Glad to read I'm not the only one feeling crazy over winter... I'm just about finished with choosing seeds, am looking to purchase a new load of topsoil (for my raised beds) and wishing the snow and ice would disappear... I have an assortment of veggies growing in low hoop houses - but the temps have been so cold, I haven't looked inside since the big storm on Sunday. The snow and ice didn't damage the hoops, so perhaps my salad bar will be ok. So far, we're harvesting lettuces, various greens, beets, carrots, chard, radishes, cabbage, but the broccoli has given up. Pn - I'm interested in your minerals seminar - any links? And fascinated to hear that I might be able to overwinter fava beans - can't say I'm a huge fan, but maybe they taste better from the garden. :) Thanks, Cindy

Hey girls, sorry I'm runnin' late here, my daughter, Julie was in a car accident last nite (hit a huge deer) so I spent most of the nite at the emergency room. Shes banged up but no broken bones thank goodness! Julie I'm gonna do my my very best to see "Julie" off in the morning, but if not for sure on Monday....I'll post the cf# tommorrow if I have a chance to get it there before 12. I took out the cute little garden stake with a frog on it and the pair of garden gloves which I need and of course added some goodies I hope ya'll can use! Me & my 2 Julies and dh are having all mexican food tonite since today is....Cinco De Mayo day! Sure hope my guest loves Mexican food! Sorry I'll have to take you out on the town the next trip, Julie as I hate to leave my Julie right now. Still hope you had a fun trip!

I started this build thinking I was going to be able to go shop around and find all of the neat salvaged items I wanted, lights, stairs, woodwork, windows (leaded glass, stained glass etc...) And while I "CAN" the cost in labor for these is unbelievably high. For example, our window deal is only for the windows from that company. Any other windows would have to have a different specialized contractor come in and they won't guarantee the product, so if they damage it when installing it, tough. This has all been kind of tough for me because there is a Habitate for Humanity store here where they sell new and used building items. I thought I could save a ton of money, do the world some good, and have a more unique finished product. I am providing all lighting and may use some salvaged lights (I haven't picked them out yet) all vanities, and all mirrors. Maybe flooring. If we get our flooring we have to get our own installers, theirs won't do salvaged products (or even products I get online)

Are we sisters? I've always wanted a sister! My mom was a terrific secretary, used shorthand forever, and I took Gregg note hand in high school; it got me through my college lectures (and now I use it to write secret notes to myself but not in Danish LOL) and my brother does photography. My aunt will add one or two very nice seasonal ornaments to her display, not tchotchke-looking, but just to make a cohesive whole, refreshed for the season. For example, right now she replaced a bowl with a gorgeous, kind of realistic porcelain rabbit. It can be fun to use things in new places!