I completely agree with everything Fran just said and more. I have been watching this amazing woman for three years now juggle family, job and this tremendous plant sale. She goes to work at 4:30 AM at Costco and then sells plants when she gets done work until she needs to go home and take care of her two youngest children. She is instilling a sense of community service in her children - they all participate from potting plants, growing seeds, painting pots and selling plants. The are a wonderful family! What was gratifying to see this year was the volume of repeat customers and referrals. So many people said "you don't have to tell me - I've been coming here for years", "I come every year to support you (Michelle) and the Childrens' Hospital". New for me at least were the non Costco members who found out about the crazy plant lady from Costco members who bought from her before and recommended them to buy from Michelle. The network is also expanding so hopefully more people will volunteer to help Michelle and her family. I can't say enough about how much effort Michelle and her family put in to making this event a huge success and she deserves every ounce of credit for its accomplishments. It is an honor and pleasure for me to be associated with Michelle and her family in this endeavor.

Dave, the day before I take the plumarias into the garage I cut off the leaves near the stem. This lets the latex dry before I take them in. Some people wash all of the dirt off of the roots before taking them in for the winter. Then they just lay the Plumeria barerooted on a shelf or something. I have never done that. I thought it might be easier on the roots to let the soil dry and fall off on its own. I use the plastic bags to keep the dirt from making a mess. I'm always sure to keep the mouths of the plastic bags open so the roots do not stay moist and rot. This has worked well for me, but the Plumeria I have stored this way is really a tough variety. Also my garage is well insulated even the doors and I don't let the plumeria touch the cold concrete floor. Please get advice from others and don't go on what I say or maybe try just one or two plants if you are interested in trying this method before you try it on your whole collection. Joan

Sorry I missed it. Sure would like to be in Kittery or Ogunquit or......you get the picture.

Let's see...I got a bowling ball for $1 which I'm going to decorate for the garden. I found a cool chair w/removeable seat which I'll plant. I got a neat denim dress for my soon-to-be chair lady. Some Xmas ornaments..I like the colored, shiny balls hanging from my bare trees in the yard. The weather wrecks them, but at 25c a box, it's pain-free to pitch them after Xmas. I love burning candles and got more of them. Also got some great snowman chair covers for Xmas dinner. One place had neat handmade jewelry and a couple good books. Got some Pampered Chef gadgets, too. Hit about 10 sales, all in my neighborhood. I think I spent a total of $15. I was surprised at the pricing at a few sales...really high and not negotiable. I passed those by. My golden rule is 10c on the dollar for pricing, although if I see something I really want, I do amend that.