Don and Chris and all who r interested in this Hosta College, We like going to Hosta College, but are passing this year. I've done Chris' HVX class (very good) and another HVX class by a rep from Agdia. The only classes I was hot for this year were by DonR, but between gas, time, hotels, food, and several other things, we're sorry to have to pass this year. Besides, I'm hoping to wrangle an invite to DonR's gardens this year, and trying to think of what cool gift to bring to show appreciation for the gift he brought us during his visit to our gardens last year. After reading the description of yor class for this year at HC, DonR, I'm even more interested to come visit, and it made me wonder if you know Glen Pace over in the Tri-Cities area of MI who has so many interesting, odd, and rare plant varieties in his garden at his Dad's house? I'm thinking ' ya, sure ya do'. For all'ya'all not from the Great Lakes area, I do believe this event is worth planning a 'mini-vacation' to attend. Further planning could net ya visits to Walter's, Chris' Hallson Gardens, DonR, Lisik Gardens (waaaay cool), ummm, us, Wade Botanical Gardens, and even the AHS President is in the general area (the Great Lakes). I could so help you plan even more delightful treasures to visit in the MI, OH, IN triangle. Just now I'm remembering K Gardens in the Grand Rapids MI area as well. There's a really fun gal in Interlochen MI that I like to visit and tease and swap stories with, but be sure to check with me to make sure you get the 'correct' Interlochen MI hosta garden to visit, as there's one that is not quite so fun there. I believe Gisela from this forum is also in the Grand Rapids MI area, and I think I found a YouTube of her gardens and would like to visit! We are seriously NOT travelers for pleasure since we're already living in 'God's Country', but have still found it worth it to go to this 'College' several times. Besides the classes, it's a great 'people' event, much more personal than major events like the National. Or so I say ;-) Don, Chris, thanks for your participation, both of you have really good things to share. hh

Hi Pam, OK... then the following is simple advice (I always suggest double checking with your tax & estate advisors as well as with college funding planners... there are still devils in the details.) You could directly "lend" DGD any funds needed. If these are not GIFTED, then they aren't income to her and don't accidentally disqualify her from subsidies you and your kids have paid taxes for all along. AFTER graduation, you may "forgive" her of a chunk of that debt annually, within the tax-free gifting guidelines. Alternatively, you have a $12,000 annual tax-free gift exemption as a tool. If your spouse is still with you, you both have a seperate $12,000 exemption. You could go as far as each of you gifting $12k to DD, DS, and DGD ($36,000 annually from you and grampa, each.) CAREFUL THOUGH... although doing so can be tax free to you and them, it would also then show as income to DGD, and increased net assets to DD & DS, which all goes into the qualification formulas for the student aid (which again, you've been paying for all along for years & years. I have no qualms about reclaiming the benefits that have been paid for in past premiums.) Hope that helps, Dave Donhoff Strategic Equity & Mortgage Planner

kkny - I agree that these things should be discussed beforehand. Too many people jump into remarriage without sorting out the details, and expensive tuition payments are one HUGE detail. Before I married DH, we talked about tuition and all expenses associated with his children. I do not mind contributing to his daughter's braces, education or enhanced lifestyle, and I know that my feelings stem from the fact that I had a choice in the matter. Not sure about CS... I think it varies depending on location, but where I am, the lifestyle of the children (and thus support) is based only on the income of the paying parent and not on household income. But there again, I knew how much CS he was paying before I married him; I knew he was planning to increase CS on a yearly basis (he is now paying much more than the order stipulates, there is no way his ex would want to involve the law -- she'll end up oweing him a lot), and again, because we discussed it beforehand, I felt like I had a choice.

Yah, I have given wallets that i filled with gift cards too-- not sure what i would use for a housewarming gift. I did find some inexpensive new home journals/maintenance record books.. most of the info I'd expect them to keep online/on the cloud.. but really, I am only looking for a vehicle for gift cars so it could work for the purpose. Same with a photo album-- they're all fully online/cloud. Will keep looking for popup cards and for books/photo albums. (along with baby gifts-- we'll soon have a virtual baby shower for nephew and his wife!) Thanks all!