All this talk of "purging binges" makes me feel queasy. It sounds like an eating disorder. ; ) Mora, sounds like good advice. I've unraveled my poor scarf so many times, I'm worried the yard will wear down before I ever get to wrap it around my neck in scarf form. I suppose technically one end is no longer virgin wool. So far, only one cat wants to eat the yarn, the other two can't be bothered. I was up late the other night struggling with a mysterious increase and I looked around and felt like I was in a picture. I had the faux-fire going and a cat sleeping on my lap, it was nice. Marilyn, I keep forgetting to say thanks for your encouragement. I think now that I have at least a basic grasp of the knit stitch (and I'm a master at casting on...grr), that darn crochet stitch I could never figure out is starting to make sense, so maybe I'll pick that up again too. I have watched those on-line knitting videos so many times late at night that they have started looking like peculiar art films. Two hands wafting and knitting against a red background. It's the best thing to induce sleep I've found in years! Do I remember Dawn? Of course! I lurk on her blog now and then, she's a hoot. I like being able to peek over her shoulder and see how the adventurous half live. She's amazing. I hope you have fun in your knitting group. For me, the best part of the small group here is that we are incredibly diverse and all eager to share our opinions on just everything. The knitting lessons aren't too bad either. Diana, that's rich! Heck, I'm glad that the egg is being enjoyed. Beatrice has squirreled away the leftover cotton balls, we keep finding them everywhere.

I received the last package today so now the fun begins. Actually I have worked on it all along so maybe the sorting won't be as bad. I had a list on which I gave everyone a number. When their package came in, I put that number on each package of seed so I would not give someone back their own seed. Then I made a list of what they sent in for the swap and put it all on a spreadsheet so hopefully I don't send them back the same kind of thing they sent in. I have another list that shows what they would like to have (if I have it). Maybe I can make all of this work. Some of you sent seeds marked for Diane and I didn't do anything to them except look at them. Lucky Diane! Thanks to all of you for caring about each other. George sent a wish list with only herbs and flowers and since I had not included herbs and flowers in the swap instructions, his share will be limited, but he knows that. However, he was very generous in sharing his seeds with us. In return, please offer a prayer in behalf of he and his family as they are experiencing some employment trials at this time. Jay said he was sending a little box with a few seeds. HaHa It was not a little box, nor was it a few seeds. I have repackaged some of the bulk packs that he sent and he says he doesn't want anything back either. I am sending him a couple of things anyway so he can try Dawn's new tomato, and the cowhorn okra I traded for earlier in the year for him. Almost everyone sent more than the required amount and two people want little or nothing back, so we will have some extra packets that will be included in your package. Actually Diane, it hasn't been too much of a mess. I took out all of the packets and put numbers on them, wrote down what was in the packs, and returned them all to the original package. I did this as they came in then kept them all in a clothes basket. Today, however, the mess begins and I have my entire dining room table covered with seeds. LOL I have seen the variety of seeds that Dawn and Jay have, and we still have our own king and queen of gardening on this forum. LOL Now the fun begins....and I will let you know when to start checking your mailbox. Thanks for playing. Carol

Susie-Woo Hoo great haul on the BINGO win...Have fun spending all that money. Elizabeth-Good luck on your gall bladder surgery...The most people I know have either had theirs taken out or going to. Sassy-I did see the new daylight savings change for this year when I put up my new calendar. The days are already getting longer...Can't wait until Spring gets here...I love when it gets dark at 9:30 not 6:00... Remy-I'm behind on my WS seeds...I have all my containers but don't have them started yet. Hope to do them this week. I am the speaker at the February Garden Club meeting and definetely not prepared. I had hoped to take some containers with Pretty green plants in them but not now. Laura-I have Canna Australia I can send you...I would love some of your clematis's also...Need to get with you on those. mmqchdygg-Would love some of your Fat Spike seeds. Maryanne-I got your sweet package yesterday and could not get through the letter for crying. My DH had to read it. The Scared Heart Spiritual Society plaque for Dad was divine. I had never seen one of those and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for it. It will always be one of my prized possessions. Beth, Jeanne, Jenell, Tina, & Susan-I received all your cards and thank you so much for thinking of me. I hope to be a shoulder to lean on one day for you. Life is something all of us must borrow, returning it in time to whence it came. Love you ladies. On a happier note, Maryanne I have not had anyone call me Shirley Sue since I was small. I think Mom, my Aunts and Cousins put Sue in all of our names. Good grief everyone I knew middle name was Sue...There was Shirley Sue, Rita Sue, Mary Sue, Linda Sue, Connie Sue and etc. etc. LOL Shirley

Hi again! Wodka - I'm no angel by a long shot. I am using my Weight Watchers to guide me. My winter tune-up has a lot to do with mentally taking better care of myself. It's too easy to beat ourselves up - which I can do when I'm not taking care. And for me it is a daily effort to pay attention to what I am eating that creates a balanced diet. I totally get the not being hungry at times - especially when stressed. You have a lot on your plate to deal with. Giving as much as you do to support your husband takes a lot of energy which is why paying attention to trying to eat on some sort of regular pattern is very important right now. You need to pay attention Wodka to yourself too. Keep your strength up. I trip and fall all over the place on my journey. My help with WW is facing the truth and keeping a journal of my foods. Some days are great, some not too good. It's the overall picture every week I strive for. We all need a piece of cake, cookie (sorry Simon) and some comfort. I'm just trying to pay more attention to portion sizes. And I use lunch plates for dinner because it's more what my Mom used to serve and she kept her weight all her life. Granted she loved and ate many vegetables in her meals. So Hang In There Wodka. Even if one meal a day you can incorporate something for Wodka from your daily goals, I think right now that would be great. You have come such a long, long way from your first post here. I was so happy to see you still here after my coming and going over the last couple of years. Don't ever beat yourself up and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You have been amazing on your journey. I'm so pleased to hear Bob's care can come closer to home. It will be of more comfort for Bob not to travel so much as well as for you. I continue to send positive energy, prayers to you and Bob. Hang in there Wodka. I'm so glad you are here. Hi Raeanne. I have not done SS but many folk have had lots of success with her diet. Suzanne is a wonderful lady. She is inspirational in so many ways. I remember years ago she published a book of poems. Her tenderness and intimate thoughts came out. Her beauty comes from within more than what we see on covers. I believe you too will have success with her positive energy coaching you along the way. Dee you are wise to stay home. Too many folk go to work when a few days of rest would get them on the road to recovery so much better. Years ago while serving in the military we had to report on 'sick parade' - medical clinic - where the doctors would decide if you went to work or went home. I hated that. There were so many times I should have been home in bed. Forget the fact I had to bus halfway across town to get to the clinic with a fever, or flu, infecting everything I touched and people I sat next too. Not funny at all. You take good care of yourself Dee. I am glad you can stay home to recover. My goodness I yap alot, eh? Hugs to all, Peggy