Thank you for allowing my first-time plant swap one that I will never forget and allowing me to spend with so many kind hearts that share the same enthusiasm of gardening as I do. How could anyone have asked for better? I sure couldn't. A SPECIAL HUGE THANK YOU GOES OUT TO HENRIETTA (GARDENGRANMA) AND LARRY (DH). I'm sure you met a ton of newbies and might not remember who I am. I am the woman who entered your gardens and had my mouth down to the ground (like a kid in a candy store). I walked your gardens a good five times (o.k. maybe more) and while soaking in the beauty that you have created. Then followed with entering your amazing home for the feast. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was just tinkled pink with your sharing of the chocolate iris - just beautiful. FOOD - DELICIOUS! I would also love any of the recipes. PLANTS - Thank you to allow of the individuals kind enough to share your plants with me. I am proud to say, after returning back to Lorton, VA, starting digging and planting (most plants I know what they are with thanks to labels) that I was able to plant in time before the rain storms. I was tired but it was one of those great tired. While I'm drinking my morning coffee, attend to my gardens, and think of this wonderful experience we shared and can't wait for the fall swap. Count me in. My sister and ex-sister-in law are also planning to attend. Thank you again. Ronda (peppermint_mocha)

For those of you in Florida - see if you can find a concentrated cleaner called "WEB" - (made in Lake Worth, FL by Southland Products Co 561-582-4814 according to the bottle) - sold in Winn-Dixie and at ACE Hardware - combines strong detergent with acid so it removes the soap scum AND hard water stains - just did my shower doors - came out looking new !! - be sure to follow directions for diluting - and rinse well with water -- would suggest a stiff brush or plastic dish scrubber rather than Brillo pad - (aluminum doesn't like steel wool)- works super on tile too - -happy cleaning - Dave

Many readers here have limited experience and limited knowledge. I believe responses from the more knowledgeable people should avoid strong, unfounded biases. There's no place for doing that with a beginner level audience, they (like you) may not have the time, interest, or ability to reach their own conclusions. I don't make it a point to find issues to quibble about, but it does seem you don't like it when people don't share your opinions. I try to present balanced views, keeping in mind that some people may know nothing more than what they've read in this forum. MS Internet Explorer is reported to be the most widely used browser in governmental and business use. They take that responsibility seriously, because an awful lot of essential stuff relies on it. To suggest that some grandma somewhere should worry about using the latest update to play tic-tac-toe is simply silly. And no, I don't have to have the last word.

I should submit some pictures. They ask for stories about dangers. I should submit about the county not clearing the drainage and drains. Oh this happened yesterday. One of my neighbors was so upset about flooding again because the drainage ditches have not been cleared, she called the county and asked again for them to come out, we have all done that numerous times with no response, so when they told her they would put her on their list (normal answer). She said OK well if someone is not here at my house within the hour I am calling every news channel and reporting why we keep flooding and have them come out so they can see what we are constantly dealing with. They had two trucks at her house in 30 minutes. They cleaned her ditches and left! Did not touch any of ours. My husband was actually running after the truck to stop them and they just kept going. The civic club is going down there in person to present a letter notifying them of their lack of response to the community and our continued flooding because of their lack of response and to be prepared for legal action unless the situation is corrected immediately and continued monitoring and maintenance is done.