"Just where did I say parasites were the cause of fibromyalgia? (You will not be able to find where, because I did not say that)." And where did my post claim you said that? The relevant quote is: "A veterinarian may not be the best source of information on what causes human medical complaints." Bottom line is there's a lack of evidence fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome are caused by parasites. There is a belief among some that a whole host of diseases and deleterious symptoms are caused by hidden parasites, and a cottage industry has grown up around selling books, devices and supplements to people who believe they are so afflicted. Sometimes (because reputable physicians won't prescribe anti-parasitic drugs to them) they buy potentially dangerous animal drugs. Various organisms get blamed - from the ever-popular Candida (a part of our natural flora) to the liver fluke (devotees of the late Hulda Clark believed her claim that this fluke was the cause of all cancers, and bought electric "zappers" in an attempt to kill the flukes and thus "zap" away their tumors). Just as people should consider alternatives before using expensive and potentially hazardous prescription drugs for fibromyalgia, they should also think twice about diving into antiparasitic drugs (which have their risky aspects too) for conditions that have no demonstrated connection to parasites. *I've never heard of any animal version of CFS or fibromyalgia, but maybe someone here can clarify matters.

Well bless my soul, I thought I had already lusted but I guess not. So here is my lust list.. It keeps growing. To get a full list you can look at my trade page. But watch out if you do, I'm really lusting there. LOL Some brugs I'm very lustful for are: Orange Infusion, Lemon Meringue and Angels Flight others are listed on my trade page. Datura: Frilled triple yellow Plumeria: Siam Tulip, Aztec Gold, Kimo, and Cotton Candy but actually I don't think there's one I wouldn't love. Canna: Banana Canna and Pretoria Hibiscus: Lusting for a Schizopetalus Fringed Hibiscus and a Yellow Blood Parrot. Same here...Love them all Coleus: Plum Parfait Ginger: Peacock or the Tri-color ginger Vines: Would love a Vigna Caracalla or a Gloriosa Lily vine Rothchildiana) Daylilies: I don't have any but I've seen so many pretty pics of them here, I have a lust for them now Non-plants items: plant tags, small bubble envelopes, or a wind spinner Told you I'm very lustful. lol Deb

Ray and Flowerfarmer, Your posts are inspiring. I do hope that the kids will want to flower farm too. I know the girls at least would do great at market. They just love to talk to just about everyone and usually the adults like to talk to them too. I am thinking of letting them sell mini boquets they grow and make up themselves. The market I am interested in selling at is going through a transition to local growers only. I am on the list but I don't believe the transition is quite final yet. I haven't been called to attend the meeting yet. I won't have enough flowers anyhow except later when the zinnias and sunflowers come. I have hopes that I can sell those to two other places (plus any others blooming at the same time) if the market doesn't work out (it should but you never know). This is definitely a trial year with lots of learning, building up soil, perennial counts and so on. Wow, Irish Eyes, I thought Ray's psychiatrist mention was funny. Btw, in case you are wondering, I am not trying to have it all (don't recall anyone else here trying to either). My family is first period. I stay at home to take care of them. Now that they are school age, I have more time to pursue gardening. We do not have a house in the suburbs or two expensive vehicles in the yard. Our vehicles are paid for and the 19 acres will cost us the same whether or not I flower farm. There has been quite a lot of mentioning in a matter of fact way about various ailments but I am fairly sure none of us would dream of complaining to customers. I of course take it that your advice was friendly and well meaning. I don't have lofty goals. I will be very satisfied if I can add interest to my life and some money by flower farming. Whether or not I ever actually sell flowers, I think gardening and flowers really add to my life. You are right about not having it all but I don't see a problem with trying to do better with what you already have? Also, I just wondered about people not wanting to cut the flowers after they grew them. I don't think I will have a terrible problem with that. Hubbies flower garden tempts me too much (off limits) but then I didn't grow those. Planting of perennials in rows is a bit of a different story. I really would like to make pretty little gardens with them but am holding off on that. I agree soil management will be necessary. I do know tons of sucessful farmers that don't use compost (don't know flower farmers other than here) so that is why I asked. Composting should start in a big way very soon (maybe even yet today) but not good enough for this year. Hopefully, I can find a good source soon. Shirley

Moving this down for now.