I've been growing gourds in zone 5 for 6 - 7 years. Freezing doesn't hurt them. I always loose a few to rot. They are usually the ones that weren't quite mature when the first frost hit. Mold on the outside is a normal part of the drying process and isn't harmful. That's what gives the dry gourd their wonderful shading. If the mold bothers you, you can keep wiping them down with bleach/water solution, but I've never been able to keep away all of the mold so I quit doing that. I leave my gourds outside all winter, right in the garden where they grew. By spring they are lighter to move, and the exposure to the weather has cleaned most of them. Gourd growing is addicting. Come join in the fun!

"I don't think it has one iota to do with "the Home Depot Reputation" or the "Lowes Reputation" at all. Or Talbots.." I think it's pretty clear that there are company/store initiatives and policies driving the behavior of the staff at some stores. You will find each store has its own personality, same phrases repeated, same routine each visit, a fairly consistent experience. Large companies often have a company motto to drive the culture and a CS initiative in place. I don't go to department stores often anymore but also notice they don't have staff around anymore like in the old days. It's a real hunt, lol. And agree, the constant interruptions at some places that have their CS vamped up can really be annoying. By the time I've left, I feel like I've been bombarded by sales people. Now Talbots can be unpleasant. I know more than one person who won't go in any more. Sounds like it hasn't changed. But what I really don't understand, is some of these people who need these jobs, why don't they take an interest in what they're doing? Instead of standing around or whatever, get to know your products. Some of them have been there long enough to have done some research, even if it's their own on-the-job or at home training. They guy in Appliances has been there for years, internet access in front of him, and he still doesn't know product features.

Alas, Crysanth, I think you have found all there is to find! I live in the Orlando area. We only have one shop that isn't JoAnn's that also isn't exclusively a quilt shop - The Sewing Studio. They have a large selection of upholstery, bridal and garment fabrics in addition to quilting fabric. I am not very familiar with the west coast but haven't heard of any fabric stores other than quilt shops. There are a couple of Hancock's in Lakeland, but my experience there is that it is equivalent (or less) than JoAnn's. Donna

Traciel - I was in the processes of looking at cabinets on Long Island and the prices I was quoted, without any bells and whistles, was insane. Also, I wanted a medium toned wood stain that did not have orange undertones. I only saw this stain on very high end lines. Lastly, I wanted an old world look with inset style cabinetry, which was another significant price up charge at most places. We planned a family trip to Lancaster for a holiday weekend and I Planned to visit Amish cabinet makers. I researched garden web and someone had mentioned Blue Mountain woodwok in Bath, PA. We stopped there and we were impressed with their quality and range of available stains. They offered inset style for a fair upcharge. OVer the next few months, I worked closely with their kitchen designer Patti through blue print changes and my preferences. I was very happy with Blue Mountain. i recommend you check them out if you are in that area or even make a special trip. Good luck. http://www.bluemtnwood.com/home-1/