Well, my tulips have just opened, finally!!! I live in a small town in central montana. Not even a stop light in town. I like it! I work for a steel manufacturer that makes steel cooking griddles. so I run the equipment, do sales, and the packaging. My husband and I just got married 4 years ago. I moved to the larger city where he lived, till my dad was diagnosed with cancer then we did the mad dash to fix and sell the house and move back to my old town. We got to spend a month with dad before he pased. We've been here 9 months now and have moved twice. When my rental came empty it was an absolute disaster! So.....from Nov on we did nothing but work on the house. Since we were doing so much work we decided to fix it nice and move into it-- about 1/2 acre of yard nice views but an ugly yard with nothing in it. I am in zone 4 and in on the plains so the biggest problem I have is the constant wind here in the winter, it seems to kill everything! OH, and the alkaline soil sucks too! I like Iris, peonies and daylilies they do well here as well as most clematis. Poppies are my favorite. At this time I think I have at least 20 varieties. I have been trading like crazy and I recognize a few people I have already traded with. Hello to poisondartfrog,seashellpcola, and amyinms!!! AMYINMS, ARE THOSE MY TOMATO PLANTS THAT HAVE TOMATOES ON THEM ALREADY??!! (GIGGLE)

heya ya'll, I am pooped, tired, sleepy worn out. lol. I went shopping today, remind me to stay AWAY from malls and stores until Christmas is over!!! I went with my " saurrogate" mom sheesh I still don't understand how some people just LOVE to shop! The way I shop is I write a list, go in get whats on my list and check out! If I wan't exercise I ride my bike or take the kiddos to the doggie park or just go to the country and walk. FORGET SHOPPING for this girl! Becki Dave is in our prayers that he has a safe trip. I know it worries you til he walks in. I am sooo sorry that some of ya'll or ya'lls loved ones had a rotten childhood. Its sad that parents take their frustrations out on their kiddos. Carol, I don't blame your DH one bit for not liking her, he may love her deep down because she is his mother but he doesn't have to like her. Fishy, sweetie you don't have to go out of your way at all for me. I am very easy cause I love everything that is sent with a hug and a smile. WHOOHOOO I send to Sandy!!!! Imma gonna go snuggle with my pillow cause I can hear it calling me. Ya'll have a wonderful night and good dreams! niters, Pixie

I have many fine ladies to remember this year GrannieB Katkin bluebird60406 Emmaelice Kywildcat2's Rayven These ladies were very very generous in helping me to get started and they hold special places in my heart. You all do to - to be honest. It is just that these ladies made my days even brighter when they sent above and beyond or just sent out of the blue. One time Tammie and I even traded b-day presents of precious seeds. Kathy out of the goodness of her heart sent me tons of plants and had another gardener send me orchid leaves cause she could not use them and since he was close by thought it would be nice to do so. But the very first trade that I did on here was with GrannieB and she only asked for a few seeds but sent me a ton knowing I had next to nothing to offer. The angel that she is. To these people I will be sending surprise packages later in the year when I have something nice to send them. I just hope my garden will bloom and give forth plenty of love to share with them. I know there will be many more great traders that will touch my heart since there are so many great and fabulous people here to laugh and enjoy gardening with. I will be forever greatful for each and everyone on here. You all made my days better and bright when the depression got too much for me to deal with. Living in the high desert where everything is either dead or looks dead and in colors of brown and cacky green where there is very little true green and hardly enough color to truely be awe striking. I give many thanks to each of you for helping me to make a better garden last year and this new year. I hope to be able to offer many seeds for anyone who wishes. God Bless you all and may you all have a happy and healthy year. Hugz Toni

Several things..the island will feel less contrived if you were to replace the table with a round. The current square brings too much attention to the angle of the island. Either replace the foyer wallpaper or re-do the wainscoting to match the two—tones in the d.r. If you decide to replace the foyer paper be aware of background white/off-white/creme, etc. when choosing your paint color. I agree new fans without lights is in order. I think once you have all elements in place then would be a good time to reselect your lighting. Lighting has a huge influence on the overall look you are trying to achieve. Your home is lovely and has a very nice lived-in look. Good job!