Zebra striped tomatoes are tasty. But even better is a variety called Yellow Sausage (or something like that. Sausage is definitely in the name, though.) It's weird looking, basically does look like a tomato shaped like a lumpy sausage, but it is incredibly flavorful. It's kind of stripey too, and ripens to a yellow color. My roommate likes to do weekly dinner parties, and people would fight over the slices of the Yellow Sausage tomatoes when we would make salads with our backyard tomatoes. We are definitely growing that one again this year. My peppermint tried to take over the world. I have a concrete backyard, very small. I think the peppermint actually rooted to the concrete. It smells fantastic though. Made a peppermint syrup at the end of the season that was delicious. We'll see if it comes back. I'm assuming it will, but I'm not certain. I gotta figure out how to repel the mosquitoes in a big way this summer though. I did NOT enjoy my yard starting in August, because I could not even go out there for 5 seconds without ending up with 6-10 mosquito bites. And I'm really allergic to mosquito bites; they swell up to at least half dollar size spots. Ugh.

I live in Appleton. If you want to see what two huge hail storms can do to your hostas you are more than welcome to visit. I agree, the House of Hosta is the place to go, it's a good 35-45 minute drive north of Appleton. It has a Green Bay address, but it's actually in Suamico. Most other places have cleared their perennials out or closed for the season. Your best bet might be to call Mark's place in Fond Du Lac. There are some really nice disc golf places in our area. My friend just built one last year in Berlin (west of Appleton). I've played in O'Hauser park in Menasha, but I am sure the Plamann Park course is better. If you need any directions or anything just email me. Jen

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I don't they'd make a very good long-arm backing. It would be very difficult to line the top of the quilt top accurately to the top of one of the printed blocks. Most fabrics are not 100% accurately printed on grain in the first place. Also, you'd end up with partial blocks on the outside edges. That alone would irritate the c*** outta me. That's just me, though! As for practice quilts - using them as a top to practice techniques - absolutely wonderful, especially for the price. There are lots of interesting spaces for different techniques. Use the cheapest batting and cheapest muslin for the backing. These will let you practice lots and lots, without having to piece a dozen quilts. The double wedding ring, the Lilies (applique look) and any of them with stars will give you some awesome practice without investing a whole lot of money. The only thing missing will be seam allowances, LOL, and they are an important part of the quilting process. Mary