I'm too far from Illinois but have hosted similar gatherings here in Oregon and been to several in Vancouver BC mostly people who have met on pond forums but we all garden too. It has been very very enjoyable to meet online friends in person. Go for it. :)

I have Nor de crimee,Prudens Purple and Black Prince in the black/purple range. Oh,and black sea man. This is my first time in almost 20 years to grow tomatoes so I have no clue what will produce well. This is totally an experiment to see what does well here on the hot muggy shore.

My happiest day was when dh installed the sink and dishwasher temporarily. Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to STAY that way. Ugh. Cabinets are still being installed, no counters, no fronts, etc. I can't believe how much cooking I've done with my pantry items on the living room floor, using the dining table as a worktop, etc. There are tools everywhere and some days it's just maddening. Right now I should be cooking and I don't. feel. like. it. Is it happy hour yet? You are in a tough place. You need that kitchen sink and dishwasher! Along the lines of Jadie's comment, I've lit a fire under dh's behind a few times when I have enthusiastically embraced projects that he KNOWS he'd do a better job at than I would. Suddenly he is VERY motivated. You know, it's never a good time to renovate. We've been in completely disarray since March 3. But who's counting?

Exactly where I purchased mine. Perfect recommendation!