Just received a wonderful May pkg from my pal, hummingbird feeder which I have been wanting, and more thankyou pal I loved it all, especially your handwritten note. thankyou pal
your the best.

Sorry I did not post last month. I received a wonderful package from my Secret Pal with little ceramic toad stools in it and plant markers. I also got a pair of Pruning Shears way nicer then anything I would buy for my self. Thank you very much. Have a great day! Oh and strange thing was no card. Wondering if I have a new secret pal or did you not think I loved them?

Kathy,

Yes, I'd love to join. Let me know what I need to do.

Yhanks,

Billie

Morning all,

Sorry I did not get a chance to post sooner, I got a wonderful box from my secret pal. More neat shells...YES...I love them...I have them all in my bowl and it is filling up fast. I also got several other nice things and a nice pair of gardening gloves that I needed badly. Mine where in aweful shape. I how this spring is going well for all of you and Thanks a Million SP..I so love your boxes.

abitodd
Deni

Hi Everyone (and especially my Secret Pal), I just wanted to let you know that I will be away the last week of June. I am going to England to visit my MIL. I thought my Secret Pal might need to know, just in case she decides to send me plants. My DH will still be home, but he has no idea what to do with plants! He would kill it even if he tried to put it in dirt! LOL

Thanks!

Alison

Secret pal you have outdone yourself. I just love the plants. What a novel way to get a surprise. I think you are way ahead on your monthly secret pal duties. The nursery couldn't find me yesterday so I picked them up today. What a lovely assortment of plants planted in a great big pot.

Enjoying my plants,
rudybacon

I would like to join in if there is a open spot? Or could you put me on a list for when you have someone else that joins that needs a partner? Just thought that I would ask just in case you do have an opening.

Gail

I've been very busy & out of touch lately. Here is another installment of the soap opera that is my life:

My 16 year old nephew (the wanna be gangsta) stole $300 from my sister's boyfriend's locked gun cabinet & a $500 pair of night vision binoculars. So, after they got back from the police station, the boyfriend kicked my sister & all 4 kids out. When they were leaving the police station, he said he couldn't be in the same vehicle as my sister's son so he left them. She called me & had to wait at the gas station for 30 minutes until I got there. What's odd is that the boyfriend insisted they take one vehicle. The vehicle my sister used to go back & forth to work the boyfriend was paying the note & insurance on. Now, they're all staying with us & I'm having to take her back & forth to work, which is the opposite direction where I work. I told her this next week she's got to do something about a car. So, I will apologize now to everyone because I have not had time to clean my house, let alone check over GardenWeb & emails. And to my secret pal, I'm sorry, but June may be late.

Just a quick question is this the same boyfriend of the sister who copped a feel on your boob earlier this year?

Cassie

Yet another great package from my secret pal. I love the fountain . It's great plus batteries included, wow you think of it all. It's beautiful and just the right size to put anywhere. The candles have a wonderful fragrance. I can't wait to finish this work stretch and try them out in the bathroom for a great relaxing night :) The thermometer is so cute. It was perfect as the only one we have at this point is located far from the house. This one is now at home on our back deck and cute to boot. Thanks also for the iris plants, I can't wait for next year to see them bloom. They have snuggled into their new home quite well. What a great June package all decorated for summer. It brought some smiles to what has been some rainy days here. I think I have the greatest pal and you spoil me. Hugs to you and thanks again!!!!!!!

if you have any openings i sure would like to join patty

Cassie, yes it's the same one. What a prince, right?!!! Boy, can she pick 'em! I have spent a week & a half telling her to get her head out of her ass & stop acting like a 16 year old. She's mad at her son for "doing this to her". I 'reminded' her of all the stuff the boyfriend has done - copped a feel with her sister, cheated on her, not to mention all the times he got drunk, hit her, & left bruises on her. Can you believe she wanted him to give her another chance? I guess I just don't understand her mentality. Her son told my husband he would give anything for his mother to notice him. My hubby says he's doing all these bad things to get attention from her, even though it's negative attention at least it's attention. We just recently had a tiff because my husband had all the kids working for 2 days - the boys mowing & weedeating (boy, does my yard look good! LOL!) & the girls worked on the house. My sister got mad & said this was summer vacation & her kids weren't going to work everyday on their vacation. My husband hasn't been working lately because he drives a truck for a nursery & it's been slow. He loves to cook (but hates to clean) so while my sister & I have been working, he's been watching the kids & cooking. He got aggravated with her & said he wouldn't make the kids do any work, that they could live on their video games, but he wasn't going to watch them or cook for them, nothing. I told her if they wanted to eat & a place to sleep - her included - they'd better by God help out. If we had a farm, everyone would have to work together or we'd all do without. Between us, we have 4 teenage boys & 2 girls - my daughter is 12, her's is 7 so they are all old enough to help out. She's 'agreed' to let her kids do chores, but she gets this attitude sometimes like my husband is standing behind them with a whip, making them work from sun up to sun down. They maybe work a couple of hours if it's yard work, less if it's something in the house.

On to better news!!!!!
Yesterday I received a pretty card from my pal. It was a pretty card, Garden-themed, & had words of encouragement on it (which I desperately need right now! LOL!). Also, she sent me a book, "Putting Food By" & a package of 24 canning labels. Both will come in handy after we start getting some veggies, although the corn looks crappy. I'm looking forward to reading the book, maybe hitting my sister with it. Thank you pal!!!

Kathy,
After doing mental health counselor duty for 10 yrs I can tell you hubby is exactly right. Hope she truly opens her eyes before it's too late.
With everything you have going on in your life, I just wanted you to know you are doing a good job with the swap and keeping up. I know how hard it is and especially when life throws you a LOT of curves and life is bumpy. My hats off to you.

Cassie

I receied a GREAT package from my secret pal today! She is just SO thoughtful and I am such the luckiest girl to have a "mom" ummmmm secret pal like her!

She filled a flat rate box with all kinds of fun stuff to keep the kids busy this summer and some VERY thoughtful things for me too.

Some items were a beautiful flower ceramic nightlight, a tart burner with a lighthouse, lighthouse tea lights, and some awesome smelling tropical tarts to burn!

She included an aloe plant, chocolates and other thoughtful things. Truly a "healing" box. My secret pal included a nice note explaining what each item represented and what she was thinking when it was purchased. This note touched me deeply and meant alot to me. Thank you secret pal for being the wonderful, caring, loving woman that you are. I truly feel blessed to have you as my secret pal!

May God Bless You And Yours and always "shine" his light throughout your day to brighten your path.

Sincerely,
Kim

Just wanted to say my pals package is on the way!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Just mailed to my secret pal & Cassie, your chocolate mint is also on the way!

Here's another segment to Kathy's Soap Opera:

Nephew is now on Prozac & something else. 1 is taken at night & 1 is taken 'once a day'. My sister decided 1 at night, 1 in the morning. Nephew wanted to take both at night. Nephew wanted to look at pills & see the paper on them. Sister went ballistic & refused to let him look at them (later she said she thought he'd dump them in the trash & that's why she wouldn't let him). They argued, loudly, for an hour. Nephew told sister he wasn't taking either one, ever. Sister told him she'd call the cops to come pick him up. She goes for a walk, comes back, & goes on to work (I loaned her my car since I had the day off). While she was gone my husband & I talked to the nephew. Finally, he agrees to take them at night, see how they do, & if he had to, he'd take them separate. I called the pharmacy they were filled at & asked was there a reason one had to be given in the a.m. Pharmacist said no, just take it everyday at the same time, night was okay. My sister comes home, says she wanted to see if nephew would mind her & that obviously the 'little punk' thought we were his mom & dad & not her. We told her what was the big deal when he took the pills as long as he took them? I'm not trying to undermine her (like she thinks) nor am I trying to raise her kid, but she's acting like an emotional teenager herself. Around my husband & myself, he's basically a good kid. He does whatever is asked of him. Sure, he gets mouthy sometimes but raise your hands if your teenager doesn't. Do you guys get a little picture of what my home life is like? On a funny note, my husband keeps saying kick my sister out & leave the kids & he'd have them "right" in a month or two.

Pal are you out there? Kathy sounds like dh has good idea. sister may be too far gone save the kids.

Kathy
I just want you to know you and your extended family have been in my thoughts and prayers! Hang in there!

To my special pal....I hope you are doing well!! I am missing your letters!! If you get a chance drop me a line.
Different parts of the world have had weather related problems and I am hoping you are ok!! My friend from CA called and she had a earth quake. It wasn't bad but that is a scarey thought to me! I do hope all is well in your world and that you are enjoying your gardens.

Also I am missing hearing from all of you!! Come on take a little break and post once in a while!! Please!
Best wishes to all of you!

Hi everyone, I received another great package from my pal this month. Thank you for the canna and calla lily bulbs. I have some yellow calla lilies, these will look great growing beside of them. Thank you also for the fantastic selection of seeds! The package was waiting when I got home from a really hard day at work. What a great way to relieve tension, opening a box with lots of seeds that I've been wanting. Thank you very much!!! The plants that you sent last month are looking great! The mint is really growing. I just love smelling it and the lemon balm! The elephant ears are starting to get big.
You asked about my pond. It is 8 feet by 10 feet. The bottom is a liner covered with rocks. We have lots of sweet flag and purple pickerel rush, parrots feather, some white snowflake plants and small water hyancinths. We did have water lilies, but we separated them this spring and they don't seem to be doing very well. The pond gets sun about half of the day.
Thank you again for the very thoughtful package!

Ginger

I received my June package from my pal a few days ago.
It was full of some cute stuff. I'll enjoy drinking my green tea when I'm stressed and need to relax. I really do enjoy herbs and things that smell nice.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
Bonnie

Hi Kathy
Just wanted to post so you know I have sent my pal a special box over 10 days ago and haven't heard a thing! Maybe she is traveling?? I also haven't heard from mine! I know this is a busy time of year!! I hope all is well with everyone and Have a fun filled weekend!

I received a beautiful platter and serving bowl from my SP this month. It is green and blue with bird houses.
I'm planning to redo my kitchen this summer (floor and wallpaper) and was thinking of green and ????. I may go with green and blue with a birdhouse theme, thanks to my Secret Pals inspiration!
Thanks pal....great gift!
I hope all is well with you.
Becky

Kathy,
I received the humongous plant. Your seeds are on the way. It's lovely and SMELLS heavenly.

To my wonderful pal,
I wanted to let you know I received your lovely little box and the garden stones in it. I always enjoy your cards as they are pretty and very thoughtful. I had intended to write a little earlier and then my daughter got sick. She has had some sort of breathing attack and I thought she was going to die. She is going to a specialist on Monday. It has been a rough week. I have been on a couple of times to do things on the swap I host and haven't gotten over here to post however I didn't forget you.
To answer your questions... let's see. I have a patio garden and I pack as much into that space as I can. I get seeds for my pots and I also grow some veggies in pots. For things that are perennials, I usually buy things that will remain small except my one perennial bed which has a wide assortment in it. I have one perennial bed, one rose bed and one bed for annuals. This year I have sunflowers, glads, cannas, black and white scabiosas and touch me nots in it. I didn't plant the touch me nots they just WON'T GO AWAY!!!! I planted a lot of other things but they did not come up. In the front I have begonia bulbs, celosia, morning glories and salvia, in my pots I have nasturium, moss rose, calla lillies, celosia, some things I got from trades, baby's breath, and marigolds, cinnamon basil, pineapple and some other kind of mint and now chocolate mint.
You can send whatever you like and I would love to have it as I love flowers. I also have houseplants so that will be fine also. I enjoy whatever you send pal as it is the thought that counts and I just enjoy getting the boxes and looking inside.

Cassie

I apologize to anyone who has emailed me & hasn't received a reply. I hope to have time to go check it in the next few days.

Here is my list of who has NOT received for June:

Gulliblevolunter
Theresan
Veeja11 - your post, was that for May or June?
Everafter
Diene
Booster1
Darlene87
Garden Hits
DaWiff
PlantladyJan
Lbmoore
SandysGardens
CompostChick
MudPlayingFamilysMom
WindsurfGirl
KnoxvilleGirl
Leann2800
Crazy4hydrangea (new)
Billie_IN (new)
Gail2568 (new)
Pattyp2257 (new)

As always, let me know if I have you on the wrong list. If you have mailed to one of these people, please be patient. A few are in the same boat as I am & can't get to a computer for days at a time. One is unable to post & always emails me when she receives & when she sends - to her trader, I'll let you know as soon as I can check my own email.

BTW, in case anyone cares, my sister has gone camping with the boyfriend/ex-boyfriend & her daughter. He has loaned her back the car "for a few days". My husband & I are placing bets on how soon she moves out & who all she takes with her.

Pal,

I finally got your package in the mail today, Monday and it should arrive on Wednesday (2 day delivery). We got to the post office 5 minutes late last friday, then on Saturday tried to mail from the post office up at the lake(cabin) and got there 10 minutes late, but today made it!

Take care and enjoy the up coming 4th of July.

Kathy - I am hoping things will get better for you and yours soon.

I recvd a great package from my pal today. There was seeds, some bulbs, notecards, and 2 beautiful picture frames.

In answering to your personal note (them are always the best, hugh) Yes I am very tired of unpacking, no I am no longer organized and have become very overwhelmed with what is left (which is still in my mother's basement). My goal is to have it all unpacked by Christmas. I hope I make it. I am trying real hard to stay focused and get a little done each day.

Cant remember who posted above about making it to post office 5 minutes late, but listen to this one...My new post office where I live is only open on Saturdays from 8:00-9:30am....and the grocery store is only open until 8:00pm at night. I am used to driving a half mile down the road to the Walmart that is open 24 hours a day at 10:30 at night to pick up forgotten items....I guess them days are long gone.....no Walmart here! :')

Kathy, please strike my name from the not received list. I've already gotten a very nice note from my pal. She says there's a package on the way, even though I've tried to let her know that a quick note is really all I need to make me happy. Pal, you are such a wonderful and caring person. I don't want you to ever think of sending "things" to me as being an obligation. You've shown time and again how much of a true pal you are. The gifts have been wonderful, but getting to know you has been the greatest gift of all.

The same thing goes for the pal I send to. She probably doesn't realize how much she gives back to me every month. :-) Her posts and notes letting me know how happy she is when my monthly tokens arrive are really a way of sharing with me who she is and I enjoy them so much. I SO lucked out in getting the greatest two pals possible. Getting to know you both through this exchange has been very fulfilling.

So, Kathy, strike me from that list. I've had contact and that's the important thing.

Kathy i sent out my sp package today conf # 03050830000104035019 i hope she enjoys next month i will have more time to get it together

Greetings to all!
For some strange reason I haven't been able to post to this exchange for a couple of days....I could post to others!
A big thank you to my special pal for the lovely birthday box!! Ohhhh I just love it!! So colorful!! I love bright colors!! To let the others know my pal sent me a box full of goodies with lemons, limes, and orange goodies!! She enclosed as always a nice letter which I enjoy so much. She included everything I need to use on the deck and take to the beach!! So cool...Everything matches with lemons, limes and oranges (fruit not just colors!) I received plates with matching glasses..great for ice tea! Dish towels, candles and a cute bottle!! I love them all and thank you for your time and efforts. It is ok that they were a bit late!! You really made my day as you always do!
I hope you are doing well and have a great 4th of July weekend!! Take care!

i sent my secret pal her package con#03050830000104035019 i hope she enjoys it i have more time to put a lot of thought into next month patty

My post was for May am waiting on June

I received a June package from my secret pal yesterday. The book looks so interesting I plan on starting it this weekend. I love things that smell good so I am sure I will be referencing it often. I have placed the amber next to my amethyst and hematite next to my bed. This way I wiull get good vibes while I am in bed. I have already opened the soap. I love lavender!!!

I am up and around now. And I am back at work.
They tell me I will be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I just wish they could control my blood thickness better. I have had DVT's before (but not a PE) and I end up getting my blood tested 3-4 times a week instead of just once (a "normal" person just gets tested once a week). This is because part of my blood thins too fast and part of it thickens too fast. so they have a hard time controlling it.
After a while you begin to feel like a pincushion. lol

I hope all is well with you and yours. Thank you again for your thoughtful package. Have a happy and safe 4th of July
Vicki

I recieved a SUPER fun SUMMER FUN package from my secret pal. I am making popsicles this morning with the Kool-Aid and popsicle maker set!! They will be ready by the time I return from work this afternoon. What a great treat that will be. I also got a battery operated bubble blower, some really cute summer candles and she also sent 2 paper lanterns - and you know what?- we just had our sunroom redone by the tv show DIY TO THE RESCUE and we were thinking that we should add a few lanterns in there because it woudl look perfect with the tranquility of the colors, etc. We were right - they look PERFECT! You read my MIND! And she always adds my favorite peanut butter treat! Thanks SO MUCH pal for another GRAND package...

I did receive my Secret pal package for June. I'm sorry I have not posted. My family is adopting two children. So, we have been traveling meeting the children as well as tearing our house apart preparing for their arrival but doing so carefully so as not to upset the current offspring. Then, our washer and dryer quit on us and we had to get new ones. I have also been visiting my father frequently because he is going through chemo and my visiting my father-in-law because his wife died this year and he is still adjusting. All of this, along with the usual work and housework.
At any rate, I should not be on the did not receive list. My Secret Pal sent me a wonderful package! I loved it! It was a yucky day and I went to check the mail. On the way out the door, my son said "Mama. Its about time for you to get a something form your Secret Pal, isn't it?" I just smiled at him. But, you know the package just happened to be in the mail. It took my kid awhile to eat that jawbreaker. I wonder did he ever finish it. At any rate, it was hilarious to watch him try. That thing was huge! So, were those chocolate mountains. I've never seen mountain candy before. Too neat! You fit so much stuff in such a small package. You must be great at packing.
I put the terra cotta pots in the new girls room. She likes frogs. And the "Mommy's Garden" sign was great! It was just the thing to mark off my territory. My hubby liked the flashlight. Ooops gotta go. I'll finish thanking you later tonight.

Thanks so much.
Leann

Hello All;
I received the nicest gift and wonderful note from my secret pal. I am enjoying getting to know her and am amazed at not only her talent but her thoughtfulness. This was a very extravagent and fancy gift. It is a handmade wooden rocking horse, miniature size. The greatest thing about it is it fits with my collection of wooden toys and animals and was one I did not have. I am overwhelmed by her. She/He (although I believe it has to be a woman) is amazing. I would like to mention that I worry about the cost of my wonderful gifts and remind her that her notes and stories of her life are as enjoyable if not more so. I would be just as happy to get a note (did I mention she has the neatest cards?) as some of her wonderful gifts. Thank you secret pal, you are the best. Kathleen

I received a wonderfull box from my pal, she sends lovely notes with her boxes, I got iris, asiatic lilies, garlic, windchimes, a cute butterfly pot sitterand more a cute magnetic bracelet, I just bought a magnetic mattress pad so I hope I don't get stuck to my bed. but if I do, oh well. thankyou pal you are the best. Thankyou pal.

I received a great box from my pal the other day. Sorry I'm so slow to post! There were four different day lilys, some bath stuff, seeds, and a cute little memo holder with a bunny. Thanks very much pal! I really like day lilys but I don't have very many of them. I hope I can keep them alive in this heat! It's that time of the year where it will probably be almost 100 for a month! Thanks again pal, I really enjoy receiving your boxes.

WindsurfGirl

I received a box of goodies from my pal today - YEAH! Was great to come home to a surprise package after working 14 hours (8 in the most boring meeting).

I love the recipes you included. I am having a house full of company this next week and will be making a few of the recipes. We all love spicey/hot food so the recipes with jalapenos and chilis are going to be a hit!! Keep the recipes coming!!

The garden items are also wonderful! I have lots of new winter sown plants that need labels so they are already out in my garden shed for use tomorrow. The butterfly pot dudad is cool!

Thanks again for your thoughtfulness.

Your pal
Sandy

Its been hectic Secret Pal. But, I have had the chance to relax and read the magazine you sent me.*sigh* I planted the clover you sent me right away. I am still reading up on the seeds and bulbs packs trying to figure them out. Bulbs and roots are not my specialty but I am confident that after all the bulbs you've sent me this year, I am going to figure them out. My biggest problem has been the mole in my yard. He eats everything. But, I have launched a full scale war against him (her?). Cross your fingers for me. Oh, and the bulbs that you weren't sure what were...when they come up I'll let you know what they are. :) The sunflowers from a previous pack you sent me are growing tall. I am still waiting for them to bloom. I'm really looking forward to seeing the color. Theres mementos of you all over my yard. :)
Thanks so much for thinking of me Secret Pal. You've made my week.
Leann

My secret pal sent a lovely surprise box again. A nice card with a short note. A very cute cat planter holder that wiggles, or I don't know what to call it, it is not a cat pot holder. It is a wire cat that wiggles that holds a 6 inch clay flower pot, included. I will have fun filling that pot! There is personalized stationery to use with my old people I write to. Gotta be careful there, I am in that bracket! A cute book on cats, questions and answers about cats. A real nice pair of garden gloves, which will come in handy. Mine have holes in the thumbs. Why do we just hang onto the old and not replace them? Then a super nice can of nice smelling garden soaps. No plants, which was super fine, we went to Ore. & I stopped at a few nurseries, and got plants for 50% off, and for over a week, have been working on getting them into the flower beds. I am taking pictures to send her eventually. I enjoy my secret pal, and it gives us a break in our routine. Now I have another great cat book to read! Thank you so much for all you send. P.S. we have sort of adopted a stray cat a mo. ago, and sure makes me long for a new one again. This one is outside, and always in fights, a unneutered male. Last week, he got part of his ear removed and his face all gouged up, fighting with a racoon. Have a good month secret pal!

I received my box from my pal and inside was a cute ceramic fairy, pot holders, pocket size photo album, set of kitchen utensils, a wooden box and wooden plaque with rooster on it. I had no idea what it was for when saw the box so it was exciting to open my first secret pal exchange. Thanks secret pal !

Again I received a great package from my secret pal. I had surgery on Wednesday and came home to a wonderful box. My mom opened up everything and showed it to me. Thank you so very much! I always love your bird notecards you write in. :)

Susan

Happy July Everyone.

I received my package from my secet pal on Monday. And once again she has outdone herself!!!!!!! I have q bird house to assemble, some beautiful jewelry(love jewelry), and a cute kitchen towel. Thanks so much for your thoughtfullness(sp). I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.

Leslie

Here's the list how has NOT received for JUNE:

Gulliblevolunteer
Theresan
DaWiff
CompostChick
Billie_IN
Gail2568
Pattyp2257

One trader is in & out of the hospital & may be unable to post right now. One is unable to post on GardenWeb at this time & usually emails me. A couple I am waiting to hear back from. I still have not checked my email so I hope soon to get everyone squared away. Those of you that have posted on this thread after July, this was for June right? I'm starting a July thread so when you get July, post there.

I'm sorry I have not responded before this. As I posted earlier in this thread I was away for the last week of June. I did receive a lovely card from my Secret Pal while I was gone which I just got to open a couple of days ago.

I just want my Secret Pal to know that I do not mind in the least just getting a card! I have a room full of stuff piling up from this and other exchanges that I haven't gotten around to using yet! This is such a busy time of year for gardeners, I came back to a garden full of weeds (how could they have all just appeared fully fledged and grown in just one week?) So if you are pressed for time or out of ideas, please make it easy on yourself and just send a card.

Thanks so much for thinking of me. I have enjoyed all the other wonderful stuff you have sent so far this year.

Alison

I sent out my package to secret pal for June about 2 weeks ago