I really like this idea from PEI. See the link below. I've been searching for ideas where the College Mixte de l'Experience itself could raise funds. I struggle so much with the idea of asking for donations on my blog. (http://buildingaschool.org) These are from notes to myself... I would like to see a plan for raising funds coming from the school. I > want to see a 2 way street, not just expectation of handouts. A plan, a > budget! If the finances are transparent, teachers will be happier! > Some ideas. (grabbing at straws) > 1.Maybe creating stories answering the question WHO AM I? They could > be printed into a book with photos to be sold and put into a starting > library (and others as well). (Who we are changes from year to year, so > this can go on forever!) > 2. Selling and displaying children's art work. (This requires materials) > 3. Learning songs to sing as a group for churches. Make a song book, > illustrate it. I would be more comfortable asking for assistance if I saw effort first stemming from the school and the parents in the community. In the end, if I don't provide a way for people to help (financially or otherwise, rich countries or poor) none of them will. I still struggle. Here is a link that might be useful: One soccer ball for $10

Day 10 Wed, November 10, 2010 Solo Tim Said goodbye to Bonnie early yesterday morning, which left me with no companions to accompany me through Port-au-Prince. After a quick breakfast, I headed down the mountain to make my way back to the US Embassy. I went into the Daily Cafe for water and Coke, then followed my directions to the Tabarre School, which was quite nearby. There I met Gladys, who was very welcoming and gracious. She introduced me to the Bishop and I demonstrated the laptop and Etoys. I've become so accustomed to my demonstrations that I fear I'm being too automatic, though from people's responses, this doesn't seem to be the case. Gladys spoke briefly about Wilson Jeudy's presidential campaign, of which she is the campaign manager. We then toured the school and showed the laptop to the 4th/5th grade class. This school seems quite well behaved in an engaged and friendly way. As usual, the children simply loved the laptop and could not wait to play with it themselves. After lunch at the Daily Cafe, I made my way along Rue Tabarre towards my next stop. Traffic was at a standstill, so I tried a "yellow (aka paved) route" on Google maps, to find that it was anything but. It did take me through the middle of some very large tent camps. After nearly two weeks here, I'm sad to say that very little surprises me anymore. The harshness I drive through every day seems to blur. As I write this, I realize I didn't even try to take a photo of these camps, as I have so many more. Truly the one thing missing from the photos is the scope ... just how many people are living in these temporary havens. Eventually I reached Sineas, the camp city I was visiting. Sara and Darma (both from an organization called AMURT) introduced me to the school's teachers and administrators. Their approached seemed quite well thought out, with an emphasis on organic sustainability such as composting toilets and hydroponic gardens. The children and school were impressive to see. I then drove with Sara to their other school (Amsai), this time in a physical structure that was damaged by the earthquake. The teachers and students at this school were likewise impressive. I watched dance, art, and karate classes. There was an air about the place I can only describe as "freedom" .. a great place for a pilot. Four of the teachers joined me on my drive back up to Petionville. I four-wheeled up the mountain and talked with Merline and her children (John was away on business) and easily, easily, fell asleep.

I have two ex-ferals and several ex-semi-ferals. One of the ex-ferals and one of the ex-semi-ferals are the same way as your girl. They're extremely loving boys as long as they make the physical overtures, but if I try to approach them, they'll cut and run. I'm sure it's just an instinctive response based on their feral or semi-feral histories. They've both been part of my family for six years now, and I don't expect either of them to change. The only time it's a problem is if one of them gets sick and requires medical care. Then I have to get creative and a lot pushier than any of us enjoy. But as long as they stay healthy, I just let them be who they are. I know they love me, and they know I love them. Sometimes there's just no fighting these baser, self-preservation instincts. Laurie

Thank You both! I didn't realize that the direction the vine twists is an indication of the cultivar, mine is definitely clockwise. I think what I'll do is give it a massive trim, especially that top portion which makes it impossible to get to the JB's and serves no real purpose but to give the sweet mourning dove that has built a nest all tucked-in there (its the cutest thing). Also the whole "support" is rickety and will absolutely have to be re-built properly - it was swaying when I painted it last Spring, yikes. I will look more closely at climbing Hydrangeas but am worried that's also on the JB's yum-yum list. Though I have some bushes they haven't bothered too much, except Limelight. Actinidia is also a JB favorite :-( Clematis is my front-runner at the moment. I am thinking of planting lots of Castor Bean plants around our pool which currently has a row of 6-7 physocarpus diablo. They are supposed to be a good organic toxic weapon against JB's. We have no pets or kids so toxicity from the Castor is not a concern. Also lots of Rue. I really don't want to get rid of these lovely plants, its so unfair! I'll try everything else before I do. I'm hoping to at least reduce the numbers to where I don't have them flying in my face & hair while out in the garden. Plus I have the time to dedicate myself to this and hey, maybe I'll find a control formula to share with all!