Sending additional divisions is fine, as long as one has enough of a given hosta to do so and it is economically feasible. However, some hostas, especially newer varieties, are in high demand, but even after 2 years in the garden may remain large, single divisions. Thunderbolt and Dream Queen are perfect examples, with 2 years growth in the garden, they will be thick, stocky single divisions with very good root systems. Obviously it's not possible to send 2 or 3 divisions for the price of one. Montana Aureomarginata is another example, as it's one of my favorite hostas, but very slow to gain size and add divisions. I routinely have divisions of this one that are 2-3 years old, almost 2 feet tall, but still single divisions with good roots. Oddly enough, Blue Mouse Ears is another variety that is quite slow to throw additional divisions. Most minis are prolific once they are established, but I have a bunch of these that will be 3 years old this spring, and last year I checked and found that these large, stocky single divisions all have roots that are profuse, thick, and up to 12 inches long. Some have 2 eyes, but not a one has put out a second division with it's own root system. Again, this is a situation where one would have to dig up and ship 2 or 3 entire plants in order to send extra divisions. On more common, prolific hostas, most reputable sellers will send multiple divisions, and root systems should be good. However, some of the better known nurseries routinely send a single division, and when you look at the Hosta Finder, the price listed is always for a single division. If you do mail order, always be sure you specifically ask what size plant will be shipped to avoid disappointments. Like most people, I prefer to buy my hostas in person, so I can see exactly what I'm getting. And I'm the sort of customer who does not hesitate to gently tip a hosta out of it's pot to check the root system before I buy a plant. You will too often find that large, lush "bargain" hostas sold by places that don't specialize in hostas will have very poor root systems in spite of having multiple divisions with profuse foliage. This generally indicates that the plants have been treated with a chemical such as DAP that forces heavy foliage growth, but at the expense of root growth. And it's the roots you are really buying, not the foliage. Finally, if you prefer not to receive any free plants with an order, by all means let the seller know. I think most sellers would be delighted not to waste a plant on a customer who doesn't want it.

Well, I had planned to do housework but allowed myself to get side-tracked by the hummies and b'flies :o) The end cap is a plastic stopper from stockcap (add the .com to find that on the web). They offer free samples so I emailed asking for stoppers that would fit the insulin bottles I normally use as well as 1/2" test tubes - which is also the same size of opening as on those airplane liquor bottles. I found a stash of those that I'd collected when I was in college (oh so many decades ago!!!) So...eventually I will be making some feeders out of those recylced airline liquor bottles too...just as soon as I decide what other stoppers I want to order. ...Yes, it's a buff bellied. Also have a couple of ruby throats that showed up last week. The aerial antics are starting now that new hummies are showing up. I am never fast enough to get a photo of that :o( My regular hummies are so used to my insulin bottle feeders and they quickly zoomed in on the new test tubes ones but it's been a riot watching the 'new comers' figure out all my new fangled feeders!!! The new comers check out the back end...they check out the beads...and the stained glass too...then fly off and circle back around to try again. They are learning how to recognize the stoppers as the source for the nectar :o) ~ Cat

No to pierced ears here. But this week, I wish I had. I am trying to find a pair of dangling earrings for my son's wedding next weekend. Clip earrings are very difficult to find to start with but when you have an idea of what you want that makes it impossible! To give you an idea: I am a plus size woman so that cannot be too dainty, but then again I am not a "bold" person either. I do not want hoops. I want them to dangle about 2 inches (cant' be much longer because the neckline on the jacket of the dress has a lot of beading and I don't want tangles. They have to be silvertone and could have clear crystals mixed in. I don't want to look like I am putting on the ritz because to me that would look fake because there is no way we could afford anything like that. I just want them to be dressy but not over the top. So, not that I wanted much, huh? :) When I read this back, it is funny - no wonder I cannot find what I want from the 5-10 pairs that a store might have if they carry clips at all. Maybe I won't even wear any. The beading on my jacket and a necklace may be it. I am wearing a very special piece of black hills silver for my necklace. It is an angel that I wear each and everyday in memory of our daughter. She will be sooooo missed at the wedding. It will be 6 years this July. On some days it still seems like yesterday - she would be 27. However, she will be in our hearts. She would be so happy for her brother and will be watching from heaven I am sure. (Better quit here before the tears come.) Have a happy day!

Good question! I think it is so hard. First, we personally always look at the cost of the home, resale value, what we'd get out of it and what we are putting in. We will never put in more than we can get out. You have to research local real estate for that. If you've lived in a home for a while, you may be out of the loop of what things are really selling for, especially what you feel they may be worth. As a homeowner who has done some big (IMO) remodeling projects in the past, I anticipate future projects based on the past costs, and also my DH experience as he is quite handy and has done many hands on projects. Examples of hired work and some DIY: Installing central air and extending ducting into a home, moving a furnace, soffits and drywall for ducting, rebuilding a large cement and brick front porch requiring a structural engineer, redoing a kitchen (DIY via IKEA) and hiring an electrian (good friends' husband) to fix electrical. Painting. Framing and drywalling an office, redoing a small master bath with marble, laying laminate flooring. Laying decking, fencing, gazebos and landscape. Installing and boring out doors. Building decks and boardwalks. Refinishing wood floors. Etc. These past experiences give us a baseline. Before I had a baseline, I relied on a three quote system to judge what a realistic cost was for what I wanted to achieve. Most people that I know, have a budget, and then adjust design and materials accordingly. Others with very open pocketbooks may operate differently. Most people I know, if they come into a very outdated situation, come up with a plan for updating immediately. They may save for some big things, but basic cosmetic change up is usually a must. For most people I know, they either: 1) Save for a project 2) Set a budget, and then shop it out 3) Yes it usually goes over a little due to splurges. I can only speak for us, we have a set amount of money we want to spend. We prioritized where to spend it based on our past experience of cost, and what was most important. We set a budget for each area (hardwood floors, kitchen, master suite, siding, windows). At this point we play the see saw game of we go over here, so where can we cut, and what can we live with. Just my experience. It's hard. If you have been out of it a while, costs do rise.