Linda - glad you liked the Cherokee Purple. And too bad you don't live closer. I picked another 36 today. They are going to a friend's house for a party she is having tomorrow nite. I've never had any luck with heirloom tomatoes; they just do not perform well for me. Cherokee Purple is beyond prolific. I have 3 plants that are loaded with tomatoes and bending my heavy duty cages to the ground. You said you think the tomato I gave you is huge????? That was about a 6 on a scale of 10. My largest so far has been 3lbs. 9oz. Being that you are so fond of Annie's Salsa you probably won't want to use the dry seasoning I gave you for more salsa. It goes well in sour cream, and works well as a fajita marinade. I have also sprinkled a little into corn chowder as well as cheddar corn bread. You can tell by looking at the bag that there are no binding ingredients so the mix seperates. Mix it up well before using.

Good to meet you, Tami! A visit with Annie is always a good time, and you couldn't have chosen a more picturesque spot! Linda

Such a great time today! I should have taken a pic of Bob and Bernice. Bob sang me a song too! Nita, Carol and I laughed, hugged and talked about our KT friends and our families. Plan on doing it again next year, maybe I can get to meet a few more KTer's! Thanks again for the invite Nita. BTW, your camera must be off on color, I'm sure I don't have any grey in my hair!!! My pics come out grainy when taken inside, as there is no flash on my iPod, should have taken some outside! Hugs, Kathy G in MI

Guidelines for a successful plant swap or get-together What to call it: Is it a plant swap, a get-together, party, meeting? Decide and call it that so you won't get it confused with other functions on the forum. Host(ess): Sometimes a group needs a person in charge, not always. Mostly someone to write down names, volunteers and lists, to keep the members up-to-date on who has said what and post results and changes. Also to post maps, send invitations or reminders and maybe a last minute post on where and what time the party is. Some people do forget. Also, they can be a speaker at the get-together if they feel comfy doing it, or choose someone for the task. Place & time: Poll the members for the most popular place and time. Remember, everyone can't be at every get-together. Just make sure the majority agrees. Hopefully people won't get upset with arrangements. People that live far away (raises hand lol) have to understand that the majority is the best policy. Attendance post: Make a post and have people add their name if they will be joining, or think they will. This always helps on the last day or so with the food amounts for people who are making trays and things. Food & Drinks: Poll the members and find out if they would like to each bring a dish or order something. First, make a list of things you will need at the party. Then poll for volunteers to bring things. Keep a list on paper and in posts. If everything isn't covered then be bold and ask people on the attendance list to help. Directions: Usually there are people who need directions. Keep a post updated for convenience. If possible, exchange a phone number or cell number for last minute lost people. It happens. :) It's always good for the members attending the function to print out the map or directions. If someone can make a vertual map and post the picture somewhere that is always good. I am very sight oriented. lol Carpooling: There may be a few people that can't make it because of transportation. Try to find out if anyone needs a ride to the function and see if volunteers can help them. We don't want anyone left out. :) List of possible things needed for get-togethers. Some are optional ideas Tables Tables covers Chairs Name Tags (you may use the example if you'd like) Paper/plastic plates Drinking cups Utinsils Serving spoons/utinsils Foil and clingwrap Napkins/papertowels Trash options Cleaning things (I always carry a broom, dishtowels, glass cleaner, lysol, gloves, papertowels. I always clean public toilets before guests arrive) Toilet paper (I always bring my own for guests) Hand soap (I always bring my own for guests) Tickets for door prizes Banner Coffe Maker (remember filters) Music (choose carefully or take a poll) List of possible foods and drinks for get-togethers. Sandwiches Chips & Dips Hors D'oeuvres (had to look this up lol) Pop Coffee Tea Beer (carefully watch youngsters) Ice Giant sub from Subway (these are affordable) Pizza Buffalo Wings Chicken from KFC or another place Casseroles Kabobs (many different kinds) Cut up fruits & veggies Cakes Pies Ice Cream (maybe with rootbeer) :) I love floats lol Cook-out meat: Hambuger, chicken, ribs, etc..... And don't forget the BBQ sauce! :) Safety tips: Try not to use milk/cream products unless it's powdered, like for coffee. Try not to use mayonaise. If you do use it, make sure it's kept cool at all times. (cooler) Try not to let more than one person handle meat products. Cook thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Always wash hands with warm soapy water before serving. Wear gloves if possible. Last minute tips: Label your dishes for ID Bring a guest book if you want a momento (these can be fun) Decide about alcohol before party. Take polls about it. Make an "ingredients" label for homemade sauces, dips, etc. Some people can be allergic to some foods.