The public libraries in my area have shelf after shelf of language learning materials including audio materials and workbooks. You can pick and choose which "system" you like best or try several. I've lived abroad and I'm capable in several languages. I've been exposed to many different theories and approaches along the way. While immersion can be the most rapid approach, my experience would suggest that what will make the biggest difference is YOU. Just like learning to play a musical instrument, you need to spend the time and fight through the frustration until it starts to make sense. There's simply no substitute for time and perseverance. It's very do-able and the rewards are immeasurable. Good luck.

We use chopsticks all the time for Asian food, and when travelling in Asia I carry my own pair in my handbag for eating at street stalls etc. We don't use them for American/European cuisine because it doesn't really work- you can't cut up larger pieces of food with just chopsticks nor is it appropriate to just pick up a big chunk in the chopsticks and chew off a bite at a time. And mashed potatoes.... :-) Asian cuisine is designed to be eaten with chopsticks and other cuisines aren't.

NHBabs, surprisingly we don't think anyone stayed home because of the rain. It was an outdoor loving group. The evening campfire was made judiciously under the canopy tent and people were happy that the tent trapped the heat. The kids enjoyed the water slide bouncy house for about an hour despite the chill. We couldn't run the bouncy house blowers when it rained. Fortunately, the club was paying for the bouncy houses which a member was able to get at a discount. The really surprising part was how well 4 year olds played in the lousy weather. I told one mom the kids were welcome to come indoors to watch cartoons but she said no. Her child is in daycare all week and the kids didn't seem to mind the rain. But, yes, we still need more rain. Would hate to be a farmer right now.

Hi Cori Ann, here is a link to the website. It's in Ireland, but I was able to buy the globes from a US site Cutting Globes. I haven't done anything yet, I was distracted by the stupid cold spell and protecting my roses from 22 degree weather. But most came through it fine, My Fortuniana has buds, so I think I'll try to do some regular cuttings after it finishes, that is supposed to be the best time. What my goal is is to take some of my existing roses that I love and may not be in commerce anymore and bud them on fortuniana. I am beginning to like that rootstock much better than Dr. Huey. I also want to do some hybridizing, so I will have to learn how to do cuttings if I want copies of any successful crosses I do. I have a bunch of those band pots, so I will gather them up and try to get them to root. I have a good spot in my yard that is shaded and I can hopefully get some success along with the cutting globes.