Shirley, you don't really live too far from me then. Maybe if we get enough members around this area, we can one day have a plant swap somewhere in a central area. That would be great fun.

Looks like the group did pretty good at sending and receiving in a timely fashion.

Do you think we will have a swap next month. I can do it if someone has a good idea on what to do. Any input from any members? I am thinking that Faye won't be up to hosting it so I would be happy to do so. I am just not that creative.

I went out to the garden this afternoon to find the tomato worms have struck. This year I say forget the organics, I have to kill those suckers. I haven't even gotten one tomato yet. They are a hard battle once they arrive and this year they are early. I even planted dill because they are suppose to favor that over tomato plants. Wrong! The dill is untouched.

What kind of tomato worms? If it is the Tomato Hornworm, look for the Trichogamma eggs and if they are present let nature take it's course and skip the poisons.

It is supposed to be in the low 90's today and cloudy so I hope it feels a little better than it has been. I am going to take Allie to the Knoxville Zoo this morning before the heat has time to build.
Have a good weekend,
Alana

You're going to the Knoxville Zoo? How cool is that? During my move from Tennessee back to Michigan (many moons ago) I went there, and one of the elephants shook my hand! It was very cool! Have fun!

I'm going to Altoona for a baby shower. I'm going to be a great aunt again next month. It will be wonderful to see all of my family again!

Good morning All!
I have a squirrel update for you-haven't seen any in a while-however, while I was sitting out on the back porch having my morning coffee, a groundhog came out from under the steps and started to munch on my hummingbird mix pots.
Oh. Yay. Just what I needed.
Margo- yeah, I'm about 5 minutes off 75 in Monroe! I think a plant swap would be fun, and I think there are a few people here who would be able to come-maybe. I'll help plan for it if anyone else is interested.
Also, Margo, I've come up with an idea for a MNF swap, will email you-I've never done a swap but would be willing to do one-maybe co-host-is that done?
First, tho, we better give Faye a chance to catch her breath and figure out if she can do it.
Faye-hope you are feeling much better!
Linda-I was born and raised in Slippery Rock, PA, am thinking you are somewhere near?
Alana-have fun at the Zoo-I always look forward to doing stuff like that when I visit my granddaughters!
Better go chase the ground hog-this is unreal!
Shirley!

Hi MNF members! Just wanted to let you know the August swap has begun so be sure to check it out. We are going to do a book swap along with seeds included. We are also making it a game to keep our conversations going. Hope you can all join in.

Smitties

Hi, all!

Not on the computer much, since my office is on the third floor and the heat has been awful here.

Glad to see that everyone's still chatting! Some of my plants are really displeased about the weather, and for the first couple of days some critter kept digging up the red hot poker! I hope they survive...

This week appears to be less hot, mostly due to the fact that it's cloudy. Should mean that I have to spend less time watering container plants and newly planted plants. I hope! Poor things.

Anyway. Back to working!

Sz

Hi all,
It's finally raining here, We had just the most horrible heat wave. it's 75 degrees now and I actually feel cold.
My phlox are flopped. But they were so pretty on the weekend.
Tomorrow when the rain stops I'm hoping my whole gardenssss explode with blooms.
:) Laura

Okay, we're missing two boxes, one from Sue N. and one from Faye. I'll be e-mailing them to hopefully get something of an update right after posting this. Hope everyone is having a good week!

nottougly/Faye still needs to send to auntyara/Laura
suegardens2 still needs to send to poisondartfrog/Alana

I keep meaning to get here and post that I received a envelope from cryptid with some seeds, stickers, and the cutest little origami owl magnets he made himself. I guess he forgot to include the seeds in the first box.

Thanks Darrin, what a pleasant surprise that day. The seeds will be planted in my new gardens next year.

Margo

I took this pic today with my cell phone. The butterfly was so busy feeding he didn't care I was so close
I've been so busy potting and moving plants. just thought I drop in and show off my pic lol
:) Laura

has anyone heard anything from sue or faye? or are they still m.i.a?

I haven't heard from Faye yet, but double pneumonia is a very serious illness. Get well soon Faye.
:) Laura

Hello all! I just remembered that I was supposed to report back about the bio filter!

It seems to be working very well! I have needed to put a bit more of the helpful bacteria in a couple of times, but otherwise the water has been very very clear, and I've not needed to change a filter once. I'm a huge fan!

Sz

OK I finally got it in the mail.
I am still very sick but dcrew it I got it into the mail today to auntyara.
The confirmsation number is
9101010521297105617136

I am very sorry it took me so long. but with double pneumonia it is hard to do anything. I have hAd it since the fourth and I still have it but the box is in todays mail.
Faye!

Faye's box is on it's way to it's new home, and Sue e-mailed me today for Alana's address and will be getting her box out in the mail soon. She's still having trouble with her computer and getting onto the GW, but she's feeling better and working on the computer issues.
Soon we'll be able to put this swap to bed. Yayyy!
Dan

Cool. I am glad Sue is okay.
Alana

WOOHOO!! I got my box from Faye today :)
It's absolutely jamb packed with goodies! I can't believe how wonderful the plants were packed! I have them all getting a good drink in the shade. I will post the contents soon. My grand daughter, and my little grand niece are visiting so I don't have a lot of time. Just wanted Faye to know the box got here!
:) Laura

notougly sent me a very generous box :) On top of the 5 plants she also sent nice clumps of wandering jew, spider plant, vinca minor and the wind chime is sooo beautiful.
She also sent some yummy trail mix, 2 key chains, one is an angel the other is a lucky penny from Tennessee, computer cleaner,gardening gloves, Tennessee playing cards, hand sanitizers, a pen and pencil holder in the shape of a watering can (so cute!) AND seeds!!!
Faye you out did yourself. And just getting over double pneumonia.
It was very worth the wait and I'm so happy.
Thank you thank you!
:) Laura

oops I forgot to mention the aloe infused socks! so comfy
:)Laura