Now that my computer is back up and full loaded, I look forward to sharing some more of the last week in pictures. Let me start by saying that there was no fishing trip, and there was no visit with my brother on the 4th, and there was almost no fourth of July Holiday at all. In the upper left is the plane next to the one that left without me at 6 in the morning. That's o.k. though because I ended up spending more time with my dad in Houston and I was able to make it to Granbury and help Grant out. Before heading to Granbury though, I was able to spend time in Houston. It is along these types of backroads with the large city skylines in the background that you often stumble upon some real urban treasures. These bulbs are tough, growing next to city streets, dumpsters, or at the corner of old houses. Look at this Hyemenocalis next to a light post, or this Crinum at the corner of the house (never mind the Shiner Bock on the porch--for some reason Shiner Bock keeps popping into all of our pictures). Amanda might not have made this journey though. As many of you know, there is bad blood between her and the birds, and this was definitely the birds territory.

While in Houston, I was able to visit one of the areas (if not the worlds) most renowned Crinum experts, Marcelle Sheppard. She was very friendly and shared seeds while showing me all of her crinum collection. It was a lovely tour with beautiful flowers, but I think the mosquitoes liked me more than I liked them. If somebody who is from an area tells you to apply insect repellant, then listen to them. Marcelle not only has Crinums, but Amarcrinums, Cannas, and daylilies also. Her mother used to grow many different varieties of daylilies, some of which still bloom nicely in her garden.

After Houston I headed up to Granbury to help Grant out. Ben worked the show the first couple of days with Grant, and I helped out on the 4th. To the people of Granbury: thank you for a wonderful fireworks show and being such friendly people. Here are a couple more shots of Grant with the "Bocce Ball Extraordinaire" and of the fireworks. You can never get enough fireworks.

And Mr. Sam Cox, this picture goes out to you. Thank you for all of your hard work and time you have given the company. We all appreciated having you out here.