"he looked at me and said, "if you don't take them, they're going to die" and I couldn't take the guilt"

All I know is... Hang on to that hubby!!

Yeah, he's a sucker for plants and homeless kitties both.

Of course, he leaves all the work for me and later when we need to buy cat food or set up a watering system, then it was 'all my idea' and why did I do it??? ;o)

I have him figured out. The more I said, "why would I buy the nearly dead ones...these others are in much better shape" the more he insisted I get the ones from the death bin. He stopped fussing about the idea of buying AVs entirely and became the champion of the downtrodden ;o)

At least I'll get a refund (read: other AVs) if I lose any of these.

Hi
Keep them in the bags for a few weeks and check them weekly to make sure they haven't dried out. After they start growing from the center open the bag for a week to let them get used to their new environment. Then take them out and enjoy them.
Fred in NJ

LOL!

I'm really surprised at how quickly they are perking back up. The potting mix on 3 of the 4 had totally pulled away from the side of the pot! Even the worst one is doing better now, firming back up, etc. and looking amazingly good, considering.

One little white one was still trying its best to bloom, bless its heart. I think that one will be a special favorite.

My guess is that they are recovering relatively quickly because, rather than having been damaged by neglect for a very long period of time, they were just extremely neglected (not watered) for a short period of time.

I'm anxious to get them to my office and get them under the flourescent (however you spell that) lights as soon as possible. Can't do that while they're bagged. I don't really have the facilities for them (no windows with good light and space that's cat-proof) at home.