Years ago, I had just spread a bunch of purchased compost all over the flower beds when I saw a couple of slender leaves emerging, pretty things, & I gently dug around until I found that they were growing from teensy little bulbs. I was a sort of new gardener, & I was (& still am) very excited by the sort of serendipity or happenstance or feral nature of garden surprises, so I watched the new little bulbs to see what kind of flower they made. I watered 'em, I mulched 'em, I guarded them like they were solid gold. One day, before I got any flowers but after they had popped up all over the place, a neighbor looked at my little experiment & asked, "what are you going to do about all that nut grass?" I stammered out what had happened, including the mulch/water/compost, & he thought for a minute & said, "Well, it *is* a very healthy-looking stand of nut grass."

Hi Amy About the best thing I know for brain fog times is to ...laugh. I am quite sure that, once upon a time in your past life, you used to be a very together person. It's a bit shocking to find yourself standing in a supermarket (as I have) not only wondering which store I'm in, but even which town, and why am I there anyway???! If fibro and lupus are new to you brain fog can seem highly scary. Well, it is, in the early days. After a while you can see it coming on and take precautions, such a leaving yourself notes. Or going through a routine to calm your mind. Autogenic relaxation works well for me. I was put on that by the occupational therapist at the hospital, so it's pretty mainstream. And remember - those folk at the rare plants place will just be so glad that people are still buying! Even if you're as daft as a loon (and you're not) your money is still good. If you think a white lie would help, for now, you can always blame the chaos on a mythical friend who's a serious ditherer, forever changing her mind, if you have to call them again!!! Or simply confess you're under serious stress at the moment, would they please be patient. Most people are either decent or indifferent rather than outright hostile. If the chemo is knocking you about so you can't bear the thought of food - ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian ASAP. You might need to go on to smoothies so you can get nutrients in quickly. And, if magnesium/potassium comes up as a supplement - look for magnesium malate. It's a bit kinder to your digestive system. Also, if you like them, avocadoes can be helpful. Good vitamin E and very digestible. Meantime, there are six shrubs coming, along with spring. Hope the warmer weather brings you quiet times in the garden, pain relief and peace of mind. (It doesn't stay this bad. Truly. The more you find out about the way you are the better you can 'use your spoons'.) BTW - you might want to check out this blog, if you haven't already: www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ She has lupus - and explains about the 'spoon theory'. You're not alone at all. :-))

Yep you're hooked! Next you'll be making sauerkraut like the rest of us. I have to tell you the marmalade is the best. I've had it on toast every morning. I've got to make some before I run out. RR makes it look so easy. This sounds stupid but I have to find some time to cook. I haven't even had time to cook a 30 minute meal. There are so many great recipes in the book though I can't wait to get started. Tracey

It's funny. Yesterday my wife and I were figuring out how many shows we've done in our craft show career. 30 years at an averagte of 35 shows per year, and that's over 1,000 shows. And I can say I've seen both priced, and non priced items. Usually the high end shows are the ones where some will put out their prices. But you know the work is expensive, and sometimes they'll haggle. High end jewelers don't display their prices, because you KNOW that's a real ruby and not a bead. But everybody else has their prices right out there. Your friend admits to not selling very much. And if she's happy not selling, who are we to argue? There is the theory about underpricing. But today, with people not having much money to spend at the shows, you ask what you think is a fair price, and she asks what she thinks is fair. The customer will decide. There are two schools of thought in this business. "Quick nickels" or "slow dimes". You are in the first camp, and your friend is in the second camp. Here is a link that might be useful: Shady Pine Studios