You bet. I must say "hi". I used to come here quite often back about 5-6 years ago. Nice to see some familiar "names" on here. Life just kind of got in the way. I still don't know how to post a message, but I guess I will learn. Hope you will welcome me. Maybe sometime I can tell you about where I have been!

I've never seen this either, but you're right about it probably being the way they start seedlings. By selling a dozen sprouts in a clump, they save the labor costs of separating plants and the material costs of potting. By being willing to do that yourself, the savings were past on to you. This wouldn't work for the typical person who buys a peat pot with a 12" plant for the same price or more, but it seems like a win win for people willing to put a little extra time and effort into raising the seedlings. That's if you want a dozen of that variety, of course.

Have a 3 lb. chuck roast in the Dutch oven with a beer & an onion. Will eventually be shredded beef for sandwiches, enchiladas, & burritos. Tonight, we're going to make Pioneer Woman's cinnamon roll dough for baking tomorrow or Sunday hoping to get a jump on some Easter gifts for friends. Thank goodness for freezers. DH got some spring clean-up done this week. Good thing 'cause it's supposed to be a wash out of a weekend. Since December, seems like every week there's a coastal storm. Chance of moderate coastal flooding for 3 tide cycles so we'll be keeping our eyes on the Sound. Went to the NY neuro doctor this week. I asked blunt questions & got blunt answers. I guess that's good but I'm bummed anyway. I had to take my handicapped parking application for his signature. My last two have been four year terms. That's what I was expecting this week so I was major bummed when I looked at the form & he'd checked the "Lifetime" box. (sigh) I'm cleared to do anything that doesn't cause pain with some limits like not lifting more than 2-3 lbs. or putting both arms over my head at once. He said I'm going to have to accept that there's too much nerve damage & the neuropathy isn't going away. It interacts with the lupus. It's permanent & long-term will worsen. I asked about the steroids & he said that after watching the progress for 6 months & considering the benefits versus risk potential he sees me as a candidate for lifelong steroid useage. Again, major bummer. The steroids combined with the pain meds have brought the pain down to mostly manageable levels. So, we'll just wing it as to when to taper off & when to restart based on how I'm feeling. I have a lot of adapting to wrap my mind around. I guess I really thought I'd get better. Hoping, anyway. Now it's time to face reality, knuckle down, & relearn how to live my life. I am so grateful DH is here. In the back of my mind, I'm still believing that if I can just keep working on re-conditioning my muscles will compensate for the spinal damage & I'll be able to live a mostly normal life. I cannot tell you how much I hate having to be pushed in a transporter chair. I can't even use a wheelchair because the arm movements are just h@ll on my spine (most of my damage is in the thoracic area (between the shoulder blades). I'm ambulatory at home but can't walk around a store or even into/out of the doctor's office. TGIF everybody. I'm glad this week is over. I'm ready to start a new one. This one was bad. /tricia

TGIF y'all! Welcome to the newbies and my old friends. Happy Thanksgiving to those up north! Houseguests were last weekend and it was wonderful! They were fabulous and helpful guests, we had a blast! It was good to have the house full again! Tomorrow I've got a chiro session scheduled, a haircut and then the wedding of a co-worker. It should be a nice event. Sunday we're taking MIL out to brunch and then marketing. She's the one who lost her license in August and has gotten a learner's permit (at 90!) to try and retake the test after driving lessons. She's a sharp cookie, she might just be able to do it. If not, we'll have to consider the alternative sources of transportation. The taxi coupons are a joke, everything around here is a $25+ plus fare--one way!! Sunday later afternoon and eve we've got plans with friends and hopefully an activity. We'll see... Happy Birthday Susie! Nancy, I'd love to be in Traverse City this weekend for the festival! Have fun! Maggie- good luck on the sale! Stacy- thanks for reposting the garage sale info, that's good to know! Seagrass- welcome back!!! Crafty/Diane-- where have you been? Enjoying the summer? Glad to see you back here! Annie- enjoy the munchkins, how did the auction go? I hope Amanda feels better quickly! Sharon/chase...who's jason? Sharon/cb--enjoy your paradise! Theresa- photos please to share your beautiful work with us! Pat- enjoy your company! Lorri- cauliflower pasta? Recipe please! velodoug, duane, michael, and anyone else that I missed, take it easy and have a good one!