat last year. You want to change how you do the garden. This year only perennials. Don't fill the yard. Let's actually SEE some of the 60 bags of mulch you put down each year. Make it easy to take care of the garden. No annuals...you'll have to plant them all again next year.

With this in mind...

I solemnly swear

to

buy everything in sight that I like

as usual.
:)

I've also decided to make the garden even harder on myself than usual. So there!

I usually have a very colorful garden. I love blues the most, as far as flower colors go. I accent them with other bright colors...usually oranges, salmons, purples and watermelon kinds of colors.

Not this year. For some reason I decided to step out of the box and do white. All white. White flowers. If there is not a flower the plant itself shall have a green, blue or grey foliage.

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These 'Super Olympia White' Begonias are going in the backyard garden.

These 'Nightlife White' Begonias are going in the front yard. The garden near the section of the house that has white siding. They should show up nicely there with the dark leaves.

These Argyranthemum 'Molimba Helio White' will be nice in pots in the side yard.

These 'Butterfly White' Penta will go in pots on the front side of the house where the sun is a bit harder.

I've also planted Nicotiana, Gazania, Pot n Patio Asters, and Snapdragons. They are all white.

White Lavender (doesn't that look funny?) and Stevia are 2 of the herbs I've planted so far. I've done lots already even with the very late start. There is still quite a bit to do.

Now that I've figured out how to do the picture thing (woo hoo!)...I'll be able to take more pictures as the rest of the yard gets planted and starts growing.

I swear next year I'm taking it easy!!
(not)

The Birds and the Bees 'Chat'

Chitweed — Tue, 22 May 2007 10:00:45 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 2:00 pm (GMT 0)

So...I'm getting the last of a flat of 'Hummingbird White' Nicotiana into the ground yesterday evening and my fourteen year old H comes over to chat.

Of all the kids H is the only one that might become a gardener. He knows the names of plants. He remembers where things are planted. I can send him out to get basil and chives and he comes back with them. When he was really little he liked to tie a towel around his neck and be a gardening super hero while Mom worked in the yard. (We will keep that a secret here, yes? A 14 year old boy's reputation lies in the balance)

H is taking Health and Agricultural Science as some of his 8th grade classes. He's a very smart kid (takes after his Mom).

H: "Mom?"

Me: "Yeah H?"

H: "You DO know that all plants aren't girls ...right?"

Me: "What? oh..yes H, I do."

H: "Well how come you always say "Isn't she pretty?" or, "Look how big she's getting?" or "Look at all those Tomatoes she's GOT?" when you talk about the yard and the flowers?

Me: "Do I?"

H: "Yeah...you do. Mom, I don't know if you know it but...there are these things called pistils and stamens...and the birds or sometimes the bees come along...."

(20 minutes later)

Me: "Wow H, I didn't realize you knew all that. Thats great. No wonder you have an "A" in Agriculture Science."

H: "No, Mom. I learned that in Health. It was the beginning of our Section On Reproduction. Then we did the whole genetics, animal sex/reproduction thing, then on to humans."

Me: "Wow. Seems like you paid close attention."

H: "Yes, it was very interesting. I do have a question tho?"....

(A small intake of breath on my part. H and I have had some chats before like this over the years. I'm ready for it.)

H: " ...So...why do they call ships and buildings, and cars 'She' too?"

I never did finish planting those Nicotianas.

I have a gardening hang over

Chitweed — Mon, 21 May 2007 09:04:03 -0400

Author: Chitweed
Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 1:04 pm (GMT 0)

I ache all over. My husband aches all over. My dog aches all over. My kids ache a little bit. The cats are just fine. :)

We worked in the garden all day yesterday. It does look lover-ly tho.

I pulled the weeds in all the beds that have been growing unimpeded so far this season. (pull, pull, whack, whack)

The boys limbed up the trees in the front circle bed to allow light to penetrate a bit more. (I've been wanting to get that done for quite a while now.) (saw, saw, saw, timber....watch out Dad)

The plants that didn't mind the neglect of having to stay in pots over winter, were planted finally (I know...I know...very bad girl Chitweed)

Kitty (the Rottweiler) followed us around the yard as we moved from project to project. She inspected our work. She basked in the sunshine to make sure we could see how truly beautiful she is. She showed us a 12 yr old gal can still circle the yard at a good clip to shoo an invading chipmunk. (wag wag wag)

The first 10 of MANY bags of mulch went down. (ziiiip, dump, rake, rake, rake)

The debris from the overhead trees (a.k.a. tree poop) was cleaned off the deck, the lawn furniture, the gutters, the outdoor light fixtures, the grill, the umbrella, and even Kitty at one point. (sorry baby... wag, wag, wag)

Weed killer was put down on the weeds creeping their way into the flagstone walk way. (spritz, spritz)

15 bags of leaves were gathered up for the trashmen this week. (MOMMMMMM... we did leaves forever this fall and have more? moan, moan, moan)

The cats (Filbert, Hazel, and Jane) looked at us from the windows and thought we were pretty silly. (Where's the catnip planted? yawn, yawn, lick, lick, stretch)

The roses got their first treatments to ward off the aphids and other rose loving enemies of the garden. (spritz, spritz, again)

Yes I have a gardening hangover. The yard looks a lot better than it did before. The kids actually lived thru it, contrary to their predictions. Kitty slept very well, and didn't bother the other 'real' cats at all.

It a good kind of hangover. I hope to get one again later this week. ;)