Mainerose, I just dumped the remains of my first cup of coffee awhile ago after several unsuccessful attempts at finishing it. It seems that I get interrupted a lot and drinking a cup of coffee can take all morning. It wasn't tasting very good anyway, after several trips back to the microwave to reheat it. Time to make a fresh cup. Longfellows in Manchester is also one of my favorite places. Although I don't buy many seedlings there, I do purchase seed-starting supplies from them. Earlier this Spring I got a couple of heating mats there. I prefer to start my own seedlings, because I have a better selection of varieties that way. And I rather enjoy it. They (Longfellows) just sent me a 20% discount coupon on any one item and I intend to use it on a bag of Premier Pro Mix, because my current bag is getting pretty low. I am still starting some seeds inside because a hobby of mine is breeding zinnias and I like to start my fancy hand-pollinated hybrid seeds indoors rather than outside in-ground where they might be exposed to various hazards, like cutworms. I will also be planting a lot of commercial seed-packet zinnia seeds in-ground. Apparently I will have to deal with a bunch of mosquitoes while doing that. And maybe black flies. Oh well. MM

3800 sq. ft. to fill? Then high thee to Greenfront Furniture - three locations, see info below. Their selection is ginormous, discounted, and in stock (but orderable as well, if need be). Wear comfortable shoes and plan to stay the entire day, if not overnight. Take a trailer, SUV, or pickup truck. They sell everything from accessories, upholstered pieces, casegoods, to FABULOUS Oriental rugs. I promise you will be BLOWN AWAY! I live three states away and make the pilgrimage anytime I am remotely nearby. PS...I am NOT affiliated with Greenfront, just a very satisfied, repeat customer. Central Virginia Farmville, VA 316 North Main Street Farmville, Virginia 23901 (434) 392-5943 greenfrontva@greenfront.com [THIS IS THEIR MAIN 'STORE' - about a dozen warehouses' worth] Northern Virginia Manassas, VA 10154 Harry J. Parrish Blvd Manassas, Virginia 20109 (703) 396-8560 jsullivan@greenfront.com North Carolina Raleigh, NC 2004 Yonkers Rd. Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 754-9754 greenfrontnc@greenfront.com

It was advertised here too, but the local paper published this "warning" on the front page today... Clerk: Voting promotions violate law By PATRICK O'BRIEN Staff writer Businesses which offer specials for going to the polls face prison, fines COEUR d'ALENE -- Buyers and businesses beware: It's a violation of federal law to offer or accept any sales or promotions for voters on Election Day. Kootenai County Clerk Dan English said that regardless of party affiliations, businesses cannot offer discounts on products or service to encourage the general public to get out and vote. "As the county clerk, we work hard to try to turn out the voters," he said. "I appreciate their spirit, and their motivations, but unfortunately that is just a specific thing they can't do." The law came to English's attention when a handful of local businesses advertised sales planned Tuesday for people who came in with "I voted" stickers. English said he spoke with the various companies and said that all wanted to comply with the statutes and make sure that no laws had been violated. English said the promotional encouragement from businesses comes up almost every election year. In the past, espresso stands have unintentionally advertised free -- but unlawful -- coffee to people displaying the "I voted" stickers. "Even though it's not directly connected to a candidate or something, I think the reason it's probably there, is because it's on the continuum of trying to buy somebody's vote and so they just don't allow anything being given for the act of voting," English said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Cook referenced U.S. Code Title 18 section 597. Under the title anyone offering or making an expenditure to any person to either vote or withhold his or her vote or to vote for or against a specific candidate can be imprisoned for up to one year and fined up to $250,000. "In the broad spectrum of voting, I guess we have to be more careful," Cook said. Anyone soliciting, accepting or receiving the expenditures could face similar penalties. In the event that the violations were carried out willfully, imprisonment can be increased to a maximum of two years. "Under most instances, they are helping individuals to do their civic duty," said Cook, who mentioned she had never had to prosecute such an occurrence." So I guess I won't be getting free coffee. LOL

I think you can buy a reusable "k" cup that you fill with your own coffee...