I'm a newcomer to peony fandom....I'm not sure if they weren't common in California, where I grew up, or if I just never noticed them. They are truly spectacular.

Thanks for the well-wishes! I hate complaining around these parts because I'm basically doing fine, but I realized I hadn't even looked at DW or my fannish email for about three weeks, which might be the longest I've gone since I first found fandom. I've missed you all. M.