Theresa- you know what they say...."Don't mess with Texas!" You can mess with Bluebonnets if you want, though. I always thought the fields of those in bloom were so pretty.

Beckster, since you've got some nice birthday things and are so far from the mudslides, I sheepishly wonder if you'd send back those tall rubber boots: we are in the middle of flooding and I could surely use them here. 4 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. Roads closing, people can't get home in some of the outlying areas between rivers/ creeks gone over their banks. It's a mess and the rain continues for about the next 5 forseeable days.

The good thing though: it hit 56 here today! No jacket needed. I even got to pull some weeds and plant some bulbs during a short break in the downpour-ahhhhh back to the soil.
Good evening all,
Poochella

I received a nice card and a lilac scented sachet from my Secret Pal today. It's nice to know someone is thinking of me. Thanks Secret Pal!

Jenell

Thank You so much Secret Pal! I got my package today (although I am afraid it sat in my mailbox for a couple of days-I guess if I don't go out nobody else around here gets the mail! LOL) I got a beautiful card and note, a cute gnome statue with "Love Grows Here" on it and a pretty notepad with flowers and "Love Never Fails" on it. It is so nice to know someone is thinking of me!

I do love fuchsia (one of the flowers on the card) I wish I had a picture of the absolutely beautiful hanging basket I had last year. The fuchsia was dark pink and so full of flowers!

The card makes me think so much of summer as I sit here listening to the wind of our "Blowing snow advisory" and remembering the -5 degrees it was outside this morning!

It is great having you as my Secret Pal!

April

My wonderful secret pal sent me a package that I recieved today also! She included the nicest letter in it which I just love reading. I wish I could write back!! I got a beautiful calender where I can put my own pictures in every month of my gardens! I just love that. I already have January's picture picked out! It's a picture of the snow storm we got not long ago and ended up with 20 inches of snow. That's a record for us! I also recieved a journal notebook that will definitely be my gardening journal this summer. I keep one every year so this will be perfect. Thank you so much for everything Secret Pal!! I do hope you are feeling better! I am hoping to try my hand at winter sowing this year also. I'm crossing my fingers that I can get something to grow! lol. And I'm slowly working on updating my GW page! I hope to have it done soon. I can't wait to start trading again! I have spring fever really bad. :) I keep telling myself it won't be long now. hehe.. Thank you again for everything and I just love having you for my pal. I really enjoy reading your letters. You are just so thoughtful and sweet. Hope you feel better and make sure to get lots of rest!! You are in my thoughts! Thank you again for everything, Teresa

Yesterday I received a very thorough book on houseplants from my pal. It is chock full of beautiful pictures, care hints, and wonderful propagation tips and will really help me rehabilitate my plants which go largely neglected much of the year. My plants and I thank you Secret Pal!

I also loved the little note tucked inside- beautiful notecard of mountain heather; so nice to see a bloom amid the gloom of winter.
Thanks Secret Pal, you made my day.
Poochella

Oh my gosh!

I got home last night and there was another surprise from my Secret Pal. I am having the birthday that never ends J
My Secret Pal sent me a birthday box full of great things. I feel like a spoiled princessÂ..that could be a good thing.
My Sp sent a notepad and pen (already in place by the phone), 2 magnet frames (how did you know I was shopping for some of those this weekend?), a beautiful scented candle, some yummy peach lemonade mix, a copy of Garden Gate magazine (what beautiful pictures), a hummingbird pin, and a bar of hand painted soap (I've never seen anything like itÂbeautiful!)

Thank You again Secret Pal. You have really made me feel special!

Becky

I received my package from my secret pal yesterday.
She wrote the sweetest note that I loved reading.
I also received:
MINI PHOTO ALBUM - You will not believe it but I needed this for the recipes I am cutting out of my magazines.
They will fit perfect in the sleeves. It gets dark sooo early I have been going through my magazines for something to do at night.
CANDLE AND STAND - Thank you so much (I love candles)
GARDENING BOOK - It's 269 pages called The Well Tended Perennial Garden Planting & Pruning Techniques. My husband grinned when I took it out of the package and said I know what you will do tonight. That's right up your alley. I love looking at gardening books. I have already found several things I will be trying this year.
Thank You Secret Pal, I also can't wait until Spring gets here. God Bless you and your family.

Shirley

Veeja- I didn't see your post, sorry. We are soggy, but no slides or flooding other than the usual garage (bad siting when they built the thing DOWNHILL from surrounding land- it keeps my squeegee skills very sharp.) How about you?
The creek that borders the back of our property went from a placid little mountain stream to a raging brown torrent in two days. During a lull in the rains I took the dog there for her usual walk and had to beg her to be sensible as she fought her way out of the creek after launching in for a drink. She is senseless, but survived anyway. The water flow was such that you can see and hear pretty large rocks tumbling down stream in places, SAVE THE DOG! I was fully prepared to launch in after her, if needed and thankfully I was not.
Rain has stopped for today, ski season has stopped as the snow has all been rained away, and it was a blistering 66º today in Seattle! Balmy. I no longer have weather envy for those of you with 60's and 70's this time of year.
Poochella

I received a wonderfull card and some seeds from my pal thankyou pal. Glad to hear you are dry little leaky. I was worrried about you up there stay dry
carol

"Thank You So Much"...My Gardening Circle Garden Pal!
(My Package Was on My Desk When I Got Home Tonight)
I Received Several Wonderful Gardening Magazines(My Hint Worked).
And One of Them is a Time-Life 'Garden Projects' Book...WOW!
I Can't Put it Down...It's Going to be a Busy Summer!
I Also Received Several Wanted/Wonderful Seed Packets that I Had Been Looking For.

and Last But Not Least...
The Most Beautiful...Embossed...Fragrant Card!
(With Hydrangeas on it...Absolutely Beautiful)

My Garden Circle Pal Has Made My Recent Gloomy Days So Much Brighter Today!
You 'ARE' So Very Much Appreciated!
"Thank You" for Your Warm Wonderful Generosity.

Poochella, so glad to hear the pooch saved herself without your assistance. I'd hate to think about both of you tumbling downstream with the rocks. Not a pretty picture.
Very cold here and supposed to be very nasty the next two days. I'm going to eat soup and drink tea while I read my garden magazines. Anybody want to join me??
Beth

I feel so bad, I forgot another packet of seeds in my gift. I also got some cypress vine, I cant wait to plant it on the mailbox (it's the perfect mailbox vine.) I've tried to collect some, it grows wild, but it always died. Poochella, glad you ordered the magazine...it's more machine-ish than countryside, (my personal favourite) which has a lot of focus on animals, but an absolutely fabulous publication nonetheless. Beth_b, a while ago you emailed me about backwoods mag and I sent you a reply...it just occured to me that it may have been the one you can't reply to....did you ever get my message?

Thanks Poochella!

YaYa

You are quite welcome Yaya- a little something for being the Circle Hostess with the Mostess.
Poochella

Dear Secret Pal, You are the best! I received your package yesterday. Thank you for the narcissus--I will get them started today. A wonderful way to brighten up the cold winter days. I love the big mug with the hot chocolates and teas. I plan to have a cup of hot chocolate and sit in front of the fire when I finish on GW today. We had more ice and snow last night, and the winds are 35-45mph with gusts to 60mph. A day to stay inside in front of the fire. Perfect!!! I always have a use for the stationary. The flowers are so pretty, and I will seal them with the rose stickers. SP, I just loved my box this month. Thank you so much for the thought and caring that you put into it. You ARE the best, Mary Ellen

Dear Secret Pal, I forgot to thank you for the plant holder. It will hang perfectly in the guest bedroom which does get used often--we call it the "blue room." The raised decorations on the planter are the perfect blue to complement the blues in the room. I will need to think of something to put in it which shouldn't be too hard. You are STILL the best! Mellen

I feel so left out I do not know who my partner is or maybe was but I have not received anything at all yet and I see everyone posting their happy messages!! I have not lost hope but it is late
Marie

SKOOCH! That's horrible. Email me your address and I'll send you an early Valentine. Ya Ya needs to hear about this too. I hate it when people get left out.

How sad that you got lost in the dust, (only now, lost in the blizzard, you lucky soul!)
Funny, last week I was envious of those with the 70's weather and now I'm pea green over anyone getting a big snowfall! How fickle...

I would love to hear some blizzard reports from any NE'ers or Midwesterners. I miss a good snowstorm.

Skooch, I am serious, email me.
Poochella

Skooch, don't feel alone and don't give up hope! I know it's late, I haven't heard from my pal either but I know she's gonna come through. Won'tcha pal? I hope you're doing okay.

To my SP, I am late no excuse, just too lazy to walk to po.
LL I have been watching the streams for you, you would come this way wouldn't you ?

My pal is late too. But believe me I understand because I just sent out my January package this past Saturday. The month definitely got away from me. Hubby is newly retired and it has been an adjustment for all. The sun is shining on our 3 foot accumulation of snow this morning. Hope you all are safe and snug.
Sorry for being such a poke.
Lily

Skootch,, My pal quit and I waited in Dec.. I know what it feels like... I bought a few things so that yaya didn't feel she had to make it up to us each month. She did send me something for Dec. It really cheered me up.. If you'll send me your addy I'll cover Jan. until your new pal can pick up in Feb.
My new pal did send me a few extras.. It really made up for whoever dropped me..
Ronda

Now, some of you don't give up hope yet! I, too, got my package out a few days late. MLK holiday was in there so the PO was closed on the 17th. We have no PO window service on Saturdays so I didn't get mine out on the 15th-it went on the 18th. AND the "supposed" deadline to receive packages is the 25th. Many of us have also had MUCH winter weather which I know here has also affected the PO. The mail did not get out of Des Moines yesterday(Sat.) so we had no mail up here--which again means no mail going out. So to my SP, it's in the mail, just hang on!!! Mellen

Remember everyone PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOUR PAL DOESN'T SEND YOU SOMETHING!!!

With the way things are set up with the ring, it is easy to get you a new partner. Please email me by the end of the month if you didn't get something, I will happily make up for the gift, and get you a NEW PAL!!

This ring is really running very smoothly. The problems have been minimal and I sure am proud to be a part of it.

YaYa

i must also apologize as i am late at getting mine out. it's not like i don't have it, i just need to get the proper box and get to the post office. my excuse has been health issues. i can't even blame it on the weather (although this weekend we had a beautiful abundant snowfall. i do have a follow up appointment tomorrow so my thought is if i am allowed to drive tomorrow to go to the doctor's, i can sidestep and go to the post office. so anyone feeling left out (you know who you are! LOL), you'll get it next week sometime. also, i'd sure like to know a little more about my pal. i have to guess at things and what i like or think you might need might not be what someone else likes or want.

i'm of the firm opinion that as long as you receive it within the month specified, it works. i hope no one takes that as a poor way of thinking, but we still have a week to go.

oh, and let's hear it for the EAGLES!!!!!!!

I'm sorry to hear that you have been ill Earthly Delights. We all hope this year brings you much relief!

The reason the rules state that the deadline for recieving something is the 25th of the month is really because of my part. Usually if someone doesn't send something I have to email them, and the communication usually takes a couple of days, and then if they drop out I have to contact the new pal and get them their new address before the 1st of the month and I really need several days to do that. I know it seems OK to wait until the last of the month to send when you only have to worry about one trade, but It does make it harder for me, and actually, the person sending to you (who if you drop out, will send to your pal in the future.)

So that is my rational, I hope that the ring contiumes to go as well as it has.

You guys are great! I just got all my seeds I ordered in the mail, I am really excited about spring!

Thank you Secret Pal. I received my package on Saturday. I truly appreciate the note pad perfect for writing grocery and to-do lists. My current pad was starting to get pretty thin, the the timing is great. I also loved the seeds you sent. I can't wait to try out the basil!!

I'm most impressed with the PO delivering mail regardless of weather conditions around town! $0.37 to deliver a letter is a steal... especially when it's this cold out!

Thanks!!
-Stephanie

i just came back from the post office. my package has been mailed. my pal should receive it by the end of the month. i am already starting to put my february package together and will make certain that it gets out right away.

funny, i haven't driven in three weeks, and then to have to go out in all that today. i made it home just as it started snowing again. it does look pretty though.

yaya, thanks for your well-wishes. i'm almost 100%, thank God, been a rough year already and we're not even through the first month!

so, secret pal, be on the lookout...hope you like what i sent.

I mailed my package today but it's actually the 2nd one this month. My pal got the other one but thinks it was from a SP on another thread she's in. Don't discard me please, I'm having too much fun here. I'm sorry some of you haven't gotten anything. YaYa, if you need me to double up for someone let me know. We don't want you to send to everyone who doesn't get something. (hopefully that won't be many though.) Nancy

Pals please post if you receive your gifts so your sender will know it arrived,it is a little scary to send off another gift if you don't know if your first one made it.
thankyou carol

I'm still waiting to hear from my pal, but no need for anyone else to send anything. I know she's remembered me! With the crazy weather all over the place and everything involved with getting things back to normal after the holidays, I understand if it gets mailed a little late. Can y'all believe it's almost the end of January already? Where did the month go???

Hey there, Beckster & LunaMoon, Hope you both had Grrrreat Jan B-Days!! Did you have any sun on your special day? Well you both probably radiated warmth and shined bright for those around you... hopefully they reflected it back at ya : ). Happy Birthday, even if it is belated a bit.

Poochella, how did you get that birthday cake on your post?

I got my gift box today. Thank you for a much, much needed way to organize my seeds. You must have been looking over my shoulder in November when I sent a "newbie' a bunch of seeds in homemade envelopes. They're easy to do but ended up looking pretty dorky. So now I can send seed out like the rest of the 'pros'. It finally stopped snowing here-3ft in the last two weeks. Sigh------
Lil

Hey everybody How is it goin?? I survived out lovely blizzard too!!! How horrible!! everything is now Dirty snow it needs to melt away!!! SPRING IS NOT SO FAR!!!!
Anyway I did get my secret pal package and THANKYOU SECRET PAL for the lovely butterfly suncatcher which is now hanging on the back door as soon as you enter the house!!!!
Also Thanks Kelly you have been just wonderful to me!!!
Marie

I KNEW my pal hadn't forgot me, package was waiting for me when I got home last night. Thank you for the gardening gloves, pretty blue w/leather palms and light weight, I can always use a new pair! Plus cute notepaper, vanilla scented votive candles, a nice card and some seeds I didn't have. Thanks Secret Pal. It's been a tough and stressful month, going through a divorce, and this really brightened my day. I do look forward to hearing from you each month, wish I knew more about you. Have a great weekend Pal!

abcgirltx, I just want you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better. I know that sounds trite but look forward and not back. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy

So far I only have one person reporting that they didn't get something this month, which is really great! If you didn't get something, email me ASAP so I can check with your sender and find out what happened.

I will be starting the Feb Thread soon.

YaYa

I came home from a 3 week vacation to a nice package from my secret pal, inside was a wonderful note and ton's of great seeds!~ Thank you so much secret pal! I love them all!
My Secret Pal's Jan. gift is late! But on it's way.. My apologies!

~Dusty~

I just want to thank my Generous Secret Pal for the birthday package she sent me! Thank you soooo much! I appreciate it and it is nice to know that I am being thought of! Many thanks!

Jenell

Luna Moon- Happy Birthday a tad late. May your candles burn plentiful and brighter for many years to come.

jaceysgranny, thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I know what you say is true. Right now gardening is the one area of my life that gives me serenity. It's so great to be part of a group like this.

January is almost over and into Febuary we go. Time just flies. I hope everyone is snug and cozy on this snowy day, of course it may not be snowing everywhere but it is here.

I just returned from my trip to New Orleans and Mississippi and had a good time. It's fun to go on vacation but it's also good to get back home.

Dusty- Wow a 3 week vacation. I've never been gone more than 1 week at a time and then I get homesick. The weather was great, in the 60 and 70's everyday.

Glad this month worked out that everyone but one got something. She may get hers also.

abcgirltx - My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time of your life. Hang in there and God Bless you.

EarthlyDelights - Glad to hear you are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you also.

Poochella - let me and ilsonshine in on the secret putting cute pictures on these posts. YOU COMPUTER WHIZ YOU.
I love the birthday cake, and also the boots you did.

Take care everyone.

Shirley

I finally had a chance to catch up on everything I missed while I was gone! Want to wish you all that had birthdays a Happy Belated Birthday! I hope your days were filled with love and laughter!
Abcgirltx and Earthlydelights- You both are in my thoughts!
BrittneysGran, Yes 3 weeks! Was only suppose to be 2.. but I added another week on.. too much to do! Plus it was well below zero here most of the time I was gone!lol I was able to meet a gal from GW that I've been emailing for many years now so that was nice!
It sounds like everyone had a great swapping month! Kudo's to you all!

~Dusty~

Wow did I ever get a SUPER box from my pal. A nice letter and LOTS of goodies. The "hat" is beautiful. I have not figured yet where I will but it but It will be someplace special. Garden labels are always welcome, more seeds and a nice smelly candle. The envelopes are great too. Wish .
you'd tell me where they came from.
Wondering if I may have posted the Christmas Package on a different thread??? Was it a ceramic " Garden Angel" in an orange dress?? I also get some metal snowmen that hang up on the wall or tree.
I'm trying to remember what else I got from unknown senders?? It is difficult to keep track if you are in a couple different swaps. I have started writing something in the return address That says Yaya or Garden circle.
Sorry for the confusion but glad you found themessage I posted on the original Swap thread. Hope from now on youi will not need to do the detective work to read your thanks.
I'm counting this as Feburary. You are way ahead of me there. Thanks again, Beth

Hey,

Great news, the last package is on the way....that means everyone is still in the game. That is really wonderful!

Try not to be procrastinators next month...hint. Put that reminder on your calendar right NOW!!!!! As my dad always used to tell me "If you do it now you won't have to WORRY about doing it later"

OK, so my January was really fantastic, I'm feeling energetic (which is not real common with me) and I have been super busy with work, which is great for this time of year....expecially since my husband started his own business Jan 1 and his weekly paycheck is no more. I have been freezing in my house, so yesterday I got a heater for right next to my desk, so my office can be warm, even if the rest of the house is cold (bad insulation in this house) and we splurged at Walmart and I got a great new electric skillet, big enough for cooking lots of bacon, without it hanging over the edge of the pan, he he.

My garden plans are also keeping me busy. Last year I focused on getting the hardscape in, but this year.....finally, I can concentrate on PLANTS!!!!! I have mostly been looking at my vegetable garden plans, since I will start some indoors, but next on the agenda is to order some perennials for my hill garden, now if I can only narrow down what I want, ha.

Keep well, be peaceful. See you on the February Post.

YaYa

Welcome back Dusty- 3 weeks is an age but you picked a good time to vamoose from the subzero temps.

Abcgirl- hang in there during the divorce. You're right about the garden being a place of serenity. I hope you can use it as a little sanctuary of sanity during this turbulent time.

Shirley, follow the link for everything I know about photos. The little icons, such as the cake, can be found all over the net searching for icons or free icons. you just right click on them, hit "SAVE AS," name the file, and once it's saved you can add it to photobucket for use posting.
That's about all there is to it.
Poochella

Here is a link that might be useful: read the second post for Photo posting

Belated January Birthday wishes

Warm wishes and happy thoughts to everyone :)

and I want to thank you for your well-wishes

Adding my thanks to Earthly's for all the well wishes. Y'all are great!

I received a package from my secret pal today--yippy--hey all is well as it is still January ; ). I understand that things come up that can throw any of us off schedule, so no worries as far as I'm concerned.

With a card were some 15 or so packets of seeds. I was just thinking about flowers and was hoping to get some Stella d'oro seeds or plants this year (I just got 2 last year and they lasted longer and better than I'd ever expected), so that was a sweet and neat surprise : ). I've been thinking about Larkspur too and, oh, the Crimson Clover may work in a vacant area right across from us to brighten things up. Thank you, Secret Pal, for the card and all the seed packets.

See you all on the February Thread.

YaYa