Hi Linda - Last year was my first year for geraniums, so I don't have that much experience. Looking at my notes they started sprouting in 3 days. The geraniums I sowed this year (4 days ago), haven't sprouted yet. I looked at Swallowtail seeds info and they say at 75degrees it is 14-21 days. Dont know why I got such fast germination last year. I am sure it varies among the different types. I have to confess that I bought more seed on line yesterday. I was looking specifically on Swallowtail's site for more coleus, but I ended up spending another 41 bucks (free shipping for $40 orders). Along with the coleus I decided I would give Begonias and Lisanthus another try - they didn't do well for me last year. It actually a little late to start them, but - what the heck. Also got some more impatiens, scabiosa, zinnia, and yes - two more types of petunias, Dolcissima Frangolina and Sophistica Lime Bicolor. The Frangolina are similar to the Flambe, but the color is deeper. They have really nice varieties of annuals available and are a little cheaper than Johnny's or Parks.

Howdy all! It's granny Barb here, oldest of the TD coots. Why do I have to log on as a member here now? Even wickedcoolstuff.com remembers me from my email address. I've been visiting with you all by email cuz I thought you were all chatting away there to bypass GW new confused state. Gee I sure missed a lot! BTW I'm fine. I've dealt with paraplegia for 55 years and even a nasty surgery won't stop me, tho I may be off my feed and so on for awhile. Life goes on, and I enjoy most of it, you all especially, most of the time. I hope I can stay and watch the fun, even if I can't do up boxes while I recover. Very comforting to have friends around while healing. And they may not want to operate after all. In which case, I'll be permanently slowed down. If so, you are still a lovely bunch of gardener types to hang out with. I'll keep you posted. The deciding appt. with surgeon #2 is Feb. 3. Wow, I'm so behind! Greenhouses and businesses, kids and grandkids with good news and not so good, daylilies and orchids, kitchens and chocolate! I'm paying attention here. The brugs are growing in their pots, out of the cellar, but I did lose my favorite, Yellow Wedding Bells. The 2 cuttings I kept just screamed, rotted and passed away. I never plan to collect them, tho; all I want is a modest brug forest beside the knifophias. Doesn't matter if half of them are the same. That's the joy of lotsa land. I'll never fill it all up! Our old friend of 30 years M was here for the weekend. He's recovering from open heart surgery last Aug. and the change in him is phenomenal! He's lost 50 lbs., he's happy and agile, all rosy and the twinkle is back in his eye! He about drove us mad picking arguments over politics before. Now he tells silly jokes again! Wore me out, tho. Deni I looked up your illness. It's like my everlasting nerve pain, but with some added bonuses just to keep you guessing. You get a lot done despite. Terrific. What is going on in everybody's ponds? Are the fish ok with all this nutty weather? I think we should all post our animal pictures nefore Jan is over, as part of the Jan swap theme. Any hints on keeping raccoons out of suet feeders? It is already hoisted quite a ways up a tree. They climb, then hang on the feeder and pull everything down with them. And during this animally time, I just have to say it out loud, corner nothwithstanding: I REALLY LIKE FROGS A LOT! TOADS TOO! I do. DD Sara had an enormous toad she called Frank she used to kiss on the lips. We told her not to, but you all have kids and know how much they listen sometimes. Ol' Frank got so used to it he'd just hang there, with his legs dangling; he was about 7" long from lips to toes. Wish I'd taken a picture! Next time I'll be all caught up and post something more germane... hugs all around Barb

Good Morning to all my players involved in my swap.Boy am i tired lol.Stayed up till 2:00 am getting your packages ready to fly back to you. I did my best to fill some off your wants.As you know some didnt send there for alot of reasons.And I get some did That didnt arrive in time thats why I satyed up so late doing packages filling wants.As I was waiting for more to arrive on Friday.I had to work with a 96 year old woman as she came down sick.So ones flying out of here are luvs2garden8686-Va Kayems-IL JWKBSTrouble--Tx Gadeningnutinva-Va Garden_Fever_Girl-Co Rewards-IN' Thanks to all who signed up and it was fun and tiring lol This is now closed.

Ivamae, I am keeping you in my prayers.... I am still numb and just finding it so difficult to come to grips with losing my beloved husband.... I have a wonderful suppport system with my church family, but the crying just seems to come and go and I don't know how to get it to stop. I wrote this tribute to him that a friend of mine will read at the memorial service on Valentine's day.. ********************************************** It seems like such a long time since yesterday When Bob was right here with us. Though growing old and sometimes struggling, He brought us so much cheer with his hugs, and little kisses of love But now as we stand upon this shore, We cannot trace the path Christ leads him down, We only know that since yesterday He sees his Savior's face. His first day home since yesterday! We wonder at that thought! One day we will know that special joy That moment must have brought him No clouds, no mists, no rain since yesterday, No pain, no questions, "Why?" Unshadowed now he sees the sun and time has passed him by. We miss him so since yesterday, Each memory rises up in our minds, And for just a moment he again is here alive. How we long to share & see his smile, And feel his special love�.. Yet, could we call him back again, To leave the delight of his soul?? To leave the gladness of the morning For one more pain filled night? Ah, no, we release him to the Lord, To let him go with joy, Because we will meet again one day and We would not want to take away the joy he's known since yesterday. We cannot deny the special gift the Savior had to give? For he who struggled so for life, has just begun to live! I am relieved that he is no longer in pain, but my selfish side wants him home with me again.... but one day we will be together forever... As for weighing, I have no idea, and I eon't really care right now.... I have no appetite, so my interest isn't on food.. but I eat to stay alive.. anf that's about it... Maybe I will have more to offer after this is all over and I can get back to som semblance of normalcy again.