Feb. FOTESS Anything But Flower Seeds Swap!

8 years ago

Morning, Everyone and welcome to the Feb. FOTESS Swap!

First of all, a HUGE thank you to Heidi for hosting the January FOTESS Swap! I know everyone enjoyed it! THANK YOU!!

And, FOTESS is a members only group, and if you would like to join, we would love to have you. Contact Jeanne/sandlapper_rose, or me, sjc48 for info on how to join in the fun!

This is going to be a very simple swap and as you can tell, we will be trading Anything But Flower Seeds this month! I don't think we've ever done a Veggie seed swap here at FOTESS, so I thought it might be fun and a little different. Fruit and Herb seeds are also welcome!

As you all probably know, February is American Heart Month, and Valentine's Day is in there somewhere too, so the seeds that you send will produce Red, White or Pink Veggies, Fruits or Herbs! Example: red or white radishes and of course, the ubiquitous tomato! Is there a pink veggie or herb?

You will be sending 2-4 packs of seeds with a "Heart" card and you will have until the end of the month to send out. NO PACKAGES, PLEASE.

Sign-ups will be held until February 6th and I'll post partners on the 7th.

As soon as sign-ups close, I'll be posting a Veggie, Fruit and Herb Bingo, and we'll also be playing "What Are We?"

So, who would like to trade red, white or pink veggie seeds? How about herbs or fruits? Come on out and join in!

Shirley!

Featured Answer

smitties

8 years ago

Here's the "boys". I had to cover the couch cause it's brand new and it's hard to keep them off. I just noticed Brody's ears are bent. Lol. They are nice pooches.

Jeanne, your envie went out yesterday. Would say with the speed of the post office these days, you'll see it Monday.

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Comments (321)

sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Well, after all that, I have to tell you that Katie won Round 11! Yes, Amarillo Beans!

Way, Katie! And I'm going to give Nicole and Annie a win each, for trying so hard!

Congrats, Ladies, good round!

Tomorrow, we'll have the final round of "What Are We?" It's going to be a close call!

Well, our Bingo Winner hasn't discovered that she won yet, we'll let it go until tomorrow morning before I announce it.

The Dubs won, I'm not sure I'll survive this 8 game road trip. Go Dubs!

Shirley!
canyonwind
8 years ago
Katie, nice call with the Amarillo Beans. Congrats!
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EricaBraun
8 years ago
Bingo!
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Congrats, Erica! Bingo it is!

Prizes for both games will be going out at the end of the week.

Off to bed!

Shirley!
xiangirl zone 4/5 Nebraska
8 years ago
FOTESS · More Info

A little creative crazy Heidi moment. See how famous you are, Shirley?

Heidi
Melinda Hagen
8 years ago
Congratulations on the Bingo, Erica! I was still 5 words away! LOL! Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
kchd
8 years ago
LoL! I logged on to GW just right to catch the Amarillo seed stumper, then promptly lost my internet connection right after I posted. Love the 3-way win! Congrats to Annie & Nicole :)

Congrats, bingo winner Erica!!

Heidi, you are hilarious!!

I came home to 4 items in the mailbox yesterday, and they were ALL 4 packages with seeds! One of them was a heart card from Vas with multiple packs red, pink, and white veggie seeds. I can't remember all of them right now, but I do remember there are radish seeds, pink tomato seeds, a pepperoncini seeds, and something else.... Thanks, Vas!

I worked on our raised beds with DH this past weekend and we got the first one, the prototype completed. They are 4x8 ft and 18" deep. Leveling them on the quite uneven ground was the hardest part. Only 14 more to go!
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Katie -- Beautiful bed. I can imagine how excited you are to get your garden going. I know it's going to be great!
sandlapper_rose
8 years ago
Shirley and Melinda, if you would like me to be hostess in March, I can manage it. I would prefer to keep April as well because I had already made plans for that month and it has to do with April. So if September works for you, Melinda, let's trade and I will do March and you will do September. Does that work out for everyone? Trading September is better for me because I am also signed up to be hostess for Our Blooming Friends in September - I tried being hostess for both groups in the same month before and it got quite hectic!

Congratulations on the Bingo win, Erica!

Jeanne
smitties
8 years ago
Arrived home from our wonderful trip to see the kids and our 2 year old grandson last night and found my card from Jeanne. What a pretty card she made. Very impressed. In the card I found a package of pretty garden stickers as well as the following vegetable seeds, (from my favorite on line supplier The Sample Seed shop)

Red express cabbage

Magila rosa tomato

red mini bell pepper

King of the north pepper

German chamomile

I am so looking forward to growing these. I wasn't going to plant vegies this year but these varieties intrigued me so I am going to do it. The chamomile is great because mine stopped reseeding.

Thanks Jeanne for the great job in sending a great envelope. Margo
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Well, shoot, Jeanne, I don't like to see you doing 2 swaps in a row. How bout this:

Would anyone be willing to trade their month to Melinda and do March? If not, I'll do March. It won't be three in a row for me and I'll do a continuation of the veggie swap.

Let us know, Folks!

I'll be back in a bit with Round 12!

Shirley!
sandlapper_rose
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It's really no problem, Shirley, so don't worry about it. Okay? I'm happy to do 2 months in a row.

Jeanne
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Okay, Jeanne and if you need any help, let me know. Thank You!

Melinda, you have the month of September. Now just concentrate on getting home and well!

Heidi, your post was great! I knew there was a Shirley Poppy, but not a tomato or wheat. Has anyone ever grown the Shirley Tomato?

Katie, what is going in your raised beds? Veggies? And did you say 14? Good Grief!

All Right, Folks, here is the Final and 12th Round of "What Are We?"

And Remember, Katie, Nicole and Annie, you are sitting this round out!

Round 12: Bronze, Bouquet, Staro

Let the guessing begin!

Shirley!
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Bronze fennel, boquet dill, staro chives.
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Way to go, Erica, fennel, dill and chives, you got it!

And that's the end of the game! AND......we have 3 winners!

Nicole, Amy and Katie, congrats, you each won 3 rounds, some of you in the same round, but hey, that's what happens!

Should we have a Championship Round?

Naw, enough is enough! You will each receive a small prize. Soon.

I'll be posting the "Who Sent and Who Received" list tomorrow. I think we are close to having all the envelopes/packages mailed and received. Melinda is going to be mailing hers a little later, as soon as she gets home.

We're due for a major snow storm, I think you are too, Margo, ya should have stayed in Texas!

Shirley!
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Congrats to Nicole, Amy and Katie!
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Evening Everyone! Hope you all had a nice day. Ours was rainy and gloomy, a skiff of snow this morning. Our big storm is supposed to hit sometime tonight.

And here is the "Sent And Received" list:

Shirley SENT again

Connie sends to Shirley

Margo REC'D

Jeanne REC'D

Jayeanne REC'D

Annie REC'D

Faye sends to Nicole

Faye REC'D

Melinda sends to Erica

Erica SENT

Vas REC'D

Katie REC'D from Vas and Helen

Helen REC'D

Ruth REC'D

Simone REC'D

Amy REC'D

Heidi REC'D

I have a feeling that this list is really incomplete. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU AREN'T ON THE LIST! Thanks.

If you haven't sent, you still aren't really late, but time is running out! Please send as soon as you can!

Shirley!
smitties
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Shirley, you're not kidding. They still aren't sure how the storm will effect us. Could get nothing, could get up to 5 inches. Had a little ice this morning and lots off rain and high winds all day. It's crazy.
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
We had ice this morning too. It's still raining out there and it's gotten a lot colder. If it freezes and then snows, it will be a mess. Glad I don't have to go out in it. But just think, Margo, it's already the end of Feb., maybe one more really bad month and then Spring! YAY!!

Spent the day, mostly, on the phone, catching up with kids and friends. Hate phones but there are times when I just like to hear voices, well, other than the ones in my head. HAHA, just joking! Probably

Shirley!
kchd
8 years ago
Congrats to all the winners! Whoohoo, I managed to squeak in there, too!

Shirley & Margo, I hope you both are able to stay home during any of the dreadful weather that may be blowing thru your area.

Hey Nicole, don't you live in a really warm/hot zone? What tomatoes are you going to grow this year???
smitties
8 years ago
Katie, we were good hear today. Had a beautiful snowfall. The big flakes that are wetter and heavier. We got about 3 inches but the roads were fine. Of course, the schools jumped to a closing rather than a delay. A delay would have been good enough.

I don't think I filled this group in on the latest at the gift shop I work at. The buyers that the owner found pulled out. They were hoping to make more money. That means we are going to close by the end of April. Fortunately, the gift shop next to us is taking over the space and continuing some of our lines so they are taking me on at their shop. I am looking forward to it but sad we are closing.

Shirley, I want to say thanks for hosting another successful swap. i know I had fun.

Margo
bluee19
8 years ago
kchd ~ If I could have someone help me grow all the red/orange/yellow cherry sweet size tomatoes, that would be great!! I haven't decided which ones to grow. I so wish I had more time for my hobbies. Which one are you growing?
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Hey Everyone!

Well, we got about 3 inches of snow. Nothing like what was forecast. Which is probably a good thing. And we've got the high winds back tonight. Glad it wasn't worse!

Margo, good to hear the situation was resolved!

Connie, have you received your package yet? And have you sent out?

Also, Faye, have you sent out yet?

Melinda, hope you are doing well and can get home soon.

We still have four days left, until the end of the month. Ladies, please let us know what's going on.

And if I omitted any of you from the list above, I sincerely apologize!

Shirley!
Melinda Hagen
8 years ago
Good morning all! I came home and had lots of goodies waiting. Erica sent a wonderful homemade card, a magnet, heart stickers, and tommy toe tomatoes, homestead tomatoe, white soul alpine strawberry, and fraises de bors strawberry. She also made a beautiful lattice heart from flower paper that is awesome. Thank you so much! I will be getting yours out today or tomorrow! Prayers for all who need them and thoughts of everyone else. Have a great day!
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Melinda, glad you made it home!

We still need to hear from Connie and Faye. Swap's not quite over yet, Ladies and Gents!

Shirley!
nottougly
8 years ago
Shirley,

I sent my swap out on Monday 2/22/2016, to bluee19.

I hope she gets it today or tomorrow.

Faye!
Melinda Hagen
8 years ago
I sent my package to Erica yesterday! Sorry so late, but life gets in the way sometimes. I am feeling some better. Still having a time with the breathing and congestion, but sure it will get better. My heart surgery did well I think. I am not as tired and my heart seems to work much better. If just get past this crud, I might feel like doing something! Yeah me!
amybabyboy3
8 years ago
Melinda, praying for your quick recovery!
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Melinda and Faye, neither one of you were late! "till the end of the month" and that's not quite here yet. And Thank You for posting!

Now, once everyone receives and we hear from Connie, the Swap will be finished!

Have a Great Saturday, All!

Shirley!
canyonwind
8 years ago
Thanks Shirley for a great month of FOTESS.....always fun!! Happy weekend!!

Annie
kchd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Shirley, I missed your question earlier. Raised beds will be all veggies. Top priority things I'll grow this summer will be tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers. No doubt there will be other veggies thrown in the mix such as eggplant, okra, small melons, some root vegetables, and a variety of herbs for cooking. I've never grown beers before, but Helen sent me some seeds and I love to eat them. Need to read about growing them.

Nicole, my tomato growing list is a mile long. I am going to try several new ones. Do you only like the sweet cherry-sized? I recommend Beam's Yellow Pear. It is crazy productive and loves the heat, but it is very sweet without the acidic tomatoey flavor that I like.
sandlapper_rose
8 years ago
Melinda, I'm so happy to read that you are home. Continuing to pray that all goes well and you are continuing to feel better.

If it's okay with everyone, I'm going to post the March FOTESS Swap now. Please continue to discuss things here if you like, but sign up for March under the other heading.

Shirley, you did a great job as hostess as always!

Jeanne
Wild Haired Mavens
8 years ago
Hi everyone, February is a major gardening season in southern California and I've been putting out potatoes, bare root fruit, lettuce and all sorts of brassica.

Shirley I got your wonderful seeds yesterday and sent yours today She sent me a wonderful garden card and beets, cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon and chamomile. Wow, I needed everything she sent, I garden in a spot for the poor and homeless so we always want food that can be eaten raw, lol.
Wild Haired Mavens
8 years ago
Hi guys, I could use a little help figuring out how to plant blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries in raised beds. How far do I space them? The little homeless children are really hoping I can make them a berry patch, a melon patch, and a pumpkin patch.

I'd like to grow a giant pumpkin and bunches of little ones for the kids. Any tips would be appreciated I have white boar, and amish pumpkin seed, do you know if that will get me a giant pumpkin? I'm using wee be little for the small ones
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Connie, thanks for posting! I hope the seeds do well for you.

Well, Ladies and Gents, as soon as Erica and I receive, this Swap will be history!

Jeanne has posted the March Swap, and she has a really great theme this month, something we've never done before! Check it out, Folks!

Have a nice Sunday, All!

Here is the "Sent And Received" list:

Connie REC'D

Shirley

Margo REC'D

Jeanne REC'D

Jayeanne REC'D

Annie REC'D

Nicole REC'D

Faye REC'D

Melinda REC'D

Erica

Vas REC'D

Katie REC'D from Vas and Helen

Helen REC'D

Ruth REC'D

Simone REC'D

Amy REC'D

Heidi REC'D
xiangirl zone 4/5 Nebraska
8 years ago
I have the flu. It was unseasonably 68 degrees this weekend and I was inside. Throwing up on your flowers isn't very exciting. I'm being a good girl and staying inside and getting sleep. I have a crocus blooming, though. My neighbor found it! My husband's 28-year-old nephew is here and he got his first pre-flower tour. I showed him where the daffodils are coming up. He's from South America so he doesn't know about spring bulbs.

Heidi
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Heidi - So sorry to hear that you're sick. Hopefully you get well soon. Very cool that you're able to share your spring bulbs happenings with your nephew.
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
Get well soon, Heidi! Way to share the flowers!

Shirley!
smitties
8 years ago
Feel better soon Heidi.

Just realized I haven't given a doggie update. My son and daughter in law to be just love Brody and he's doing great with them. Bentley seems to be adjusting well here and even Tenny the cat is tolerating him. He doesn't bother her too much anymore but does chase her when he sees her on the floor. Most times she stays on the back of the couch. My daughter feels blessed that her dogs are able to stay in the family. Margo
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Melinda -- I received your pack today. Thank you so much for the lovely card and seeds. And I love the neon gel pens! Here are the seeds that Melinda sent: Raspberry Lyanna Tomato, Garlic Mustard, White Egg Turnip, White Spine Cucumber, Red Russian Kale, and Red Salad Bowl Lettuce. I'm super excited about all of these. Thank you so much, Melinda!
xiangirl zone 4/5 Nebraska
8 years ago
Look what my neighbor found blooming in my yard! Beautiful...but too early. I'm giving speeches to the daffodils to stay down. LOL

FOTESS · More Info
bluee19
8 years ago
Happy Tuesday everyone!

I received my lovely package from Faye yesterday. Thank you Miss Faye for the cute Valentine homemade card (You did a great/creative job), seeds: black seeded lettuce, marigold moon song orange color, cauliflower snowball, ruby queen beets, salad leaves niche mix, tomato pink oxheart, salad blend italian mix. and USA flag stickers. THANKS AGAIN FRIEND!!
amybabyboy3
8 years ago
Heidi, Hope you feel better!

Hope everyone is having a good week!
nottougly
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Bluee19

I am glad you like the things that I sent to you.

Faye!
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to let you all know that the prizes for Bingo and What Are We? went out today. Please let me know when they are received. Thanks!

Also, Connie, I haven't received your package yet. If you have a tracking number, you might like to see where it is.

Edited to say: the maillady was late today, and guess what she brought? You got it, Connie's package!

Connie, thank you for ALL the wonderful seeds! Now if I can just get them to grow!

She sent 3 kinds of peppers, kale, basil, onions, oregano, squash, dill and, for the butterflies, lantana! Connie, thank you so much!

And that makes this swap totally over! Thank you, everyone who helped make it a success!

Shirley!
amybabyboy3
8 years ago
Shirley, Thank you so much! You are so talented! I received the handmade cards and they are gorgeous! What a special prize, I just love them. They are so special! Thank you again! amy
bluee19
8 years ago
Hi Ms. Shirley!! Recd the hand made cards and it's so pretty. U have a niche in making cards and the ones I mail your handmade card to will know it's made with love from my garden buddy Shirley :)
EricaBraun
8 years ago
Shirley -- I received my beautiful handmade cards from you today. Thank you so much. You are super talented. These are a real treat.
sjc48
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm glad you all liked the cards! As usual, I had lots of fun making them!

And now for some interesting news: In my mail today, there was a returned card and seeds that I had sent to Connie/wildhairedmavens, in the Feb. Swap. Can you imagine how I felt? "Oh no, now what?" was the least of it! But then I got to thinking and I was sure that Connie had posted she received. SO......I checked back in here and yes, she did receive the cards and seeds, the SECOND TIME I sent out! Talk about relief! And it's really strange that the address they couldn't send this card to was the same address I sent the second card to. Oh the mysterious ways of the US Postal System!

I guess that all's well that ends well!

have a great day, All!

Shirley!
xiangirl zone 4/5 Nebraska
8 years ago
That's the very nicest way to describe the USPS--the mysterious ways--almost poetic! I'm going to keep that phrase handy!

Feb. FOTESS Anything But Flower Seeds Swap!

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