Well, I have to say that I feel the rules of the exchange forum should be obeyed. Even if that woman doesn't work for GW, maybe she was getting fed up with people NOT obeying the rules, and/or not reading them at all. Maybe she got sick of getting so many mooching emails from strangers. There are moochers everywhere who will take advantage, and are not shy. It can get to a point where it is downright rude and disrespectful. I agree you should be able to post if you are looking for something, but should have something to trade in exchange. If a postage paid offer is up, it is that person's right to do that if all they are asking is postage so be it. That's how they want to do it, and I see it as fair. BUT if they choose to say no to someone, say because they don't know them and don't know if they can be trusted to pay, I also think that is their right. On the other hand I don't think they should be rude to newbies just because they are newbies. Good way to chase people off the forums. Then where would we be? Can you imagine no new people to enable? No new people to talk to? This just goes to show that the brug forum is by far the best and friendliest forum to be. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we are like family here, & I love it! I have never been asked by anyone for anything like others have, and honestly I have a hard time even asking if I can have something that is being offered up for postage when we post here. I just feel like I am being greedy and rude. I usually have to go back & look at the post 3 or 4 times before I get the nerve to ask if I can have one of whatever it is, lol. Just not how I was raised, but I know noone is going to be pyschic and know what I want, or may be looking for. And you can bet your butts I will be offering up stuff and soon as I have some to offer! I can't wait to share with you all. I feel like I can't even repay those of you who have shared with me, no matter what or how much I send you. You all have been so nice & thoughtful..OK by now you all know how I can go on & on, so I'll shutup now, lol. I think you get the point. But with all that yapping..I don't even know if I actually got my original thoughts out there. Mike, I can understand how you looked at that and it got you ticked off. Happens to me all the time, lol. That's what hard about this..there's no tone, you don't know exactly how people mean things sometimes. Could be meant a few dif ways. Maybe they are just sheep over there, and just wanted to seem like they agreed with her, who knows. I am glad you posted your thoughts though. Maybe they didn't realize how it was being taken? As for this 'rule'; * All exchanges are restricted to users from a particular country, region or state. If it isn't indicated otherwise, the exchange is restricted to residents of the U.S. To find an exchange for your location, check the the exchange index* OK I can agree with the country part, but region & state??? What kinda crap is that? Just my thoughts on this. Daniella

Hi Nikki, There is a page on the internet that shows pictures of every phase of growing seedlings. I don't know the gentleman who put this on the internet, and there is not a lot of explanation with the pictures, but it took a lot of effort to get this site all together. The only unfortunate part is that the pictures are not in the correct sequence. Many of the pictures about starting seeds have dates to show their progress, so use the dates to get the sequence. Lots of pictures also about pollinating, seed pod formation, seed storage, record keepping, etc. Just remember, this is one person's way of doing things - - not the only way. Hope you are as successful in getting them through to spring when you can plant them outside as you have been in getting them to germinate. Larry Here is a link that might be useful: Eldon Welch's Daylilies

Sadly, he can probably get off more easily than any of us would like to think. I don't know, but the realist in me says find a way to move. You can't depend on the neighbor's being incarcerated to go forward with a normal life. It sounds like your neighbor's "crew" still assembles despite his absence. If he and his friends disappear, is there potential for a replacement problem group taking up "residence" in your immediate vicinity. Could you have friends over for an impromptu summer bbq? It seems as though you can't plan anything outdoors so long as your neighbor's son & his friends are around. I can see this getting worse first before/rather than better. Things are definitely not in your favor with regard to the current real estate market, or for that matter, the economy in general. However, when it gets to the point that your kids can't safely go outside to play on a nice day, and you are living in daily fear, is it really worth your sanity and that of everyone in your family? I am a fighter as well as a total optimist. Before reading about your situation, I would have adamantly defended my right to live in my home. I would not allow the behavior of another make me move from a home I created. However, under your circumstance, I would definitely consider all options, moving being one of them. Is there a reasonable possibility that your neighborhood will get progressively worse, or is this an isolated thing within a 10 block radius of your home? If I were to take a walk in your neighborhood, would the gang presence be obvious to me? What is the the town like overall? It may be a strategic move to get out of this neighborhood now before it becomes reputed for its higher potential for crime? Also, I can't remember if you mentioned having any pets. If you do, they need protection from this situation as well. I wish I felt more optimistic about this getting better for your family. You and your DH are the only two people who can gauge what your home life will be going forward if you do stay in your current home. Also, I don't know the ages of your children and how "at risk" they are being next door to this kid and his friends.

Wow, no local rules about the junk or the loose animals? When you asked for a fast screen I immediately thought of my lonicera sempervirens which grows 15' every summer and stays green until frost. There are so many tendrils and vines that it easily obscures in the winter as well. Also may consider red twig dogwood? Both are native and attractive. Maybe ilex opaca as well? The flowers attract many pollinators and the leaves are thorny. This may not be an appropriate suggestion but it would be cheaper than a fence! Osage orange--used by farmers as living fences to contain and protect their livestock because of the massive thorns. Apparently useful for other things as well. Would rsearch this thoroughly! Keep us posted as to your decision.