Flowers, Feathers and Fun

Flowers waving in the breeze
scenting the very air
a gardener's dream

Feathers, drifting lazily
touching down gently
chirping voices above

Laughter, echoing merrily
joyous music in the distance
gardening...one of God's gifts
**********************************************************

This Round Robin will be all about Flowers, Feathers and Fun! Come join us, meet new friends and catch up with your old ones...everyone is welcome! The heated pool is open, there's burgers on the grill and season's last pool party is open!!
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Here are the rules...(yes, even we need rules)

1. As per GW rules, you must be at least 18 to play.

2. Sign ups are until September 10th

3. Your package must be sent either first class or priority mail with a confirmation number posted here on the forum. *****MAIL DATE SEPTEMBER 25**********

4. You will be sending at least 3 different kinds of bulbs/seeds

5. You will be sending something that has to do with birds (birdhouses, chimes, garden stakes, birdnest, etc...however, we don't recommend sending live birds..."G")

6. You will be sending something that's fun, funny or brings a chuckle to your RR partner (use your imagination, from being in this group, I KNOW you all have good ones!)

7. Keep it inexpensive (we're not looking to do in anyone's piggy bank here)

8. HAVE FUN!! After all, that's what's it's all about, right?

**********************************************************

A pic of Oliver! Who sits and supervises most swap boxes I pack!

Deb

Toby

Welcome Nikki..glad to have you aboard! "passing out burgers"

Well... I've been 'away' for a bit, most know the why of it, but I think I'm ready to jump back in the pool and have some fun. Count me in Linda :) I'll take a burger w/ the works!

Hugs all,
Wendy

Did someone say something about burgers??? Do I need to make a beer run? Beer would go better with the burgers than margaritas. We've still got the van, don't we? hehehe

Hmmmmm, I can think of lots of things to do with feathers, so I'm in on this one this month! LOL!!!

Linda, when are you gonna post partners on this one? The rules don't say, and you know we all like to follow the rules, right? HA!

-Dan

BLUE MOON
The Marcels
- words by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers

Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue Moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper, "Please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue Moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

oh, Dan, while you're on that beer run..pick up some more hamburger buns..."flipping burger onto Suzi's plate and sugar cookies on Wendy's"

It's good to see you Wendy...((HUG))...glad to see you brought your swimsuit Suzi!

Linda, here's a coughdrop. I received some in a box last month, and have a few spare, so take care of that cough, will you? I'll get the hamburg buns while picking up the beer. Anything else we need? How're the chips holding out?

I Woke Up In Love This Morning
-performed by The Partridge Family
Last night, I turned out the light, lay down and thought about you
I thought about the way that it could be
Two o'clock, wonderin' what I'm doin' here alone without you
So I close my eyes and dream you here to me and...

[Chorus:]
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind
I woke up in love this morning
I woke up in love this morning
Went to sleep with you on my mind

Hello, girl, yes it's five o'clock I know but you just listen
There's something that I've got to let you know
This is you, this pillow that I'm huggin' and I'm kissin'
And one more thing before I let you go...

[Chorus]

Do dreams come true, well if they do, I'll have you
Not just for a night, but for my whole life through

[Repeat chorus to fade]

Paula

You 2 still haven't figured out the cough drops huh? "snickering" I'll have to drop you a line and you can decide if you want to share the info with Dan "G"

I think I'll join in on this one! Sounds like fun "grabbing a cold beer" "ahhhhh"

Vic

Great to meet you Paula! :) We've heard sooo much about how wonderful you are, we have to run around after Dan with towels to mop up all the soppy-ness. He is SOOO taken with you! :)hehe

Linda .. seriously girl I need a margarita, beer, something... thank god tomorrow's Monday and the kids go back to school! They've been cooped up inside all wkend due to rain and I'm about to pull my hair out! :P

*goin to look in fridge and see what takes the LEAST effort to make for dinner... :)

~Wendy

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Paula! Welcome! It's wonderful to finally meet the woman who has swept Dan off his feet. Since your here we can now hand you the towels and let you chase him around the pool and it wasent just because he was soggy either.....ppsssttt...he likes to skinny dip!
And I hear you guys really liked the Almond Vanilla massage oil too.....glad you enjoyed it.
TTYL

Wendy, I was begining to think no one else knew what those were for either! LOL

Vic

Linda, I'm hoping to be able to join this one. Just gotta wait a bit and see how much finances straighten out after getting the bratlings all their school stuff. And I just started a job on Wednesday. I am now an official Garden Center cashier at Wal~Mart! If I have to work there, at least it's in an area I enjoy and have some knowledge about! I've got my eye on some really gorgeous things and was thinking several would be great for swaps.

OHHH! AND.. not sure about everyone else's local Wally World, but ours has some really nice looking roses for $7.00/pot. Several had buds on them and I was thinking that this is really a nice time to put in new roses- reasonably cooler weather, rainfall so they don't go into so much shock and time to settle in before winter dormancy. And we had some really gorgeous Broms at a good price too :)Lots of the pots and accessories are starting to go on clearance and I'm sure more will join in the next few weeks because the Halloween stuff will be going in in a few weeks.

Anyhow, I just got off work a little while ago, so I'm gonna go veg out a little while before running the bratlings off to baths and bed.

Kathy

Now, as for you Tracy, you won't have to tell her how to read my posts and find out all about my shenanigans, I've already told her, and she's been reading. I didn't know there were so many though! hehehe S'okay though, the more she reads, the more she laughs, and not just at me either! I LOVE hearing her laugh!

And Linda? I don't see any reason to be afraid of what you'd say to Paula. So, go ahead and tell her about the brownies, the trips behind the bushes at the pool, the skinny-dipping, the booze, and anything else you can come up with. Make up stuff if you want to, though I don't know why you would. The actual stuff makes good enough conversation, don't you think? After all, I've been so laid-back and gentlemanly, completely proper with you all, not at all mischievious or anything! hehehe NOT!!!
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Now Paula knows that you're a charming, smiling Irishman,..what more is there to know?..."G".."holding up the blarney stone"

debya-deb
nikkineel-nikki
suze62-suzi
sassybutterfly-wendy
dan the mailman-dan
veeja11-carol
vic zn5-vic
ladygreensleeves
traceyvine-tracey
lindaruzicka-linda

and maybe jaleeisa-kathy

have I missed anyone so far?

Now Dan, that sounds like a pre-emptive strike if I ever saw one! lol! When have you behaved? Hmmmm, I can only think of one time and that was when Vic and I tossed you in Betty Ford. Careful with those papers, we might have to do another drive by.

Hugs!
Tracy

well, I woke up this morning to a very insistant cat that demanded that I get up way before it was their feeding time. Grumbling and muttering under my breath, I stomped downstairs to the basement to feed the mob (the food dishes and litter boxes are in the basement) and found out that my hot water tank had spewed everywhere! What a mess! The good thing is that we only have to pay a $50 dedeductable on our home owners warrarenty. But let me tell you, I have some very unhappy cats..."sweeping water down the drain"...

So Paula, have you ever been to MI? Do you live in the city in NY? I think you will love MI, esp. if you like the outdoors! I grew up there and just moved to MT this spring. I miss it soooo much! We do have the mountains here, but not the nice lush green of MI, and hardly any water/lakes. And we don't get the fresh produce out here, like you can back east. We went to the farmers market sat. they wanted $36.00 for a case of peaches (they didn't look that good either) a lunch bag of cherries was $9.00!
I might have to get a hold of some folks back home and have them ship me some! "sigh" "feeling sorry for myself : ("

Well, today is my interview! Of course, it's supposed to be 102 degrees! So I get to choose, drive the van that the air doesn't work in, or the blazer that the brakes are going bad. Hmmmm....comfort or safety! I think I'll take comfort so I don't show up looking (and smelling) like a drowned rat! LOL

Vic

Joan

PS - Vic, you go get 'em in your interview!

Vic, extra good luck on your interview..knock them dead! ((HUG))

And Paula, are you going to tell us what kind of plants you like so whoever gets Dan the Man can include that for you?..."S"

Had hoped to join in this month (birds and other winged creatures are a fave of mine) but the weather is still dry and hot and dry.... its all I can do to keep the plants I already have watered. It is too depressing watching stuff whither and die in the heat.

So I am out...... still planning on joining in for the bulb swap though. (if the squirrels and chipmonks have not eaten all of my bulbs that is)

Have fun, will try to pop in and say HEY! from time to time

Frances

Linda, it sounds like you had a horrible beginning to your day! How many cats do you have? Were they all wet? How is your basement? I hope the water didn't damage anything but the cats' pride! I know Dan says he has a cat who likes the water, but I'm reserving judgement on that until I see this cat in action.

Vic, when I was in the Air Force, I was stationed in the Alpena area. That's on the east coast, and Dan lives on the west coast, right honey? I don't live in New York City, but in the town of Utica. It allows me to have a taste of the big city, without all the drawbacks. The City is a fine place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.

(pause)

I'm back now. Dinner tonight is a chef salad. And for dessert, I'm having ice cream. But don't tell Dan! Uh oh, I just did! Well, honey, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do! I love you!

Forgive me if I don't get all your questions answered right away. I'm trying! Oh! Speaking of questions! I still remember those questions you had Dan ask me, back in May or June I think it was! Those led to some very interesting discussions!
Some of you have been asking what kind of plants I like. I like coneflowers, sunflowers, lilies, carnations, roses, irises, and herbs. I like more than just those, but those are the ones I know the names of. Next summer, Dan and I are going to be growing eggplant, carrots, and beans in the vegetable garden. He isn't growing them this year, but we will next summer! I like fresh carrots and beans in my salads, and the way Dan ate the eggplant parmesan I made for him, we're going to need to grow our own supply! He'd never had it before, so I made some for his first night here. Would you believe I had to make more later in the week? He loved it!

That's about it for me tonight. I won't be joining in on any swaps because I have no plants to send anyone, and I will be going through my apartment in the next month, figuring out what I'm going to take with me when I move to Michigan. I look around and keep asking myself,"Do I really need to take that too?"

Good-night Everyone! I'll be back here by the end of the week. Don't let Dan get to you, he's got a heart of gold inside him!

-Paula
(PTBarnum)

Imma going to have to pass on this month also, I have committed to a couple other swaps and the way the weather is I am hoping I didn't over do it.

Hi Paula, nice to meet ya and welcome to MNF's.

Pixie

Come back anytime Paula! :)

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Paula, the airforce huh? I bet that was interesting, did you get to go to any nice places?

Vic

It's not been too bad. Just a little more demanding on my poor body than I'd anticipated. I mean come on, I'd not worked for just over a year and before that, I spent five years sitting in a nice, comfy ergonomic office chair! So, being on my feet for 9 hours a day has been a little rough. All those muscles that you *think* you use all the time are going "HEY! What are you doing? Idiot! Sit down!" I get home from work and help with dinner if Cliff hasn't gotten home before me early enough to have it ready, sit down to eat dinner. Get up to clear my plate (everyone helps clear and clean around here) and my body starts screeching at me, reminding me I'm 38 and not use to quite so much consistent physical activity.

Other than being sore, which improves right now with a hot soaking bath with epsom salts and liberal applications of muscle rub and a good night's sleep, it's been pretty cool. I know, we're all usually down on Wal~Mart because of the conditions of the plants and the lack of concern for a plant's needs. Well, I worked with the department manager yesterday and we had a really nice visit as we were restocking. When we got to the part where she mentioned sharing any suggestions I had, I just smiled and said "Well... I do have one or two.. and one of the first would be to stop drowning the African Violets and succulents." Now this conversation had come after getting to know quite a bit about me over a 7 hour period. She'd found out that I'm an avid gardener. She sighed and looked at me and said "I'm not sure just who has been watering the plants during the day, but whoever it is, they don't know plants at all. I'm really glad I'm getting someone who *is* a gardener and who cares about the quality of the plants. Hopefully between us, we can start correcting the mistakes and maybe teach the others how to care for plants, starting with not drowning the AVs and succulents and that waving the water wand over the foliage once or twice is *not* watering the plants, that the dirt actually needs to be damp, not the leaves! And maybe we can teach them to check the soil before they decide to water rather than dousing everything every day." I was SOOOOOOOOO thrilled to hear her say all of that! Yeah, it may be extra work and effort to check the soil of a pot before watering, and yes, there are a lot of pots. But we will sell many more plants if a little care is taken to ensure they are cared for properly.

So, the new job is going well, and eventually my body will get with the program and I have a manager who actually cares that the plants aren't being cared for properly. And Thursday I will actually get to be able to leave my register zone and be out in on the patio floor and work with the plants themselves! I am SOOOOOOO excited! Karen, the manager, was grinning as I zoned the inside aisles because I was not only zoning and fronting and facing the products without thought, but I would pluck dead leaves, deadhead and shift pots who's plants were leaning to reach sunlight and test dry looking pots. Found three that needed a light drink. Those three had perked up nicely before she left for the day and two of them sold. I also drained the water trays under the AVs and succulents because they were swimming after noticing they had been in water after an hour. She made several comments and compliments about it before she left. Apparently most of the associates don't do much more than walk down the aisle of the live plants. They rarely touch a thing.

So, anyway, enough about my new job. Paula, we can all conspire to send the things you like to Dan when we swap or trade with him :) That way you won't have to try to move things with you, they'll be waiting for you :) We're all so happy for the two of you that you have found each other! I met my new husband on the internet as well and he and Dan are both rural carriers and have very similar attitudes and sense of humor :) Isn't it wonderful to laugh so much?

Kathy

But it is great that the manager appreciates your knowledge and is going to put it to use!

Vic

Vic, I knew that would enable someone to go blow some dough! lol

Hugs everyone,
Wendy

WEll, Pixie, if you're not swapping, feel free to pop by for a chat and a burger..."S"

Nice to meet you, Paula. We've heard so much about you.

Kathy, so glad the job at WalMart is working out so well. I bet they really appreciate having someone there that understands plants.

This summer has been so busy with other things that I haven't been spending as much time with my garden as usual. Had a lot of painting to get done - house, decks and fence. That's finally winding down and not any too soon as the Seattle weather is feeling more "autumn" all the time and we are getting more rain than normal for this time of year. I've even had to turn the heat on a couple of mornings to warm up the house!

Looking forward to this swap -
Sandy

Your plug worked......count me in!

Hi Proudgm,
I love sending garden, plant related items. Plants, seeds, bulbs, garden totes, tools, etc. plus a few seasonal items (yummy apple candle, cute sunflower kitchen handtowel, etc). Each swap is a little different, read the beginning requirements in each thread to determine what to send. For this swap, I think bulbs were mentioned, I'm sure seeds too, and for the 'feather' part- bird stuff. Bird houses, suet cakes, bird bells, but of course it's totally up to you what to send. :) You could even include a cute bird kitchen towel, oven mitt, bird soap dispenser, etc.
Trying to help with a few ideas! I know when I first started out swapping, I had no clue what to put in the boxes.

Deb

Have a burger, grab a seat and get comfortable..."passing around brownies"

What do YOU send to someone that you don't know very well?

I'm having a crummy day... van broke down. So add towtruck charges to the bill... *sighhh and ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH :(

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Deb had a great suggestion of asking your partner via email what things they like, I've asked ppl what their decor is, rustic, modern, whimsy, etc. and usually go from there and what is on their trade pg. Some are very detailed stating they love frogs, sunflowers, ducks, etc, some aren't (like mine lol)

It can be difficult sometimes, I wouldn't want to send a (to me) cute little flowery birdhouse to someone that would like a more sleek elegant type one, but, these swaps are for fun, if someone is looking for exactly a certain type of plant, garden decor, or tool and is very picky then they should think twice before joining (I hope that doesn't sound mean, not trying to be)

Anyhow, for someone I don't know very well, hmmmm...... honestly, I would guess! LOL

If I had to send something for you (Proudgm) today without any further chatting btwn us, I would most likely send you something on the whimsy/fun side that kids would like and try to stay away from fragile delicate things because of your name, NO plants, b/c of your page. Of course, I could be WAY off base and send a sunflower birdhouse and you might hate sunflowers! LOL, but that's a chance I would have to take "grin"

Does that make sense? or help at all?

Now lets say I'm sending to Linda, that's easy! A bottle of Baileys with a rope tied to it, then when the bottle is empty she can hang it in a tree and whala! A birdhouse! ROFL!!

Vic

okay, if I was sending to someone I don't know..which since I'm fairly new, could be alot of people.."L"...I like to sometimes find out their favorite color. Then I will make a box up of whatever I can find in that color. Plants/seeds/bulbs, windchimes, garden stakes, pretty frig magnets, pots, notepaper, candles, soaps..things along that line.

When sending to someone I don't know, I start by trying to find things that go along with the theme that month. This month is easy. Then I just add whatever I find that either fits their interests or has a garden theme. We all like anything garden or flower related.

Sandy

haven't been feeling to "up" today, so not gonna say too much tonight. no reason for it, just feeling a bit down today. hopefully I'll be better tomorrow....

update on Round Robin

debya-deb
nikkineel-nikki
suze62-suzi
sassybutterfly-wendy
dan the mailman-dan
veeja11-carol
vic zn5-vic
ladygreensleeves
lindaruzicka-linda
ejmoore510-Joan
shadymeadow-sandy
ishareflowers-lisa

and maybe jaleeisa-kathy
maybe proundgm

*sighh.. this day's almost over right? lol

mmmm choc chip cookies... brownies... I feel like a few pity me pounds are in order here! lol

Hugs all,
Wendy

kim

Tracy,
We've got to keep an eye out, I think there is another amongst us that might need a trip to see "Betty" LOL

Awww, Wendy, have a couple brownies! They made Carol happy! Maybe it will make you happy too!

Vic

Count me in - love the little birdies! I want to have lots of feeders this year and hope that if I get enough of the smaller ones it will keep the Canadian Geese on the pond where they belong instead of making 'messes' in my yard and drive!

Kathy - WAHOOO! you have a job :) and how fun that you get to work with the plants. That is the first department I go to when I visit WM! I think the 'plant people' are pretty good where I go - I have got some real nice plants and quite a few really good deals! I hope your Cliff is doing well and the van is behaving.

Paula & Kim,
These people are CRAZY! I don't join in on their 'PARTYS' often but when I do, it takes me days to recover! My glass is never even 1/2 emtpy and with all the snacks my diet is totally shot! But from what I can remember - it is always a GREAT time! LOL

Marie

What is your very very favorite or favorites seed/bulb/plant that you are drooling over?????

And why do you want that particular seed/bulb/plant?

If only I had a bank account to cover all my flowering wish lists! lol

Hugs,
Wendy

proundgm, don't forget to check out their Exchange list (you never know what your partner may be wanting that you have a ton of) I always look there first. Most of the people in this group have at least a few things on their exchange list, some even include some special "for Swappers" stuff. Also exchanging emails is very nice way to MNF (make new friends) lol

Kathy what a great catch for a job! (I know retail can be rough, but it souds like heaven to me)

linda
I have so many faves..... but this spring I found a very special bulb, Uva-Vulpis Fritillary I just fell in love with these little flowers and now cannot get enough, I love the little nodding flowers, just darling. I thought they were just wierd at first!

Hope you are all having a great day! Have fun everyone, will pop in and say HEY! whenever I can, we have just been pounded by the edges of Fay! YAY! for water!!!!

Frances

***STILL on my bum looking (drooling) at all the various bulbs to be had... *sighh! :)

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone!

-Paula

Vic

Joan

Wow... tequila, bailey's, herb enhanced brownies... can u imagine the ruckus a van full of drunk gardeners could cause!! LOL driveby seed snatching.. casing all the big neighborhoods of what we can sneak up and get cuttings of...who brought the pruners for the cuttings? huh huh? lol

ok so one of my lil lab pups came in from outside and her muzzle is seriously swollen up.. I'm guessing she probably ate and got stung by a yellow jacket cuz they're alot out there... I looked up online and found I could give her 1/2 a benadryl, tried to put ice on her muzzle.. u can imagine how well THAT went over! Made a baking soda paste.. she licked that right off too.. dang stubborn dog! Hopefully the benadryl will help some.. worries me how big her face is! But I can't take her to the vet cuz the stupid van is in the shop still!

oh.. and the shop called and it looks like it might just be a new transmission that's needed.... there goes all my seed/bulb/plant wishlists! ARRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

ugghhhh

anywho.. I like the visual of the drunken gardeners.. that'll make me laugh for awhile :)

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

Wendy, You poor thing! I hope things start looking better soon!! Try rub a bannana peel on his snout, it will help with the swelling, if you have one. (at least it helps with ppl!)

Also!!
I need some help please!
If anyone has power point could I email you something and have you open it and email or fax back to me please!!! It's for a job app. and I can't open it!!

Thanks a Bunch
Vicky

Now that Linda has started me on my first one... the 10 gallon party ball is full, good thing I put those extra mower wheels on it, my thumb is out & I'm waiting on Tracy's PARTY BUS...

THANKS DIENE!! I had no idea it was a slide show! LOL

Now off to tend to the sick child, UHG! poor little guy, says his head, nose, ears, feet, mouth, hands and everything in between hurt! One of those yucky summer colds!!

Tracy, I'm not sure that everyone knows just where your "party bus" is going to! LOL

Linda, one bulb I've been wanting really bad are those Fritillaria imperialis red, I just love those, but oooo they are expensive! And Blue sea holly (Eryngium alpinum) And there are many more too! I'll have to do some looking!

Vic

drunken gardeners..that would be a riot to see, wouldn't it? Picking seeds off flowers, snagging seeds off bushes, hiding under porches..yeah..we could get into ALOT of trouble..."L"

I thought it would be interesting to see what kind of flowers other gardeners drool over...mine is Russian sage (I want this really BAD) and Lenton rose. I wonder how they would do in my weather. I always thought Lenten roses looked not quite real, if you know what I mean!

Wendy, sorry to hear about your van..OUCH..that's gonna hurt!

Vic..hope your little guy feels better!

Paula, good luck and have a safe trip. Tell Dan I hope he is feeling better.

Wendy, that poor puppy! If you don't have luck getting him to swallow the pill you can always do the benadryl liquid. There is also a Benadryl cream. My 7 year old is allergic too and swells up like a balloon. Nasty business with bees this time of year. They seem to get a little aggressive toward the end of summer and into the fall.

The puppy's all well now, the benadryl seemed to do the trick, I just took 1/2 a pill and put it in the cat's canned food.. the stuff she's always trying to eat anyways! lol The swelling is just about all gone now.. wow I should've taken a pic.. that was so WEIRD looking.. she looked like a cartoon pup or somethin'.

Linda ~ have you tried to grow the Russian Sage from seed?

Gotta go do dishes 'n laundry 'n other fun stuff like that. :)

Hugs,
Wendy

No I haven't tried to grow the Russian Sage from seed...might have t give that a shot though..."pondering"

Linda, Russian sage is on my list too! I love em. They grow so good out here, they are like giant purple bushes! I'm guessing they like it DRY! I had one in MI and it didn't come back the next year.

Hmmm, I wonder if this has something to do with the bump on the head Dan got??

Vic

hmmm...maybe Dan had a bit too much Bailey's.."holding empty bottle upside down and shaking it"

but... since we are going to OZ - we need flying monkeys LOL

Paula - Put the Baileys out of Dan's reach - he will recover much quicker :)

Then they look at me wagging their tails and thinking WEEEEEEEEEEE What else ya got!?! hmppff!!

~Wendy

Ok, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have the Excel spreadsheet up and running with all the monthly participants of Make New Friends. We all know that we aren't big on lots of rules and regulations in this group but we are VERY big on making new friends and keeping old ones happy in our trades.

The spreadsheet is to just keep an accounting of who is swapping in each monthly exchange and to show that each person has sent and received their boxes. Each host/hostess is responsible for updating it as the swap progresses and then sends it back to me. Then I will update the spreadsheet for the next swap and send it on to the new host/hostess to maintain.

If there are any members that haven't completed an exchange then their GW id is on the current month's spreadsheet as restricted until such time as they send a make up box to their past partner or the host sent a make-up box on their behalf.

Don't worry if you don't have excel on your pc at home if you are one of our hosts. I am happy to maintain it for you if you aren't able to do so. Just please update partners and sending once a week during the exchange so that it is easy to follow along. This helps remind us that the sending date is nearing for any of us that have gotten a little busy and may fall behind. If something is going on in your life and you are going to be late sending a box, just post a note here on the boards so your partner isn't wondering what happened. That let's everyone breathe easier.

I am still going through old swaps trying to update the exchanges from the last year. It is taking some time but is gradually getting there. We are a fun group who loves having new people join in the sharing of plants and our lives. I'm so glad to have gotten to meet such wonderful people. It wouldn't have been possible without Diene and her wonderful MNF group that she started. It has been so much fun watching it grow into what it is today.

Thanks!
Tracy

Paula,
Please let us know when you get to MI and how Dan is doing.
Also, if you would like to join in the sept swap, feel free to dig up some of Dan's plants when he's not looking and take them back to NY with ya, then you will have some plants to send!! "G"

Vic

~Wendy

Joan

Now that I think of it...earlier today I was walkin up to the house after putting some clothes on the clothesline and I'd stuck the laundry basket on my head, my arms out to my sides like I was balancing on a highwire, I was humming some kinda circus music song... before I quickly realized the few ppl that passed by gave me some awful odd looks. I seriously need to think before I act on the odd things my brain tells me to do!

Any one else w/ embarrassing yard antics they got caught doing??? please don't let me be the ONLY weirdo....

:)
~Wendy

ohh and Joan ~ I'm afraid to use the Sevin Dust cuz I have 2 dumb dogs that try to lick and eat every dang thing.. and a cat that loveessss to lick things as well.. in fact I used to use that Icy Hot creme and everytime I did she'd perv me to death trying to lick it off of wherever I put it.. would even lick the pillows after I'd get up. I would often catch her on my dresser licking the tips of my lotion bottles as well..

They grow really strange animals down here in GA I think..

lol lol lol

Frances

Joan

I am sure that Seven will not hurt them. Pearl has ate about 2 1/2 pounds of it in one sitting and 2 pkg. of ant bait a day later. It didn't even give her an upset tummy! Wasn't it John Wayne that said "ya, gotta be tough, if your going to be stupid." He must have had a black lab puppy.... I keep trying to remind myself how happy and excited I was when she first came to live at my house...

As per the embarassing yard incidents? I hate grasshoppers more than any other insect any where! I lived on a farm with my nearest neighbor 9 miles away. No one ever came down my road as I was the last house on it. One day I am in a strapless sun dress and taking the trash to the dumpster that is like the length of a football field from the house. One of those NASTY creatures jumps up my dress and is clinging to me just above my belly button!! Like a speeding bullet my dress come flying off over my head, my feet are moving up and down stamping the ground in a very rapid beat as I fling the dress as far as possible! As I catch my breath and look up, there are 2 pickups stopped about 15 feet in front of me, each with 2 lost cowboys that are looking for a roping and me with only a tiny strip of cloth to cover the lower portions of my body!! Everyone in the county knew about my little strip tease. It only took about 2 years for the laughter to come down to a dull roar, when I would walk into a public place....

Marie

Joan

-P

Tracy

Please keep us up to date, as you've seen, there is great concern for Dan in this group. I think I can speak for us all in saying that we are all very happy that he has you and that you are there to comfort and care for him. I know whatever is wrong is much easier for him to deal with with you by his side, lending love and strength. And we, his "sisters" in gardening, find great comfort in knowing that you are with him and he is not going through this alone. You are a blessing to all of us, amazing how that happens, isn't it? :)

Bright blessings to you both.

Kathy

Just thought I'd pop in to say Hi. Was hoping I'd feel well enough to play this month, but still no improvement. Maybe October will be better :)

Hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!

Allison

I understand him wanting to keep things personal, and I am just glad he has you to care for him and to let us know how he is doing.

You are both in my thoughts and prayers also.

Take care,
Vicky

I am about to jump in to my pool with a pitcher of Margarita's and a bottle of Charodonnnnnnnay in hand. I am cruising around the ROUND ROBBIN EXCHANGES....rarely do it...this sounds like fun! I am in for MNF FLOWERS, FEATHERS AND FUN!!!

Be well Dan...nice to meet you Paula...and all the others here at MNF.....................

Off to the swamp.......................

Annie

Take care, have yourselves a good weekend, and I'll talk to y'all later.

-Dan

Allison, I hope you feel better..if you don't want to play, stop in for a cup a nice tea and good conversation...((HUG))

and Wendy, Joan and Marie...you guys have my sides hurting from laughing so hard and my animals think I'm nuts..."L"..you guys crack me up!

Hi dan and Paula..I"m glad you're feeling better Dan, maybe you just needed some TLC from your favorite lady..."S"

PAULA'S MOVING HERE IN OCTOBER!!! We've been talking over the weekend, and when she goes back to New York Paula's giving her notice at work and where she lives, and she's moving here to live with me the first week of October! Yesterday she helped me clean out my bedroom closet so she'd have her half, and today we're going to start working on the office, getting it cleaned out and organized so she'll have room in there to put her office stuff. Paula's met a lot of my family, and they've all done their part by welcoming her and making her feel like part of the family. I think what really sealed the deal for them all was knowing she dropped everything and came running last week.
In the next few days, we're going to go shopping for a new bed and couch.
I FEEL LIKE A NEW MAN!!!

Hope everyone else is having a good weekend too!

-Dan

I've got good news too...... it rained on & off all day yesterday and all night!! Everything is soaking wet!! Yeah!!

Bravo Paula! I did the same thing as you, 9 years ago and have never looked back! Best Wishes to both of you!

Frances

You'll never guess what is going on here, but I think it's simply adorable! You would think that Labor Day we would be grilling hamburgers, and having potato salad, slaw, and all the other fixings, right? Not in this house! While Dan's sister and brother-in-law are out grilling with his parents, MY MAN is in the kitchen, cooking a turkey breast! Yes, I said he's cooking a turkey breast! And not only is he doing that, but he is making sausage/cherry stuffing for dinner too! I love this man! He is making the stuffing from scratch, even going so far as to dry out the bread in the oven. When I asked him if I could help, he told me to relax and stay out of the kitchen. He didn't have to tell me twice!
Apparently, the dinner menu is turkey, his homemade stuffing, squash casserole, baked potatoes, green beans, sliced tomatoes, and lemon sorbet for dessert. We're going to have to take a longer walk than usual tonight, after eating all of that!
You all enjoy your burgers, hot dogs, and the fixings. I'm having myself some Thanksgiving dinner!
I can't wait to see what he does during the holidays! Knowing Dan, anything is possible!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

-Paula Coates
(not yet, but trying it out anyway!)

I think I hear bells off in the distance. Grin! Good for you guys. Dinner sounds wonderful. What time should I come over with the family? You don't mind adding 7 plates to the table do you? Happy Labor Day!

Tracy

The More The Merrier! Come On Over!

You don't if I kiss the cook, do you? As if that would stop me! LOL!

Seek Codes

MySpace Graphics

I'm stuffed. Gotta go for a walk now, see ya later! Paula's taking me for more tests tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

-Dan

Welcome Prairiewinds! Would you like a beverage? I think Dan will be back shortly with a list of cocktails that he is conjuring up tonight. Your turn! Tell us a little bit about you please?! Any embarassing gardening moments?

:o)
Tracy

Dan, GOOD LUCK!!
Hmmm......I wonder if there has ever been a GW wedding???

I can't wait to find out who my partner is!! This is going to be a fun swap!!

Vic

Now, as for the "drink of the night", we're enjoying a nice little reisling wine we picked up at the renassaince festival in Stirling New York. Unfortunately, Paula won't allow me to have more than a single glass of it since the doctor drew more blood out of me for more tests today. Good thing for him he's a friend of mine!

Have a good night everyone!

Dan & Paula

Joan

Joan, I got your box today, THANK YOU! Just one question though, what's the larger plant?

Mmmmmmm, riesling eh? One of my favorites. Second to my Gewurtztraminer! Yummmmmmmm!

Paula, careful when you're sipping out of your glass, there might be something in the bottom of it. No, not a mickey, I think I see something shiney! (evil grin from ear to ear from teasing Dan mercilessly).

lol!!!

Joan

Joan

Dan & Paula~ you guys are in my thoughts.

Vic~ That was SOOOOO gross!!!Not really hungry anymore...

I didn't sell not a darn thing on Mon. Finally got the donation people to pick up ALL the leftovers today. Will have to remind the kids NOT to buy back their toys when we go junk shopping there!! LOL!!

later...April/dirt

Annie

Hugs,
Deb

The answers are not always obvious but usually within a short time I see things a bit clearer and have a path to move forward on. If you don't believe in prayer then try meditation. Thinking quietly to yourself has a wonderful effect on your mind, body and soul.

Hugs,
Tracy

So everyone say prayers in whatever form of faith that you believe in. Let's help get Dan and Paula through this.

Take care both of you!
Vic

When my youngest son was a year old, my favorite uncle passed after a 15 year remission. Even my stepmother had several years to enjoy life after her diagnosis, even with it having spread so far there wasn't much that could be done to treat it.

If you can have faith in nothing else, have faith in the fact that you are a strong individual who has much left to share with the world. Have faith in the woman at your side who loves you, and your family who does as well. Have faith in the doctors who found this quickly.

I had not left off of my prayers and meditations for both of you. In addition to healing and strength (light blue and red), I will also be lighting a pure white beeswax candle, one of the few left to me by my mentor, which holds her blessings and meditations for purity, faith and energy.

I hope you feel well enough to join us and just hang out and talk. About anything. Gardening is a way of cleansing the soul and mind. And your friends here love you and hold faith for you that this will be well.

Kathy

debya-deb
nikkineel-nikki
suze62-suzi
sassybutterfly-wendy
dan the mailman-dan
veeja11-carol
vic zn5-vic
ladygreensleeves
lindaruzicka-linda
ejmoore510-Joan
shadymeadow-sandy
ishareflowers-lisa
misskimmie-Kim
wynative-Marie
cayonwind-Annie
prairiewinds

and maybe jaleeisa-kathy
maybe proundgm

Have I gotten everyone so far?

Dan, I just don't know how to say how sorry I am that you are going through this. Please know that I am wishing you my very best. You can beat this. You have a wonderful partner, some good friends, and the full support of your family. I hope you can feel the love that is surrounding you and are open to accepting the strength of their love. You are a strong person with a heart of gold.

Also.... has anyone heard from Marie? I'm worried about her, she hasn't returned any of my emails and I haven't seen her post lately...

I have Hosta Golden Tiara seed pods drying out in paper bags. When they dry and break I will separate the seeds from the chaff.

My Gaura seeds are so easy. I just strip them off the whip of the plant by running my fingers along it in a pinch and they pop off down into my hand. Those go right into seed packets that I make from parchment paper.

I have to start collecting some seeds from my clematis. They are finally turning to fluff. I can't collect those too early or they don't do anything. They have to dry on the vine as far as I've been able to tell so far.

I got some great seed pods on my daylily Moonlit Masquerade. I'm anxious to see what those will turn out looking like. I have no idea what they cross pollinated with so it will be a mystery. :o)

I have never collected seeds from heuchera before. Anyone have any experience in this? I'd love to gather some off my spent flowers. Do you wait until they're dried or can you take them when they are still green on the stem?

Hugs,
Wendy