Rina - I grew up as one of four adopted kids, with extra foster kids always a part of our family. We numbered at least 6 kids at all times, sometimes 8 or more! My parents took us camping every opportunity they got! We were fortunate enough to see all the sights, from coast to coast, and everything in between, all as a result of camping trips! We went fishing often, and as I got older, my friends and I would hunt and trap, too. I've always lived way out in the country, always lived a more self-sufficient and down to earth life... and I've always had so much fun doing all those things! I couldn't even imagine being told to stop singing, or stop playing a musical instrument! Who goes camping to sleep, or goes to a lake and finds a reason to complain about a single harmonica player? Good grief! Neighbors never even complained when we'd have large parties with a rock band! We'd have a stage set up on the "back 40" with power running to it, a horse trough with 3 barrels of beer on ice, about 200 people, a giant bonfire, grills of food cooking, and tents set up for people to spend the weekend! Never got a complaint! Everyone would pitch in and help, throw a few dollars in to pay for food, beer, and the band... and we'd all have fun! And if no one complained about a huge party out on a farm, why would anyone complain about a single harmonica? Or kids singing? What a messed up world we live in. This is why I could never live in such a controlled environment. I don't need a babysitter or a parental figure telling me what I can do, and what I can't... I'm an adult. I think I can figure out for myself what is considered courteous, neighborly and decent. If we thought our party would be too loud for the neighbors way down the road, we'd contain the noise, keep it down a bit. But the neighbors were more inclined to come down and listen to the band with us, or they were situated far enough away that it didn't bother them. We could hear other weekend parties going on elsewhere, occasionally... but we certainly had no intention of calling anyone to make them stop having fun. Who does that? Al - I can barely find Christmas spirit this year! We don't celebrate anything here... we only celebrate because of the grandkids... it's a season of fun for them. We usually drive up and spend a few days with the family, but we only do gifts for the little kids. Adults in our family just don't have the budget to splurge anymore. Everything has gotten so expensive. We gather for dinner, watch the little kids have fun opening presents... and that's it. We stay a few days, visit, maybe do some side work, then come home. Without snow, it doesn't even feel like Christmas... and the older I get, the less I like all the commercialism and everything. I don't know... it just doesn't feel like Christmas this year for some reason. I almost feel like the Grinch! LOL! I don't know... maybe I'm getting old and grumpy, or maybe it's because I just don't feel physically good this time of year... or maybe it's because of the weather... it just doesn't feel much like Christmas. I'll feel differently once we're up north with the kids, I'm sure! I do hope everyone else has the spirit of the season, and enjoys time spent with family and friends! I wish everyone the very best this time of year has to offer! Well... my chores won't do themselves, unfortunately... time to get busy! Have a good one!

Hi Everyone First I truly apologize for dropping the ball. I should have been a better host or reached out to see if there was someone else who could host while I couldn't. As things kept happening in my life, I kept thinking, it's just this one thing or once we get over this crisis, I'll have time to get back to everything again. And it just hasn't stopped. Not as an excuse but only for explanation, the last few weeks have been a turmoil with my grandmother in & out of a coma, my parents possibly getting a divorce, and my own job up in the air. It's still not over, but things have calmed down enough to come back to this. In the last couple weeks, I did try to contact Peggy (pdsavage) a few times with no response. I also know that Sherri tried to contact her to confirm receipt of the box, again with no response. At this point, I'm assuming that the box & Peggy are long gone, which is sad & disappointing since this was supposed to be a friendly swap. For my part, I'm sure that many of you are also disappointed with me & my lack of attention to this RR. Please believe me that it was not because I didn't care & I really feel so sorry that it's ended up this way. Anyway, for now, I think I cannot continue to host this. I know a lot of you lost many valuable seeds & cuttings as well as time & money & trust. Again I'm so sorry for that, & will contact you individually about it. A great thanks to those who did participate in good faith! Sincerely, Grace (celeegra)

Jasdip, the KT is listed as my favorite site, (Been a Garden Web member since I got my first PC, in !997.) but ever since iVillage bought GW, we never know what might change. A lot of KTers don't have a birthday listed on their profile; I guess that is their choice, or not. Any way, at least I still know when mine is! Susan, that isn't my helmet; it is my DGS's DW's. They ride a lot. He would never have taken me with out it. But I didn't really like the "Harley helmet hairdo" when I saw the pic. The only other time I rode was once, at their house, around the block, so this was my maiden voyage. I appreciate all your kind, and flattering, replies. If there is a reason for my being at this age, it is because I am not a worrier, and I prefer to use common sense and logic in all things and the BIGGIE: I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine. I love (good, clean) humor and try my best to spread it around. The cupcake girl's DH is the photographer, but he didn't take any of the refreshment tables. But if I did this right, here is a commercial that a radio station did for them a while back. Sue P.S. Sylvia, you better hurry up and grow up! This post was edited by Sue-va on Fri, Sep 26, 14 at 23:58

Letha is a true Halloweenie! I got an incredible box from her today. I had to battle my way through spiders and snakes, rats and bats to get to the cauldron of goodies. My mom and daughter were here and they had a great time too. On top was a Halloween card. It was remarkable! The 2nd witch from the left looks almost exactly like my mother. She loved it! Inside the card was a poem/spell that hinted at the contents of the box, which were wrapped in Halloween fabric. I liked the spell too-good all purpose incantation. For Halloween, there was a flameless candle with a witch on it. So cool! I will be using that on "fright night". She included a few Halloween candy bars in case I got hungry while looking at all the great stuff in the box. The plants were right out of a Halloween dream. TB iris Superstition, Iris Knock Em Dead, Iris Magical Encounter, Iris, Los Coyote, Hosta Moonbeam, Daylily Breathless Beauty and seeds for Blood Red Wallflower, Snapdragon Magic Carpet and Eryngium Miss Wilmott's Ghost. Everything was unexpected and I did not have anything she sent! I love it! I am sure I must have left something out, but this was a great box and the presentation made it lot's of fun. Thanks Letha!