I'm still around, although I don't need many seeds anymore because my garden's now full! However I still am willing to send seeds to others who need them. I, like many others, use Mozilla, and am not bothered by pop-ups. I haven't noticed any slowness in the pages loading. I mostly check in on Northwest Gardens, but I take a look here and at Northern Gardens regularly. -Gord

Hi. My name is Amanda and I'm a garden-a-holic. LOL. Seriously though, I only began gardening this year and already have plans for probably the next two or three years. I live in Chattanooga in what used to be my in-laws' house. When we moved in, there were already some hostas, two crepe myrtles, several azaleas, forsythias, two peonies, and a few other things. Well, I am working towards ridding myself of the forsythia. They are lovely, don't get me wrong, but I find them entirely too evasive. And to me, it is simply too much work to keep them trimmed back to a manageable size for something that blooms for only a week or two. I can happily say that I've added much more than taken away. I have planted cannas, daylilies, roses, bearded irises, and clematis. I definitely have plans for more roses and daylilies and cannas - just not sure where I will place everything. I am currently trying my hand at rooting some rose cuttings. I have Seven Sisters, Mr. Lincoln, and Climbing Blaze all struck. It is hard to not check for roots, as I am not known for my patience, but I have managed to leave them alone for the short time they have been in their pots. Finally, my husband and I are anxiously awaiting the birth of our second son. My due date is August 25th, but it could honestly be any day now. Our first son is 7-1/2 years old, so this is almost like having a first all over again. Although we're certainly out of practice, we're looking forward to experiencing all the 'firsts' all over again.

Hi guys! I'm here again. Already been to a Scottish Highlands celebration---VERY FUN! and an airshow---big stuff here---very talented pilots! "Big" earthquake wasn't anywhere around here, but there are frequent earthquakes in this area. The REAL threat is the mosquitoes! YIIIIII! I bought HUGE citronella candles, DEET spray, and citronella plants---and STILL they come! Combatting the bugs is a joke and constant hobby here. I was potting some plants for my porch yesterday and thought I was going CRAZY--getting bitten and buzzed out there! I will take my large candles with me next time! The greenhouses here are very casual and freely run. The plants are mondo sized and CHEAP! Nearly everything is under 10 bucks. It's downright dangerous for me! lol. QOD: the 4th: We're headed out to a small fishing village that has a gigantic celebration on the 4th. It's a 5 hour drive and then a ferry ride, but I'm told it's worth it, so off we go! Then coming back to a family casual dinner with all Americano food probably--kosher dogs, salad, and whatever else people bring. Tikanas~ I am STRICT about keeping a food diary and try to eat healthy choices; lots of fiber and veggies and VARIETY! I don't eat a huge amount of protein-usually only for dinner-and an occasional egg for brekky. I was weighing in every day at home and then once a week at Weight Watchers, but since I arrived here for the summer, I have not weighed. I probably will cave and buy a house scale and there's a WW place nearby, so I will start weighing in again. I use the scale and book from WW to keep myself accountable to someone! I have lost a large amount of weight since October- about 25 pounds or so. It is a SLOW weight loss (about 2 or 3 ponuds a month), but it's finally staying off and no big fluxuations any more, so I'm finding this to be the way for me to go. Well, we are having a guy DH met over for dinner tonight. He's Korean and homesick, so I am making Korean BBQ, rice, and cabage salad with sesame oil and chili oil. I better get hopping tho', cause I have to marinate the beef! I'll check in tomorrow! Magickitty~ Up, up, and away with the restart! Take Marci's hand and go for it! NHSuzanne~ So glad SP is holding her own. Good luck on the diagnosis. And don't sweat the deadline---it'll pass----lol. :) Cheers! Eat healthy choices! Can we have a junk-free Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday CHALLENGE to make up for the holiday weekend? Planning ahead---just in case! Join me?

Tammy, glad you liked the package, and it arrived safely. It was scheduled to arrive wednesday! I swear I couldn't fit one more item in that box, it was stuffed! I can't post pictures either on houzz lately. I tried to post a few, and they don't post. Anyway, I hope everyone had a fun summer swapping. I tried to bring back a few old favorite (swap themes). :) I had fun! Thanks to those that joined in on all the fun! And thank you, Susan for posting all the pics- in all my swaps. It helped keep the thread going and alive, while I was so busy. Next, summer things will be better for me. I won't be as busy (with my MIL's house anymore, it should be sold by then!)