| I just wanted to give an update on the "Art of Gardening" event last Saturday. I was really impressed with the job the folks in Muscatine County are doing. The facilities at Muscatine Community College are just excellent and easy to find. The event was well organized and the variety of topics offered covered a fairly wide spectrum. This is the type of event that is becoming so popular throughout the state and true to form, attendance grows a little each year as the word spreads. This was the third year for the Muscatine folks and they tell me attendance has increased each year for them as well. There were about 80 people this year. Included in the $30 fee was a light continental breakfast, a noon box lunch and drinks throughout the day. As one of the speakers, my job was made quite easy. When my wife and I arrived, we were warmly greeted and offered coffee, fruit, pastries and/or drink; as was everyone else. I was shown the theater-style classroom where I was to speak and the audiovisual equipment was superb. Even though I came prepared with my own laptop, all that I really needed was a CD with my PowerPoint program on it. I had a chance to attend a couple of other classes on herbs with my lovely wife. Both speakers were quite knowledgeable and enthusiastic. You could tell that they each loved their topic and we, in turn, loved their classes. For some reason, my household has remained somewhat uninformed about the use of herbs. I believe we helped to fill that knowledge void after these classes. Although I was a little puzzled at the suggestion to tie-up a bundle of lavender with a pretty ribbon and place it in my underwear drawer, my wife seemed to understand. (Sorry -- I still don't get it ???) However, I certainly did understand the homemade lavender cookies our speaker handed out during the lecture. My wife and I had a pleasant, educational Saturday. We got to see a few old friends and meet so many new ones. I highly recommend this event. My wife and I are looking forward to attending again next year. IronBelly | 
