Justin, first, welcome back "home". Second, I have tears in my eyes & running down my face from the lovely story you related. It moved me deeply.
Third, what absolutely gorgeous tulips! Words are inadequate.

I read that some memebers of the Seed Savers Exchange went behind "the Iron Curtain" to collect heirloom garlic bulbs. In at least one town, the local commissar didn't want anyone giving any Westerners ANYthing.

So one townsperson tiptoed to the side of their bus opposite to where the commissar was, winked, and threw some garlic bulbs wrapped in newspaper through the bus window.

"Plants over politics!"


Or,

"Bulbs before boobs!"

Ha! Rick, you really ARE following me around, aren't you?

I think it's just "great minds read alike".

Awww, and here I thought you were stalking me. Sigh.

But I'm still drooling over Justin's avatar picture. Wow, that is just gorgeous. Wonder if it's something I could grow here.

Actually, it's just that I'm EVERYWHERE.

Read a thread: I am there.
Turn over a rock: I am there.

Usually people just get restraining orders.

Hmm, no winking smiley? ;-)

It's a great blue color. Like some Lobelia: ***BLUE!!!***

Uh, oh, did we scare Justin off with our silliness? Come back, Justin! We really can be serious.......just not for very long!

Welcome back Justin.