JUST MY OPINION... I am not really in favor of leaving someone a favorable comment simply because they followed through in sending an SASBE in order to get seeds. To me, it's like praising someone for coming to the dinner table and eating my food. And if we leave positive feedback for those who send out their SASBE requests, then shouldn't it follow that we leave negative feedback for someone who doesn't follow through? If that was the case, I'd be leaving negative feedback for dozens of people, as I'm sure anyone who has offered seeds for SASBE would as well. Though it's frustrating to hold seeds for someone who doesn't follow through, I don't really think it's an important enough of a matter to leave negative comments over. The whole concept of posting comments regarding SASBEs has other drawbacks. Last spring I offered a lot of seeds for SASBE, and one in particular stuck out. When I had looked at the person's want list, I saw she was looking for hardy geraniums. I found a few odds and ends, small amounts of several varieties, so I packaged them separately and included them as well thinking she'd be happy with the additional surpise. I was quite taken aback when she emailed me after receiving the SASBE and told me that I needed to read the FAQs, that "10 or 12 seeds was not considered a sufficient amount of seeds" and she would be leaving me negative feedback. I was stunned. Fortunately for her, she didn't leave the comments, or I would have responded with words including "ignorant", "selfish", and "ungrateful"... (Can you tell I'm still a tad steamed, LOL...) I think the sample comments for negative reviews are very good ones--Jack Webb of Dragnet would be happy with the "Just the facts, Maam" attitude. However, there are a few gray areas I am wondering about. What do you suggest regarding feedback if the trader sends mismarked seeds (ie, agastache instead of lavender); unviable seeds (such as sunflower seeds that were flat, white, and bendy, obviously underdeveloped); or a trader who waits until he/she has received the other person's seeds to tell them that he/she is out of several of the seeds they wanted and that they need to pick substitutes. I've always handled these matters privately. I know honest mistakes happen as in the first two cases--but the third example has happened to me a few times now (twice with the same trader--not going to trade with her again) and is starting to bother me as I feel it may be a bait and switch tactic. Still I'm not sure I'm comfortable about leaving negative feedback even in that situation. I'm sure it sounds as though I am focusing on the bad side of trading/SASBEs, which I am, but it's only because good trades and positive feedback are pretty self-evident. Kate

oh drat! I was hoping to look in here this morning and "CONGRATULATE" the winner!!! Instead I am faced with more clues! :O well I am not sure where to start, will try to think of some words....... back later! Good luck everyone! Frances

Most of that makes a good start. Not sure about the rationale of some of it though but you pick and choose what's appropriate for your needs and area. Couple other thoughts, some of which were on the other thread: A seatbelt cutter. Some now will attach right onto the seatbelt so if the seatbelt jams you can cut and exit quickly. Medications, extra eyeglasses, and other special needs A charger for that cell phone I always keep some money but use change. Keep $10-$15 or so in quarters for parking and other incidental needs. Some basic hand tools & a set of folding wheel chocks are nice Tow strap/rope/chain, shovel & a come-along are good ideas too And in the northland you don't want white rags for a signal - you want red, lime green, fluorescent orange or something that can be SEEN in the snow! I don't want to surrender, I want to be FOUND! Current proof of insurance A disposeable camera is a good idea but a digital camera with batteries is a far better idea. They're not as susceptible to the temperature extremes as are film cameras. If you're in a southern climate and leave a film camera in an enclosed vehicle it's ruined in a short time. In freezing weather the film emulsion can crack and spiderweb as you advance the film unless you warm it up adequately so the film is soft. I carry a tarp. Multi use. For when you have to crawl underneath the vehicle, cover something or whatever. Takes next to no space. I guess you could use it for privacy, but if you're in trouble around people, isn't that a good thing? And if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere I think there's enough privacy isn't there? Pen, paper & Purell Sunglasses, spotlight and digital recorder Aspirin, IB, etc 12v air compressor, extra oil, antifreeze and washer fluid Tire pressure gauge, Ice scraper & snowbrush Sometimes some softener salt and the spray deicer is great Battery charger and extension cords are occasionally priceless If you have a pet, and are going far, keep copies of immunization records in case of a bite or if the animal gets sick Item #c could be very bad advice. Be sure to check with the law enforcemnt agencies in your area before you do this. Around here if you call the station phone number requiring a reasponse, you will have to hang up and call 911 to get it handled through dispatch. THE CLERK ANSWERING THE NON EMERGENCY NUMBER CANNOT DISPATCH. If it's an emergency, it could make a big difference. So I'd be careful before advising this. If you just need to know what hours they're collecting for something, that's a different story, but I don't know of many people who would worry about that when they're broken down! I use my cell phone as my address book, but as said I still print out one and keep in there. I have people's numbers I can call and even have some mechanics numbers. With a cell phone, ASSUMING YOU HAVE COVERAGE, you can call someone and get a number. A friend broke down about 100 miles from home about 2 weeks ago. The timing belt broke in his car. He called a number of people before he finally got his daughter who looked up numbers for a tow truck. Why he didn't call 911, I have no idea, but that's the way he is! LOL One other number that I never see mentioned that is an excellent resource is a good library's reference desk. They will look up phone numbers for you, resources for you, and can provide a wealth of other information. This is one you shouldn't overlook.

@tartanmeup Thats in line with what I'm being told. I've lost steam on the non-tile options too. The Onyx installer I had scheduled, who recommended it to begin with, totally screwed me over. At the 11th hour he told me he didnt want to do my project. I then proceeded to gather quotes from 4 different venders and vender/installers, all of them booked until next February or March. One even admitted ceramic tile is now probably more economical, which was not the case before all of the Onyx price increases. I am a ceramic artist/potter and am creating my own tile for a border to be installed at eye level, with solid surface material above and below. Some of the Onyx vender/installers will not install customer supplied tile so that narrowed the field of installers for me. I am also having difficulty finding an independent skilled installer in my area since mine bailed on me. I keep encountering roadblocks at every turn. I am going to consider this Choreograph product (now called Luxstone?) and also Swanstone, solely for the ease of maintenance aspect. And hope the price comes in at a much more reasonable cost than Onyx. Thanks to all who have shared info and photos! It really helps those of us who are planning a bathroom renovation in these trying times.