Garden Circle Exchange Ring June

OK, another hard finger wagging at all you late senders. We had 5 senders last month causing problems, including a couple that still haven't heard from their pals....which if you still haven't you need to tell me again, because once I send something out to see what is going on with your pal, I cross it off my "to do" list until I either hear back from them and tell you about it, or I hear back from you telling me that you still haven't heard from them or me about it. Does that make sense. And tell me guys, with all the people sending late, including my own pal, what is the vote from you all about dropping those people? I know I have rules, but so many are breaking them, I don't really know what to do about it, it isn't fair to the recievers to have to always complain to me about about it, but I also have feelings of guilt about the people who are late because they are sick, but then again.....I have a full life and I haven't been late for at least contacting my pal or sending a note by the 15th of the month. So give me some feedback.

YaYa

I think if there are pals who haven't been heard from by ANYONE for going on 2 months that its time to say goodbye.
If there are others who are iffy, it's probably time to ask point blank if they would like to bow out with no harm, no foul. There are bound to be months for us all that just fly by-epecially now that we are in the prime gardening months and prime vacationing months. In those situations its probably best for the pals to work things out between the two of them. Now that would be a prime reason for no secrets. Anyway these are just ideas. I have no prior experience but this has been just the greatest fun. I hope we can work things out and continue for a long time to come.

Oh, by the way, I'm not mad or anything, this ring is really going very well, but I re-read my post and it could be read like I am yelling or something......instead of just stating facts with no judgement really. I really just wanted to tell you what is going on and then get your feedback. I just don't want any of you who have late sending pals to feel like I'm not doing my job well.

YaYa

YaYa, from experience last year, I'm betting the people who don't send won't respond to your emails either. I hate to be tough on folks but if they have missed two months they are probably a lost cause. So glad you are doing this and not me. q;> (that is the tongue in cheek man)

LOL YaYa, I don't think you were scolding. You stated the rules up front from the beginning and have reiterated the tardy one every month since them. We should have it down by now. ;-) Some of us are just hard headed or have alzheimers I think. I hate to see anyone get removed from the group but on the other hand it's no fun being the one who didn't receive anything after you took the time and effort to send to your pal. Sometimes we think we can do something for a year and things come up and that's ok but if that happens it's best to let everyone know. Maybe you can do it again next time.
It's all for fun anyway and it only takes a sec to send an email. The problem is that I was afraid if I emailed my pal would know who I am. Of course, i'm sure she does anyway now. ;-) Whatever you decide I'm behind you. You are the one who put this together and it's your final decision.

If you need me to send to someone who didn't get a package I will be happy to do that.

Nancy

Hello, everyone.
Personally, I think the rules are reasonable and easy to follow. All you have to do is drop a letter/card in the mail by the 15th saying I'm thinking of you. If you're running late with a package, drop a card in the mail saying so. Not difficult at all. I think because people have been sending such nice packages that some people feel they MUST put together a package... Maybe we all should stop sending out packages of goodies... NAH! What am I thinking??? LOL. Come on people, follow the simple rule of sending at least a card by the 15th (think of it as a courtesy to your pal so she/he doesn't have to wait wondering if you're still in the ring, and courtesy to Yaya so she doesn't have to stress with these difficult situations).

Anyways, does any know where I can get about 100 small plastic pots (5-6" square or round) for cheap. I would prefer not to use eBay. Thanks. Paul

If people are late I personally do not feel they should be dropped, but if they don't send at all for two months, I vote drop them and give their people new partners, so they

can enjoy the fun of receiving as well as giving, my 2 cents

yaya
I know just how you feel :))))
sorry to hear your secret pal robin has late or no show players but I guess sometimes many take on more robins than they should & cannot fullfill others.
then there are some who want to see their names on a list
& wait to get their gifts but then don't feel they got
much from their pal so why do for anyone .
this is very wrong way of looking at these trades , but many have to grow up & learn the meaning of giving before they can recieve .
we try hard to put on fun safe robins & trust all to be just as honest .
sad that there have to be some to ruin the robins for others and we cannot post their names . when we know for sure that they have failed to keep their end of the trade.
we should be able to have a rating forum anyway.
I hope your players will contact you its not easy being a hostess of the robins & tring to make it right by the good players. So boot the no shows, just keep the ones you have.
I don't feel that I should have to harp on a player to get their box out on time , for they want their's on time,
they should show the same curtousy.

by the way I need to replace to players on my birthday robin anyone wanting to play :))))

happy gardening & best of luck
sue

I am fine with whatever gets decided about those who are late sending. I personally have no problem with my sender being late, but I also know she will send and that may not be true for everyone. I can see how it makes it harder for you, YaYa, when you need to keep up with everything. The summer months are hectic though and if you are traveling, maybe you need to take your person's name and address with you and mail a post card so you can get something mailed by the appropriate date. I agree with those who said if someone is still past due after two months, that sounds hopeless.
Paul, I would imagine there is a section of Gardenweb where people offer plant supplies and maybe you could get your pots that way. We have something called the Market Bulletin in our state and I used that last year or the year before to get a large quantity of used pots, but these were large pots (1 gal. and 5 gal.) so it probably wouldn't work for smaller sizes. I'll brag about that nice person, too, I went there planning to pay for the pots and they insisted on just giving them to me. Aren't gardeners nice people?
(!!)
Talk with everyone soon,
Sandlapper Rose

Paul, I've seen people on the plant exchange forum offering pots for trades before. You may post there or keep a watch for a post. You could also post on the garden exchange but I don't think may people go there any more. A lot of folks say their local nurseries just give them the used ones so you may try asking, all they can do is say no. I don't think most of them reuse pots. If you're just going to use them for starter pots to transfer later have you thought about making newspaper pots? Your kids could help! ;-) Here's a link in case you don't think it's a silly idea.
http://www.ehow.com/how_1745_create-seed-starting.html
As for where to buy some, I can't help you there. Sorry. If you find a good place you can let us all know too in case we need some please sir.

It's still hot and dry and my hoses are going full force from the time I get in from work until it's too dark to see. Only slight chances of T-storms the next few days and hot, hot, hot! Guess I'd better get out there and do what I am going to before that gets here.

Nancy

Paul, I used to buy pots from Mellingers. They had good prices and good shipping actually, I bought a lot of stuff from them. You have some good suggestions from Nancy and you could try posting to swap for some plants if you have a surplus of anything. If you just post asking for pots anywhere other than the "garden exchange" forum you will get bumped.( Garden exchange is dead and NEVER was very lively) If you have a regional forum, you may want to try posting there.
Veeja, the little bear is adorable sitting there among the forget me nots. Quite Alaskan!

Hello, everyone.
Thanks for your suggestions. I go look around the local nursery to see if they're discarding any pots. I guess you can just clean them in a bleach solution, right?

Anywho, here's a white plumeria that began to flower. Smells slightly sweet and flowery at the same time. Aloha.

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

People that haven't sent for 2 months need the boot! There's just no excuse for 2 months! Like Paul said.... all they have to do is drop a card in the mail.

Lil T, glad you heard from your pal. Can't wait for you to share your good news! :)

One of my Kool-aid kids was killed yesterday... 2 others injured. We're all still in shock I think. So.. needless to say I'll be away for a bit. Hope all is well with everyone.

~Dusty~

dusty, i'm so terribly sorry. i don't have a clue what a kool-aid kid is, but nonetheless, loss of life is never easy to deal with. prayers and thoughts sent your way.

paul, that plumeria is gorgeous. i just got one called mrs. moon shade from a generous player in another swap. all the raving about plumerias makes me feel honored to have gotten one. i am reading up on it now. i am assuming i'll have to overwinter it.

i must confess, there have been a few times that although i sent within the month, it wasn't by the 15th. i will say though, if i ever can't swap i'll be the first to say so, flat out, no excuses. no nonsense. if i fall off the face of the earth, it can only mean that i am buried beneath it, so barring death, i'm in 'til the end. that being said, my pal's gift is boxed and 99.9% ready for monday morning mailing.

i do agree deadbeats need to go. there are always legitimate reasons, but excuse after excuse, or just flat out refusal to respond to e-mails can only mean they had no desire to play fair to begin with. i have seen this on several other swaps, even to the point of people keeping what was sent to them instead of passing things on, or complaining they didn't get their box timely and then not living up to their end.

this particular swap has consistently for me been a great one. maybe it's because my pal is one of the most generous and giving and creative people i have had the pleasure of being associated with....by the way, who are you? LOL

have a happy weekend everyone - wonderful thoughts being sent your way.

Argg. I have to leave my garden. Now push comes to shove every year about this time when the wind and the waves beckon. DH and I are off on our first journey acroos Lake ontario with 2-3 other trips in the offing. there'll be just enough time to weed and go between trips. Will return from this one on the 15th. Fair winds to all.
Ruthie

I think anyone not sending for 2 months needs to be locked in a dark room with Dusty who'd be armed with a wet paintbrush or roller for at least two hours! Feel her wrath!

Seriously, Yaya you have been more than lenient with late senders, not just late, but non-senders. I think the original rule was that one was to receive by the 25th, not necessarily send by the 15th. You can manage things anyway you want, but I vote for the boot unless something really unexpected comes up ONCE. A single note or postcard isn't too difficult, even for me. So two strikes and you're out or sent to Dusty's shop to meet the paintbrush.

This is a horrifyingly busy month for me and I will likely be absent for much of it, but I trust you will all carry on the finest gardening traditions and exhibit your usual upstanding character in posting.

Lil- Bon Voyage! The garden will still be there, faithful as ever, when you return to terra firma.

Paul, great plumeria! Such a delicate bloom- can't wait for mine to show more life, the "green stick" is slowly, slowly putting out some kind of bud, or leaf- too early to tell.

Dusty I don't know who your Kool Aid kids are either; pardon me if you've told us. But I have shed many tears reading about your pal Hunter and my same regrets and sympathy go out for the loss of any young life.

Earthly, I was just thinking if something happened to me I better tell my family to get on Garden web and post or I'd have to haunt you guys to get the message through. I have always wanted to reincarnate as an otter, so if you suddenly have plants disappearing or spot a big brown rodent playfully splashing in your pond, that will be me! Don't shoot!

LOl Pooch! I'm armed and ready with my paint brushes! That was funny! I needed a laugh and thank you for that.

Pooch and Earthy, Thank you for your thoughts. My Kool-aid kids... well, we call my house the koolaid house because all the kids hang out there all the time. Mike was one of mine and my hubby's favorites. And of course, we've known him since he was 5.... it hits home so hard! 16 is too young to pass away. We were just getting over Hunters death.. His passing was hard too but not as shocking as we knew it was coming. This was very unexpected. The only good I can find in it is at least he went instantly and did not suffer. Needless to say, Friday was a sad day. I felt bad for my hubby, he was coming up the drive and saw all the cars and all the kids 40-50 of them.... and the flag at 1/2 mast. He knew we lost one of our kids. It hurt me so much to tell him it was Neug... Neug. was his favorite. He said he almost turned around when he saw us all. Poor kids. We're all still a wreck!
I've had a housefull of kids all weekend and can't even tell you how much money I have spent on groceries to feed them all.
Calling hours are Tues... funeral Wed. I don't know if the kids are going to school tomm. or not. They all left school Friday when they got the news. I've never seen so many teachers, parents and students bawling. Hope I never see it again. Please keep his family in your thoughts. They are having a really hard time with this... understandblt so.. I am also.
Thank you again for your thoughts.

~Dusty~

Oh Dusty, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You have to really love those kids and it must be like losing one of your own. You'll all be in my prayers and give your husband a big old hug for comfort to both of you. I wish I were there to help with whatever. That's the bad part of making friends online, you never get the be there for them in person when they really need help. It is wonderful though to meet so many great people and can always find someone to talk to.

Nancy

I say that anyone who hasn't been heard from in 2 months should definately be dropped. I know things come up but in 2 months they could have found a few minutes to drop a card in the mail. I think the people who are just late should be forgiven especially if they had the courtesy to drop their pal an email and let them know. You did say in the beginning that the packages should be mailed by the 15th so lets all try to be better at sending things out on time. I include myself in that as I have been a late sender on more than one occasion....

Dusty -
That is so sad about your Kool-Aid kid. I hope the others who were injured are beginning to mend. Emotionally, it sounds like everyone will take a long time to recover. May each and everyone of you be comforted in your grief.
You are right, Nancy, it is hard for those of us who are "online friends" to do what we would if we lived nearby. However, we care!
Hugs,
Sandlapper Rose

Oh, Dusty, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We've been away a few days helping my mom (75) with some fix up/clean up jobs at her house and the farm where I grew up (that she rents now), so I just now read your post of this sad news. Please know that I will be thinking of you all and praying for you. May our Lord's loving arms be felt by you, comforting you and holding you up, and carrying you through this very difficult time. You are such a blessing to so many young people in your area. It can hurt to give so much and feel so much for each KoolAid Kid. But stay involved, they all need you and you are lifted up by them too. ---- Please take a brief moment now to put your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder, then rest your chin between your wrists, close your eyes and squeeze. Hold this position and think of me and each of your garden circle pals sending you some long distance hugs to you and your family/friends. Sorry I can't be there in person to give you a better hug. You have our sympathy.

Yaya, I too agree with the various people who have suggested dropping after 2 months of no gift/contact. As far as vacations go and trying to keep up with our great ring... Why don't we all write our pal's address on an envelope, stamp it and put it in our purse/wallet/vehicle (glove box maybe) right now so that when we leave on our trip it will be there and we can at least write a "thinking of you" note. If you send a card or package that month then the one we just made will be a nice extra surprise or we can use it for a later month. Thank you again YaYa for taking care of the administration stuff, we really do appreciate it.

Dusty, I wish I had some wise words to share with you but there are none that work. So sorry to hear about your KoolAid Kid. Sending hugs and warm thoughts and prayers to you and DH and the rest of the family and friends.
Good luck, God Bless and keep up the good work.

Hi, thanks for all your input.

I got a new digital camera because mine finally died, but my new one takes great close up flower picks!

I can't wait to take a million of them, he he.

YaYa

YaYa:

Here's my opinion regarding tardiness and no-senders:

If someone not only hasn't sent anything, nor have they responded to email with a big "Ooops, I'll send a card out today/tomorrow", they should be removed.

If someone is late, but not late more than they're not, then I'd say give them benefit of the doubt and keep them.

However, if the person is almost always late, and you almost always have to email them, etc. then I'd say warn them one more time and then if they haven't become more punctual... remove them.

I do understand that life gets busy and we all have tons of weeding, mulching, and other non-gardening life going on. However, it doesn't take more than 5 minutes to get online and email you a quick note saying that you'll be a bit late for XYZ reason but haven't and won't forget.

BTW, I think you've been doing an AWESOME job running this Circle and corraling all us cats!!

-Stephanie

Beth B has asked me to post this picture of her begonias, She is looking for some I will let her post the list

Thanks Carol, they are pretty aren't they? I got hooked on these while I was in AK because they were colorful all year. Even when not blooming. Home Depot had them there and I was surprised that they are not easy to find down here.
Is anyone else growing either Rexs or angel wings?
YA Ya, I agree that two months with no contact is pleanty long enough. It is not that difficult to send a card and say hello. My only concern is that people might get scared off once they see how much stuff we are sending. I'd hate to have anyone drop out because they feel they should be sending more than they are able. This is a touchy area asnd even though we say a card is enough..... the packages we send look like Christmas or Birthday gifts more often than not.
Just my thoughts for whatever they are worth.
BB

Beautifull, I love the baby. I for one can't afford large gifts every month, so some months are slimmer than others. Most of us love whatever we get. but a hello is a nessesity.
and the ability to spell would be nice

YaYa, you are doing a terrific job as our "Ring Leader". We really do appreciate all that you do for us.You know, it doesn't matter to me what I get. The fun is in the giving for me but I just wish I had more plants to give!

Beth, your begonias are fabulous! I've never seen any so bright before! I have an angelwing that a friend gave me a cutting of but it's just one tall stem about 15 inches high.

Pooch, that's funny about telling your family to come to GW and tell your everyone if something happens to you cause I've already told mine the same thing. ;-)

Paul, your plumeria is beautiful! I can almost smell it from here.

We're finally getting rain! I thought I was going to have to put on my bikini (you've seen my pic, right?) and go out doing a rain dance! I'm so glad I was saved from that humiliation. lol I sure hope it keeps raining for awhile. It was a thunderstorm and most of it didn't last very long.

Pal, the plants you sent me are really starting to grow now. I pinched them back the other day and they are bushing out nicely. Thanks again!

One of my ladies fell out of her wheelchair Thursday evening during a fire drill. Her poor face is all scratched and her leg is broken. I wanted to cry when I found out. She seems to be doing ok now. She has very fragile bones and they break easily and just got one healed. The sidewalk was uneven and the chair flipped over. If you ever push anyone be sure to go backwards over any uneven spots.

Well, it was a 10 hour work day for me plus 2 hours driving so I'm off to get ready for bed. Have a great night all.

Nancy

Ok, are you all ready for my news?

IT'S A GIRL!!!!
Yes, we finally have a little daughter! She was born June 1, 2005. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. Her name is Gabrielle. We got the call on Thursday and had 4 days to prepare, the adoption hearing was this morning and we brought her home today! She is just beautiful. I can't believe after all this time we finally have a baby. She is such a blessing. I just can't stop looking at her. I finally laid her down in her crib for awhile. lol. We got to spend the weekend with her at the hospital, so at least I got some experience taking care of her. This is all new to us since she's our first. Luckily both Grandma's live close by. :) She was definitely worth the wait!

To my pal, I want to thank you again for your box. The hosta looks so nice and I did managed to get it planted already. We had stopped home for a couple hours on Saturday to do a little catching up between hospital visits, so I ran out and got it planted right away. The little squeaky frogs are adorable and will be perfect now for Gabby's bath time! lol. Bet you didn't know how appropriate those would be! :) Everything was just great. Sorry I've been a little scatterbrained and didn't post earlier. I've just been on Cloud Nine! Thank you so much.

Dusty, hope everyone is doing ok. Give the kids big hugs for me! Love you bunches! Lil T

Oh my gosh! Congratulations Teresa! That is fantastic news and so amazing to become parents in a few short days! Babies are just such little miracles and I can't blame you one bit for not putting her down LOL. But you better get some rest, sometime.
Heartfelt Congratulations on the arrival of little Gabrielle.

Wow!!! Congratulations TERESA and HUBBY! Lucky little girl to have such a welcome into this world. As soon as you can we want to see pics of this long awaited little person. Now you get to snuggle anytime you want to! Love her up girl!

Nancy

I received a fantastic box from my secret pal on Saturday. I apologize for not posting sooner, I�m usually so good about it, but I had a houseful since Friday and I couldn�t get a minute to myself, let alone anywhere near the computer with the number of kids that were here too. Then last night, just as I signed on to begin reading and posting, we got a storm like there was no tomorrow. I don�t do electricity well in storms of that nature � now today; we are back to balmy 90�s.

In any event, everything got potted up right away. I received 3 iris fans, a canna "journey�s end", daylily "court magician" and 2 hostas � one called "moon river" and the other "quilting bee". All of these are such a welcome addition. It�s also such an education to receive plants that are "named". Teaches me so much, and teaches me that I need to learn more. I�m getting fanatical of late learning what everything is, especially since I�ve been sharing so much of my garden lately. I just learned there are over 5000 varieties of hosta alone. I�m off to the library later today to find a book on just hosta. There has to be one � can anyone recommend? I have about 8 different ones here and then the 2 I just received. I think I really need to learn what their names are. I�m always amazed when everyone knows what things are called!

I also received a treat for my dog! How very nice of you to think of her. She says "woof, woof" from the bottom of her heart.

Included in the box as well was a box of candy nips, a pressed flower kit and the most incredible flower book that I cannot wait to go through. It is complete gardener�s library edition of Annual Flowers. I�ve just breezed through it quickly, but it�s what I am going to devour once I get off this machine! This is such an incredible book to add to my library. Every bit of information about growing annuals is in this book. It�s funny too, last season I winter sowed so many things "just because". Now I have a reference to look everything up and learn all I need to know. I got chills when I got to this book. What a wonderful encyclopedia! Thank you ever so much pal. Each month you just out due yourself.

With a gracious heart,
Earthly

What great news we have from Teresa... I am so happy for you! Give Gabby a hug from me. (...and Poochella, you will have to be our art representative. I figured out how to post a picture finally, but you come up with all these great little graphics that move!)
Earthly, don't feel bad about the plant name situation. I bought plants for nearly all of my life not paying a bit of attention to the name. It was only in the last two years or so that I started keeping track and even so those plant markers and the diagrams I draw get lost and then I don't know. However, I have a Quilting Bee, too! I bought it when I went to a talk on hostas last year. It attracted me because quilting is one of my hobbies. I haven't seen it bloom yet, but it has buds on it now, so we'll see what it does. Hostas seem to be very popular these days. (However, Beth, those begonias sure are pretty! I have an angel wing begonia but this is my first year with it. I have been told they can't take cold temperatures so I guess it will spend the winter in my garage. Can your begonias make it through the winter outdoors, Beth? I do have a different type that I have had for about three years and many of them stay in the ground all winter and come back up in the spring.)
I'm getting ready to mail out my package for June. Hope my pal likes it!
Talk to all of you soon,
Sandlapper Rose

Gosh... this month seems to be ups and downs.
Dusty, I hope you, your DH, and the rest of the Kids are doing okay. I join the rest of the group in giving you a virtual hug of support:

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Teresa, congratulation on your new baby. I remember my first... seemed so overwhelming, but I seemed to have done okay and I'm sure you will too. Where are the pictures???

As for me, I'm sooooooooo frustrated. Waiting and waiting for the rest of my plumies to wake up and flower. There should be two or three that begin this week... but it seems so slowwwwwww... LOL. I will be sure to post photos so y'all can drool over them. By the time I'm done with them this year, y'all will be like Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Earthly, I'm not familiar with mrs. moon shade, but you should definitely bring your plumie inside in the winter. When temps drop below 40-45 consistently at night, bring them in.

Thanks, Paul

Ooh! I LOVE those Rex Begonias. I almost bought one last year but I don't really know what kind of attention they need.
Congrats Teresa! This is a very special time in your life. I imagine we won't see you around the boards as much anymore.
Theresa

Teresa

Congratulations to your family. May God continue to bless you all. Mine's 23. I'd love another baby...not me having one, but a grandbaby would be wonderful. Not that i want to rush things, but you just have to love the sound and sight and touch and smell of those babies. I'm probably the only freak that loves the sound of a baby's cry.

Paul, i'm whacked. it's mrs. moon, the next part was shade plant. lol. so the plant is really called mrs. moon that should be kept in the shade.

eventually i'll learn or learn to read the right way.

what a hot hot hot day again today. too darn hot to be outside digging and wedding and all that.

i did make out like a fat rat though. i got rain barrels for $5.00 each. unfortunately only 3 would fit in my car. need to take another trip for several more. I've priced these for wayyyyyy more money than that, so what a steal. i'll just have to add the spouts. not a big deal, a plumber lives in my house in the event i mess up (but doubt i will since i am beyond "handy").

rose, what color will that hosta bloom?

pooch, my dalias are coming up, my dalhias are coming up, my dahlias are coming up.

my mamma rabbit is still doing her motherly duty. i am wondering how many babies are down in that hole. We had such torrential rains the last few days that i placed an umbrella over the nest so they wouldn't drown. i've been strategically placing a string or large leaf over the nest so i would know the mother was coming back. twice i watched her make her way through my flowers (without stopping to eat them) on her way to feed.

i placed suet feeders all over for the birds. all the birds have been "ground feeding" for so long now that they are not yet used to these feeders. is there anything i can do to draw them to them? anyone have any suggestions?

i even gave in and got the squirrel his own food too. they look like corn cobs but not quite. i have them in his two trees. he's been leaving the bird stuff alone, so so far, everyone is happy.

nature really fascinates me.

Theresa, congratulations on your new little girl! That is such exciting news, and I love the name you chose.

Dusty, so sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers are with you.

Nothing to add to the discussion about keeping or dropping people, I think you've all said it very well and sounds like we all agree.

Had a big pile of bedding soil delivered today, now I can fill in the planting bed created by my new retaining wall, and use a bunch of it to build up the area around my new patio. This is my year to really start building some more structure in my gardens, I'm really excited (and overwhelmed) by it. My back yard is about half an acre, and it was all weedy grassy stuff growing under the trees until the last couple of years. Year 1, put in fence and some grass (some of which I dug up year 2 for flower beds!) in the front half of the yard. Last year started creating some planting beds and planting them. Some shade and some sun.

This year put in the retaining wall and patio, and constructing a flagstone and river rock pathway in my side yard. I've started flower beds on both sides, with some shrubs and would like to plant a cutting garden in that yard. And I have a huge shady area around the patio and extending widely out to the sides of it, not sure how much I'll get done in that area this year - but I'm tired of the scrubby weedy stuff!

I enjoy getting on this post and hearing what you all have growing in your gardens, and the new things you're doing. This has been such a good group. YaYa, thanks for pulling us together, and keeping us on track!

Night y'all.

Alicia

Wow, Alicia you have really done alot of hard work- congratulations! If I can get my camera functioning again I'll get a few photos of shade garden plants I have that I'd be happy to send you in Fall or Spring- they need dividing. I just created a new shade bed about 20 x 8 feet and it's already overcrowded. (Says she plotting new location for yet another new shade bed LOL.)

Earthly, you are so nice to your rabbits, birds and wildlife: An umbrella to keep the bunnies safe and comfortable! I'm sure they thank you. I think the birds will find your suet holders just fine- give them a few days or a week. They are wildly popular here.
Glad to hear the dahlias are up. Mine are paralyzed with cold and wet- grrrrrr. Lost another one to rot just today but many are hanging in there hoping for warmer weather. My 'SEattle' and 'Fire and Ice' are flourishing- YAY!

Veeja: Your gold and yellow iris bloomed! I meant to post a while back. I love it! Thalictrum is coming along in the shade bed, slowly but surely.

Beth I love your begonias. Sadly I just lost an angelwing begonia given to me by my green thumb mom years ago. I believe one of the cats knocked it down so it took a huge shock, broken stalks etc. I just watered it again today, refusing to believe it's completely gone : ) even though there are no leaves LOL.

Shirley: Where in the world are you again?
I want to report an official daylily bud on one of your specimens. Yippee!

Finally, I was honored and tickled pink to receive another Garden Circle Pal box today. What fun! My pal has me all set for a relaxing June and Happy July as well. I AM THE TOP DOG! It says so right on an adorable little stuffed dog poking its head out of a gift bag doghouse! Cute! There are festive red,white, and blue wind spinners on sticks; red,white, and blue tennis balls for the dogs, chew bone for the dog/s whoever can get it and keep it LOL; a wonderful United We Stand memo pad again with old glory as the back ground. I grew up surrounded by veterans and Memorial Day, Veterans Day, flags and ceremonies were very solemn, revered, occasions so I do love our flag!

To top things off there are more peanut M and M's which are great for a quick lunch LOL and tasty cakes (ok: I ate TWO cakes already, TWO per package, that makes FOUR) I love those little suckers. Speaking of, there are a couple of suckers included too!

Thanks so much pal for sharing a wonderful package at this busy time of year. YOU are top dog according to this
pooch!

Annie

Annie/Poochie, you just take the cake LOL... 8o) !!

she didn't just "take" the cake, she ate it too!!!!!!!!!

OK, so I'm a really bad garden circle pal. I got a box about a week ago and still haven't posted it! I'm so sorry, but life truly got in the way this time (not just my laziness).

As most of you remember, I thought my pal had forgotten me. Boy was I wrong! I got a box last week that was packed to the brim with goodies and a lovely note inside apologizing for not making contact in May and to consider the box for both May and June. Uh, I think it would stretch further than that. There were enough plants in there to fill an entire new bed! My wonderful pal sent me Hosta 'Patriot', Asiatic Lily 'Lollipop', Crocosmia, Crocus bulbs, Canna 'Australia', Canna 'Cleopatra' (the real one), Canna 'Shining Sun', Iris 'Blue Mascara', LA Iris 'Black Gamecock', Daylily 'Lavender Blush', Daylily 'Loco Bo', Daylily 'Big Easy', Daylily 'Siloam Cinderella', Daylily 'Eye Yi Yi' (which is exactly what I was saying as I unpacked the box!), a really cute metal tealight holder with Irises on it, a Friendship Angel magnent for my fridge, and a Body Pouf on a Stick which I love!

I feel so spoiled! And very lucky to have such a generous secret pal! I really do appreciate all you send and can't wait to find out who you are. I hope your spring is going well wherever you are. Thanks again secret pal.

Dusty - I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I had a "way with words" and knew what to say in these situations, but I never do. Just know that we're all thinking of you.

Yaya - get us some pictures!

Theresa - congrats! Your life will change drastically but I hear it's all good.

Paul - gorgeous as always! Keep those pictures coming.

Lily - hope you're having a good time!

Beth - you're going to get us all hooked! Look at those leaves! Are they easy to grow?

And to everyone else - happy planting!

Daisy me, What a great box! Glad your pal came through for you.

Lil T, Like I told you on the phone, Gabby has been good for us all. She's quite the star at home with my kids and my kool-aid kids. Seems everyone wants to keep looking at her picture so I put you 2 on as my background(sorry Gramma). We've been so twisted in emotions.. mourning Neug and celebrating Gabby! Hugs to you Andy and Gabby!

We've been to the crash site everyday.. it's so close to our house it's hard not to. I planted Bleeding Hearts and Forget Me Nots there.. any other ideas of perennials that would be fitting, I'd appreciate your input.

The kids all went back to school today. Tuesday, after calling hours the whole 10th grade plus a bunch of others from lower and higher grades gathered at my house, we BBQed, played frisbee, football soccer etc. Set up tents.. lol what a riot that was.. I had tents taking up the lawn 1/2 way down the driveway(I have a very long driveway) We sat around the campfire and tried our best to celebrate Neug's life. We all miss him. The funeral was tough.. Had about 20 kids to the house after the funeral. I spent a good $600.00+ on food for the kids since Friday. But that's okay.. they needed to eat. We're all trying to pick up the pieces. The kids all have finals and regents next week. Hopefully, they'll all be a bit more focused then.

Again, Thank you all for your kind words. I know times like these it's hard to know what to say.
Okay I am crying again... It breaks my heart!

~Dusty~

Poochella - Oh no I got the world sign again. I'm here and just caught up on reading all the posts. Your secret pal is really on the ball June and July box. My dahlias are growing like crazy. Glad your daylilies are going to bloom.

lilylouise- Hope your having fun on Lake Ontario. You didn't take any of us. Pout--Pout

Paul - Do you have a landfill near by? You can find all kinds of pots at our local landfill. Landscapers throw them away here and you can go and pick them up. Just a thought. Love your plumeria picture.

Beth - Love those begonias. Wow flowers are addictive. It's not good for me to see new plants.

Dusty - So sorry to read about your kool-aid kid. My hat is off to you and your husband. I know you both are very special people to care about those kids. Wish the world had more people like you guys.

Miss Teresa - A little girl---Wow what a delight little girls are. Love the name Gabrielle. I work with a guy who adopted a little girl 19 years ago. His wife quit work just to raise her and be home for her. They were a very special couple. She has now graduated from high school and joined the air force. I followed her life with him for 19 years. We still work together. Adoption is a very special thing for parents and children.

Daisy_Me - What a nice box to receive. Life does get in the way some time. Glad you were not forgotten.

Hope I have caught up on all the news.

Ya Ya - Love you lady, you take care of us.

Shirley

I received a lovely box today from my Secret Pal, thank you so much. A lovely card, explaining that the iris bulbs included were from her garden. I have to look them up after I post, but they were Yellow & Gold, Victoria Falls, and Loop de Loop. Woo hoo! New plants for my garden, and I'll have plenty of spots for them when I get through with my pile of bedding soil! She also sent a garden plaque that says "solitude" which has a sweet garden fairy on it. A little multi-purpose tool with blue floral handles and matching gloves, a book on how to make specialty coffees (lattes, etc.), and a selection of bubble baths rounded out this special box. You really are too good to me, and I don't expect this every month. But thank you Pal, you've brightened another month! Are these some of the irises you've sent me pictures of?

Forgot to say that my thoughtful Pal also included two dog chew toys for my pups! That was sweet - thanks!

WoW! This is a really busy thread. I can't keep up.
Did I miss something somewhere? Are Theresa and Dusty related? Sounds like Baby Gabby is related to both so I must have missed that.
Congratulations on the new baby. New babies are such fun and I'm personally partial to little girls, ( Shhh don't tell my grandsons I said that but , tis true.)
I'd love to get you all hooked on begonias so I have someone to trade with. LOL They seem to me, about the same as African Violets only Begonias are pretty even when not blooming. I'm taking a couple leaves to AK with me and may have some babies to trade by fall. I can't go anywhere without plants though I have at least two people there who will happily put me to work in their gardens.
My first daylilly bloomed yesterday. Full size bloom but only a few inches off the ground. Maybe it was trying to hide from the hungry deer. Well, whatever, it was beautiful. Almost white with a yellow throat.
Everybody have a beautiful weekend.

Greetings Everyone
Wow my computer crashed a new experience for me so off to the repair shop I go......wow all over a $8.00 video card!! I am thankful to have my computer back as I missed my gardenweb friends!!
Wow a lot happen while I was gone. Go figure...Teresa has a baby girl!! Congratultaions!! I am so happy for you and your hubby!!! I read your post over and over and just can't begin to express how happy I am for you. Oh keep us posted!! Pictures are in order!! After I read your post a friend stopped by I was teary eyed and gave him a big hug!! He was wondering what was up......Teresa has a baby!! He was also pleased to hear the news!!
Dusty I was sadden and teary eyed reading your post. I am so sorry for your loss. Reading about your Kool Aid kids reminded me so much of my childhoood. My parents were great with kids and my house was the place to hang out at. My parents made us a volleyball court and put up an above ground pool. Brought make a lot of happy memories. I am so thankful and blessed in knowing there is still special people around whom take time to enjoy and help the kids!! I love the tent idea!! God bless you and your kids. You and your bunch will be in my thoughts and prayers. Just remember you now have a very special angel looking over you. I lost my nephew when he was 20 to MD. I truly understand about loss and I think it is harder when a child is involved. I so wish I lived closer so I could be there and help with this situation and painting!! Can't forget the painting! LOL You have handled the situation so well Dusty. The children are truly blessed to have you in their lives as I am sure you are blessed by having them in your life. I also did bleeding hearts and forget me nots for my nephew. I added a butterfly bush as he loved butterflies. He also loved to swing as a young child...so I added a hanging angel on a swing! I have a cement bench with angels on it and sit there often and find peace there. Myself like all your other GW friends would be happy to do anything to help. Please let me know if you can think of something.
I hope everyone is having fun in their gardens!! We are having a heat wave. In the 90's which is warm for this time of year!! The plants are loving it!! I've become a full time water person!! Of course this doesn't stop me from adding more plants to my gardens! Just makes it a bit more of a challenge.
Best wishes for a great weekend!

I just found this group and it sounds like alot of fun and I would very much like to join if you would allow me to do so. If someone could tell me what exactly I would need to do I would truely appreciate it. Sounds like one good group of people.

Thanks
gail

Gail,
E-mail Ya Ya the first one who started this new post.
She is over our group. We actually started this last Nov.
(I think). Some have dropped out so you may be needed to fill one of their shoes. Good luck (You will definetely enjoy this group). I love these guys.

I need to get in the bed, getting up at 5:00 a.m. in the morning going to Atlanta, Ga. to yard sales. There will be 5 of us going. We yard sale ALLLL DaYYYYY and I mean all day. There are 100's of yard sales in those subdivions and we get out and walk from house to house. You never know what kind of treasure you may find. My daughter started going with us this year and she is already hooked, and I mean hooked. I told her it was addictive.

Will let you know if I find something grand.

Shirley

Look what's greeting me these days when I take a walk outside!

Mona Lisa

Sunset Asiatic

Sorry I don't know the name but it's beautiful!

Sanford Showgirl

Ooooohhhhh, I want a Sanford Showgirl!
All very beautiful! Thanks for posting them.
Theresa

hEY bETH THOSE rEX bEGONIAS ARE GEORGOUS!
Do you have room for one more in this robin for a replacement? (Hoping to get close to A rex begonia!!!):)

I know...email yaya....

cheers-
LRV

Hi Everyone,

Time for me to do a little clerical work on the ring. I need EVERYONE to email me and tell how long it has been since you heard from them. Did you get a May package or card? A June? The more responses I get from you all, the less I have to go back into the archives and research everything. I want to do drops this month....well by the end of this month......so don't send your July package until at least July 1st, so I have time to email you the last week in June in case you need to send to someone else. Be sure to check your email before you send your July package. If you don't hear from me, just send to your regular pal. Please email me as soon as you can after reading this....and I will start reviewing the archives about the 20th of June. Also, make sure to email me that last week in June if you didn't get anything for June.

Thanks for your help.....spring cleaning time for the RING!

YaYa

OK, now for my friendly post. I woke up this morning and saw a deer in my backyard! I don't want deer in my backyard. It was a young male, who actually looked kind of lost. He didn't eat anything, he just looked like he was passing through....I hope so anyway. He is only the 2nd deer I have seen here in 3 years. The first was also just passing through, and at a good speed too.

I like deer, but not in my backyard....I just planted too many plants to share with such a hungry creature, he he.

My lilies are blooming, and everything is filling out pretty good, well most things. It is really obvious where I ammended the soil well and where I got lazy. Unfortunately, when you have symmetrical beds, and one side does much better than the other, it is kind of noticable, so I guess I will have to till and rework the slow side.

To all who are suffering this month, from illness, loss, or general mailaze, I send you good thoughts and prayers, and for those celebrating, I lift my glass and say "salute".

YaYa

Oooh Nancy/Jacey's- all very pretty!
Teresa OH How's that new baby girl?
Yaya I'll email you, though my pal is as regular as rainfall here LOL.

Here: to show you what torment Poochella has to endure with a teenager at the controls. My previous array of cut dahlias as my screen saver/desktop photo was replaced with this hideous offering the other morning. I think the rabbit and slugs are evident, but the brown thing with spots and huge teeth has me wondering if she-DD- didn't see Ya Ya's deer!

I didn't know she had minions! Apparently one cannot plug in the Apple I Pod successfully running it, if Mom hasn't logged off. Humph.

Poochella that is the funniest thing I've seen all day! Thanks for the laugh.

I just received the most wonderful box from my pal. Holy cow - it's like Christmas in June! There's a beautiful glass bee (buzz buzz - ha ha). It's made of wire, with glass marbles and glass beads with flower designs inside, and is made to hang on a flowerpot. It's so pretty I'm going to put in in the windowsill where the sun can shine through it. There were some items to help me get ready for the 4th of July - sparkly red white and blue pencils with star toppers, and a visor to keep the sun off my face. It has been so hot here and I have a bumper crop of freckles! There was also a book - wow! The 20 Minute Gardener. It is very helpful because it has been raining every day - literally - and some days all I get is 20 minutes in between rain showers to run outside and prop up a few drippy droopy plants. This weekend I have been curled up on the sofa by the window with this book and other treats that my pal sent, chocolate and tea. I feel very spoiled!

Thank you pal, you are very generous and sweet. Hope you are having better weather than we are.

Twinkle

Hi everyone, It's gotten cooler here, a welcome change from the 90's with high humidity we've had every day for over a week now. It's supposed to be in the 80 for the next few days with low humidity. YEAH! Yesterday it was still hot but I managed to get my canna bed tilled and planted. I think it's going to really be pretty. I have 15 different ones in it and can't wait to see it bloom. I know it's late but they've been in other areas and in pots so have been growing. I hope I didn't set them back by moving them.

We got rain several times last week but not a lot at a time. All together it was just about right.

Pooch, that looks like something Jacey would do. Every time she's here I find some kind of new art work. lol Love the minions everybody needs a few!

Beth sent me a couple of pics that I'm going to post for you guys. I think she's missed her calling as a photographer! What do you think?

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

The pics are different sizes 'cause I was playing with trying to resize in windows office. I see it worked!

Well, I'm off to play outside while it's cool!

Nancy

I LOVE that sunset asiatic lily! All of them are certainly a lovely sight to greet you.

Annie, that screensaver is too funny! Watch out for that kid with her minions. Every time someone starts gathering minions, they're out to take over the world!

Nancy, I agree - Beth's pictures are awesome! Wish I could take pictures like that. I could probably do better if I would only keep my camera handy...

Y'all have a great day. I've slept away the morning (felt good) so now have to go out and move soil in the heat of the day.

are there any openings i would really like to join patty

Hello, everyone.
Just wanted to post that I received a package from my pal. I got a plastic alligator (or is it a crocodile?), a cute little sign with a watering can, a sedum, a bird of paradise, a calla, and a plant in a small shot glass size pot that I haven't figured out what it is. Oh yeah, and a honeysuckle candle... smells so nice.
Thank you, pal. I don't know who you are... I kind of like the mystery aspect :-).
Hope everyone had a great weekend. I went camping with my boys and had a great time, but I must be getting old... I'm sore all over tonight. Paul

Hi Everyone! We're healing.
Jan,
Your folks sound like the hubby and I. We love the kids! Tenting at my house is a common occurance in the summer... but I think that's the most we've ever had. The kids are all good about getting the firewood to the house and stacked for the summer months.. although we did burn a lot the past 2 weeks. We have a great set up for the kids.. Basketball hoop, volleyball, racketball, horseshoes, frisbees, and this weekend, we added a trampoline! They are loving that! It was free.. a friend was moving and asked if we wanted it... Yeah baby! When we got home with it, they all ran to the truck and had that baby set up in 10 minutes! lol It's a big trampoline too!

We've been having a heat wave here! Has been in the mid 90's since last Tues.! Talk about hot! I used it as a good excuse to get in the pond and get some plants sunk to the bottom. We're not use to heat like this! Ontop of it, add the humidity and talk about sweat! I have a ton of tadpoles in the pond! I can't believe how many!

Beth,
Lil T and I are not related but may as well be. We're great friends. Her and her hubby came out to my house last summer.. they were going to come this summer, but we got a great surprise! Gabby!! So.. I guess I'll be going to Lil T's sometime this summer. Still hoping her folks will still come out! Love your pics! Esp. the one with the frog!!!

Pooch,
That's a great backgrowund! lol Loved the "your flowers"! What a hoot!

Paul, I don't camp out anymore! My body just isn't as young as it use to be! When the kids were lil, we went to a campground and had more people around us than at home, so we went home and found a cool spot out back in our woods. Camped there for years until the coyotes got real bad. They claim coyotes don't bother people.. but my Youngest and Hunter were chased by a couple back when they were 11. They also went after a 5 year old. DD and I listened to them get a neighbors dog a couple years back.. that was a horrible sound! 2 weeks ago, they got a bunch of sheep! Nope.. the coyotes scare me!

Nancy,
I am happy to report, the painting is finished! I know I know.. took me long enough! lol You just don't understand... me and painting started out utter enemies... and this house really is huge! We're friends now! Out of necessity! I'm a much better painter now! lol

Shirley,
I love Garage saleing! Don't do it as much as I use to, time more than anything. What great finds did you get?

ABC,
If you run out of soil there to move, I can help you out here at the shop! :)

Yaya,
I'm cool with my pal!

Lil T,
Kiss Gabby for me! She's a beaut!

Well time to get some shelving moved around. Hope you all have a great day!

~Dusty~

Hi Dusty
Keep up the good work with the kids!!
I still need to come up with something to trade for the book.....is there anything you are looking for??
I can feel the warmth between Teresa and you just by reading your postings!! What a wonderful friendship!!
Ok Ms. Teresa we all want to hear from you and of course are waiting for a picture!!
Beth keep up the good work with the photos!! Just can't get enough of them!! Excellent job!! You could go in business with your photos maybe even make some cards with them!! Hey in your spare time do you think you could stop by Teresa's and get some shots of the baby? LOL
Paul Yep I have to tell you as the big 44 is hitting this month........camping and becoming sore is a sign of aging!!Soon it will be time for a motorhome!! Not really camping but I can pretend!! It sounds like you have a great relationship with your boys which is just wonderful!!
Here in Mi we have been having a heat wave...in the 90's for the past two weeks and no rain!! Sure glad I have a well to sprinkle with!! It really has become a full time job!! I do have a auto. sprinkler system but I kept expanding my gardens and not the s. system so I guess I will cool it for a bit until I can get the sprinkler system expanded!!
The heat has forced me to put in a new little shade garden !! Any excuse for another garden!! I know all of you can relate!! Plus I have a lot of hosta sitting in pots on my driveway and unless I want to start parking in the street I better get some planted!!
Take care and enjoy the summer!!

I just wanted to post I am happy with my pal. Also note I will try to get my pal's package out on time. I have been late and I am sorry for that. I also want to note I really am having fun with the special pal I have to send to and for that I thank you. I hope to be friends for a long time!I am working on June's box today and hope to ship it out tomorrow! Thanks again for being a great hostess!! I promise to shape up because I don't want to be shipped out!! This is such a fun group of people and feel honored to be included!!

Hi All,
I guess we are in high summer now as the temps are regularly in the 90's and rain comes every afternoon here to cool things down a little. I have big plans for the beach on Thursday. Hope the weather holds out.

Paul....Camping? What fun! How many boys do you have? I believe we have only seen a pictures of one.

Nancy....Love the picture of the tree frog. They are so cute! We put one in a jar for my 4-yr-old that wanted a pet (we were just going to let him look at it for an hour or so). Then I turned my back and he had shook him to death :( I guess he's NOT ready for a pet.

Well, just wanted to say, as I have emailed to YaYa, that my pal is wonderful and I am very happy with this group.

Happy summer everyone and stay cool!
Theresa

if there are any opens i would enjoy joining patty

Hey there! Thank you all for the warm wishes. Things are going great here! I'm a little tired, but not too bad. My Mom has been a big help coming over in the afternoons so I can get a shower, a nap, or whatever. I think she just wants to spend all the time she can with Gabby! She's definitely getting spoiled. She wants to be held all the time. Today she was pretty fussy, but DH came home from work and took care of her and sent me out to the gardens to work a little bit. It felt good to get outside for a bit. That's the first I've been out in my flowerbeds for probably two weeks now. I still look at Gabby and just can't believe she's our daughter. She's just an angel. You know what's really cool is my daylily called Destiny's Child bloomed this week and also my iris named Congratulations. I loved that! And I love being a Mommy! I'm still walking on air. :)

Yep, Dusty and I might as well be related. :) She has been such a wonderful friend. When we were on our way to the hospital to see Gabby for the first time, Dusty called my cell phone and we talked most of the way there. It was an hour and a half drive and we were so nervous. Talking with her just helped so much. She's one of those people that just immeditately makes you feel comfortable and is so easy to talk too. Our friendship has meant the world to me! Dusty, you know I love ya and can't wait to see you!

Ok, got some pics here! Hopefully I can remember how to load them. lol.
Image hosted by Photobucket.com

I hope everyone else is doing well! I'll try to keep up better! Just trying to adjust right now to everything and get a new routine going! lol. Thanks again to everyone! Teresa

teresa

how precious

God Bless you all

OOOOH! A BABY! A BABY! Thanks for posting Teresa! She is a doll- look at her perfect fingers and bright eyes! Two things I love about babies: their little delicate eyebrows and expressions, and the diapered baby butt. The baby butt is the perfect place for a patting hand when diapered.

Teresa I love your comment--- "so I can get a shower." I told my childless neighbor the other day, because another neighbor has a now 6 month old and we never see her outside much anymore, that it is amazing how your day flies when you have an infant. There's no time for anything; it's a miracle if you get a shower. The childless neighbor couldn't believe it, she looked at me so peculiarly as if to say "get a grip and jump in the shower for 5 minutes..." She just didn't get that it was a fuller than full time job!
I hope you are melding into your new roles as Mom, Dad, Grandma etc and of course Star of the show: Gabrielle, without too much duress. Get some rest, put your feet up and simply marvel at the little beauty before you! You don't need a darn shower to do that! She is precious indeed.

She's beautiful, Theresa! Congratulations and thanks for sharing the pictures!

Teresa, Congratulations!!!! Gabrielle is absolutely BEEAUTIFUL and Bright Eyed, and probably bushy tailed (as the saying goes) : D Soo glad you got a shower! Sometimes that still happens to me and mine are 10, 5 and almost 3! I have to time things right and in accordance with moods (so they aren't arguing/fighting/working together toward something destructive : ( by the time I get out of the shower). As mommies I think we really treasure out bath/shower time as it is a chance to clear our head, wake up (or wind down) and be alone for a bit.

Hey, If you're anything like me, you may be wondering if it is possible to actually kiss Gabrielle's soft skin off. I know it sounds odd, but I gave mine soo many kisses that I wondered if the skin might chap or something LOL he he. Image hosted by Photobucket.com ... ...
Give your sweet child, your precious blessing from above, a sweet snuggle from all of us. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy, and try to catch as many winks-zzzzs as you can, whenever you can = )

Yesterday, I received the package my secret pal sent me. I can't believe that month after month she continues to put such great stuff into it. This month there were tons of goodies. Sweet potato vines!!!! I've got the perfect place for them. Basil.... yummm... I can't wait until I can make pesto from them. The napoloteno (sp?) smells like pesto heaven! All the plants are *terrific* and I can readily find spaces for them.

There were also some candles and bath supplies... but best of all a NAILBRUSH! My husband just looked at me funny and wanted to know if I should be offended. My reply was... all self-respecting gardeners are constantly getting dirt under their nails and therefore need a nail brush to get them cleaned out!! Then I showed him my nails and he had to agree =) LOL! I even wear gardening gloves, but dirt finds its way into the finger areas... and I end up with dirty nails yet again.

Good to hear that you've been kept busy with GOOD things going on! I haven't figured out who you are yet... I haven't decided if I should try hard or not.

There's something fun and exciting about having a SECRET pal... but then there's also more chance for better conversations if we're not afraid to give away details that would identify us.

Have fun in the garden!!
-Stephanie

Oh Teresa I wished I lived close enough to come over and hold and love her. She's beautiful. I love little boys but little girls take my breath away. Pink being my favorite color why wouldn't I be crazy over little girls.

Ya Ya I love my secret pal and am very happy with the group.

Dusty - We found all kinds of treasures at the yard sales.
Some lady must have just had a little baby girl because she had lots of gifts never opened (probably from her baby showers) so I bought them all and plan to give to my niece who is having a little girl soon. Oh I love all that pink stuff for little girls.

Shirley

A big thanks for Teresa posting photos!! You have yourself an angel girlfriend!! I am so happy for you MOM!
Important question: Where do I sign up for bath/shower relief shift? Congrats once again Teresa you are so deserving of being a mom!! Not only do you have an angel but your daughter has one too!! Thats you MOMMY! Enjoy! Do take time for yourself! Keep us posted. I think it is great that daddy times time with her and lets you do something for yourself!! Sounds like another angel to the bunch congrats Daddy!

Teresa,
Oooooohhhhhh... absolutely precious Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Almost makes me want to have another one.......... NOT!

OOOHHHHHH She is beautiful! Not just cute, though she is that too, but Gabby is one beautiful baby. Sending very best wishes to all of you. BB

Teresa, I want to thank you and your DH for giving beautful Gabby a mommy and daddy to love her. I know you feel that you are the ones blessed to have her but I've read several things you've written over the last couple of years and felt your pain from wanting a baby. I know you will be the best parents for her and she is also blessed! Give here kisses from "Aunt Nancy". I guess we'd all like to be honorary "aunties". lol I wish all babies could have parents who love them whether they be born to them or "chosen" by them. The pictures are delightful but I noticed you took a tiny one of Mommy! lol We wanted to see your glow!

Nancy

Well said Nancy, Although Gabby chose Lil T! :) And chose well! I love the pics Lil T sends of her and Gabby.. you can see the love and amazement in Lil T's face! It's a beautiful thing!

I want to thank whoever sent the Croquet set for the kids. The note in the box read "I saw your post on Garden Circle and no kool-aid house is complete without a croquet set. Bless you and the children."
So to my mystery croquet sender, the kids and I thank you and will set up and play a game of croquet this afternoon! I haven't played this in years and loved it then! I also want to thank you for the frisbee's. I can't have enough of those! Please drop me an email or post here. Would love to send you some pretties for your garden.

My box to my pal is going out tomm., a day late. I had intended to send it today but found something late last night in the garden I wanted to pass along and it needs a good long drink before shipping.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

~Dusty~

Hello, everyone.

Some flowers for you ladies. This one is a pink adenium (aka desert rose).

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Here's a plumeria called Celadine that's just beginning. Smells wonderfully sweet and citrusy (like a sliced lemon with lots of melted sugar on top... yummy)

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A lot of my cacti and succulents are flowering now. And my dalias are growing well (except the one Pooch sent me...sorry... don't know what happened).

Bummer Paul! I don't know what happened either, was pretty sure it was growable. They can be fickle little buggers though. If you like I can send a replacement next Spring.
Those are lovely blooms- thanks for the photos.

Well my faith in humanity is yet again renewed by the mystery croquet sender for Dusty and her kids! You are among the most top notch people/person I've had the pleasure to meet. What a thoughtful gesture. Dusty I hope you and the kids are finding each day a bit easier to manage.

Dusty my thoughts and prayers are with you. Tresa congrats on the baby. I only have one chnce left for a new grandaughter. maybe this year, yours sure is a cutie. Paul beautifull flowers, I am properely jelous. Happy flowers to all I received rain lillies from my pal, and another beautifull card, don't know where she find them but she sends the most beautifull cards. thankyou pal.
hugs Carol

I got a package today!!! My pal sent me some florist pruners. What neat little things they are too and will come in very handy! She also sent me the softest leather, fingerless gloves. How did she know I like to get my nails dirty? LOL It's just not the same when you can't feel what you're doing! She told me who she is too but I'll not tell 'cause then it will be easier for you all to guess who yours is! She's the greatest and send the neatest things that I'd never buy for myself. Thank you pal!

Here's a look at what I have blooming today.

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All are nameless but no less beautiful since I'm not a plant snob!

Nancy

Oops! I forgot to tell you guys that my pal is also an artist! Paul, you'd better watch it, she'll be in competition with you for those cards before long. lol She drew the cutest picture at the bottom of the wonderful letter she wrote with my package. Maybe I'll scan it tomorrow and show it to ya'll if you're good! ;0)

Nancy

Just a quick post to YA YA I did get my pals package out!! I am trying to be a better pal!! I didn't see my pal post if she is happy with her pal or not so please let me know as I want her to be happy! I really don't want to cause you any extra work! Thanks again for having this exchange!! How is your hubby doing? I hope treatments are still going well?!! Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Beautiful pictures: Great flowers and that adorable little baby girl! I hope everyone is doing well. It's super hot here these days but it is supposed to cool down some this weekend. I just hope the day of my daughter's wedding is neither super hot nor rainy. If it's like it is now, I'll probably pack some paper towels in my purse to mop off my face - LOL.
I have taken a few pictures of flowers in my garden and will post those after the wedding. I got some named day lilies over the last two years and some are in bloom and just gorgeous! The poor roses are just trying to rest and get through the heat. May is rose month here and then you wait for fall. I finally got smart and planted daylilies in with my roses so now I have some flowers in June as well.
YaYa - thanks for all that you do for this group. We love it!

Sandlapper Rose

Hi everyone,

Nancy, WOW!!! Those pictures are really impressive! I love lilies, yours are so beautiful!

Everything is going fine here, my hubby feels fine, but we have some doctors appointments to schedule for some extra opinions. Seems like no one has any answers, but lots of options, wich makes the decisions hard because no one really knows what will happen in any scenerio, but we have to make a choice about treatment. The hard part is knowing that his cancer is not curable.....and that it will get harder to deal with as time goes on because treatments will most likely be less effective. The bright side of the coin is that it isn't like a 6 month sentence or anything, most likely 5-10 years, (he has already had this disease for 6 years) but being 36 years old, it is very strange to actually KNOW that you will not be around to retire or anything, a perspective that not a lot of people share, expecially at our age. And for me, it is strange to have to visualize a whole possible life after this plays out. I will probably be in my early 40's. But for now, I am the happiest I have ever been, we have everything we want, and love each other like best friends and more......if it wasn't for this thing hanging over our heads things would be pretty close to perfect around here. Most of the time we deal pretty well, we are both optimists, and both have strong spiritual parameters, it really makes life feel like some sort of dream really......

YaYa

Yaya,
I know cancer pretty darn well... better than I ever wanted. Lost Hunter at 13 to it after 5 battles and 8 years. I've seen it all, stem cell transplants(2), chemo, radiation, expiermental. Man we wanted him to live!

I have to ask, if his cancer is incurable, what treatment options are they offering? Many times Chemo will kill faster than the cancer itself... and the quality of life suffers big time.

Also, don't believe the 5-10 years dx. Way back when, My Great Gramma's Dr gave her 10 years to live.. she out lived her Dr by 20 years(not cancer)... 30 years from her 10 year dx.. Back in 92, My Mom was Dx-ed with Schlerderma(sp?) Dr's gave her 3-10 years to live with med's. She took the meds for 4 months... hasn't taken them since and is in better health than she was then. Granted, she moved to a very warm state which helps her disease.. but without meds, she's made it 13 years. So don't take their years to heart.

Also, I want to tell you to do some re-search on natural cures/preventive stuff. We had Hunter on a no carb, no sugar, no artificial junk, no meat, no milk(BTW milk is horrid! The hormones they pump into the cows to produce more is mind boggling! I know.. BIL is a dairy farmer.. and he is NOT an exception! Anyhow.. pretty much his(Hunt's) diet was all natural.. no artificial junk... that was the longest he was cancer free but it also followed his first stem cell transplant. Look into natural healing. A lot of folks think it's garbble.. but hey! back before modern day medicine, herbs and the like the Earth gives us were used for many ailments... and worked!

There's a book out, hard to find, but tells much on cancer and natural cures. They claim cancer is curable but big money is making bigger money "trying to find a cure" and the cheap way out is being swept under the rug. I have not read the book, wish I had grabbed it when I saw it... but I saw it after Hunters death.. and thought "too late now" boy was I wrong! But I do believe that while "we" claim to be trying to find cures for this that and the other, this that and the other is getting nowhere. Look at all the money they're making trying to cure this that and the other.

Does anyone besides me find it odd the amount of cancer there is these days? Esp. in children! When I was younger, no kids had cancer.. and few adults did. Now, I know and have heard of more kids with cancer than I care to admit. Hunter said it was because of Milk! lol! He was really against milk! I believe it is a combination of many things.. but look back through history.. major life threating things got cures.. but last I can see was the Polio vaccine back in the 50's. Are they telling me in over 50 years we're unable to find cures for these newer/rarer(at the time) diseases. I don't buy it! Phamacitical companies are big contributers to big government... With so many folks having cancer for instance, why would they want a cure? There's so much more money in fighting.. or pretending to fight the disease rather than cureing(sp? I am a terrible speller!) it.
Another thing.. Autism... there are so many children dx-ed with Autism all the sudden! Where did that come from? They're thinking mercury from fish! Great! When I was prego..(many moons ago) the Dr's told me eat as much fish as possible.. now they're saying watch how much of certain fish you eat because we polluted the ocean! Fish that live very long are loaded with the stuff! Hmm.. wonder where that came from! Watch the Tuna, shark and shrimp to name a few!

Okay sorry.. I got on a rant.
me myself, they can take their treatments and shove em! I don't know any cancer survivors. Yes Hunter survived it for a while.. but it still took him in the end. 8 years he fought to live.... 8 years I watched him through good(cancer free) and bad(more bad than good) and all the time he was getting treatment, he was sick, puking, could hardly get out of bed.. couldn't eat, couldn't play... for what? The end result was still the same... He suffered longer in my book. Granted, his life was prolonged.. but again.. how much "life" was there when you can't even get up! I'll enjoy what time I have, out of bed, and bottom line is, regardless, the Good Lord takes us when he's ready... man might like to think they can play God but we can't. If it's time to go... we're going.. meds or no meds. I'll go out enjoying life, not watching it from bed. I know, I'll be here only as long as I am suppose to be... cures or no cures.

Okay I really am done! Sorry folks.. I get on a rave when I think about all the injustice done to good people/children esp.

~Dusty~

Oh Dusty, I'm so sorry for your pain. I know those choices you all made during Hunter's illness were in favor of life and there was no way you could know that the quality of that life much of the time would be so poor. We make decisions from the heart in hope of a better tomorrow and when that life is crumby because of the medical management, its so hard to justify. but I know you hold Hunter in your heart and from your experience you've been able to comfort so many others that perhaps you yourself can gain a modicum of comfort there. Thinking of you now and always-
Ruth

Dusty - It made me very sad to read your story. I agree with everything you said. I know it would be very hard to lose a child. I had a hard time when my two left home. I just couldn't let go. You must be a very strong person.

Ya Ya - Sorry to hear the news about your husband. We just did our Relay for Life (cancer fund raiser) here last week-end. They raise so much money each year and you do wonder where does all that money go and why have they not found a cancer cure for everyone. I know cancer has touched everyones family in some way or other. Any of us could have it right now and just not know it yet.

Shirley

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear PlantLadyJan, Happy Birthday to YOU!! & Many More, Cha Cha Cha

Hope you have a wonderful day and weekend!! Gina
P.S. Hey, I think I really did it... Got one of those blinkin' animated clips on here (kinda like Poochella's) YaaaHooo

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Yay for you Gina: a beautiful array of decorations for Jan! And Cheers and Happy Birthday to our very own Plantlady Jan! Cha Cha Cha- I second, the motion.
Have a terrific birthday Jan and many more to come.
Annie

Happy birthday to you Plantlady Jan! I hope they just keep getting better and better just like you!!!

Way to go Gina, girl you got it going on. lol

Dusty, I think you're right about them finding cures for some things and not letting the public know it. I saw a special on TV once about a disease that a little boy had and the meds made him so lethargic his mom wouldn't give them to him. She started researching and found an article in a very old book that a nurse had written a diet that actually worked for the condition. She tried it and it did work! She told the doctor about it and he wasn't happy about her finding it and tried to give reasons that it wouldn't work. I also read that Naomi Judd cured her Hepatitis B with diet. You just know there has to be ways if we were only able to find them. Hopefully soon they will find a cure for cancer and many other terrible things. Until then, you all have my prayers and know that I'm thinnking of you.

Nancy

OOpps. Forgot to say I'm back from the tour of the western quarter of Lake Ontario. We ended up motor sailing much of the trip---no wind, except of course when we had to stay put in Toronto, while they measured and sewed the new canvas for the boat. THEN there was a steady breeze through the Western Gap that kept us cool in spite of the 90+ temps.
All went well until our stop in Wilson NY on the way home. I lumbered off the boat looking forward to a land pit stop if you know what I mean. Well I stumbled over my own two feet and-----went down with a bang and came up scraped up, bleeding and wouldn't you know it with a broken elbow. This IS the PITS. It's broke for sure but they don't cast a 'simple' elbow fracture so its grin and bear it and do PT to make sure the joint doesn't freeze up.
Meanwhile the garden is now a jungle and I still have stuff to put in.
My June goodie box was here waiting for me---thanks pal for the cheer. I can't believe the stuff you manage to find. This month's had a summer theme with stuff ranging from citronella to sunburn gel to �glow in the dark� bug off bracelet. (Now where did you find that?). She managed to fill the box with an even dozen of summer related fun. Thanks so much it has made my day.
Theresa, Gabbie is truly adorable. Treasure these showerless days, they will be gone soon enough.
Pooch, even the 'minions' bring a certain joy. AND

Happy Birthday, PlantLadyJan!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jan
Have a piece of cake for me!

Happy Birthday, Jan. I don't know how to include a great little picture for your birthday, but I sure hope it's a happy one.

Sandlapper Rose

Hi everyone,

Dusty, thanks for sharing your story, I have found that it is helpful to know that you are not alone when going through tough times.

My husband really doesn't have much trouble with the treatments, his is a low grade lymphoma, and they use a relatively mild treatment, at least so far. He doesn't loose his hair, or feel sick, just tired for about 10 days after the treatment, which are scheduled 21 days apart, so he gets at least a week of feeling fine, even goes to the gym. During his 5 year remission (what they actually call a partial remission) he took no meds, and was totally healthy, vibrant and "normal" but had monthly doc appoint to check his blood. So we definitely have it pretty easy compared to many. We do eat very healthy, lots of organic, fruits and veggies, very little sugar. So don't you guys worry too much about us, we are not doing too bad.

YaYa

I am starting a continued thread now.

YaYa

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