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!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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?

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

and maybe jaleeisa-kathy
maybe proundgm

Have I gotten everyone so far?

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I'm so glad to hear that!!
But, I am questioning the lab that did it!!
What a horrible mistake to make!!

Marie

Joan

I'm so glad that your ok! Crack open that champagne bottle! I want some! ;) ~A toast to Dan~ health and happiness!

Hugs,
Deb

I had a cookbook that I got after my Dad was diagnosed with diabetes, I'll try to find it, if it made the move, if you'd like a few recipes. And I think I had one that I'd saved to the computer as well. I'll have time to look for that on Tuesday when I'm off work if you like. There were some wonderful dishes between those two cookbooks. Just let me know :)

HUGS,
Kathy

I picked up FIVE shopping bags of iris through freecycle and some of those had seed pods on them too...I'm just becoming a seed collecting obsessed person!..."L"

Keep us posted on Tiyli!

Deb

Linda, I'm anxiously awaiting the partners list!!!!

And Linda? Y'know, since you're already stirring those names, you could begin to draw them out of the hat, y'know! After all, what good is being the host if you can't bend the rules or change the dates??? HMPFH!!!

here's a little bribe for you...enjoy!
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Have a drink..loosen up and PICK NAMES!!!!

Here ya go Linda, drink up honey!

Now can we get the names????

I'll tell you what, if no one else joins up or is planning to..I'll post on Sunday night after I've come back from visitng my family. I'm leaving tomorrow morning and I'll be back Sunday afternoon....so everyone beat those bushes, check the cabana and look in the pool for any stragglers...."G"

Soooo... if everyone can be patient with me until then.. hopefully I can play :)

Kathy

Linda, now that you mention it, your right! Dan wouldn't give that list up would he!! I think maybe you should email us all our partners when you draw them and make Danny Boy wait till the 10th! LOL *evil grin*

Vic..you're a girl after my own heart..."G"

Carol,,maybe Dan can use the woodpecker as an alarm clock..."pondering"

It's amazing how many things you'll put on hold when you're not working. I think the kids thought it was Christmas! Actually most of it was finishing up needed school clothes and things they needed for that. When my ex-husband wouldn't help with any of the school stuff again, we had to prioritize. So, we finished up their school needs and then went on to the other little things, like tuning up the lawnmower, new string for the weedeater (my fences with no mulched beds were thankful!),and such a multitude of other small things that I was shocked when I started making the list three weeks ago when I got this job! Of course everyone added to the list.

And the new job, by the way, is going WONDERFULLY!!!!!!! Yes, it's a job at Wal~Mart, but they couldn't have placed me better! I'm in the Garden Center and trained as a cashier, my primary duty, unless someone is on break, is to take care of the plants! It's like having a HUGE garden and being able to arrange the plants, water and trim and care for them, discuss them with customers,discuss the merits of various mulches and additives, share all the organic tips and ways most of us garden, in short, do all the things I would at home, on a smaller scale, and get PAID for it! The older lady who also primarily cares for the plants really doesn't know much about then aside from that the hibiscus bushes need a lot of water. Even she directs customers with questions to me, as does the dept manager. And in a few weeks, as the plants dwindle away, we'll start setting for Christmas and that's my favorite holiday, so I'll get to decorate several trees, see all the new ornaments,etc.

I know there's a lot of bad that's said of Wal~Mart, especially abut the Garden Center part because of lack of care of the plants. But hopefully I'm making a difference in this one. And the pay and benefits aren't too shabby. More than what I would have gotten with a nursery. And this is year round as opposed to seasonal. LOL, Cliff's just glad I've already got most of the plants we carry, because I actually DID come home with a paycheck!

Kathy

And Carol? You can keep the woodpecker. I've got a cat who likes to wake me up every morning, and that's enough for me! LOL! This is pretty much what I wake up to each morning.....
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And Linda, would this be a good enough bribe?
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Enjoying a tall and spicy Bloody Mary in celebration of your good news! CHEERS.....Be well!

Annie

On a better note though, we are getting some housecleaning done, and making room for Paula's stuff. Hopefully, we'll just need to unload the moving truck and put her stuff away where it belongs.
We keep laughing this weekend at Bump because, what with all the moving of furniture and such, he's not sure what's going on or where anything belongs. But, he's still got that "supercat" attitude, and nothing will get the better of him! Here's a picture of what I think he sees when he looks into a mirror...
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Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Gotta go clean some more, the Master beckons! hehehe (she'll kill me for that, but it'll be worth it!)

-Dan

So, the van is 30 miles away, back at the dealership we bought it from, they told Cliff that the car rental place they use closed at 12 (Cliff got there at 2) and that they didn't do any loaners off the lot. So, Cliff had to call his brother away from his football party that he was hosting this week to drive 30 miles one way to pick him up. Then I had to beg a ride from a co-worker to get home since my son needed his car, which I normally drive. So, we're not sure what the problem's gonna be this time, or what they are going to do, or how much it's going to cost us. AND, we're without a car until all this is sorted out and fixed somehow. We're very frustrated. I've heard of brand new vehicles having "bugs" but this is really sad.

So, unfortunately, I'm going to sit out again this month. Not knowing what's going to go on with Cliff's van, which is not only transportation, but required for his job, I need to keep a tight hand on money until we know something.

I'm sorry for holding everyone up. I know you are all anxious to get your partners. Just when I think things are to where I can have some fun... feeling a little sorry for myself right now, because I really wanted to join in and had some really cool things I was planning to pick up.

Anyway, again, I'm sorry I held up everyone getting their partners.

Kathy

Hugs,
Wendy

hehehe

This is who I have so far...if I miss someone let me know!

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
paradise acres-Jay and Rhonda
proudgm

~Sassy

Tracy

Vic

Vic or Dan, we need a pic of a sloth!!!

Tracy, how's that phlox doing? I hope it blooms this year for you.

Lisa, looks like she's pretty busy right now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqio2G_Ra6g

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. A guy who purchased
his lovely wife a pocket Taser for their anniversary submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked
my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for
a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a
100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were
supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your
assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety and every
woman needs something to protect herself with, right??

WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it
home.
I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button.
Nothing!

I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND
pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue
arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME!!!
Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on
the face of her microwave.

Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it
couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right?< BR>
There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting
little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I
really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I
must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second)
and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going
to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did
want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong?

So, the re I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading
glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one
hand, and taser in another. The directions said that a one-second burst
would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was
supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a
three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the
ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds
would be wasting the batteries.

All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5' long,
less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with
two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, 'no possible
way!'

What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best...?

I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one
side as if to say, 'don't do it dummy,' reasoning that a one second
burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad. I
decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched
the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and . .

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD . . .
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . . . WHAT THE HECK!!!

I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me
up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and
over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal
position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire,
testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in
the oddest position, and tingling in my legs?

The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to
a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to
avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.

Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a taser, one
note of caution: there is no such thing as a one second burst when you
zap yourself! You will not let g o of that thing until it is dislodged
from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor.. A three
second burst would be considered conservative?

IT HURT LIKE HELL!!!

A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at
that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and
surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of
the fireplace.
The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it
originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still
twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my
bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling.
Apparently I pooped on myself, but was too numb to know for sure and my
sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head which I
believe came from my hair. I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm
offering a significant reward for their safe return!!

P. S. My wife loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it!

'If you think education is difficult, try being stupid.'

Joan

Lisa, (waving like a maniac) yes the phlox are all doing great. I have some buds bot not blooms yet. Soon I think, can't wait! The ice plant is looking perky in it's spot at the front of the rock garden. I still haven't gotten the sedums yet from Pam to send on to you. How late can you plant in your area? I'm afraid that they won't be here in time!

Tracy, glad to hear the plants are happy at your place. I have new pics and a new bed prepared. I have some sedums that I bought and some that pixie sent me(thank you, pixie!). I think I could plant until the end of the month, I'm not really sure. I would have to ask a more experienced zone 5er. I'm not worried about getting them. I sent the plants to you because I wanted to, not for a trade!!!

Linda, come on sister, pick the darn names!!!!!!

I've got a bunch of stuff here itching to go to someone. I might decide to keep them for myself if they hang around for too much longer lol.

I want to see the new pictures! And the new bed! I can't wait!

I think Linda is hiding from you guys...

I do want to explain how this works in case some of our RR people aren't sure. When you find your name, you will send to the person under you and the person in front of you sends to you. You can email your person and get to know them a bit to find their likes and dislikes...or just wing it!! It's up to you...but you must follow the rules posted at the beginning of the swap..any questions, feel free to email me....and no, that doesn't include the question "When are you posting???".."G"

proudgm/becky sends to
canyonwind/annie sends to
nikkineel/nikki sends to
veejall/carol sends to
dan the mailman/dan sends to
debya/deb sends to
ejmoore510/joan sends to
ishareflowers/lisa sends to
paradise acres/jay & rhonda sends to
lindaruzicka/linda sends to
wynative/marie sends to
prairiewinds sends to
sassybutterfly/wendy sends to
misskimmie/kim sends to
shadymeadows/sandy sends to
ladygreensleeves sends to
vic zn5/vic sends to
suze62/suzi sends to proudgm/becky

okay I think I did that right.."wiping sweat off brow"...

~Wendy

Yippee I got Suze! Boy are you in for it!
(UMMM, I mean in for a treat!!)LOL

And I will certainly keep everyone updated on the van saga. I'm going down there with Cliff tomorrow, so if you don't hear from me for a few days, don't fret too much, I'm just in jail and sooner or later someone will love me enough to get me out :P Seriously, I plan to rise some major hell. My husband's safety has been at serious risk for the last eight months, and from what they've said today, no one can still figure out what the issue is. AND they can get us a rental car, but it would be a smaller car, nothing comparable that Cliff could run his mail route in. Well, we'll see about that tomorrow. Cliff called the office this afternoon to keep them updated and ask if he could use a mailtruck tomorrow, but apparently he can't and will have to take unpaid leave until we have a vehicle. We'd used all his vacation days for our at home honeymoon. His Postmaster said that he has to have his own vehicle to work. This is getting serious. I mean, I understand his PM's view about every two months our car being out of commission for a week or more. So, tomorrow when we go down there, I intend to get paperwork proving that it's been in the shop for the same thing each time before I start threatening people with newspapers, tv stations and attorneys. That way, hopefully, Cliff won't lose his job as well as us being without a car. They are going to have to come to some sort of offer for us tomorrow, hopefully something that will allow Cliff to be able to work. If not, then they will get the Kathy tantrum special complete with reporters and lawyers. I've had enough. This is seriously threatening our livelyhood and our children's wellbeing. We can't afford to rent a larger vehicle than they will loan us because then, aside from the deposits, etc, Cliff would end up perhaps making $20/day until we could send it back after rental fees and the gas it would take for his route, plus it would eat into that $20/day with the excessive mileage.

Soooo, right now we're in a mess and I'm going to find some way to get us back on track quickly. And if I have to throw a fit and call every reporter in Oklahoma City, along with a few lawyers, then that's what I'll do. I mean this car was brand new when we bought it in January. It had all of 11, yes, that's ELEVEN miles on it when we drove it off the lot! And this is the FOURTH time in eight months it's been in the shop because the brakes went out with no warning- no ABS light, no brake warning lights, no noise from the brakes. Just one minute you can stop it and the next you're metal to metal and trying like hell to stop a Dodge Grand Caravan loaded from floor to roof and front seats to hatch with mail and parcels!

Alright, I'm through ranting for the moment, and will save the rest for the dealership tomorrow.

Everyone have fun putting together your packages! I think that's the best part....till I get mine in the mail!

That taser story had both Cliff and I in tears! Thank you! We very much needed that laugh!!!!!!!!

Hugs,
Kathy

And has everyone noticed? Linda posted partners!!! And it only took a couple cases of booze to get her to do it!!!
hehehe

Paula called a little while ago to let me know she made it home okay. I miss her already!!!

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Kathy, you go girl! raise holly he!! with them!
I'm putting a link on here for info on the Oklahoma lemon law. You can even file a complaint online with the BBB. I didn't read it all but it said...
"REASONABLE NUMBER OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS
The Oklahoma lemon law establishes a presumption that a reasonable number of repair
attempts has been undertaken to conform a motor vehicle to the applicable express
warranties if, within the express warranty term or during the period of one year
following the date of the motor vehicle’s original delivery to a consumer, whichever is
earlier, either of the following occurs:
1. The same nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times by the
manufacturer, its agents or authorized dealers, but the nonconformity continues to
exist; or
2. The motor vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for a cumulative total of 45 or
more calendar days."

I'm glad the taser thing made you laugh, I'm sure you did need it!

Tracy, I'll post a few pics on a thread I start myself when I get a home from work today.

Linda, Thank you for picking names early.

This is where my dog used to sleep in the sun, we lost him last December. I have jobs tears,chasing rainbows iris, ocean ensata iris "he was a lab and supposed to love the water), stairway to heaven iris and stairway to heaven jacobs ladder. The variagated hydrangea is a blue lacecap. I'll post more later on another thread so I don't bog this one down.

Have a great day everyone
Lisa

Lisa what an awesome memory garden! We share your love for labs! Ours is 3 now and LOVES to help in the gardens and go for rides in the old D-50 - he considers it his :) We responded to your email, please let us know if it didn't come through!

Linda, we've sent you an email but need to go play in the dirt (can't wait!) and shop a bit before sending!

Enjoy the day! Jay & Rhonda

PS any technically inclined out there?? how in the world do you post photos on here????

BIG HUGS!
Kathy

I'm sorry the list is a little confusing,,,it was past my bedtime when I put it up and I was afraid to let it go till morning..."shaking in my chair"....my daughter laughed at the popeyed snail..wasn't sympathatic at all! Shhesshhh...my own kid! I thought posting real names after the GW names would make it easier..must have been the Bailey's...LOL

Jay and Rhonda, I sent you an email.

If anyone can't get in contact with their partners, please let me know.

Here, Dan agreed to be your cheerleader! Gimme a G! O! K! A! T!
GOOOOOO KAT!!!!!

Seriously, though....good luck putting those guys in their place! That they would do that is unbelievable. For all they know, your KIDS ride in that van every day!
Even if you get them to replace the vehicle, be sure to report them afterwards...and go to Consumer Reports or somewhere to report the problem you had with the van. Maybe there is something wrong with that year model, that they SHOULD do a recall....but have been too cheap to do so yet. Raise all kinds of cain, because someone may have the same problem as you, but not enough knowledge or guts to do anything about it....and they just might have kids riding in theirs, too. Scary to think about!

Nikkineel (Nikki)....sent you an email!!!!

Annie

Wow Dan, I didn't know you were so cute in a cheerleader outfit! ROFL!

Linda, did Proudgm say she was joining for sure? I haven't seen her post since the first one, unless I missed it.

You guys have to check out the new daycare by us! I hope I can find a job quick just so I can get Zack in there before they fill up! They don't have a website but there was a story on the news (link below) I am going to go there today, they are having tours everyday this week. I stopped in and got a price list yesterday, they are CHEAPER then what I pd in MI (only $5.00/wk, but that's still cheaper!)

whew! I think I'm getting carpel tunnel from "talking" so much! LOL

Lisa, your memorial garden for your dog is just wonderful!

I sent you an email.

Sandy

I sent you an email.

Joan

Lisa, What a beautiful memory garden.

Proudgm/Becky e-mailing you!

Deb, I'm going to try to send you an e-mail, but my internet connection is acting up, so let me know if it gets through, will you?

You all take care!

GO KATHY GO! GO! GO! GO!

I've got your box all packed up and ready to go in the morning. I ended up with the largest flat rate box AND had to keep something for myself, oh darn it! lol

I'll post the dc# when I get it in the am. I hope you enjoy everything!

Thank you everyone for the kudos on the memorial garden.

Hvae a good night
Lisa

Dan, you look cute in your cheerleader get up! :o)

Linda, I'll get you the spreadsheet tomorrow after I add the partners onto it. Awesome job sister!

Tracy

Well, we went up there yesterday morning and the head of the service dept told us that they (he, the factory techs at Diamler-Crysler and someone else whom I can't remember) have determined it's the master cylinder, exactly what we've told them EACH time. See, the brakes will start dragging while you're driving (not on the brake) once you get the metal to metal sound. You get that "suuursuur" sound. That indicates that the master cylinder isn't completely releasing. So, we left, peaceably, with the promise that the new master cylinder would be in this morning, parts are checked in by 9 am, and should have the car back late this afternoon.

So, we get home, Cliff calls his office and keeps them up to date and lets them know that we've gotten print outs from each of the times the van has been down showing the reason being the brakes each time.

Well, about 4:30, I get a call from David Stanley Dodge. It's one of the service dept people (not the head guy, Brian) telling me that our van is ready. I'm like "Ready? Really?" He says yes, that they'd replaced the calipers, and the brakes and realigned the brakes and it's now ready for pick up. I asked about the master cylinder and said that we were told that it would not be in until this morning. He's like "Master cylinder?" I told him about the conversation with Brian that morning. I suggested that he talk with Brian before we come and pick it up, that as much as we would love to have our van back, I don't want to have the same problem again in 2 months. So, we expecting to hear from Brian around 10 this morning to explain what's going on.

This is their LAST chance to fix this. We have to allow them four chances according to the Lemon Laws here. If the brakes go out again, we're going to request that they (preferably) buy back this van so we can get another vehicle somewhere or replace the van. We'd prefer the first option because we'd rather purchase somewhere were they don't treat us like morons.

So, that's where we're at right now. More in the saga later, I'm sure.

Kathy

Your conf# is 03070020000467459315

Prarie, I hope you join us in some more swaps! We have a thread going with a list of upcoming swaps.

You guys won't believe this THING I found IN my bathtub!
Go to the link, I've been told it's a wind scorpion aka sun spider, aka many other names! I just call it NASTY!

So, I was waiting for them to call, and they finally did about 9 am. The head of the service dept, Brian, said that the factory engineers changed their mind about replacing the master cylinder. So, they replaced the calipers and brake pads, turned the rotors and realigned the brakes. And told Cliff to drive it with the EPS brake system turned off (something he will have to remember to do EACH time he starts the van because it comes on automatically).

So, we get there to pick it up and Brian goes over all of this with us again. He answers the questions we have on the EPS braking system, telling us that yes, in the normal course of things, you leave it on because it helps with control in the event of a skid. But apparently, they feel that it may be kicking in all the time rather than being triggered by the ABS sensors detecting skid conditions. (All of this still spells defective to us)

We end this conversation with Brian saying "To be honest, I don't feel like the problem's fixed, but this is what the techs at the factory said to do to help diagnose the problem. We want you to bring it in in about 1000, 1500 miles on your day off and we'll pull the tires and take a look at the brakes for excessive wear. If we find it, and I'm sure we will, we'll arrange for you to bring it in and hopefully we'll have time to find you a van as a loaner because it will be down for at least a week because the engineers from Daimler/Chrysler will be flying in to inspect it."

So, they put us back out in a vehicle they know is still not fixed. According to the Lemon Law, we have to give them this fourth chance to fix it. When the brakes go out again, we're going to claim our rights under the law and demand that they either buy the van back and let us purchase elsewhere (preferred), or replace the van. It is been in four times now and released so when it happens again, Cliff and I feel that they can inspect it all they want because it will be theirs again, even if we have to hire a lawyer to accomplish it. This has been a huge headache and inconvenience. It's putting Cliff's job and our livelihood on the line. It's putting his safety in jeopardy each and every day, along with that of any vehicle or pedestrian he passes (and keep in mind, he has four schools on his route). It puts our children's safety on the line each time we have to take them somewhere in it. And you want to know the punch line?

We bought this brand new van for him to use for work, being very forthright that it was for his work and what he does, down to him driving it from the passenger side like he has to for work with the salesman in the car to make sure it was comfortable and he could drive it safely (the salesman even pointed out that the gas and brakes were adjustable and could be raised to his comfort level). We did this because the vehicle he had was older and was needing a lot of repairs and just was not safe enough for him to do this job. So, we think we're paying $700/month, but it's not going to need so many repairs, it will be safer and more comfortable for him. And now this one has already been down more than the old one was in a year and a half. And it's still not fixed and safe.

I see extra bottles of dye to cover the gray I know is coming because I'm going to be scared every time he goes to work now.

Kathy

Geez Kathy, those people sure are giving you the round around!

We're on the 'lookout' for the package Linda!

Enjoy the eve...J&R

J&R~ YUCK, TOO! That's not the kind of "extra" I like to find in my packages! ICK!

Eeeewww...all this talk about bugs has REALLY given me the creepy crawlies. *shudder&blech*

Kat~ I hope the brakes go out soon! Well, you KNOW what I mean! The sooner they do, the sooner you *hopefully* get this over with! It sounds like they're using ya'll as a test case. Moronic people! (them, not you!!!!!! LOL) Grrrr!

My daddy bought a brand new Ford truck back in '91...the FIRST new vehicle he'd ever owned. It turned out to be a lemon, too. Something with the fuel system, I think. He took it back to the dealership after the 2nd time it broke down (in less than a month!) and told them to "KEEP the #$*# thing, it's a piece of SH^%!!" Surprisingly, they didn't give him any hassle at all. Just let him walk off the lot, and refunded his money the next day.

Jaleeisa how frustrating to have to go thru such nonsense, just to prove you have a lemon. UNREAL. Thoughts are with you thru this all.

Ok, well maybe more than 2 beers! But I didn't want to have too many, I had to stay alert in case there were more, which I'm afraid there might be....."shiver"

PW, that's a good idea, maybe I should get one of those electic ones! And no, Zack would have freaked! He is still afraid of bugs and then he got stung by a wasp and now he is even afraid of flies! The thought of keeping it and feeding it! YUCK, while doing some research on them I seen a video of one taking out a mouse!
I got my email with the DC# Thanks!

Vic

They really are giving us the run around, you should be able to enjoy a new vehicle. This one just makes us ill at the sight of it.

On a happier note, I'm going to be meeting with some of the Oklahoma City area GW'ers! Well, technically, I've already met Moni, since she stopped by Wally world one day to say hello. Anyway, she's picking me up and we're going to drive to the Village (another OKC suburb) and meet Lisa. I've seen pictures of her gardens and they are WONDERFUL! So I'm really looking forward to this! And Lisa has some yellow cannas and some iris orientalis she's going to share! :) I was putting together some hardy ice plant to share, but don't think they're quite ready. But that's alright, we're going to get together again soon, so I can share them then and they can keep them inside as a houseplant and propogate them for next spring.

So, there's always a bright note to every shadow, I just have to keep reminding myself of that. But I sure was sick to my stomach to see Cliff leave in that van this morning.

Kathy

It is nice you get to meet some local GW's! I bet you will have a ball! Go enjoy yourself for a while you deserve it!!!

Deb

We had some really good rain today so things in my garden have really perked up. I have a couple of plants that I'm hoping to flower before it gets too cold. I want to collect the seeds!!..."L"

How's everyone else's garden's doing? Cleaning up? gathering seeds? Poking the slow ones along?

First, I've emailed back Prairiewind, just waiting for a response. :)

Sandy ~ have you heard back from Misskimmie yet? I've emailed her, she's my 'send to' person but haven't gotten any reply yet... Linda, have you heard from her at all?

Carol ~ I'm so glad Tiyli is ok! Whatta scary day!

Vic ~ that taser post was HILARIOUS!!!!!! omg that was great! :)

Kathy ~ bless your heart... I dealt w/ that crap years ago too, finally dropped the car off on their lot and made a big ugly sign and put it in my yard (right off the hwy) telling people NOT to buy from this particular dealership... lol needless to say they never tried to come after me for the purchase $$ and I removed the sign :)

Dan ~ I know how it is to do that long-distance thing... my bf and I did it over 4 YEARS before he was finally able to move down.. He's from Canada hence the red-tape for the Visa and etc etc etc.. But at least for you two it's not TOO long before you can be together all the time! :)

Melissa ~ How's that bun in the oven comin' along? :P Do you have a due date yet? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Questions Questions..lol I still have somethin' sittin on my desk to send to you .. one of these days I'll get around to it.. probably when we move.. ha!

Linda ~ I'd love to say I've been out in the garden working on it, but mostly I've just been bagging up my ridiculously large stash of milk jugs. No, I don't collect them for the FUN of it... for winter-sowing this coming season! I hit up Starbucks and hit the mother-load! My landlord actually complained so I had to bag everything up all nice 'n tidy.. makes it easier for the move anyhow. The funny thing is I had so much stuff in my driveway yesterday between plants I've been digging up and putting in pots to move, alllllllllllll my garden knick knacks I had 3 people stop and think I was having a yard sale! LOL I shoo'ed them off w/ dire threats if they so much as touched a single milk jug. (not really but the idea of it was funny :P ) I have been grabbing seeds here n there and anywhere I can.. the thing I need to work on is labeling them the minute I get home cuz right now I have about 10 baggies of 'unknowns' that I know I saved for a good reason.. I just dunno what they are!

I am a bit proud to boast I listed my first 'offer' on the seed exchange side.. silly to be proud of that really, but I feel like it's part of the process of unbecoming a newbie! lol Sooo if anyone's interested, go check it out! I have lotsssss of the seeds listed on my trade page!

Hugs ya'll!
~Wendy

Linda, Ladygreensleeves emailed me the DC#0308 0730 0000 5484 6510.
I'm still working on Suzi's box, she gave me the OK to send ANYTHING I want hehehe.........

Vic

I emailed Misskimmie, but have not heard back from her either. I might be wrong, but I don't think she posted since signing up.

Ladygreensleeves and I have been in contact with each other. I will be sending her box early next week.

Sandy

Just wanted everyone to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Tracy talked to her last night and hopefully will be able to get through today.

There is no way I COULDN'T manage to fit seed collecting into my daily life.. I'm wayyy too addicted to this!

Sandy ~ I guess we'll leave it up to Linda to decide on a timeframe to 'wait' to see if she shows up? Linda? Maybe she's just out of town or something.......

I'm supposedly super-cleaning the kitchen today... cleaning out cabinets, wiping them down, tossing LOTS of out of date bottles and stuff that have hidden behind the 'good stuff'... but yet the strangest thing keeps happening... I keep finding myself mysteriously sitting in front of the computer! Dunno how that happens.......

Hugs,
Wendy

This past season I just put them all around the outer edge of the property line. Nothing bothered them, the trees gave them enough protection from wind I guess. Slowly moved them more into part sun as they grew. Rabbits found my lettuce and cabbage so I moved those but they left all my flower plants alone.. amazingly!

This year I'll be at my mom's house and I have NO clue what I'll do with them... There's 3 garden beds that I'd planned to clean out for actual veggie use etc next season, I guess I'll stash them there.. my only worries are the way too curious dogs we have.. .they sure do love chewing on milk jugs.. *sighh I guess I'll try to put up some cheapo short fencing around them .. it will be an adventure I'm sure.. and one I will no doubt be posting in the forums as the dogs continue to ruin my gardening dreams! lol

I've also been pretty crafty about snatching the plastic flat trays from the grocery store that I'm guessing stored bread... I always drive behind the grocery stores and malls and see what the stores have tossed outside. :P Those were great to move batches of jugs at a time!

Nyah Nyah.. MADE YA LOOK! LOLLLLLL

Hugs,
Wendy

But, that's ok....HAH! Made you look too!

Ok, this time I am REALLY going to go do something!

I was wondering if you guys when you save you milk jugs from home do what I do. As soon as they are empty fill them with water and use that to water your plants with(dont rinse them).The small amount of milk that is left leaves behind trace amounts of vitamin D and others as well as other nutrients. My houseplants and all the ones outside love it. And you can also dampen a cloth and wipe down dusty leaves of houseplants to make them shine with it as well.

Vic, sorry I forget that the little ones are still afraid of bugs and such. Mine are alot older and want to make pets out of everything....bugs,lizards,rats,snakes,rabbits,you name we have had it at one time or other. We currently have 1 dog and 4 cats and I foster kittens and sometimes puppies for the ASPCA. And it's not uncommon for the neighbors to bring me litters from ferals that need bottle fed or even baby oppossums,squirrels,and baby birds.
Oh and thanks for posting the delivery confirmation # here for your box. I totally spaced on that one.

Wendy, your not the only one who has learned about those bread trays now....they are great for carring alot of things,pots,seed trays,jugs. Makes moving mass amounts of seedlings and plants alot easier. And great in the greenhouse too as your "shelve" since they have holes water soil falls on thru to the ground.

Well back to cleaning....bleeeeaaakkkkk!!!

*giggle giggle SNORT!

~Wendy

I have a screened in porch that is my personal planting paradise. If you can find the table out there your doing good....lol.It's covered with various pots of starts of this and that. My potting bench is out there as well along with the priorty boxes and newspaper for shipping the plants, my tackle box of seeds stay inside in the AC. And I have been collecting seed too. My Japanese Morning glories are seeding now,moon vine,and cypress vines. I also have several plants hanging from hooks out there. And I hang plants from plants....lol.

UUmmmm....shaving the legs huh....are you trying for dinner out tonite too.....giggle

I have always gotten emails direct through Garden Web...just changed it so you can see it on "My Page"! I will email you!

Nikkineel...Nikki,

Sent you an email last Tuesday. Still have not heard from you and noticed that you have not posted since partners were announced. Hope all is well. Touch base when you get a chance! I need your address!

Thanks much!

Annie

You have mail.

kim

2 bird plates
2 suet blocks
a set of garden tools
Garden Friends sign
3 balloon flower roots
and bird attracting seeds galore....
Blue GLobe thistle
Giant Red Celosia
Yvonnes Salvia
Columbine
Blk hollyhock
Sundown ECH
Teddy Bear sunflowers
Sweet Dreams Coreopsis
Pink Hollyhocks

and yes, we can't forget the fun long nosed pink bird... LOL...

Had him sitting on the hottub as we unpacked the box.....Jake, our yellow lab sure got his tail in a bunch... his hair stood up, back legs shaking... tail pointing and whoa did he bark at that pink goggle bird :) Too funny!

The google bird comes in parts -- we plan to attach him to a post and 'plant' him in the garden -- can't wait to hear the bark and see the legs shake as Jake playfully hops down to the garden to see what the frogs are up to! ... can just see the South Dakota wind blowing his bobbly head and legs around as Jake pops his head into the flowers :)

Thanks again Lisa!

Linda your box is getting fuller! :)

Is it Spring YET? Happy Gardening all! Jay & Rhonda

Nikki (Nikkineel)....sent you two more emails this morning (one through GW).

Lisa, a super box for Jay and Rhonda...The pink google bird...to darn funny!!! Enjoy!!!

Annie

I'm glad to hear that your box made it to your home safe and sound, I was concerned about the birdie dessert plates. I didn't know if I put enough bubble wrap.

I'm sorry the google bird was out of his package, I couldn't fit him in with his packaging. They show it attached to a tree on the package but I'm sure that a post will work too.

Good luck growing everything.

For everyone else,

I will tell you all now about the item that I couldn't fit in. I found at my local nursery, a huechera BROWNIES! how funny is that. It would have been perfect in a box for Dan with all his brownie talk.

I have it offered on the plant exchange now because I really don't need another huechera.

I'm off to do the dreadful deed of cleaning the house.

Have a great day everyone
Lisa

Nikkineel...Nikki, I received your email as well. Sent you off an email.

Becky and Nikki, if you do not receive, let me know!

Thanks much!

Annie

On another note, has it been decided who is hosting next month's swap? I'm not going to be able to host/participate in October, and I think Vic is going to host. I'm not sure though.

-Dan

I am going to be the co-host with Pixie, she still does not have internet right now so it will be a little bit before we post the swap, I'm going to send Tracy my ph.# to pass on to her so we can discuss it. But, we still have plenty of time for that....

NOW, I got my box yesterday, sorry, I just didn't have time to post.

Regina/ladygreensleeves sent me:
a Huge amaryllis bulb
some paperwhite bulbs
crocosomia bulbs (red)
seeds:
clematis purple and no id (been wanting these)
cypress vine red
beauty berry purple and white
japenese morning glories
siberian iris 'Ceasars Brother"
and....
a picture frame flower pot
a grape hyacinth and a crocus grow kit (comes with their own little pots to plant in)
a mini hummer feeder and food for it
a cute wire bird on a spring (I can't describe it so here's a pic)
and some hard candy

Thanks Regina!!

Everyone have a great week!!!!!

-Dan

Joan

Deb

Suze, your box will be going this week hehehe!

Kathy, how are things going with the van?? Did you have fun with the GWers?

Vic

Joan

As far as meeting with the two GW'ers, that didn't happen. The one that had offered me a ride wanted to pick me up at 6 pm. I don't get off work until 6. Well, I'm scheduled until 6, depending on whether there's another cashier for them to get back there when I remind them of this at 5:45, it's been as late as 6:30- 6:45 at times before I could clock out. Then after spending all day grubbing with the plants, I wanted to take a fast shower and change out of my uniform. I had asked, since we weren't meeting until 7:30 and I know how to get to Lisa's house, if she could pick me up closer to 7. She preferred to leave it at picking me up at 6, so I had to bow out, thanking her for her offer of a ride and offering apologies to the others. I felt bad about it. She was really kind to offer the ride, but I couldn't leave it arranged for her to pick me up at 6 when I know there is no earthly way I'm going to be home at 6.

So, I didn't get to meet anyone yet. I am going to see if I can at least do postage with Lisa for some of those wonderful yellow cannas she offered.

And I came home yesterday to a WONDERFUL surprise! I've really been down about the van and not being able to do any swaps lately. The new job is great and going almost frighteningly well. For some reason I seem to be very highly thought of not only with my dept and dept manager, but with the other managers, including the two co managers and the store manager. I had to come home early on Saturday with a migraine and Sunday when I got back I had everyone concerned about me. Yesterday the store manager, Pete, stopped me to make sure I was feeling better and to let me know how much they appreciate me. Ya know, we hear so many bad things about so many large companies. I know, WalMart has a really bad rep with their plants and customer service. Hopefully I'm doing my part to change that in this one. But I will say that if they all treat their employees the way I've been treated at this one.... well, it's really a wonderful place to work. To me the things and the way I do them are part of doing my job. More on that later. But they are all very appreciative of the work I do.

Back to my surprise... aside from the job going well, everything else has been a mess. The van, needing to still be cautious with money until we know what's going to happen with this van, getting the family use to me working again, my 15 yr old daughter having to babysit the two younger ones (yeah, no, I didn't expect ANY problems with my drama queen daughter being pressed into service as a paid babysitter for her brothers!)

So I've been pretty down. I came home yesterday to find two wonderful packages. Dan and Linda both sent me a cheer up package! Both STUFFED with seeds! Several that I've been wanting! I will grab the packages and list them after the boys get off to school. I just want to say THANK YOU and hopefully you two will know just how very much getting those packages have touched me. I've been feeling very disconnected with the group these last couple months due to not being able to join the swaps. Those packages reminded me that my GW family thinks about me and are concerned. You guys reminded me that I am part of this group and I have wonderful friends here :) Love you guys! ALL of you :)

Kathy

Vic

Sandy

I really hope you like everything!

Joan

well the excitement this week has been a septic tank back up.. at least I think that's what it was. Not sure yet, still waiting on landlord & plumber. Basically if you drain the tub and/or run water in ANY sink or wash clothes, water comes bubbling out from under the toilet and floods the bathroom and hallway. Yes I learned that the hard way... BUT if you flush.. nothing awful happens (thank GOD!!) lol Couldn't wait til we moved oh no.. it had to happen NOW! ughh

How's everyone doin'? It's TOO quiet here!! (YELLIN' it LOUDLY!) :P

Hugs ya'll,
Wendy

I've been seed gathering and encouraging some flowers that havent' bloomed yet to get a move on (this involves me standing over them and saying "you guys better get a move on before the frost gets you!" Seems to be working, I saw two blooms on my cardinal climber.."L">

The boxes coming through to everyone have some good stuff in! Everyone is doing a great job. I'll be mailing mine out later today.

HOw is everyone else doing??

I have gotten a package from Dan, Linda and one today from Vic. You guys have no idea just how much it has touched not only me, but Cliff and the kids as well.

From Dan I received:
Shasta Daisy
Musky Purple Columbine
Mixed Datura
Millet Grass- is this the tall one?
Dianthus
White Turtlehead- which has been on my wants list for some time and will be going in near my Snapdragons!
and a wonderful note to cheer me up with smiley faces all over it :)

From Linda I received:
Seed envelopes
Purple/white datura
New England Aster
Larkspur- unknown color
Yellow Bells Trumpet Bush
Chinese Lanterns
Mammoth Sunflower
Snapdragons- Tall Deluxe Mix
Zinnia- Lilliput- something I've been thinking about adding for a bit! :)
Flower stickers!
Bookmark with the sun and moon!How well my friends know me! For those that don't know, I am Wiccan and my guiding symbol is the Moon.
and another wonderful cheer up note!

From Vicky:
Charleston Gray Watermelon
Jaradale Pumpkin- which I will have to look up, never heard of it
Cilantro
Pumpkin- Jack O' Lantern
California Blackeyed pea
Fennel
Snapdragons- tall mixed
Helianthus Microcephalus
Hosta- Drk Green large leaved
Black eyed Susan
Queen Anne's Lace
Dusty Miller- the boys will take this one from me, they ADORE Dusty Millers!
Broom Corn- will be great for fall decorations next year!
Cosmos- Single Sensation Mix
Lufa gourd- I need more of these than the two I have now!
Cleome
Wild Sunflowers that grow all over where Vic lives :)
Kale- Dwarf Blue Curled
Spinich- Giant Noble
Basil- Purple African
Iris fan- no ID, unknown color
Daylily fan- no ID unknown color- I enjoy surprises and can't wait to see what colors these are!
A copper colored bird shaped decorative hanger with jacket hooks :)
and another wonderful note reminding me of the wonderful things in my life to hold to when the world seems to be going nuts.

You guys are the most wonderful friends I could imagine! The generosity of this brings tears to my eyes :)
Thank you so very much!!

HUGS,
Kathy

Enjoy -
Sandy

Kathy you know we love ya! I know how it is to just feel like the blows just keep comin' at ya. It's nice to have some sweet surprises to bring a smile to your face and remind you what really matters :)

Hugs,
Wendy