We landscaped a beautiful home today in Altamonte Springs. It was a large two story and the house was painted a bold mustard color but a little more brown like the spicy mustard. I tend to like bold colors so it was a fun project. We did it pretty tropical, per the owners request and used a lot of Hawaiian Ty's. They were used mostly against the house and the contrast with the house color was fantastic. I used many Bromeliads under a Roubellini Palm. Also Gold Mound were staggered in front of the Ty's and Mondo under the existing large Ligustrum. We also used Dwarf Oyster, Purple Queen, and Mexican Petunia as the owner requested as much purple as possible. It really was a shocking personality change and we were all very pleased. That's the great thing about Landscape design, it is so rewarding when I pull out of the drive and stop to take a prolonged look.

Today's cooler weather has been really a lot of fun as it makes the work go so much easier. The dogs are all doing quite well except they tend to bark at night at the least little sound and since we have a lot of wildlife it is annoying sometimes.The Yorkies are the loudest at first then they all start the chorus. The little Yorkies sleep with us at night and since the weather is cooler they tend to curl up next to us in little round balls. We have always had yorkies and I highly recommend them for just about everyone as they are so loving. I spent a lot of time last evening with our older Golden Lab as she is such a sweet dog and a total love hog. My wife found her abandoned about 7 years ago and it took her 3 days to build the trust so that we could feed and pet her but after that she found home sweet home. We theorize that she was abused by the former owner but we feel honored that she chose our house as she has brought us a lot of happiness. My friend cesar has a golden as well and they are such a great family dog. His dog loves peanut butter and when he just says the words the dog goes crazy. So one time the dog ran down the street and Cesar had to go looking for him while yelling peanut butter all over the neighborhood. It worked.

Wow, what beautiful weather we have in October, perhaps my favorite month. The yard looks amazing as that lush tropical feel is my passion. I always say "Why go to a resort if you can have one in your own backyard"

I did the show this morning and had great calls, but the highlight was going to Starbucks to get my soy latte, I might be addicted to that stuff.

My kids went to conquer a local corn maze with a friend and had a great time so in the afternoon it was just me and the dogs! I spent the most time today with the black standard poodle , what an amazing animal. To watch him run is poetry in motion.

Last night we were invited to a dinner party at Cesar's house and he did stakes and salmon on the grill. Seriously, it was the best salmon I ever had and his kid found some kind of amazing glaze on the internet and we raved about it. They had so much that he insisted we take some home and of course me being Mr. Polite said , "Oh no that's ok". Now, all day I keep thinking that I could have had that salmon for lunch! We had sugar - free blueberry and apple pie as Cesar is a tennis Pro and a health nut, which is the smart way to go. My emotions however think that Hagen- Daz is the answer to everything, but I know Cesar is right! But right now as I speak to you and now that I have actually written the term, Hagen-Daz, I realize that Rum Raisin is really a health food as it has fruit in it.