I know I am still learning a good bit though I am a fairly seasoned gardener, so old dogs can still learn new tricks. I too (just this year) became aware of the sweet potato vine having a tuber that can be saved and replanted the next season. This was my first year to even grow one. Since you have a 'big one' I'm wondering if it might have multiple 'eyes', and if you could cut it up (as seed potatoes are), in the late winter/early spring, and start several plants from the one tater/tuber. You just reminded me that I still need to rescue the one Sweet Potato tuber I grew last season. It was the lovely chartreuse one. Sue

Hi all, To ljpother, are you sure thats your picture instead of mine. How did you post your pictures with your message?? I know I have over done it. But why didn't some of them die like they are suppose too?? only kidding. My garden isn't petty but its functional. When I started I didn't know about square gardening. I just wanted things nice and neat. Now that things started growing nothing is nice and neat. I even have a pumpkin growing in a playpen to keep it nice and neat, that didn't work out either.it outgrow the playpen.My son was so embarrassed about how my garden looks, he put up a 4 ft. wooden fence to hid me and the garden. I have watermelon and cantaloupe growing up my great grandson's swingset.Because I have a bad back and hip I use my mother's wheel chair to transport water in 5 gal. bucket. My tomato plants are now wilting at the top and the leaves are turning a lime green. Are they in shock from all that trimming and pruning I did? Will they recover? Thanks all. Poor Crazy Granny

Thank you all for your wonderful comments. Just to clarify- I was asked to record because the letter that I read was written by a New Yorker and I do sound like the Bronx. Jewish doesn't mean NY. Nor does old mean NY. My co-worker is not a New Yorker. I looked at her Facebook page and there was her grandma. She is considerably older than me. Her body is not defined and she is supported on 2 sides by family. So maybe my co-worker thinks old New York Jewish Grandmas wear jeans and boots and have lots of curly hair and fun jewelry, drive a fast car, and is respected enough to record a letter in a major exhibition, like me So now I will think of it as a compliment. I feel good. Thank you all for helping me think this through. Laura

I really hope you have been in therapy or at some point will get some.I have been through similar things (although probably not as bad) I was also molested (by a cousin).In my teens I was pretty promiscuious and got mad when people called me a slut because I didnt think I was.In hindsight,I know It was a reaction to all I had exprienced. My mom kicked me out of the house alot and always put her loser boyfriends first too.They never tried anything with me,but were alcoholics and abusive to my mother. My relationship with my mom and sister has been a disaster for the last 15 years.Neither one of them has been there for me at all,and have only made my life more stressful. So I finally went to therapy because it was causing all kinds of problems.Severe anger,depression,anxiety...I learned alot.My therapist said it was more healthy for me to not have them in my life.Of course,they make that impossible,but I have learned to shut them out more and not let them interfere with my life. I think you are doing the right thing.Obviously your mother hasnt changed if she still has Jack in her life.Dont justify your mom's actions by saying you were supposed to help her have a better life.You didnt ask to be born.And unless your a moron,everyone knows having a baby doesnt make life easier! I'm really surprized you turned out so good considering.I have too only because I try to do the opposite of my mom at all costs. Just think how it good it felt to get it all out here.If you had a therapist you could really dig up those issues and even free yourself of all (or at least most) guilt. If you cant afford it,most counties have some kind of free mental health plan.Or on a sliding scale of much money you make. My husband has kinda saved me too.He has been the most stable person I have known.He has put up with alot from me because I was so "flighty" when we met cuz of all the drama.I essentially went to therapy for him,because I didnt want him to have to constantly hear about it or put him through any grief. It sucks to have a crappy family life.I'm sorry about all you have been through.But in a way it's nice to know I'm not the only one.