Let the decisions continue:

Marie, that is terrible! Both the teacher and principal should be dismissed, ppl like that should not be working with children! Do they not know about how many tragedies we have had in our schools that start with what they consider nothing to worry about. I'm glad your daughter said something to you.

As far as moving up the swap, they were talking about moving everyone up a month starting with Jan, not moving the start date up.

Diene, I didn't give you June, hehe. Fran said she didn't care.

So, we will NOT be moving Fran from her B-day month, that's fine with me. You've stressed out too much about this for us to take your month away! : )

Like I said, I vote
Dec. secret santa
Jan. open - or resolution swap

These are really the only 2 things we need to decide on and we will be all set to get this Bash started. What does everyone else want to do for Dec and Jan?

Vic

Fran~ I understand about not getting anything for your birthday..or Xmas..or V-day... Last year was the first time I'd gotten anything from my hubby for either our anniversary OR my birthday. He gave me a combined gift (since they are so close together) of a drawing he did for me, of a rose from my garden. It was gorgeous, and I think even MORE special, since he really isn't one to give gifts at all. My family isn't, either....I can literally count on ONE hand the number of gifts I've gotten for any special occasion.

So...yeah, it IS kinda fun to have our own "month", I suppose. :O) Sorry to hit a sore spot, and I promise I won't suggest anything else. :O)
I go with the majority on whatever ya'll decide to do for Dec. & Jan. Consider me the fence sitting bunny!

Deb

Were in the problem IS we can't decided exactly what we want to do for this December month.
Should it:
A) Be Secret Santa
b) Be Ornatment Swap
C) OR Something else altogether
AND SHOULD WE
1) Leave Jan open
2) Do a resolution swap
3) Fill it with someone else since it is open

I am happy with the members we have at this moment and I feel as though we will decide what to do and we WILL HAVE LOADS OF FUN WITH THIS SWAP!

Bunny, not a problem with suggestions. I am just saying I want to keep my month cause well, spring is my month and I LOVE SPRING AND IT STARTS IN MARCH and depending on WHO you ask either ON my B-day OR the day after! So yes, I have a selfish motive....lol.

I WANT EVERYONE to feel as though they have a voice in this swap and to keep posting what they feel would be best for the options we have.

For months that are open we DO have options in filling them with whatever theme or whatever we decide.

NOW for MY opinion on JAN: I personally think we should either do something simple with something homemade made as in a recipe included with Bunnies resolution idea OR just keep it open as most of us WILL NOT be able to send plants anyway and even for bulbs that is really too late to do anything with those either.

Now we could do some switching around and get Feb. open too and either leave it open or do something like a secret Valentine. OR leave it filled with Vic. Depends on IF you really want plants or not Vic cuz Feb. isn't all that great for plants either.
OH, and NO I am not complaining cuz I have TO MANY plants, the issues is WHERE can I put their little beddies for them to sleep through the winter ;)!

Marie, that is a crock about the school thing and I THINK you and the other parents who were intrustmental in getting the police involved should go to the media and REPORT what EXACTLY happened and tell them that you parents are the ones who got the police involved that HE just sit on his laurals to let what happens next may! I think the school board would do something then IF not already PLUS other government agenices would like to know how this was very wrongly handled!

I hope ya'll don't mind me posting a Halloweeny pic for us for this thread cuz we ARE going into the month of Oct. and I just thought it was cute!

I think I touched on all that needed to be addressed so now I am going to bed.

:) Fran

The Principal & teacher still have their jobs but are being investigated : ) I hate to stir things up to much & trying to do it the legal way. When this first came to light, there were plenty of parents that wanted to 'rush' the Principals office and ya know.... me being one of them but that would have just caused more problems and we are trying to show our kids that violence is not the way to settle things. It just amazes me that they can keep doing such a terrible job being "educater's" and never have to answer for their mistakes because they have been there a certain amount of time. The guilty are coming back to school tommorrow, if they get their phsyc evaluations done and pass but the girls are very nervous! This weekend there are not any night games but next week is home coming - bon fires, dances, games and bbq's - all after dark. They have a Deputy on duty at the front door of the school that EVERYONE has to shake hands with -
K-12, not sure what that is about but I would love to see the 3's faces in the morning when they arrive LOL!!!

Thats enough of that ...
Marie

Fran, I'm fine with Feb. we don't have to go mixing things up again. And, I'm really getting into houseplants right now, to give me some type of "gardening" to do in the winter, plus I'm going to be doing a lot of inside sowing of annuals and try some other perennials in pots too, I'm thinking of starting some warmer climate perennials this winter from seed just to see if I can do it! LOL, so even seeds would make me happy.....

I vote for secret santa ornament swap for Dec
Jan - either resolution swap or leave open.

Deb, I have no problem starting in Nov with you, the reason you moved to Nov is so that hopefully you will be able to get plants. At least at that time of year you might be able to still pot them up if you can't get them in the ground.

I can't wait for this to start! ;)

Deb

Marie-I'm astonished by your story. The last thing kids should be doing is researching how to make bombs. I don't understand why these people are still employed.

As far as the months we don't have birthdays I would enjoy an Ornament Swap in December. I have ornaments on my little tree from several members of the GW. I enjoy seeing them every year. I make one heck of a terrific Christmas Ornament for some lucky person! I not really into New Year's Resolutions. I set goals for myself all year long and try to stick to them. Also I wouldn't mind a month where we just sent cards to each other.

Anyway that's just my two cents worth.LOL

Deb, I don't usually send plants in November. I could however send you an IOU.....
Mariann

We had a simialar situation here two years ago with our school system...and what got me upset the most, is the people at the school are suppose to be the role models for our kids..Im so glad you reacted the way you did, and I am SURE they will have a lot of fun next week !

As for the upcoming swaps...Id Love the secret santa in Dec as long as the amount of items being sent, is kept small..this IS going to be a hard Christmas season for SOO many people, with the economy the way it is going !!

As for the ornament for each person..I wouldnt physically be able to do it..I dont want to be a "party Pooper" soo if this is decided, maybe I can just buy some that look homemade ?? Or get some from a craft bazaar.

I dont want to give anymore ideas to think of..BUT what about in JANUARY..since it is a month everyone struggles thru...can we do a BOOK swap...could be our favorite book..or a gardening one..or even a magazine. I know everyone "looks" for things to do this month, and I know I am always flat broke in Jan from the holidays.

Fran..I want you to know i am easy going, and will "join in" with anything...and I do look forward to this swap...I wish everyone would promise to stop worrying about this working, and just start enjoying it all !! OK :)

LET THE PARTY BEGIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deb

I was wondering who if any would be open to a new group devoted to our birthday month?
Who ever signs up would receive boxes from everyone in the group on their birthday or in that month...I would prefer it be the week of or shortly after the actual day of the birthday date. This would be for plants, unless, the birthday person doesn't want plants that month OR plants wouldn't be available for the person sending them, such as January and the ground is frozen, then the rule would be to send garden related items, such as knee pads, gloves, pruners, seeds, small pots, new four/six packs, bulbs, houseplants, or anything else that may be appropriate, or on the Birthday person’s exchange page as a request, even for none garden items if you have it or can find it.
Yes, this would require us to start getting items NOW on clearance to share in the months were plants or bulbs are not available. So, if you want to participate then you might want to start making purchases now to send out to who ever for those winter months.

Ok, now for the spending limit, it is up to you, but let’s say a minimum of 20.00, I am not saying you have to spend 30.00 or 40.00 bucks per person per month, but make it something you would like to receive as well. The limit will be on gifted items not plants, but let’s agree to spend a minimum of 20.00 per person for non-plant items. Again, the limit would be up to you, but at least 20.00 dollars per person, unless of course you can take advantage of clearance racks now then the dollar value would actually be less then 20.00 even though the original price would have totaled 20.00. Say you find a 5.00 pair of pruners on sale at 70% off, that would make them 1.50, but you can count it as a 5.00 purchase toward your total of the 20.00 minimum.
Now, there would be not limit toward plant totals, because how would you gauge the value of a plant, UNLESS you actually purchase a prized plant for someone then it can be counted toward your spending limit. Example, someone is looking for a Lilac bush or special tree (or any other plant this is an example), you find it for 12.00 and you purchase it that will be part of your total limit amount because you actually had to make the purchase for the receiver and understandably you would only need a value of 8.00 dollars more to achieve your 20.00 spending limit. In a case such as this, if you feel as though there would be a grievance against you in the group you may contact the moderator to explain your intention and it will get approval. This way there will be no dispute on any parties’ behalf. *** see below for more information on this subject.

I would like to start in January 2009, why am I posting the idea NOW you ask? To give EVERYONE a chance to make purchases now for items they may want to include for the months of January, February, March, and maybe even April for those who may join who still doesn’t have plants available from their yards in April. Also, it would give everyone time to think about this and whether or not they would like to participate. Please consider your commitment long term BEFORE you agree to join this group.

Ok, now, I understand that things unforeseen arise from time to time, but this is going to be a ONE YEAR commitment on all our parts that join up for this Group. With that being said, please either start putting back items and savings for these months in order to be able to ship to whomever will be the recipient for future months, it wouldn’t be fair for anyone to ship something to someone else and then because something happened they didn’t receive a box from everyone. Let’s prepare for the upcoming B-day months.

OK, now, to decide how many can join this group, I was thinking 1 or 2 per month, if it is limited to only a few participants then it wouldn’t be so hard on any of us to ship to a few. Therefore we would either receive anywhere from 12 (limited to 1 B-day a month) to 24 (limited to 2 B-days a month) boxes each for our Birthday in that month, which is why I would like for the boxes to be shipped as close to the actual day a possible.

***Grievances or Dispute!!!*** As always, there will be no personal private emails, no negative comments, or anything to hurt anyone’s feelings. This is meant to be a fun group and fun swaps for all who participate. If you feel you need to vent please contact me or one of the other moderators and explain what happened or made you think you have a complaint. I feel this is necessary due to some issues within other groups. If you need approval for something you would like to send then again contact me or one of the other moderators. Grievances or Dispute WILL NOT be made public to other group members only to the person(s) involved and to the moderators.

I would like to have one or two moderators to help me in case I (god forbid) get sick or something and can not monitor the monthly happenings in that week or two. This is to be persons who can and will be willing to email myself and the other moderator about happenings within the group. This will keep us educated and up-to-date within our group.

Also, I would like anyone who participates to post what they receive and pictures would be even better.

Should we happen not to have someone for every month than we as a group will decide whether we want to partner up and choose a theme for that month OR skip it all together.This is to be decided in that particular month!

As it stands now:
November---
17-debbya/Deb

December---
Holiday Swap!

January---
Open

February-
18---vic_zn5/Vic(MT)

March---
20—ncgardengirl/Fran(NC)(ME)

April---
10---flwers4ever/Kym (R.I.)

May---
17 nikkineels/nikki

June—
12---diene/diene
July---
17---galium/Mariann

August—
23---wynative/Marie (WY)

September---
26---hazelnutbunny/Melissa

October---
???

Alrighty then, will all will be waiting on your reply proudgm_03!

:) Fran

Deb, I am impressed it is so warm there still. I HATE cold weather. ALL those things you asked for are all REALLY good realizing items, I am sure we ALL have had Calgon moments...LOL. Thank goodness I have done alright this year keeping up with the weeds BUT my beds are not big yet either...
I can't get outside right now cuz it is raining...a LOT! BUT we DO need the rain!!! So I am not complaining. BUT I do need to be doing stuff outside still too.

I want some APPLES!!! I would love some apple jelly and applebutter...YUMMY. OHHH and I would really like some homemade apple juice.

I just realized what I miss too. I used to get some Apple juice in California, it was in these cute little apple shaped jars, it was REALLY exspenive but it was the BEST apple juice I think I have ever had. Can't remember the name of it for the life of me. We can't get it here and I haven't had any in YEARS!!!
I just talked to someone who has grapes in right now for sale gee whiz I would like to have some of those for some jelly too. I am so deprived....HEHEHE

Kym, if we do a secret Santa OR a onrantment swap I was thinking when I said we could make an onranment for everyone I was thinking the cheaper homemade ones NOTHING majorly exspenive.

OR WE WILL PICK partners and do a special one for our partner, I am good with whatever everyone else wants to do too.

OH and BTW Vic is one of the new moderators. If I haven't actually posted this info before just thought I would inform everyone of this :)

Ok well, I am guessing this is it for now. I will check in later! If anyone has posted while I have had this one in progress I will address you later on tonight! Yes, this one has been on going for a while too. Have too many things going on at one time....hehe.

:) Fran

We have a farm stand near us that sells NJ local apples. Several different varieties. I love apples!!! My favorites are Matsu, Honey Crisp, Cortland and Ida Red. I picked up a new variety last week but can't remember the name of it. I'll get more this week end.

We've had rain all day today and will get more tomorrow. I did get my hair cut and picked out new glasses today.
Mariann

I would like to get this done by NOVEMBER so everyone will get their partners in November and have a deadline of say Dec. 15th or so to send out the Dec. Box? IF everyone is in agreement with this then please let us know and Vic and I will make plans on who to partner up ok? THANKS EVERYBODY!!!!

:) Fran

And in January, we could all send each other boxes of Dexatrim. :O)

I think that diene is right this needs to be fun for you. I'm well aware of the organization necessary for a swap like this. I think that in many ways you are like me a bit of a perfectionist. You are doing a great job! I'm so glad you have Vic to relieve you of some of the duties.
Mariann

Sounds like for the most part everyone wants to do a secret santa ornament swap, however, we won't have partners, we don't have an even # of ppl. so, the person you will be sending to will not be the one sending to you, does that make sense? (still having my coffee)

Diene and Mariann, no one lives by me! : (
Just kidding, I know what you two mean! hehe

I was thinking, to keep it simple, we could just go down the list by month and you would send to the person in the month after you (Deb would send to me, I would send to Fran, Fran to Kym, etc) Do I need more coffee? LOL

Also, Yes, Fran posted the information from the first thread for Prdgm, we are waiting to hear from her to see if she wants to play : ) And we also have Oct. open too.

Mariann, I think you are confused, when I offered to help, I was just going to be passing out cocktails and snacks! LOL
Am I supposed to be "working" here? hehehe

When I said partners I meant choosing who would send to whom and yes to make it cheaper hopefully someone near your geographical location.
SO NO in that sense there are NO PARTNERS but we need to know who to send to. ONCE I have EVERYONE'S location I can see who needs to send to whom. Because as for the most part we all know the closer a package is being mail from you the less exspense there is in mailing it out.
Somehow that just seems wrong to me, I think if a package is 12 x 12 as long as it is being shipped throughout the USA it should be the same no matter what!
(NOT GETTING STARTED ON THE POSTAL SERVICE THEY JUST MANAGED TO TICK ME OFF THIS MORNING! THE WOMAN ACTUALLY MEASURED MY PACKAGE (TWICE mind you!) TO SEE HOW MUCH TO CHARGE ME!!!! IT WAS IN A READY POST BOX SHE VERY CLEARY SAW ME WALK IN THE DOOR WITH AND ASKED ME, 'HAVE YOU ALREADY PAID FOR THE BOX???' I STARTED TO SAY 'NO, IT WAS SHIPPED TO ME!' I mean is it just me or is our postal employees getting dumber by the day? Sorry no offence Dan!!!)

OK, now that that moment is out of my system. ANYWAY, I think everyone understands what I cleary meant to say in the above post about partners. Even though I had a blunder moment.

BUNNY HONEY... I AM SO SORRY HAPPY A DAY LATE BIRTHDAY
Wishing you a most Happy Birthday!

Can you forgive me? I KNEW it was the 26th BUT I thought it was TODAY!!! Can we pretend it is TODAY? ARE you celebrating TODAY???
I SOOOO SORRY!!!!!!!!!! I was thinking all week today WAS the 26 and I KNEW it wasn't, I just wasn't hitting on all 4 cylinders.

:) Fran

Melissa, sorry I missed your Bday! Hope it was a good one!!

Vic

No problem neither one of us is hitting on 4 cylinders this week huh? LOL.

I am so sure TOMORROW will be a GOOD BRAIN DAY! I am certain of it...hahaha.

:) Fran

Bunny-

Mariann

Vic~ I'll take a rum n coke...only with pepsi instead of coke..and nix the rum. :O)

Here we go, one Shirley Temple and one Rum and Coke (minus the rum and coke, and a splash of caffeine free pepsi)
And the blue one, well, you two just stay away from that one, I'll take care of it! : )

I wasn't able to attend my other plant swap but someone did pickup some plants for me and I can't wait to receive those. We are working on HOW to get them from there to here for me.

I am working on getting some seeds started for next year. And some other little things here and there. Planning on some things for this group. I am working on some fun things for us to do. I hope I can get everything worked out for us.

So what is everyone else up to lately?

:) Fran

Nikki~ Thanks for the B-day wishes! I've been feeling blue about it, so every wish makes me feel a bit better.

I'm off to make yet MORE pumpkin butter & apple goodies today. Did I mention that my daddy brought over 4+ bushels of apples this weekend?? Plus several pumpkins. Whew, I'm only through half a bushel, so I've got plenty more to keep me busy! After the kiddos get their school work finished, I"m gonna put them to work peeling & chopping apples. :O)

Hope everyone has a great day today!
Melissa

HEY PEOPLE!!!

:) Fran

Fran-Whenever I have a few minutes I work on my questionnaire.
Mariann

How is everyone's week going? My goodness, this week seems to be going by quickly.
I don't seem to have much of anything done although I did get my little seeds fixed to germinate so that was something I guess. I have loads more to start though and will be waiting closer to Jan. to begin some IF I can wait that long. I would really need to though because with all the plants I brought in to over winter I seem to have a lot less room.
Although I have been promised a shelf to put them on we will see if that happens. It needs to become a reality though I have plants sitting in the floor, on tables and anywhere else I could get them to fit...hehe

Now I need a sign to hang up that says WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE....hahaha.

Bunny, 30 IS NOT old. You are in your prime now. Enjoy it. I feel as if I am over the hill...well yes, I am! OH JOY...

Anywho, thought I would just say a quick hello. I need to go find something productive to do...

:) Fran

You're not over the hill, yet, Fran! You've just got a great view from the top!
:O)

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I've been up to my ears in apples & pumpkins. (I don't think I'll have the stomach for apple ANYTHING for a long, LONG time!)

I did break out of my rut today, though...I made Raspberry Mango preserves & Carrot Cake jam! Yummy....
Dessert for tonight will be Cherry Cobbler. Mmmmm.
Last night, it was Red Hot cinnamon apple sundaes. Which was good, but like I said...I don't want apple ANYTHING today. BLECH. LOL

:) Fran

FRIDAY!!!! I think I will have me a cocktail in a bit! Gotta get dinner done first : (

Vic

diene, when you do something, you really do it don't you! That sounds like a lot of work! Your smoke bush looks great! I just love those things! I have 2 back in MI, I put one over each of my dogs graves, they didn't look like they made it through the winter, and I didn't have the heart to dig them up and bring them anyhow (the bushes, not the dogs) But, we still own the house and are hoping in the future we can move back, maybe.

Vic

Vic, EWWW, I would HOPE you wouldn't want to dig up the DOGS! ok, bad images running through my head! (Thank you, you seem to have a knack for doing that to me don't you girly? hehe) OH I REMEMBER what the other one was...your freaking SPIDER!
BTW did you have that drink yet?

Nikki, PUT DOWN THE UTENSILS AND BACK OUT OF THE KITCHEN SLOWLY!

:) Fran

I wish I could do some scary stuff for Halloween but it doesn't look like I am going to be able to get anything ready for this year. Oh well, there is always next year!

HEHEHEHE!!! I LOVE HALLOWEEN, it is the one time of year you can be and do almost anything....

:) Fran

I just finished packing my last swap box for the month. It's been really chilly here but today was nice.

My daughter stopped by with her new car yesterday. Actually it's used but in pristine condition. She needed something large to cart around her stained glass and candles to craft shows and flea markets.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Mmmmmm.....CAKE.........!!!

Yummmyyyyy.....

*slurp*

I think I'll go eat lunch now.....

Thats funny! A couple of years ago I took my daughter and her friends to one - everything was great, nothing scared us and we even helped them catch the rat & snake that got loose (yes, crawling around on the floor, in the dark looking for a real live rat & snake LOL) The gave us hot cider when we left and we were standing around talking about how sweet the rat and snake were, when... someone started a chain saw right behind us and my daughter FREAKED!! She ran over 2 blocks before she figured out that it wasn't the movie come alive. hehehhe I hope that there is another one in the same place this year - since it is on Friday it will be great fun.

Melissa - those cakes look wonderful ! I want to reach in and help myself to the strawberries... YUMMY. Yes, I have started gathering items for our Nov. birthday girl : )

Diene - that is alot of work but it sounds like it will be worth it! My soil is like yours - sand & clay. Wish I could find a place here that deliver's the good stuff.

We had our first hard freeze 2 nights ago - my tomatoes look awful but the fruit is okay - I need to bring them in tonight though. I love the change in seasons... and am starting to get excited about the holidays : )
Marie

I'm sooo ready for my pre-birthday bash!

Deb

I have to tell you, this swap isnt so good for my checkbook...now everytime I am out..I see something that would be just GREAT for one of the swap boxed..LOL and my friend and I are going to our favorite store tomorrow, and what is the first thing I think..."gosh, I can get some great things for the swap"...LOL SOOOOO, how big can the boxes be ??? LOL

Soo, is everyone out in the gardens doing fall cleaning ? has anyone started thinking about WHAT seeds they want to winter sow ?

Has anyone started baking, and making fall food ?? We usually cook all summer on the grill..so it is nice to have new meals to eat now inside :)

What is your favorite fall/winter comfort food ?

Bunny-Those cakes look really good.

Since I've been watching my weight I don't bake. I will be making Zucchini Bread though. My DH loves it and I've never made it before. We had so much Zucchini in our garden that I decided to shred and freeze it. It was a lot of work because it has to be fairly dry before freezing. So I have about 7 or 8 freezer bags with 2 cups shredded zucchini in each.

How is our first birthday girl doing??
Mariann

Yes, Bunny those cakes look yummy!

No, I am not ready to start anything I need to get some ink for my printer cuz I want to print out all of the info for everyone so I can take it with me when I am out and be able to use it for a reference. I DID look at some items when I went out a few days ago and thought 'HUMM, I wonder WHO would like something like THIS?' And of course I found something I am sure Vic would have wanted but decided to wait and see if something esle comes along.
I am going to go do some shopping for our NOV girly closer to time to send her box. I hope I can find just the right things to send her.

In general I found some wonderful things a few weeks ago I really wanted to pick up but wasn't sure who all would have liked what I saw and decided NOT to get anything until I know for sure sure WHAT I should be getting...lol. I want to send JUST THE RIGHT things.

ANYWHO, on another note, I miss having my horse ya'll. Where I was the past few days across the road was a pasture FULL of magnificent beauties. Everytime we went out the horses was at the top of the road and I thought everytime, "Gosh, I miss having my horse!" I want to move to a farm/ranch area so we can get a few more horse again.
There is another neighbor there who raises Zebras and I want one of those too! It is so weird to see them out when we drive past their house. Such a very different creature to look at.

OH WELL, enough 'bout me. BACK TO THE BIRTHDAY BASH....is everyone getting excited?
I LOVE buying gifts for others, I get such a thrill going out and finding something that I think someone else will love!

BTW, Mariann and I BOTH are watching our weight. We have been supporting each other on this issue I guess for about 2 months now isn't that about right for the time frame on that one Mariann?
I have hit a brick wall again though, hopefully it will turn around and start coming off again. BUT Miss Mariann is doing a great job!

:) Fran

I'm going out tomorrow with my DH to look for something special for Deb. I know what I want to get but will I find it? That is the question....

I still have a lot of cleanup work to do in my yard. I have put a slight dent into planting in my holding beds. They will be full by the time I'm done.
Have a great weekend
Mariann

Ya'll I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I haven't been sick like this since I had gallbladder problems. Be sure to wash wash wash EVERYBODY"S hands who live in your home after you go out somewhere. I searched it out, I read you can be exposed to it by eating out. Which we did a few times last week pryor to me getting sick. So I would have to tend to agree the weird thing is I am the only one who out of the different people we ate with who got sick!
However, since I have been sick to keep it from spreading here I keep the keybroard, mouse and telephone sprayed down with Oust sanitizer, and anything else I may have touched. I haven't cooked anything myself so I don't take a chance on spreading it through contamination.
I contacted the person I owe a trade to and told her that I can not feel safe about sending her her plants until I know I can no longer spread it to someone else, which he told me even after I feel better it is still in my system. When I looked it up I found out I can be contagious for 2 weeks. I would rather delay a trade then chance spreading this to someone else. I would feel so bad if I knew I caused someone else to get sick and then to possibly miss work on top of that.

Anywho, this is the reason I haven't posted since Friday. I have been way to sick. I have gotten on and looked at some around but I just didn't feel well enough to try to reply to anything.

I have some seedlings now I have to go put in the ground. I just hope I can...this makes you extremely dizzy too, plus I couldn't handle drinking anything so I ended up being dehydrated as well. Which doesn't help with dizziness either.

I truly hope none of you get this it is really bad! I am just glad I feel a little better, not 100% but a LOT more so then 3 days ago. I thought I was going to land in the hospital when it first started. So like I said, if you go out wash your hands BEFORE you eat there, after you are finished and be sure to wash them when you return home! Don't take any chances!

Other then that how was everyone else's weekend?

:) Fran

Zack just got over a tummy bug too, fortunately his only lasted 24 hours, and I thought it had cleared the house, that was last weekend, today I am starting to feel nauseated! UHG!

I haven't popped in much, sorry! It's been busy here and I'm trying to keep up with the other 2 swaps I'm hosting and the seed swap I'm in and a couple other trades, I don't know why I do so many things at once! LOL

In case any of you didn't see the pics on MNF and PP's threads, we got 22" of snow last weekend! YES, I said 22"!
It has already started to melt and is mostly gone. I feel lucky, one of the towns about 30 min from me got 42"! We broke all kinds of state records! LOL

Deb, It's almost time..................hehehe!

Well, I gotta go, I'm taking an online course right now for a potential job, I've got a phone interview this afternoon, and another interview tomorrow. It's starting to get pretty discouraging and stressfull! Jamie can't believe I can't find a job having 20+ years exp. but I told him I think that is part of the problem, they would rather pay someone with 5yrs exp. then 20!

Later girls!
Vicky

:) Fran

Anyway, everyone have a good weekend!

:) Fran

We've been trying to figure out how to dry gourds. Does anyone have any tips on that? We've got some monster sized ones that Aubeni grew this summer. I think they're too big for bird houses. Maybe a few of them are the right size, though. One is bigger than our pumpkins, though...Yikes. Bird mansion, maybe?? :O)

And that's all I can write right now. LOL Gotta go get the kiddos ready to go out on the lake in Daddy's new canoe. (not new-new, but new to him. He traded his scooter for a canoe. I feel MUCH better now. Now, he'll just risk drowning, instead of being made into roadkill pancakes.) :O)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

November and happier times can not come soon enough!
It's so difficult when your Parent's are sick or something's wrong.

Hugs,
Deb

NIKKI! MAN, I jumped the gun on my seeds!!! I did start some echinacea, rudbeckias, bee balm, and white baptisia, NOW I think they might just crock. Our weather had been SOOO nice and warm here I thought for sure they would get some growth on them before our weather went south. WELL THEY DIDN"T, it is going to be 39 here tonight geewhiz!
I started Green Wizard with the hope of really getting some of them to make it. I wish I had thought about bringing them in tonight, but I didn't. If I could see outside I would now BUT it is too late and too dark. I covered them up, maybe will be ok and I can get them tomorrow!!! ERRRR!!!

I will hold off on starting anymore for a while. I have no where to put them now so I will have to wait until I can get my grow room back!

Bunny, we will be getting frost tonight and tomorrow night! ERRR!!! We still only have one heater here, I thought for sure we would have at least until November before we needed another one but guess not!

I had a little gourd that was growing really well, I was hoping I wouldn't lose it BUT since it is going to be this cold tonight, it will be a goner. I will pull it off the vine in the morning! Oh well, at least I got one good size one from it first.....

:) Fran

Hang in there!

Hugs & Prayers for you both,
Marie

Man, it is going to be so cold here tonight and for the next few nights AND days too. Tonight is posed to be like 33/35ish. Dang it. I don't like the cold. The news said if you just put in new plants even shrubs make sure to cover them for tonight and the next few nights. I really don't like the cold at all! I wish I lived somewhere either warmer or tropical, either one would be good for me.

Oh well, guess I will stop whinning now, at least it isn't snow, right Vic?

:) Fran

We had our first frost this morning. Burrr! I still have a lot of clean up and planting to do. I'm getting a box of lilies this week and need to prepare a bed for them. It's been very difficult to do anything the last several weeks. My hips are causing me a great deal of discomfort. Plus I'm not sleeping well. Today I feel a little better.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

It is SOOO cold here ya'll. I can't believe it. I have on shoes with socks and all and my toes STILL feel like chunks of ice!
I have some things in a propgation box which have been in there since Sept and they STILL haven't rooted, what is up with that? Some of them croaked!!! Oh well, some you can and some you can't huh?

Wow, it is ALMOST time for November!!! It is fast approaching isn't it. Gosh...

Ok, everyone needs to have there questionnaire complete as soon as possible. I will be needing those to send to your Secret Santa partner for the December swap! So if you haven't already please take a few mintues each day until the end of the month to finish them and turn them back in to me.
THANKS BUNCHES YA'LL!!!

:) Fran

I can't wait until November! ;) I'm so excited!
It's been really chilly here too, close to frost, but not yet. I can see everything starting to go dormant. I have a lot of yard cleanup to do. Plus, plant a few last minute bulbs. It's raining today, and really dreary. More rain is expected later on in the week (4 days of it straight). So, I really won't be able to much outdoors. So, I'll replant some violets, houseplants. ;) I always have enough to keep me busy.

Hugs,
Deb

So far my little seedling babies have done well. I have been covering them up at night maybe they will make it through this cold snap just fine. I am hoping we have another micro warm up anyway. I truly hope this isn't how our winter is going to be. So depressing if so. I just can't handle cold, and if it stays cold like it has been I will just be so blue.

At least we have this swap to plan for though to keep us occupied right?

Well I am off to bed ya'll. Goodnight.

:) Fran

Deb, I will say some extra prayers for you and your mom, I hope you get some good news today !

Has anyone heard from Bunny ? havent seen her around lately..hope she is feeling ok...

I am working on my questionarre...honest...gosh, it is hard to answer some of them..LOL

Fran, if we arent getting ALL the questionarres sent to us..is there ANY way I could get everyones address ? Id LOVE to send Christmas cards out..

Ok, i need to get going..kids will be home from school any minute..and I still need to run outside and collect some more seeds.

Hope all is well with everyone !
Kym

Silly me...I decided that since there's only 5 weeks to go before baby, I wanted to get everything done that I possibly could. So, for the past 3 weeks, I've been running around to eye doctors, orthodontists, dentists...plus the regular homeschooling...and shopping for last minute baby items. UGH.
Lemme tell ya....when you've got 5 kids, the DR appts ALONE take a week to do! I don't know what I was thinking...but WOW..am I worn out!

Everything is going OK on the baby front, I suppose. At last count, I'm dilated to 2cm (which is normal for me, I always start early) and the baby has dropped. So I can breathe better...but good golly, my back is hurting! LOL
Anyway, I'll keep everyone updated, so that no one thinks I've dropped off the planet or anything. :O)

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Kym, glad you popped in for a quick hello. Good to know everything is ok with you as well.

Does anyone object to me sending out just our address to everyone for those of us who want to mail out Christmas cards?

I am thrilled and nervous about getting started next month. I hope everything goes smoothly and I DO everything right. I have been scoping out items in the stores everytime I go with this group in mind. I want to print out all the wuestionnaires and put them in a binder so I can take them with me when I go shopping. I can just imagine what other people in the stores will think about me shopping with a binder flipping through the pages ever so often....LOL.
Oh well, you do what you have too...

Vic, honey, you still hanging in there? Your groups are almost finished now right? You will have more time to join us over here on this side?
Not too much though when you start your join though will you? I am glad you found something even though it isn't exactly what you were hoping for.

Anywho, guess I am off to go do something else.

:) Fran

diene I am fine...I just have concerns...I started thinking the other day that I hadn't sent deb info to everyone then I remember someone thanksed me for it so yeah, I remember I had...

This is where VIC will come in, she will need to help me to remember to send the correct info to everyone who needs it the MONTH before that persons month...

I want to remind everyone again to please work on those questions so I can make aure your Secret Santa receives them by November.

OK, I am good...yes, I am...Everything is FINE, and this WILL BE FUN! hehe

OK...there...I took a deep breath...I have it all under control!

:) Fran

I will not be doing the job I mentioned earlier, after thinking about it and the hours and miles I would put in with no benefits I don't see that it's worth it. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, it was doing insurance physicals, I would go to the applicants home or office and do them, I would get paid per physical, but not for driving, paperwork, getting the labs ready and sent in and faxing, copy and mailing the paperwork, plus I would have to pay for my own insurance. (I have always carried the insurance, Jamie is self employed)
I was going to take it for now till I found something, BUT, I just got a call today and I will be starting Monday for the largest orthopedic surgery group in the region! Much better benefits and I go to one place and stay there all day, no driving all over town! That was a tremendous relief and a huge load off my mind! So now I am ready to celebrate and I can't think of a better way than starting our Birthday Bash and sending Deb her box!

Deb, please do keep us updated, we are all concerned. How did things go with the biopsy? How are you two holding up? *sending extra strength and a hug!*

Melissa, slow down!! We don't want that little girl coming out too early! : )
But yes, you keep us posted too, we want to know you are doing well.

Fran, one little reminder, make sure you send Deb's questionaire out to everyone this month! : )
I don't see why anyone would worry about you sending out the addys, we will all get them anyhow.

Well, it's 3am here and I think I've gotten caught up on everything so I'm heading to bed. Now all the stuff I've been putting off till "tomorrow" needs to get done before I go back to work! LOL

Night
Vicky

So....sorry to concern you, Fran! I promise I'll be good, and not miss any swaps. Don't worry about me! :O)

AND...I'll be allowed to have COFFEE again! Woo-Hooooo!! Liquid energy!!

Thanks so much Everyone, for all the support and well wishes!

Deb

Deb, I am thinking about you, you know. Hang in there, and let us know as soon as you can.

Vic, thank goodness, you found a better position.
I DID send out those questionnaires RIGHT? That isn't even funny! You know how much I worry and then you gonna do me that way!

Good grief can ya'll believe I have another stomach-ache today? I don't know what it is this year...but I DON'T like it! I am not one to be sick, this is for the birds!

:) Fran

Fran-I don't mind if you give my address out to anyone from this group. I worked on the info form a little this morning at 2:00am. I need to go back and see if I made any mistakes.

I've got Deb's box almost ready.
Mariann

I'm so tired and worn out. I'm going to bed!

Deb

Fran

Now I am wondering what I am supposed to do next...lol.

I took a picture of them here they are:

I put my hand in just to compare the size of these things.
I didn't know chocolate pods were so large. Wow they are big...NOW what do I do with them? LOL.

:) Fran

:) Fran

http://www.cocoatree.org/thecocoatree/growingcocoa.asp

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_112/ai_105371465

Hmmmm, sounds pretty cool! Maybe you can save me a seed for my BD box?! : ) (just a seed, I don't want the football sized pod! LOL)

I just finsihed listing all my seeds I have received to date. I just hope I can find spots to put everything next year if it grows...Oh BOY, I can imagine the water bill now. But it sure it fun...lol

Anyway, enjoy your weekend.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE WORKING ONE YOUR QUESTIONS, it is almost November and I will need to pick partners for Dec's swap.
:) Fran

Yes, I guess I have been bored all day. SO is sick, he has been laying around and no fun all day.

Now MY throat is scratchy...sure hope it isn't a cold! Don't know how his sickness started, sure hope it wasn't with a sore throat ERRR vitamin C anyone?

Oh well, hope all is well with everyone else...

:) Fran

Fran, There is alot of stuff going around already..I hope you dont catch anything more !

Bunny, so glad to hear you are doing well ! Looking forward to see pictures of the little one ! Wishing ya a fast, and easy delivery ! and then make sure someone brings ya a nice HOT cup of COFFEE !! LOL

I have been working on my seed list also Fran...gosh it takes a lot of time...and I keep thinking HOW will I grow them all..so I am working on downsizing to the "most wanted"...BUT ...um...it doesnt seem to be working...I WANT EM ALL...ROFLMBO ! annnd, I am still trading...can someone CURE me please !

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday, or second Sunday in Fran's case..LOL

always

Kym

Ummm, there is NO CURE for seed collecting, sorry. I wish I could help you out there BUT after making my list I realized I am hopeless, and IF we don't move to a few acres I am in trouble if I keep collecting AND planning on actually starting them...lol. Which I like you want EVERYTHING, I still have loads of veggies I am eyeing and of course there are those GOTTA HAVE flowers!!!!

Yes, second Sunday's are GREAT...lol.
And mine is going wonderful already I won a game in another group I am in WHAHOOOO!!!

I DO have a stinking sore throat, it bothered me so much last night I stayed up most of the night. Been drinking hot limeaide, it and hot lemonaide kind of coats your throat I guess and it stops the scratchy , tickle, and in bad cases pain IF you can stand to drink it. It is a temp. fix but one I can keep doing as needed thank goodness!

I found out with my chocolate pods I can't cut them open until I am ready to plant the seeds, they loose their viality fast after opening. So I am not sure when I will be ready to cut one to see how well I can grow them.
I read a lot on those page VIC listed up there. Not what I was looking for BUT they DID make for interesting reading about how they are grown for money crops. I also found out in those pages that the actual farmers only make about .08 a pound for their hard work. It just doesn't seem fair when WE as consumers pay out the yin yang for chcolate products!

Alright then, guess I have rambled on enough.

:) Fran

thanks for the info on my emial...I cleaned it out BUT why cant they give ME a message saying it was full, and it was actually the trash that was full..UGH! anyways, please resend your email when you get a chance !

SO, what your all saying is theres no cure for me ??? LOL Gosh, what will I do ?? (grin) I just ordered seeds, like i need them, and I have three trades to get out..and I have two boxes of them here...UGH ! although I have been working on my list of haves, and will be doing some free seeds soon !

Fran, I wanted to try and grow Cocoa, but it really needs a long growing season...but I cant wait to hear how you make out !

Congrats on winning a prize, so cool ! I have to admit to missing the RR's so i cant wait to get going again with this one ! Ok, I guess I need to go work on the info to send ya !

Have a great night !

Kym

Gargle some warm water with a few drops of lavender oil. That helps prevent & heal strep throat. It's better than antibiotics. And if I'd been doing that daily BEFORE hand, I wouldn't have brought the darn stuff home. BUT I kept forgetting to get any when I'd pass the health food store. *sigh* So hubby made a trip out on Friday to get it, and it kept him from getting strep so badly.
I usually do this every year, and none of my family has ever gotten it (even when everyone ELSE in the schools & the kids I'd babysit did). This is the first year for us, since I didn't get started in time. UGH. Live & learn, huh?

Oh, and peppermint ice cream! That helps a sore throat, too. I've also been making my own hot toddys, with hot echinachea tea, fresh lemon, agave nectar, cinnamon, peppermint extract..hmmm...and there was something else I threw in there too, but I've been so out of it the last few days, I can't remember! LOL

Okay, I've just been so bored lying down all day for the past 3 days, that I HAD to get up and check my email and such...but now, I'm gonna go lay back down.
Phew! I'm worn out already! :O)

Oh! Again! (lol) Red Raspberry leaf tea! Or the extract. Either one has TONS of iron, and really keeps your energy levels up. Yep, bunny's secret is out now. LOL Seriously, though...it helps with the energy thing. And it's yummy (the tea, anyway).

I sure hope no one ELSE gets sick!! And that Fran just has a cold. Neither is fun, but it's the lesser of the 2 evils. :O)

Thanks for the tips, but I don't like raspberry anything and for some reason just this year peppermint makes me sick I just can't stand the flavor anymore, and I LOVE peppermint candy canes! Don't know WHAT I am gonna do about that this Christmas, BUT I am thinking it is just the gum I was trying to chew. It was the extreme flavor burst stuff and it was overwhelming! Really turned my stomach though, so I am thinking it was just TOO much flavor from the gum.

I will have to try to find some lavender oil to check that out. I am prone to sore throats, sinus issues and all which usually turn into a sore throat OR bronchitis which I have chronic bronchitis. SO ANYTIME I start getting sick I can almost always bet on a bout with that. That is ALWAYS fun to have too (yeah, ummm NOT!!!)

NIKKI....I went outside while ago to just sit and stare at my seed babies I started. THEY are just sitting there too! I talked to my mom a few minutes ago and told her that, she said and THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING AS COLD AS THE NIGHTS ARE....bring them in the house!
So I went outside after talking to her to "look" at them to try to figure out IF I want to go that route...I SHOULD have waited a bit before trying to start them BUT I wanted to see what they would do...oh well, I KNEW better, I WAS hoping the cold wouldn't reach us until Nov! Then they would have had time to do something.

Deb, honey, how are you? How is your mom? I am sure you are busy with her this week. Just know that I am thinking of you both. Hoping for a speedy recovery with the surgery and praying all else falls into place and she is completely well soon.

Vic, how was your first day at work? All is good I hope, hopefully this is your job you were hoping for.

Mariann, I hope you are feeling better honey, I know how bad it was. Are you finally sleeping better now?

Marie, just thought I would say HI!!! HI! lol.

Kym, glad you cleaned out your email. I will shoot you a line just so you will have my new email addy so you won't have to go searching for it. How are you by the way?

diene, how is your weather and you? Hope you are well. Haven't heard much from you lately. How's it going?

Ok ya'll, you know it is less then a week away now...ARE WE READY???? I know you are Deb,,,hehe.

Ok, guess I have said enough, and I like, Bunny prolly need to go lay back down...ugghhh!!! I HATE BEING SICK!!!! This is the 3rd stinking time this month! Seriously thinking about holding my nose and downing some Red Raspberry leaf tea! Or the extract......if it will boost me up, Bunny you SURE it will help? (grumbling, I really DON't LIKE raspberry, but I am WILLING to TRY anything at the moment)Humm, Bunny? Will it? Will it really?

:) Fran

Brewer's yeast is good for iron & vitamins, too. (also in pill form!) Might make ya gassy, though....*giggle*

Also...for the little ones (and those of us that can't gargle!! Like ME!! LOL) you can use a very small spray bottle (they have these in the travel size & sample section at Walmart usually) and fill it with water & a few drops of lavender oil, and just spray it in the back of the throat. Doesn't taste wonderful, but it really works.
If you do that every day, it's usually enough to keep the yuckies away.

Um...if I can think of anything else the midwife has taught me in the past 7 years...I'll be sure to lecture you some more!
It helps that my midwife friend has over 25 years experience in the natural healing/herb stuff too. She's one of those certified doctors of natural healing...or whatever they're called. LOL

Don't have much time my DH is making dinner. Tomorrow I'm going to my DD's to watch 5 episodes of 'Heroes'. So we'll be laying around and eating Chinese food. Yummy!
Take care,

Wow, this is beyond stressful! I could really use some real hugs! ;) And a good lunch at Olive Garden! :)

I'll peek in later, I have to make this short, I have more housework than I can handle!

Deb

Lots of hugs going out to you, Deb! The next week is sure to be a long & stressful one for both of you, but remember that we're all praying for you!
And we're all saying the chant..."Clear Nodes! Clear Nodes! Clear Nodes!"
Just consider us your personal cheerleaders! :O)

diene, sorry I have NO ideas in what to do with a massive about of acorns, to bad you don't have a pig. THEY LOVE THEM,,,lol. But, really, I can't think of anything. Have you tried searching for craft projects using them? I am sure someone in the world has done something with them.

Mariann, it is funny you mentioned the body snatchers, when I opened the box all I saw was a pointed part of a pod sticking out from the end of the newspaper it was wrapped in. It was the strangest thing. IF the Fed-Ex girl had not told me it came from PR I wouldn't have KNOWN that is what it was and when I opened it had I NOT known, I think I would have been terrified to finish opening them...LOL.

Hope everyone's week is going well, it is SOOO cold here! It is TOO TOO early for it to be THIS COLD yet! =8o!

:)Fran