You know, it's crazy that so many traders are willing to be overcharged. Perhaps, they don't know they can do anything about it and never visit this side of the forum? I even wrote one of the ladies as it was insane what one packet of seeds cost... it was over $1.50! She never even responded. I was trying to help her. (ugggggh) Anyways.... Here's my responses to your questions: Was that where a member guessed it needed that much and just put additional stamps on it, or were they postal tapes? I was thinking I really should keep track in a notebook or write a list or something. I am a very new trader, so I was really suprised seeing so many being overcharged. I should have kept better records, so I could tell you exactly. I am sure that many of them had postal tapes. I think most of them did, but I can't swear to it. I'll try to keep better track from here on out as this is good information to know. Where did you buy them (bubble mailers that are under 1/4" thick with seeds)? I'd like to buy some too, for those instances where it was just a really small trade of really small seeds, in a small quantity. I found them at Wal-Greens. The are Scotch brand from 3M. They are #0 size, 6x9 inch. They were in a bin that had a bunch of other bubble envies that were bigger. This one was priced 3 for $1.98. I did take note that they could be cut in half lengthwise and put inside a regular envy as padding very easily and fit almost perfectly. Even so, if you don't get these back in from trades that you can reuse, then you're still spending 33 to 66 cents for each trade before factoring in postage. It would be neat to see if they have just the thinner bubble wrap itself (not a bubble mailer) available somewhere. And, yes, I couldn't agree more... We all do need to address the postage issue with our own postmasters and stand up for not being overcharged at the counters as well. I wish more people were able to confront the issue rather than just not saying anything at all, paying more than they should, and just walking out. My biggest factor is that I do not want to have to go in to the post office as this costs me gas which far outweighs what I spend on postage. Plus, it's a toss-up whether I'm going to get the guy that overcharges behind the counter or the lady who charges correctly at my post office. I think like most everyone else, I'd rather not have to tell them that they've charged me incorrectly and argue with them with a line a mile long behind me, but I WILL do it, whereas many other people won't... ~Angela *who has no idea if she's going to stay away from this thread, but still has to pack and get ready for her trip to Dallas*

Big thing with shipping is keeping the root-ball intact. Bare root is tedious as it gets bashed around & can get wounded.. I always ship them in the pot (pots are cheap) packing newspaper in the top then taping it all down.. Then taping the pot into the box. Fill the rest around the vine with peanuts.. And any shipper will do. I've found the 8" x 5" x 6" "flat rate box"es turned inside out (so it ships for less than the flat rate) work Awesome. Then 'course don't ship when it's Arctic & you'll be fine. Might be a bit tedious for the receiver to un-do all that tape, but worth it for an intact plant.

wildchild, Is that " ... someone who is half equipped." (in the battle of wits)? __________________ I have sent private messages asking questions, or offering support, but when I disagree I confine my opinions to the public forums. Which I try to do somewhat gently ... most of the time, but occasionally I let some rather wry humour slip in, but just wanting to be funny, not to be nasty to someone. Often I find that there is more agreement than appeared at first. And sometimes offering a different slant on an issue helps people to look at a situation in a bit of an altered light. I appreciate the opinions and concern for others expressed here, and have learned a number of things from others. And I hope that I may have offered some useful suggestions, advice, empathy and support, as well. Also, I have disagreed with someone who has taken someone else to task, especially if it appeared rather unfair, high-handed, or such. Especially if the person being criticized/(attacked?) appeared to be rather lacking in self-esteem. But I hope that I succeed in doing so without putting people down. Good wishes for finding fulfillment of a number of your worthwhile dreams in this New Year ... and bringing some new ones to birth. ole joyful

Thanks bl Sorry to hear about your sister and glad she is doing better. Our hospital has a level 1 trauma center. Initially, DH was classified as level 2 until they ruled out nternal organ damage. They pushed on his abdomen and he yelped but turns out it was due the ribs. Because of his post traumatic amnesia, he had to be checked by rehab before dc. By the time he was checked, he could remember everything but up to a couple minutes prior to the accident and everything after arriving at the hospital. In any case, he has a follow-up appointment with the post head injury clinic. They also went over the problems to expect. He still is getting episodic headaches but they are getting better! In any case, not much action on the kitchen this weekend,,,