I am getting things potted up for the swap. I am focusing on bringing a smaller number of larger trades this year. I stopped by a nursery to find some cheap pots and talked them into selling me some of their 6" square pots (probably about 1/2 gallon ones) for $.20 each. Last year Oakland Park had nice 4" ones for $.09 each, but they didn't carry them this year. So far I have rhubarb, chocolate mint, lemon balm, spiderwort, lamb's ear, evening primrose, Golden Tiara hosta, misc. var. hosta, and Michaelinsis daisy potted up into 1/2 gallon or larger pots. I also have quite a few small starts of Penny's Worth daylily, a nice little daylily with yellow flowers. It kind of looks like a miniature version of Happy Returns. I also have plenty of tomatoes. I have about 60 varieties started this year. Some I only have a few of, but many of them I will have extras of to bring to the swap. We will be potting up some other things to bring as well. We usually bring the dogs into Columbus with us when we visit. But I don't see how they will fit in the van with all of the plants. It looks like we will have to leave them with friends for the weekend. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the 15th. James

"I'm confused. If the relationship has been sexual why did you ask that first question ... Have you ever had a relationship (NOT sexual) with a younger man??" A one-night-stand would qualify as a "sexual relationship" with a younger OR older man. I wanted to clarify, and wasn't interested in anyone's 'one night.' "On the first visit, his Mother introduced me as her daughter-in-law!" He moved back to DK and had told his entire family about me/us, and obviously the word 'marriage' came up. I don't find this odd at all. "It will be 2 years in Oct. since I last saw him on his 'summer visit' and we had a wonderful dinner." Did I ever insinuate *he* wasn't having sex? As far as i'm concerned he *still is* a free man who I just happen to be in love with. Many women equate sex as love. Many men equate sex as sex, and that includes married men who stray, but still love their wife. I never had expectations of him 'holding out', nor will I until we've come to a decision where this is going, if anywhere. "There *will* be a relationship first, as we still probably don't know each other as well as we should. " I never implied we *didn't* have a sexual relationship. mrsmarv, I myself am very cautious, and have 'feelers' for people or situations. Maybe i'm too close to this one to have inclinations 'there's something more behind this', but i'm not one who thinks negatively, either. "at the beginning of our relationship I asked if he's *sure* he's straight and not gay or a homosexual. We've talked about it very openly..." We were having dinner in an area known for having a large number of gays living there. As we were walking back to the car, a man turned around and checked out his ass. He also, very openly, said it had happened in DK also. I have a son who is gay, and also worked with 2 gay men where I was last employed. Out of curiosity I asked my son's opinion, and he immediately said his 'gaydare' wasn't picking up signs. The two men I worked with, and introduced him to, said absolutely not. He not a big man, is attractive, and has a nice physique, and these may be physical characteristics certain gay men look for, but not all. Not to be too suggestive, or blatant, but there have never been any suggestions of anything other than normal sex. Bisexual? Anything's a possibility, but one may also have a preference if that's the case.

Very true. I can lose 5lbs in a week. Loss of inches is more significant than loss of lbs anyway. A person will gain nearly .5 just from drinking 8oz of water. If you weigh yourself in the morning, you will weigh less than in the afternoon. Your DH can worry all he likes about you ballooning up like so-and-so, but that's like worrying you'll turn into an alcoholic because you had two beers after dinner instead of one. The weight isn't the real issue. It can't be. And if it is, pardon me, but your DH is an idiot. If you're that concerned, walk an extra 1/2-1 hour a day. Drink more water. Eat more leafy greens and whole grains and the 5lb will drop off in no time. But the stress of worrying about it is more damaging to your health than the actual weight. I would be worried more about the remarks he is making to you to make you lose interest in your sex life. That's a detriment to your losing weight too. Sex is a great workout!

SamKaren, let's be honest. What you were hoping for was your BF to come to his senses and turn things around. I think you need to read the book, "He's Just not That in to You." I am wondering too, if after his infatuation wore off, he is not interested on sharing you with other men. Although accepting at first, this may have become a turn off and you are no longer a priority. He has now made his feelings clear, no doubt about it. You should not be sitting home the entire weekend. Start looking in to things you can join. Food pantry, is there a local bowling club, a lunch bunch, where singles meet for lunch? Don't forget too, that making friends with other women often leads to more of a social life and possibly men. You like cats. Is there a cat club? Volunteer at a shelter? Are there young people in your building? If you are basically shy, it's hard to put yourself out there, but try to strike up conversations so you get to know who your neighbors are. This could lead to one friend in your building. The truth is, some of us have to work really hard to have a social life. Others are magnets and are included in more things than they can handle. I remember years ago when my youngest was in grade school. She realized that she needed to make friends and so we went through her class list and arranged play dates. It was interesting that no one refused, yet these same girls just didn't think to invite her first. Things greatly improved when she realized she didn't have to sit back and wait for things to happen. SamKaren, you are still relatively new to your area. Conversation can start with where is the cheapest dry cleaner, or the best Chinese food etc. Don't give the negatives here any thought. When you come here, it is what often happens. I have asked advise here and was shocked at how many people took the opposite view. I thought I was clearly right and came to vent! Yet, if so many agreed, it was time for me to see things differently. Some come across in a mean way, or one person couldn't understand why I posted the problem at all! Nothing should be insignificant. Again, for those of you offended by whatSamKaren might post, do not open them! We are not just about photos, recipes and talking about the weather!