DebbieP, I know exactly how you feel. When I was brand new, I got a really nasty cursing me out, telling me I existed in my own little bubble, etc email from someone who took offense to a general and not negative in any way post that I made. The original comment that I made had absolutely nothing to do with the individual who sent me the 2 and a 1/2 page rant. It really upset me and I emailed her back apologizing that she thought my comment somehow had something to do with her. She never even responded again. Later I learned that she "rants" on a regular basis and had previously been "suspended" because of it. But she does post every couple of months begging for this or that thing that she desperately needs for the poor dying & helpless people that seem to surround her. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. I know I have to get over it, but everything I see a post from her, it raises my blood pressure! I really have to work at taking a deep breathe and moving on but sometimes it takes a lot of effort! :)

What Karl said. One precautionary note that's important. If it is moldy on top, first of all, cover it if it's not already. Second, and this is the important part, when you get home and open it, *avoid spreading spores by aerosol*. This would include gently removing or cracking the lid in an area without wind and then I would pour (not spray) some water on top to wet the spores. Reason I mention this is even if you don't have mold allergies or other sinus conditions, it's not a good idea to breath in a big spore load.

Jared, Only a a very few seeds go bad right away. Those are the mostly spring ephemeral woodland plant seeds. Most seeds last a few years. Some last a very long time. Keeping seeds in a cool dry spot as stated above will keep seeds in their best condition. Remy

Sage and rosemary are rather slow-growing plants. All three are perennial, so they would probably take a couple of years before flowering. They also need quite a bit of sun. Rosemary is quite tender (zone 8, I believe), though, so protect it in the winter. Sage flowers should be quite easy to see, about the size of your average salvia. Rosemary has smaller (pale violet) flowers, and thyme's are very small, but are white and made in profusion, so they should be very easy to see against the deep green. My thyme didn't flower until at least the second year. But I agree with judy-hebe. They are much easier to propagate by cutting. I prefer seeds, but that's just me... :) Rosemary seeds are rather patience-testing in terms of germination. Sage, not so bad, and thyme can be rather weedy.