I know you've told us before Tom...but what brand are the paint markers? Where do you find them?

I guess I don't know what paint markers are.
I do have some maps, but they're not totally up to date.
I'm behind.

I have handmade maps and maps I made on the computer. I also have a sortable data file, by name, year, hybridizer, size and bloom time.

I use paint pens I got from Hobby Lobby.

Since my computer is a 'tower' I don't tend to take it to the garden. My photos were all seedlings as I was hoping to study them over the winter & decide who to do in the spring. this was before I got involved with everyone on line.

Thanks Rob!

Lucy... yeah, this online group is a distraction, but a lovely one, with great people sharing helpful information, good ideas, and gorgeous photos...not to mention for that a few belly laughs!!

Sharpie makes a paint marker, I get them at Michaels, but I'm sure any craft store would have them. They come in lots of colors.

Thanks Rob, and Tom!

Yes, Thank you!

Just got a call from my sister. My youngest aunt of the remaining 3 fell earlier in the week and broke her hip. Seems now she might not make the night.

I'm so sorry, Tom.

Omigosh Tom -- how old is she? I don't understand why people die from a broken hip. I hope she gets through this.

I don't know the exact age, but she's in the middle 80's. My sister just called again, and said she has heart failure, and her kidneys are shutting down. Doesn't look good.

Sorry to hear that, Tom

I'm so sorry for your aunt, Tom. Sending healing thoughts her way. I know you must be worried. My mother's health went downhill after she fell and broke her hip 2 and a half years ago. She also had heart trouble.
We brought her back from Florida to California then to live with us, so we could care for her. She passed away, peacefully, last week at our home,
at age 98 and a half.

Oh Jan -- last week? I am so sorry. Bless your heart for bringing her to your home for her final days. No greater gift..........

Ah -- I'm sorry Tom. I hope she recovers. And if that's not what God has planned for her, then I hope she passes peacefully.

Dec.14, Mary Ann.
This is such a light-hearted thread - I've just not talked about it yet.
Many of us are at an age when many of our loved ones are passing on. It's inevitable.
I'm focussing on what a good long life she had. She was a fine piano-player,
among other talents. She was looking forward to seeing all the irises I'd planted.

janwax said:Dec.14, Mary Ann.
This is such a light-hearted thread - I've just not talked about it yet.
Many of us are at an age when many of our loved ones are passing on. It's inevitable.
I'm focussing on what a good long life she had. She was a fine piano-player,
among other talents. She was looking forward to seeing all the irises I'd planted.

Yes we are, Jan. My own Mom will be 93 next month, and is very frail. Every day I expect the loss. 98 is an amazing age. I'm sorry that she didn't get to see your Irises -- but I love that she had something to look forward to.

Jan, I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter how long and wonderful a person's life is, it still leaves a big empty hole when they are gone. I'm sorry you Mom wasn't able to hold on until your irises bloomed... I think somehow she will still be enjoying them with you next spring.

Tom, I'm also sorry to hear about your aunt. I hope she is strong enough to recover, and as Mary Ann said, if not, I wish her comfort and peace.