This calendar makes me slow down and relax everytime I look at it. It is so pleasant. Last year I made a mistake and bought a knock off-the pictures just weren't the same. This year I ordered ahead. Great for gifts! Real Mid-western charm!

You will just want to fall into these cabin-on-the-lake photos.
Top quality printing and subtile light washed photos. I real getaway for a few minutes in your dull old cubicle.

This has been my favorite calendar since its debut in the early 90s. I never get tired of it, and it never ceases to draw me in to the calm, restful, and beautiful world it creates. Hence, it holds a place of honor each year on my office wall. And on days when the workday stress is just too much, all I have to do is gaze at the exquisite pictures (and they are all exquisite) to be carried away to another world.

My order for 2002 is in, and I cannot wait to continue the tradition for another year. Each porch is lovely, evocative, and restful, and many of the porches over the years have given me ideas for my own. In addition, the wonderful quotes from various literary sources never fail to add to my pleasure.

In this reviewer's opinion, "Out on the Porch" is the quintessential calendar. I hope it endures for years to come!

There are very few novels that have knocked me out of my chair as consistently as this one. Thompson's writing may seem crude to the uninitiated, but one cannot resist being swept up by his delightful tapestry of slang which peppers some of the most captivating prose I've ever read. It's about life in America, in it's underwear, up way past its bedtime, broke, beaten up, bombed out of its skull, with a tenacious hope running through it all like a river. No heterosexual American male in his right mind will be able to put this book down, and none should miss the chance to read it.

A Garden Of Sand is representative of Wichita and the area in which Earl Thompson grew up. In an alley between the 15 hundred block on North St.Francis and Santa Fe streets. The moral decay of the 1930's was evident and compounded by the depression. People did what they could and grappled with a way of life that had been unknown in the U.S. up until that time. The characters in A Garden Of Sand were based on actual people and merchants in that area of town. This is a telling portrait of those times, and as other readers have mentioned it raises fear in ones heart to read this masterpiece. It should do exactly that! The lessons of the past often slip by those in the near future. The times change, and those times will come again to America. It may be different people and different authors, but history repeats itself in an unrelenting way. This book speaks for a community and time that can only best be described as "shattered". With the money and food gone, life and it's seeming gentleness often changes into an all consuming monster. A time that shall revisit us all. I think that this book is the definative primer of those times. It may run only second to The Grapes Of Wrath as a benchmark of the dirty thirties. But, it tells a far better story that the reader becomes entangled with. Earl Thompson gave us a lot during his short stay on earth. Somewhere, the spark of energy that drove this man is thinking and reacting to the surroundings he is in today. If you read this book and are unmoved by the characters and description of the times. Please get some help!

I was overwhelmed when I first read "A Garden of Sand". I immediately rushed out to buy more of Earl Thompson's books, only to discover he had written but three. And then died. This hugely talented author somehow got lost in the shuffle and never attained the merit he deserved. "A Garden of Sand" is an epic novel of one boy's journey through the depression as well as coping within the ultimate dysfunctional family. Thompson sees, then translates in an unerring manner all the feelings, hopes and downfalls of the human experience. Each scene is chiseled in perfection. And I don't think I've ever read such achingly real sexual encounters before. I am truly amazed that any astute hollywood producer has not not bought the rights to this book and is filming an award winning production at this very moment.

...see also plumeriasandoleanders.com, botanictreasures.com, and stokestropicals.com

This is the bible on plumeria cultivation; there is no other work on the subject that even approaches its scope, thorough attention to detail, and even visual beauty. For twelve years it has been the source to which I have turned repeatedly for inspiration as I amassed my collection in New England; I have also referred scores of people to it for advice and given it as a gift several times. It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive treatment of the subject, from the overview of its history in cultivation, to the listings and descriptions of dozens of cultivars, to the step-by-step course in cultivating, propagating, and hybridizing plumerias. No detail is overlooked, and invaluable tips concerning every aspect of plumeria growing are given throughout. Along the way, the text is enlivened by views and comments on the plant through the eyes of mystics and poets both Eastern and Western. The abundant photographs by the authors are works of art in themselves. For any admirer of this extraordinary flower, this book is essential; by far the best and most beautiful work available on the subject.

For those having trouble locating a copy: see also plumeriasandoleanders.com, botanictreasures.com, and stokestropicals.com

(Addressing the issue of storage brought up by another reviewer: The method does indeed work, but I would perhaps not use it on first-year plants. It is important that a first-year cutting be kept growing as long as possible so that it can develop a very strong root system. After the first year, I prefer continuing to store the plants in their pots, watering very sparingly or not at all during the winter. The problem of stem rot is usually due to a soil mix which is too moisture-retentive. There is virtually no risk of stem rot if the following soil mix is used: 8 parts (by volume) soilless potting mix, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite. I have not lost one in ten years since I began using this formula).

This is a very informative, thoroughly researched book; from history to propagation, it has it all. The amateur will especially appreciate the succinct information to be found within its pages, without being too technical. If you've bought those plumeria cuttings at various fairs and garden shows, as I have, this is the book you need to really get those cuttings to produce healthy, blooming plants. The numerous colored photos throughout are a definite plus.

This is a wonderful book. I constantly use it as a reference and keep meaning to bring it with me when I go to the nursery. (Otherwise I come home with plants like Larkspur, which look beautiful now, but might not make it through the winter.) It is divided into three sections. The first, Portfolios of Designs is full of plans for every location, sun or shade. The Guide to Installaton shows you how to do everything from making wooden planters, building a retaining wall, creating paths and walkways, to installing a pond. The third section, Plant Profiles, gives descriptions and care information for all of the plants in the designs.

I have only one criticism. Cost doesn't appear to be a factor in any of these designs, most call for dozens of plants. It would be nice if they had a few designs for those on a smaller budget.

I have purchased a great many books on this subject and this is far and away the best. Helpful tips on what plants to put in different conditions, settings and combinations, as well as plans to help get you started. I've used it over and over and have given copies to numerous friends.

This book offers everything a gardener in the northeast needs to easily plan, design, plant, and maintain wonderful landscaping.

The bulk of the book offers design plans--photos & drawings of landscaped areas, together with a description of each of the plants shown and a mapped-out grid to assist you in recreating the design in your own garden. Substitute plantings are suggested, and in most places the design is shown as it appears in different seasons. And the designs are DEFINITELY not difficult to follow! So many gardening books offer plans that I couldn't hope to recreate--this book stands out for its ease of use.

Examples of the twenty-three different designs: 1) Enclosing a patio with foliage & flowers; 2) creating a welcoming walkway to your front door; 3) enhancing your curbside strip; 4) using a two-tier garden to replace a short slope; 5) creating a no-mow slope; 6) creating a shady hideaway; and 7) fitting a formal garden into your backyard.

I planted one of their designs myself--"A Neighborly Corner." I was worried about how to define the corner lot line of my odd-shaped lot, especially since I live in a neighborhood with few fences and no obvious divisions between properties. My next-door neighbors love what I did, and several others have stopped to ask what the various plants are so they can try them in their own gardens.

Even if you don't have large areas to plant, but merely want to fill in holes in your garden or improve the overall look of your property, this book is wonderful. The last 25 pages of the book consist of plant profiles, all of which work wonderfully in the chilly northeast. And there are several sections on designing walkways, building trellises, planting basics, etc.

I found this book to be well worth the price, and several of my neighbors have gone out to buy their own copies after borrowing mine. I've used it over and over and recommend it without hesitation.

Helen Humphreys' The Lost Garden is a beautiful little gem of a novel, a quick and wonderful read about one woman's perfect moment and time and how it quickly eluded her. Gwen Davis is a lonely woman in the early days of World War II in London when she volunteers to lead a group of women in a war-effort farming experiment on an abadoned estate in the British countryside. She is devastated to leave London, devastated by the war and yet her experiences away from London turn out to be the most rewarding of her life. She finally forms a meaningful friendship and begins to fall in love with one of the Canadian soldiers briefly stationed at the estate. Gwen reflects on the nature of love and happiness, both in her life and in the lives of those around her. This is an excellent, if short, rewarding novel. Enjoy.

I rarely cry when I read anymore. But I cried almost through the whole last chapter. This is a beautiful book of love lost, memory captured and the beauty of gardens. I recommend it.

Helen Humphreys is nothing less than a superb story-teller. The tone of this W.W.II drama is lyrical, wistful and bold, and her characters bend and sway in the nostalgia she so openly releases. It is narrated by Gwen Davis a single 30-something horticulturist who joins the war effort by volunteering to lead a group of girls in growing potatoes on a deserted estate in the English countryside. Used to working in a solitary lab environment, Gwen has to face her shyness and lack of self-confidence as she forms her relationships with the girls in her crew. Her amateur gardeners are young and energetic and would rather be flirting with the soldiers who are also stationed at the estate while awaiting deployment. One of the girls, however, is different... Jane. Since Jane's fiancé has been declared missing in action she's been slowing fading away, just barely holding onto that fragile thread of hope. Jane and Gwen befriend one another, as well as two of the soldiers staying in the estate house. Then Gwen finds the best companion of all... a secret garden hidden within the grounds. With her knowledge of horticulture and some research into the inhabitants of the estate, Gwen beings to piece together the story the garden has to tell... and finds that it is telling her story as well.

If someone would've told me that I'd learn quite a lot about gardening techniques while reading this book, I might have passed it up, because I wouldn't have realized that there is a beautiful and sensitive language gardens can speak. I think any reader who enjoys creative expression will find they can relate to this story. Humphreys delivers her tale with perfect timing, swiftly wrapping-up after the climax, yet leaving just enough loose threads to keep you thinking about the characters long after the last page has been turned.

I bought this book while trying to expand my collection of grilling recipes. I enjoy cooking on the grill and I wanted to move beyond the simple hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbequed chicken parts. I looked at a variety of books on the subject, and this one struck me as a good value. I have not been disappointed.

The first thing about this book that grabbed my attention is that is it organized and bound like Betty Crocker's Cookbook, in a 3-ring binder with divider tabs. Everything is well laid out and organized in such a manner that if you are looking for specific recipes that are in this book, you have no excuse if you cannot find them.

Sections include beef, pork, fish, and poultry as main dishes. There is also a section for appetizers. In a nutshell, the sections are clear, sensible, and well planned. Finding different forms of beef burgers will be in the beef section, not spread all over.

I have obviously not tried all of the recipes in this book, but the ones I have tried have been big hits with the family. The recipes balance flavors well and give the cook an excellent foundation should the cook want to experiment and tweak a little bit. The book does *not* help you in the flavor department if you have a tendency to burn stuff...

Each recipe has different cooking instructions corresponding to charcoal grills and gas grills. This is a nice feature that makes this book accessible to a wider audience.

Overall, this is a great book for someone wanting to do more grilling. It is well organized, has lots of pictures, well written...

This book is "a must have" for anyone who owns a grill. Loads of information, tips, and fabulous recipes! This is by far the most used cookbook in my kitchen.

This cookbook is a true classic. The recipies are easy yet excellent for entertaining! No hard to find ingredients just fabulous food and yummy ideas.

I love this book. I was checking it out of the library for information and decided I had to have it. If you are a beginner it speaks in clear understandable language. If you are experianced, it covers all aspects of gardening and in a clear organized manner that helps you plan your entire year. His check off lists are handy and his attitude is what makes this book so enjoyable. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.

This is my garden bible. Although I use other specialized garden books like the Sunset Western Garden Book for detailed plant info., this is the one that tells me exactly when to do what to which plants month-by-month, including how-to sketches. There's nothing better for SoCal gardeners!

I am just beginning the adventure into the world of gardening. This is our first house and after two years my husband and I are finally installing our yards. I was looking for a definative book about how to garden in Southern California, Ms. Welsh's book more than fit the bill. Her book is full of gardening ideas and monthly schedules that spread the chores out over the 12 months of the year leaving a lot of time for enjoyment. As a novice, I now feel more confident cruising the nurseries and homecenters looking for the perfect plant because I have a better understanding of the maintenance and care needed.

If you love Victorian Stiches then this is the book for you. Clearly illustrates dozens of embroidery stitches.

Great Book.

This is an excellent book. It provides you with many choices of stitched flowers both in silk ribbon and threads and yarns. FOr those who admire the intricate stitching and motifs that are original to crazy quilting this book will set you well on your way to adding many of interesting stitched florals to your blocks. It is a well done book, very good instructions , easy to understand and truly inspirational. I have read many cq books and find this the best one.
Not only does it give you the basics you need to get started adding wonderful embroidery to your quilting but it inspires you to adventure out and try your own designs.
This book is well suited to the beginner and the experienced stitcher who wants to add new techniques and ideas to your quilted pieces.

Every time I start a sewing project for clothing, for gifts or for something for the house I take this book and many ideas come to my mind of how to make it more beautiful,it's also easy to follow the instructions and I think it's a very complete book of reference.

This book will most certainly teach you the essentials of creating a quiet garden space for thought and reflection. The range of ideas is extraordinary and the photos will inspire you. However, the text is at times rather "sappy", i.e., a bit too sentimental and too tritely philosophical. I found myself racing through the prose to get to the design elements but was very satisfied with the useful content, once found.

My favourite refuge from the world is my garden. It is a place for quiet meditation, peaceful thoughts and tranquil rememories. Whether you enjoy the simplicity of sitting in the shade of tree, or have the exquisite joy of enjoying the calming waterfalls and lush greenery of a Zen garden, you will thoroughly enjoy this delightful book. You do not need a lot of space to create your own retreat. As you will discover through the book, all it truly takes is a little creativity, and a labour of love to create your own magical retreat, a little piece of Heaven on Earth. I loved this soothing book with its touch of philosophical splendor and beautiful photography. Whether you prefer an English country garden or a more spiritual retreat, you are bound to find some inspiring little tips on how to create your own "time in the sun" in this wonderful little book.

I found Barbara Ashmun's new book 'Garden Retreats' a truly inspiring read. By intimately relating her impressions of youth and how her own style developed, the author encourages readers to look within themselves for clues to what their own unique garden retreat might be. Barbara's book guides the reader in the process of creating a truly individual space. Written in gentle poetic prose, the book transports the reader within the retreats she so well describes. Garden Retreats abounds with practical ideas for creating retreats, from creating a private place, to setting the mood with colors and textures, structures and a lot more. The book glows with stunning photographs by Allan Mandell which makes it so inspiring to copy the ideas pictured. I highly recommend this book to novice as well as experienced gardeners.

I read this little book the first night I got it, and learned a great deal. I only wish I had this info before I lost my beautiful cat friend Taura to cancer almost 5 yrs ago. Even though I thought I was well informed at the time Taura was sick, I've since learned that I really was not, and a book like this could have made a real difference. Veternarians do not always have the skills or knowledge to give thorough information and this book has an abundance of real life info and leaves one with a great deal to think about.

HOWEVER, I was very disappointed in the section on nutrition, which seemed to lack a full view of nutritional options. Even though there was info given on the importance of protein, carbohydrates,etc. the main recommendation for a cancer fighting food was Hills Diet, which felt bias. Some info was given on supplements, but none on other options for foods, such as the possiblity of homemade diets, either cooked or raw, which under the guidance of a good vet could be the answer to good health, depending on the individual needs of each animal. Also, no other quality foods were listed, of which there are many, which with proper guidance may also be appropriate. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OTHER NUTRITIONAL OPTIONS WITH A VET WHO KNOWS NUTRITION, AS MANY DO NOT.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK TO HAVE - I will keep it near and hope I will not need it.

A brilliantly written book which offers hope, comfort and compassionate advice for all pet owners whose animal companions face this horrible disease. Covers all aspects of cancer care from diagnosis to end stages of the disease. A must for the pet owner whose beloved animal companion has been stricken with cancer. Thank you, Dr. Downing for this gem of a book.

After my dog was diagnosed with cancer, I searched the internet for answers, and found this book on Amazon. It is a little book, worth it's weight in gold. It is written by a knowledgeable vet who translates clinical information into a factual, yet compassionate conversation with the reader. By using the website links in the back of the book, I was able to find a world class animal hospital in my area that correctly diagnosed the rare form of cancer my dog has. Seven months later, we are on the road to remission. I still refer to Dr. Downing's book, and am more than thanful to have found it.