Miranda, I understand what you're saying about a small community. But, you might be surprised how much people want to help if asked. You may not receive a lot of cash donations, but donations of labor and materials often mean more than money. Often in small communities like your's the social life is limited; so perhaps organizing a fund raising event such as a spaghetti feed, pie auction, cake walk, bake sale or something along those lines might surprise you with the results. A chance for the community to get together, have a fun evening and help out. Also, raffles are great. The prize doesn't have to be fancy. A cord of firewood, a quilt or a Thanksgiving basket can raise an amazing amount of money through sales of $1.00 tickets. Check your local and state laws before holding a raffle; in some states it's considered gambling. A nearby town with a population of less than 100 people donated time, labor and material to install a soccer field/track for their small school in one weekend. Some donated equipment and grass seed, some provided labor and some provided food and drinks or whatever they could. It was a great weekend and the folks are still proud of that beautiful soccer field/track. The kids also realize how much went into providing them with a place to play. ok...I see that I'm starting to ramble. It can be done...it just takes time, effort and commitment. Whether it is a garden, soccer field or something else to benefit children, good luck to any and everyone trying to get a project like this off the ground. :-) edwinna

First, geesh  this was just a post to share my good news at winning a ribbon in the county fairÂ. I read mulioÂs post and was indeed insulted on two counts: (i) as a grower of a tomato that actually won a prize. I chose to submit Green Doctors simply because it was the best looking truss of tomatoes in my garden that was ripe that day. (ii) as a resident of California. Just because we have medical majijuana doesnÂt mean we are all fruitcakes or high as a kite. I have been a regular reader of this forum for the past 2-3 years - I pretty much recognize everyone who posts on a regular basis. However, I donÂt think any of us can assume that anybody else recognizes us or remembers our taste preferences. While there are many members I do recognize, mulio is not one of them, and I had no idea of his dislike of green when ripe tomatoes. His loss, I must say ( in regards of the green when ripe).

Yeah! I took down the Christmas tree and it's only January 8...my usual target date is Valentines Day but since I lost my job, I have no excuse. The tree is 9' so I have tons of decorations. It took me 2 days but I was very methodical trying to think ahead to next year: I bought smaller storage boxes (found them at Big Lots for cheap) so they are easier to retrieve from high shelves and when I decorate I just get one box out at a time (e.g. get box of lights down put lights up; get box of balls down put balls up, etc) I packed like things together, even getting anal (e.g. red balls together in one box, gold in another). I made large labels (5" X 7") listing the catagory and items in the box, used large font, and stuck them to the side of the box for easy reading next year (e.g. TREE LIGHTS: 15 strings of garland lights; 2 strings interior tree lights; 3 extension cords; 1 power strip) I included tips/lessons learned at the bottom of the label (e.g. put garland lights vertical instead of around the tree) I put the light weight boxes on high shelves and heavy boxes on the bottom. I know this is a "duh" but in the past I have used large storage boxes and they were all heavy by the time they were packed Here is a link that might be useful: Some of the smaller storage boxes

Hey everyone: it's a miracle! ;-) Yesterday I had tried several times to get the base and phone cord to plug in behind our television in this outlet and jack: I just now took the old slimline phone and plugged it into that jack--and got a dial tone! So I got the V-tech and tried again. Again got a "No power at base" message as I had yesterday. I unplugged the phone, thinking to try plugging it in elsewhere--but first I plugged it in again because I KNOW that outlet works. This time the phone lit up as it should and I got a dial tone. So the old slimline phone is back on the kitchen wall where it had been and I'm just going to leave it there. I don't particularly like the V-tech next to the TV, but I don't much like phones anywhere. (You notice in those HGTV shows, they almost never have a TV or phone in a redesigned room.) All I can think is that the cable guy gave us a bonus by keeping that jack free while he connected the modem. Thanks for all the help!