O'hoy CaptBob! Glad your corn problem was solved. You need any rain down there? I ask because (if you hadn't noticed yet, and I'm betting you have) rain may be on the way. Unfortunatley maybe to much? Hope Dean doesn't get mean for you down there. Here is a link that might be useful: Dean's projected path...

LOL Basil---My command of people names is about as good as my command of Latin names (or even common names) for plants (which Lynne insists that "since we've been married almost a year, it's time you started learning them".) I think my days of getting by with--- "Oh, that pink plant, that blue bush, the one with orange clusters...etc." are gone forever. *Heavy Sigh* If people would like to add their own names/comments, though... Like....That's me, "_____" to the right of John, or next to the potato salad, or in the pink top, or that's my kid on the scooter/swing... etc...feel free to, or drop an email and maybe we can somehow label some of the best gardeners in NC

You can track a package all you want; it does not mean the actual recipient received it. Last year there was a lot of thefts of holiday packages that were left on doorsteps. Hub has one niece that I've sent things to; & I kick myself for sending what I did. It was a fairly expensive comforter set; my daughter changed her room; it was still in great shape; I was going to store it to use in the guest room. The niece got kicked out & needed stuff; so I sent a huge care package. The tracking receipt says it was delivered; she says she never got it & she wasn't interested in finding out what happened to my package. About a year before the package incident; this same niece visited us for 3 weeks with her child. She had begged us to visit for a few years; we finally had a house large enough that she could visit. I spent a lot of money between plane tickets & clothing for the baby. She was here 2 days & miserable; wanting to go home because she missed her new boyfriend. She made me regret bringing her here & when she left; was not appreciative of anything we did for her. We did not hear from her for close to a year. Giving a gift should come from your heart; we give because we want to; it makes me feel good when someone appreciates that gift. We usually pick someone in need to give to each Christmas (back when we could afford to).. One year hub & I gifted a brother & sister that is friends with my son. They left CA to move back to NJ & were feeling down that they were not going to be with family for the holiday; so we invited them over & had gifts for them. The smiles on their faces still warm my heart 6 years later. I've also bought a $700 car for another friend of my sons when hub was 1st diagnosed with cancer. I felt this hard working mom needed a break after losing her car to a freak accident. She was going to save her money & give the car back to me for my daughter. She seemed appreciative at 1st & actually stopped speaking to us (we've known her for a long time) when I could not lend her over $3,000 for her electric bill. I found out she did not take care of the car either & when she killed it; her parents helped her buy a newer car. I've had experience where some people really do not appreciate something nice done for them & it really kills me that I could have given my gift to someone who really needed it that would appreciate it. It does not make me a bad person to "want" a thank you; no matter if it's words; a hug; or even seeing something I've given being worn a lot such as the hoodies we bought the brother & sister.

If you start the thread, you can thank people for each post. It comes up as a highlighted sentence at the bottom of each post. If you haven't started the thread, you do not see that option. You may now thank me for this post ;-) (I'll be alerted in my email)