After learning what I've learned, any bulbs I want to buy as gifts are checked before purchasing, and the first thing I do is dump the soil or coir disk that comes with any kit, and I also get rid of the pots... I buy clay pots, one for each bulb, and I clean up the bulbs and pot them right before giving the gift. I usually add a little bamboo stake with a Christmas decoration on it, or a ribbon... It's unfortunate, but most kit bulbs are meant to be enjoyed and tossed. Most people won't go through the hassle of growing the bulb and giving it a rest so it can bloom again. I think the poor soil and the poor pots sold are meant to make it difficult to keep the bulbs alive and well, so you have to buy a new kit the following year. What a racket!

Sweet! I gave a budded Minerva to my daughter-in-law's father as a gift... he always invites us for Christmas dinner, and I hate going empty handed! It's his first bulb, but he was very interested in its culture. Every few years, I give a potted bulb to my daughters as gifts... they love them! I haven't asked for any of them back... yet! I think this year, I'm going to buy some sale bulbs to plant in the garden when spring gets here... I just need to hit the clearance sales, and then keep the bulbs dormant until early spring. I hope that works out! Somehow, I always end up with an extra Minerva or Red Lion, or one of the other common varieties... I'm so out of space! I don't even have room for an ER or quickie clinic, let alone a Hippi Hospital! :-)

What a wonderful surprise for you Karen. Did you notice that Punk painted that great tray especially for you in "half a day"--she is just the fastest painter I know! The shape of that tray is so unique, and I love the words too. Great job, Punk, both with your wonderful painting and in the selection of the design and words. ;o) That little snowman with the Montana cowboy hat will be a great reminder of your friendship too. Postage costs-- way too high, but the cost of putting a smile on someone's face--priceless! Luvs

Here you go susan: Garmin approach gps golf watch S1 Approach S1 combines a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with a lightweight, flexible sport watch. It is ready to go right out of the box with thousands of preloaded courses covering the U.S. or Canada. You can measure individual shot distances and track how far you walk on the course. Approach S1 will have you dialed in like a pro by providing yardages to the front, back and middle of the green. The sunlight-viewable screen features large numbering for at-a-glance visibility. S1 also measures precise yardages for shots played from anywhere on the course. And for those who like to walk, thereâÂÂs the S1 odometer to tell you how far you traveled on the course or off. I bought this for someone I have been doing business with for almost 30 years. He's done so much, I just wanted to give him something special. And I'm glad I did. This post was edited by glenda_al on Fri, Aug 23, 13 at 20:09