Glenda, I do think the folks on the Ozark forum are nice too. Sometimes I pop over there to read and see what's going on, but as you noted there are a lot more ornamental gardeners there and more edible gardeners here so I mostly post here. (And I grow tons of ornamentals too, but there's not as much to talk about with them since they're all well-established and I'm not constantly adding new ones.) The whole edible gardening trend is on a huge upswing and I believe one reason is because folks are beginning to understand that there is a true difference in fresh, homegrown produce and produce that's traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to reach the grocery stores. I are SO GLAD you and other Ozarkers come and join the conversation here as you all enrich our forum so much with your knowledge, experience and photos. Y'all, I don't think I've ever seen a rude remark here either, and even if I did see one, I'd try to assume that the poster was just having a bad day or a bad week because I'd know that's not the usual behavior of that person. I've also noticed everyone here avoids 'hot topics' like global warming or politics or whatever which is just fine with me. (Anyone who wants to discuss those can go to the 'Hot Topics' forum and debate with the folks there all they want.) I know that we often stray off the subject of purely gardening topics and discus other issues like weather, wildlife, birds, farm animals (well, gotta get that manure from someplace), putting up the harvest, sewing, fire danger, etc. but anything like that is still a part of our lives as gardeners here in this region of the country. Another thing I'm really proud of is the way that so many gardeners here share seeds with one another year-round via the U.S. mail and at the 'Spring Fling' seed and plant swap, and for folks who live close enough, even in face-to-fact visits at one another's homes. In the perfect gardening world I envision in my mind, we'd all live in the same town in the same semi-rural neighborhood with plenty of room for our horses and cows, goats and sheep, chickens and guineas, etc., and with tons of space to grow anything/everything we want. We'd run back and forth from one yard to another to "look at this" or "check out that". We'd meet in the summer on someone's patio for a cookout or just a tall glass of iced tea. We'd only have good weather, beautiful ornamentals and edible plants that always produce an abundant crop. However, since we all can't live in that one perfect neighborhood together, we've built our own gardener's virtual neighborhood here and it's almost as good as being together in the same town. Dawn

Oil is NOT really better anymore. PLUS...in light/white-ish colors, Alkyds WILL yellow/amber a bit. Moreso in northern climes where it's darker longer at night. Lack of UV light causes this. There's just no way of altering it. Therefore, I'd use a top-notch Latex paint, or the newer Waterborne Alkyds, which typically level real nice...assuming proper prep, application tools/methods, etc. FPE's ECO-series paint, or the Eurolux Satin or Gloss for ultimate look. NOT kidding on this! Faron

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that catlady!! Sure was wondering what had happened to you. Did you get to have that vacation too? Thanks very much for posting.

There are so many influences in the world in which we live. Arguably it starts with the combination of our genes and our parents'/caregivers' nurturing, along with the molds that we are all put in as we grow. The challenge though, is when do we take responsibility for who we are to become? Is there a person that we 'are', or are 'supposed to be'? Nope. You can be whatever you find appealing within, and slightly surpassing your potential. ETA: Whomever you 'are' at any given moment is just a slice in time and space. You are only limited by your knowledge and expectations. If you, or your world only expect so much, that can be a limiting factor for 'you'. That said... your growth and potential metamorphoses must also be tempered by reason and rationality. At each crossroads in your path, the questions of 'why?', and 'should I?' need to be asked and answered to the best of your ability. However, before such questions can be asked and answered, you must first recognize that the crossroads even exist. So... be brave, be wise, and learn about yourself and the world around you, as well as what influences have shaped - and will shape - who you are, and what you are to become. Learn about yourself, and with humble recognition of your abilities and knowledge, examine the the choices before you. Reach out and create choices that you may never know existed. Measure those potentials by learning the principles upon which the universe is built, and judge the paths with an understanding that not all of them have integrity. Anyway... deep subject, and we all have our perspectives.