tee-hee-hee! One of my Kindergartners was sooooo excited yesterday morning. She said, "Miss Skipper! I saw a MONARCH in my garden!" Her mom had told me just last week that the Milkweed we'd planted in the fall was doing really well so perhaps THAT is what attracted the butterfly... hmmm...maybe it is time to plant more of my 'famous' Asclepias curassavica 'tdogmom' with the kids...

Life has gotten in the way tonight of me posting. I want to do a swap thread justice and I'm not able to do it tonight. I'll post tomorrow...I'll leave you guys with this. It's an awesome swap box!!!!!;-) OMG! So awesome and completly perfect. Goldgirl, you sure know how to swap! I love everything and I DH is loving it too! Thank you!

Hi again Again, thanks for all of your positive thoughts for my Howie. I have been trying to be as positive as I can about all of it. I went and saw Howie yesterday. They brought him out to me. I was so happy to see him up and walking around. When he saw me he lit up like a christmas tree and wagged his little stubby tail. I was able to visit with him outside and then inside on a mat he slept by me for a while. My daughter and my best friend were there also. He was very happy to see them as well! I was not able to get him to eat any of the goodies I brought him, but he had eaten a bit earlier so they were happy with that. My DH went and saw him last night after work and everyone thought he looked even perkier by then. My dh said he was looking around the waiting room for me and whinning. He had to be dragged back to the critical care unit when his visit with dh was done and I had to walk all the way back with him because he wanted to come home. It broke my heart a bit, but I was really glad to see him being stubborn also. I told the vet that his stubborn attitude would help him out. Another vet saw him up and walking and was sooo excited and saying what a fighter he is. The vet called today to give me an update about how he did last night and told me that he was eating a lot!!! He requested that I bring two more cooked chickens in (not the bones just the meat). He is on an appetite stimulant and I am sure that helps, but I feel if he eats the other stuff will hopefully follow. He is not out of the woods yet by a long shot, but he is doing well. Believer, Howie is a 110 lb rottweiler. If you have ever read the Good Dog Carl books he is sooo much like that. He loves his family, his backyard, and his ball!! He is a real hunk!

Thanks ... I have conducted several successful trades this year and given away lots of stuff without even asking for shipping. I have some long-standing relationships and have even formed some friendships within the C&S, Plumeria, and Adenium forums. Unfortunately, nobody I've ever dealt with used the Rate Trades page. Sooo, I doubt I even appear on it. I only trade with people I have been in communication with over time and have been long-standing members of GardenWeb. Still, one particular person gave me a proverbial kick in the tail by not covering postage for a special request AND not sending her part of a promised swap. She really surprised me. It's been 6 months and all I keep hearing are excuses .. too cold to ship, then final exams, then busy with new job, then death in the family. All valid excuses but all together, it's just too much! I wish I could report her. Unfortunately, swaps are at our own risk. I am watching her activity though and am liable to PM someone if I see a possible swap in motion. I'm disgusted every time I even think of it. Ugh!! That type of inconsiderate behavior is absolutely vile. Maria Elena