There is always too much to list, but some of the highlights are as follows: Two marble benches - white with green veining, a monumental J.W. Fiske fountain, five huge, kooky gold/gilt metal branches with leaves, a beautifully detailed late 19th century cast iron trough set up as a re-circulating fountain, a great English lead wall fountain back from on loan to the Chicago Botanic Garden, 19th century iron fence sections made into plant holders, lots of great new ironwork including some crusty red panels perfect for making into console tables, a nicely proportioned wirework bench and a 3pc. French patio set that's perfect in every way - color, size and condition.

The farmers market will have its usual rolling start beginning this Sunday the 8th at 12:00. Expect Sue Gauger to have a great selection of early season items including: organic lettuces, arugula, radishes and heirloom bedding plants. Paul from Dawn's Breads may be here this week, but you should call if you are counting on something special for dinner on Sunday night. We have heard a rumor that Pam has worked out her kitchen space problem and might be back this summer with those fabulous pies. Those of you interested in goat cheese should give us a call we'll put you in touch with the "queen of cheese".

Addy will be selling a special collection of potted-up floral mixtures ... and everything is organic so you can even use them for cooking or food styling. There are cool mixes of strawberries, annuals, perennials and herbs. He'll also have a great collection of non-organic but big, beautifully blousy, ornamental baskets that are coincidentally designed to fit in those antique planters you are going to buy from his Dad this weekend.

He is off with his cousins to Havana, Illinois this weekend to celebrate the old river town's sesquicentennial. The party begins Friday night with headliner "Pork and the Havana Ducks" performing at a street dance downtown and ends on Sunday with a "Brother of the Brush" best mustache contest. We all know the real highlight of the weekend will be when Addy's Grandmother, Carla Bean, and the other centennial "Singing Sweethearts" - period costumes and all - reprise their acclaimed 1953 performance for the adoring crowds at Staurday's sesquicentennial parade on Saturday. We Love You Carla!

Caution! do not operate heavy machinery or parade floats while under the influence of beer, pan-fried catfish and rhubarb pie. Addy, I'll expect pictures or at least a copy of the police report.