While gardening soothes my soul in many ways, the one I think I appreciate the most is the opportunity it provides on a social level. It allows you to make a connection with another human being who truly understands your passion for all things garden related. Many years ago when I had just moved into a new community, I discovered one of my neighbors had an amazing garden. Being shy, I decided to keep walking past the home in the hopes that one day I would spot the gardener working in that lovely garden. Sure enough, one day I found the man that had created the beauty and I got up the courage to say "Hello". We became instant garden friends; trading plants as often as we traded garden stories. He has since passed on, but the plants and seeds he gave me have helped to keep his memory alive for me.

Thanks everyone! And, I knew what you meant, Marica! :) I had some reward for my efforts early this morning. My feeder was full of birds -- even my Conure parrots are back. I think it is because I filled the feeder with sunflower seeds this time. There were two mockingbirds in the yard as well. I just love their bird song.

Hello ladies and happy every Holiday I missed. To those of you who do know me, I am back and mentally back on track (I think). To those of you who don't, well I was I am a member, love everyone here. Went away to do some great mission work and had some very tragic things happen. Many hours of therapy later, and actually returning to the Dominican I think I have healed, I am not bitter, sad, or frightened to leave my house any more. I am able to talk about it and I feel that I can share with postive feelings now. But enough of that. Am I to late for April? Please tell me that I can play in April? Max is 4 and we just looked at Co-op preschool. HE is a mama's boy and didn't want to go to big boy school yet. Maryanne~ I have a box for you that I need to send, but um lost your address.. So Merry Christmas when it comes. Ahh. I just don't know what to say or who to say it to because I am scared I will leave someone out. I tried to read as many posts as my brain can handle, but I am sure that I will need some help. Babies and ornaments, tornados and ahhh.. I am not in Kansas anymore. Please feel free to email me with any personals that you'd love to share. I apologize for being gone so long. If there is anything that you want to know email me. If I need to re-join let me know if there is room. Mayanne_ my big sis.. I hope all is well, miss you and thanks for all your support thru this, even though I was a bad lil sis and became an introvert. But guess what? I am back and better. Missed you all Laura.... beans

Roselee, Thanks, ARE was at the Herb Market yesterday and I mentioned reading the blog. She was a bit surprised, but enjoyed meeting one of her readers. I told her I got the link from you on this site. They say their gardens are looking really good now, so I'm going to try to get out there next weekend.