I would recommend checking the 'Big List' on the Colorado Dahlia Society website. In fact, by visiting that website, you can find a wealth of information on dahlias. There are many, many suppliers listed there, and most of them charge very reasonable shipping charges. I would steer clear of Ebay for buying tubers unless you know the suppliers. I questioned one of the sellers there because she was describing a number of the varieties she was selling as 'dinnerplate' dahlias. Dinnerplate is the old term for giant or AA size, meaning something over 10' in diameter. Of the 5 I found listed, only one was of that size. The rest ranged from miniature to 8". I asked her if she grew what she was selling. She answered me back that she did not, but purchased them from a large bulb company and then resold. At least with most of the suppliers on the 'Big List', they guarantee the variety and growability, and will replace or refund the following year. You might also check the dahliasociety sales listed on that website that will be starting soon. If you have a society in your area, that is an excellent place to buy. You can talk to members about dahlias and get wonderful varieties for very reasonable prices. Teresa Here is a link that might be useful: Colorado Dahlia Society.

Promise, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most amazing and thoughtful 'sorry box' you sent my way in replacement of the 'broken teapot'. Thank you so very much for everything you sent. I am just overwhelmed with your generosity and kindness. I absolutely just love everything you sent....everything is perfect and arrived in perfect condition. Thank you so much! ((hugs!)) This really means a lot Promise, thank you. Included in this wonderful box of gifts..... * A very beautiful and sweet card * A super cute snowman tin filled with all kinds of goodies... * bath and body works hand sanitizer vanilla bean and holder * blistek medicated lip ointment * chapstick classic cherry * Jergens healing hands handcream * A variety of seeds including.... tomato white cherry, anise hyssop, old fashioned poppies, lumina white pumpkin, squash winter hubbard blue, winter squash queesland blue...so excited to try all of these as they were all on my 'wish' list =) * 2 beautiful Christmas hand towels * Vanilla Chai Black Tea - this looks soooo good.... * kleenex to go packs * beautiful silver angel ornaments (they will look beautiful on my pink and silver tree here soon) * a package of Lindt Milk Chocolate Truffles...oh yum! * a very creative sheet of name labels with snowflakes! Perfect, just in time for the holidays! I am just in awe that you went out of your way to do this for me, it is very much appreciated, and I thank you so very much. Your garden friend, Jayeanne

Hi all, Not sure what all to say since I've been away so long. At least you still remember me. :D Re the way of eating question. I've changed my way of eating at least several times in my life, this most recent being lower carb. I try to keep it under 75, but don't always succeed. If I go very low, my heart gets more irregular, which makes me concerned. I don't eat desserts or junk snacks and deny myself things I want, like muffins, but don't feel like I'm getting the results now that I should given my diligence. I've kept my calories lower than what I'm theoretically supposed to be eating for most of my life. I wish the whole thing worked for me like it's supposed to. My relationship with that guy I've talked about for the last three years is difficult for me now. I don't think anything really bad is happening, but the closeness we had has pretty much ended over this last year, so I'm going through a grieving process, facing that some things I thought would last, didn't. Lots of my old issues have come up and it's been harder than I expected. I've been working on my art still so that part is good. Still not over the top, though. My younger son is going to be doing seminars on open source tools for .NET, and his first one is tomorrow on NUnit. Still haven't heard from the older one for three years now, though I've sent things, called, and left messages. Heather is still good, and I just ordered her some kitty food from the net that is supposed to be a healthy mix that is close to what kitties eat in the wild. I'll post this and then read more. I've planted another garden with lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, zucchini, broccoli, green onions, cauliflower, and different types of flowers, including a purple hibiscus bush and a yellow one. It's a good time of year here. Does anyone know what the story is with Happyto? Haven't heard about her in some time. She was here when I first started and had lost 80 lbs, but then ended up gaining it back when she started eating carbs again. And I remember when her husband passed and she got involved in her church, but I don't know what happened after that. Amy

I was just in Banff in May and will be going back the last week of August. We flew into Edmonton, and drove to Jasper, on to the Lake Louise area (we actually stayed just outside LL at the Emerald Lake Lodge), on to Banff and then into Calgary where we flew home from. I know many people prefer Jasper over Banff, but personally I disagree. Jasper really didn't thrill me whatsoever. The the drive from Jasper to Lake Louise, however, was spectacular - especially in the Saskatchewan River Crossing area. I'm not sure how far outside of Banff you want to go - will you have a car? I'm assuming yes if you'll be there for 6 days. LL is about an hour beyond Banff, and Field, BC is just outside Lake Louise - that's the area Takakkaw Falls is in. We wanted to do that hike when we were there in May but the trails hadn't opened yet. We also wanted to do the Lake Agnes Tea House trail ride in LL, but our visit was just a bit too early in the year. Emerald Lake is very beautiful and is a nice drive. If you like historic properties the Fairmont Hotels in both LL and Banff (especially Banff) are beautiful and fun to explore. We spent one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs and could have spent the entire time we were there just exploring the hotel and grounds. Even if you're not staying at the hotel you can visit for lunch or a drink, and there is a little gallery on the second floor with lots of historical memorabilia and photographs, etc. They also do a historical tour each day at 1 pm I believe. There are hot springs right in Banff if you feel like a soak, and also the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Many people find Banff busy, and it is, but I prefer a bit of hustle and bustle. This was my first visit to the Canadian Rockies and we spend a lot of our time just driving around and taking in the various sites. There are lots of hiking and walking trails and scenic look outs to visit. Every turn you go around is photo worthy. When we return in August we are spending two nights in Banff and two in Calgary, and also heading South this time down into Montana and are going to cross the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. You're probably flying into Calgary?? Enjoy your visit - it's a beautiful area!