Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig

Finally!! we got home to Wintery Ontario early this morning. Driving through white-outs and blizzard conditions, we were in serious doubt as to the wisdom of returning. We left Kauai for THIS? oh my. But our Maine Coon cat Sammy was at the back door drumming to be admitted to the house not 3 minutes after we got back. We know at least he has a better memory than a gold fish, and certainly has perseverence. Markus had done a great job of taking care of the place in our absence - thank you, Markus - and at the office, Dr. Krista had likewise been the glue that kept the pieces together. Thank you Dr. Krista!
Our last week on Kauai was "interesting" and included a 411 and EMT experience, but all is well now. It's great having reliable phone and email service again. We have called a few people to say we are back, and started getting the fridge filled up, and getting a few pieces of mail opened. YES _ the bills first.
From what we hear, the 8 inches of white stuff was not here the whole time we were gone, and so of course a visit to the greenhouses was in order. All seems to be well. It is very cool, being able to see the various degrees as it were of dormancy of the daylilies - some are just - dirt pots. Others - well - one would not be surprised to see a scape appear. And yet - by the time they bloom, one cannot tell which was sleeping and who pulled an "all-nighter". The heucheras still look awesome. The Gold Strike Brunnera - well, I think I am going to take some into the warm greenhouse so that it gets a start and hopefully, with pure luck, might have some blooms by the time the Stratford Garden Show rolls around March 1-4 - be there if you can. Then after that it is Canada Blooms time, and then we start shipping. Oh my - time sure flies - I must be getting older. And YES - it is for sure better than the alternative. Today was a busy day putting in orders that arrived by fax and mail in my absence. We had enough internet to actually process the email orders that came in, while on Kauai. I am always surprised how some cultivars sell out so quickly. So far I am guessing about 10 are done for. So - if you are mailing in orders, please select substitutes if necessary, as we are not choosing substitutes for people this year. And that is not poorer service, but evidence that we are listening to our feedback. Remember to get your orders up over $50 so that you are paying for plants and not postage. And remember to include your garden markers and labels along with the list of plants. Tomorrow is a busy day at Landscape Ontario in Toronto, and then and end-of-year accounting day at the practice. Company all weekend - busy busy busy - life is good - we are truly blessed. Be safe, and remember to appreciate everything around you. I may sound like I am complaining but no - I am truly grateful for the opportunity to live in the best place on earth. g'nite all.