Mary-Ann, We were in our shirtsleeves putting up the burlap against the forthcoming harsh winter winds this afternoon without the benefit of sunshine. Strangers call out to each other, "How do you like this winter weather...???"... Our outdoor water lines have already been purged, but I had to open them up again to do a complete water soaking on all shrubbery and trees, because it has been too warm and much too dry -- a sure path into winter death for everything, when the tops are frozen and the roots are dry. More work for Mother........ Our pals in San Francisco are very unhappy at 50*, and those in L.A. talk of 40*. My daughter in St.Louis says it was 76* today. It should have been something like 40*.. Mary in England -- are you having bizarre weather over there? Penny, NY zone 6 ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]