Bill, Maybe a little later in the season some of us will have some extra seeds we can donate for your wife's little project. Many of us are in the middle of making some of our crosses and will might be making more as things continue to bloom. It can take up to 6 weeks or more for a seedpod to mature so it might take some time.:-) Donna

Hi, Don't be too discouraged, there are still some very good basic top loaders about. Kenmore and Whirlpool are still a pretty good buy. When you consider the volume of washers that are manufactured and sold, the failure rate of new machines within the first 5 years is in the low single digit percentile. Quality control is pretty good that way. Whilst a lot of concerns on this site are legitimate, they do not necessarily represent the broader consumer experience. Just remember that when you pay two or three hundred dollars for a washer, you are paying a very reasonable price. You can't expect the kind of construction quality that you got 20 or 30 years ago for the same cost. Yet, you may still be lucky enough to get a washer that might give you more than 10 years of trouble-free use. Top dollar doesn't guarantee longevity either and probably never has. Getting a machine that will go the distance and beyond depends on so many other variables besides construction quality. How a washer is used (or abused), where and how it is housed, whether or not it gets some regular basic maintenance and cleaning, to the quality of the water and detergent that are used in it, all these factors determine trouble-free operation as well as durability. My personal recommendation would be Speed Queen. I've just replaced one that ran for 20 trouble-free years with a brand new SQ washer. They are still constructed with lots of heavy metal gears, good quality materials and standard non-electronic dials. They are a little pricier though than most other US brands. Then again, this new washer of mine may not see out 10 years of operation. I certainly hope that it will. The biggest problem is to actually make a choice. There are so many products out there. Lots of them identical, others quite different - so it really all comes down to the agony of choice. Another matter to consider is a company's product support and customer service reputation. Also, purchase your washer from a store that has a money-back policy or a reputation for giving excellent customer satisfaction. Enough already, this post is longer than originally intended. Good luck and let us know what you are buying. Here is a link that might be useful: Speed Queen Appliances

My husband and I have been camping and hiking in the various Pennsylvania State Parks. Recently, we decided that we would be having a lot more fun if we found other active seniors that shared our love for camping and hiking. If you are an active senior citizen and you enjoy camping and hiking in Pennsylvania, we invite you to join our group. We especially enjoy the freedom of camping mid-week when parks are less crowded. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeniorPACamping/ There are no dues - all campers secure their own campsite/cabin with the park visited. During park visits there will be some planned group activities. Each person may choose what they would like to participate in. We encourage other campers to plan camping trips/activities too. The more trips/activities to choose from the more fun. This is our opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with other senior nature lovers. Each camper/hiker is responsible for their own welfare. Camping and hiking do entail some risks - each person is responsible for their own safety and well-being. The group will assume no liability. We do ask that pets and smokes remain at campsites for all group activities so those with allergies have no problem. All park rules must be obeyed - especially the park quiet hours. Sorry but extended families (children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren) are not invited. These activities are for active senior citizens only. We would love to have you join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeniorPACamping/

Many innocent lives have been lost because of an irrational fear that if you give an inch on safe gun laws, the government will take a mile and come for your guns. This is why we do nothing. It's irrational when people buy guns and more guns to protect themselves from government. Try protecting yourself with a gun from a government intent on taking your guns. Have you ever watched the NRA ads featuring Dana Loesch? It's pure irrational fear-mongering. The NRA has identified their enemies and they are liberals, journalists, public school teachers, and Hollywood. Oh, and Obama, of course. This ad is delivering a very dangerous and frightening message: Dana Loesch NRA Ad The fear that guns will ever be outlawed is an extremist view, as is the belief that we will ever outlaw guns.