On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 00:17:18 -0500, madgardener opined:

Ring out Solstice Bells................shortest night of the year.
Longer days ahead of us. Think Spring ephemerals and Hellebores and
for some, the beloved Witch Hazel........(wait, maybe my Lorepedilum
will grace me with those shocking threads of magenta pink......one can
only hope)
maddie

Thanks Maddie. T'was my 48th birthday, Dec. 21. It's usually the day of the
solstice, but that does change year to year. I'm loving my age. Now, if I can
figure out a way to stay here, that would be a delight.

V