Something to consider.... would be following along the lines of a current RR that is thread/titled White Elephant Swap... if done that way, it might be of more interest with less risk ... check it out? I like the way it is being done - varies from straight out trading one-on-one (removes having to search the DB for who has what seeds) and could still very much stay on target with being edibles only. It also has the advantage of not having to have seeds go from one person to another PHYSICALLY and being exposed to temperature variations, etc. (that can have an impact on viability of even the longest lasting seeds) - and folks would at least know what they are getting. Also cuts down the cost of postage - rather than a sizeable box, could just be padded envelopes that get sent out or PM flat-rate envelopes (with padding inside) and delivery confirmation, etc.

Our house rule is if you want something done a certain way then YOU do it. I've had to learn to let go of some things (like how to fold laundry) but it can be hard too :) Biggest phobia: Ground wasps, those buggers are vicious! Hairstyle and hair color in the 80's: Long and straight, it just won't curl...sigh. First car: A maroon 1971 Granada with one gold door andhood. It sat 7 comfortably though. Favorite saying: No worries! Best sports fantasy: Winning at anything, not likely though. If no one would know, what would you watch on cable all day: The nanny and the Golden Girls - except first we'd have to get cable. I think not having HGTV has helped making building decisions since I don't know about all the cool new stuff out there. Favorite comfort food: Mashed potatoes and gravy (which DH had ready and waiting last night after a very long day / week at work :) What your mom never found out: What I did incollege...shhhhh. Best hangover cure: A big glass of water and two advilbefore bed. I am most confident when: I know what I'm talking about. First job: Picking beans and tomatoes for a neighboring farmer. What my significant other appreciates in me: I'm easy going and calm, I laugh at his jokes, and I like his cooking (but I make better tea). What my significant other does not appreciate in me: Mornings. Choose one: MIL (or pick an annoying relative) stay with you for 1 month or camp 1 month in cheap tent. Tent. I love my MIL, but I like my privacy - I can only stand living with my DH because he is so dear. I can be anti social sometimes, it's why we live in the woods. Time you usually go to bed: That depends on the season. Spring and summer, it's 11, then 3, then 5 (critter feedings). Winter and fall 11:30ish. Perfect date would be: Lying in a hammock with a nice breeze to keep the bugs off and someone bringing us drinks. (All the while someone else is in the house cleaning it and doing laundry...) Household chore you hate the most: vacuuming, especially in the fall and spring when the live oaks shed their leaves. Where you were born: Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Your best friend once told you: Dinner's on the table come home! (he's a great cook too)

We've gutted the bathroom & instead of a bath/shower combo we're having a tiled shower built in. Before talking to any tiling guys or contractors, I read through a lot of the posts that centered around building a shower so I'd be familiar with the "basics". Then when talking to the contractors or tilers I'd ask them to explain their process step by step. Additionally, I inquired about what products they used (so I could read about their quality in the forum). Most importantly though, I listened to my little voice. For example, I had one contractor who was really anxious through the whole meeting. It felt like something just wasn't right but I couldn't put my finger on it. His bid came in really high and when I inquired about it, he said "let me sharpen my pencil" and lowered it by several thousand! At that point I knew for sure that I didn't want to use him, but to convince my DH, I checked on the status of his contractors license & found out it was not active. It took some patience, but I finally found someone we're both very comfortable with, a contractor who is definitely not the cheapest, but his work is perfection. You are doing the right thing, I wouldn't go with someone just because my contractor wants me to. You should get multiple bids, and follow your intuition when deciding on who will get the job. Good Luck!

I just spoke with Judith (on the phone) this afternoon. Her computer has crashed!!! You can imagine how frustrated she is, especially NOW! I told her I would post this here so everyone would know what happened and why she was not posting. I will start the 'TEA PARTY TIME' thread for her now so that posters can begin their uploading of Virtual tea party settings. Judith is sure that her computer will be up and running soon and she can always post from work on break in a pinch.