Here's my best tomato growing story-A few years ago I had a few plants of 'Sweet 100' cherry tomatoes planted. Every evening I would note which ones would be ripe the next day. The next morning when I went outside to pick them, they would be gone. Since I have four dogs, I didn't think a squirrel would be brave enough, or survive long enough, to dine on my tomatoes. So, one day, very early, I watched from the window to see who the culprit was. And I discovered him. It was my Golden Retriever! He would nose around my tomato plants and carefully pick only the ripe ones and have himself a little tomato party. Since I love him more than tomatoes, I let him enjoy the rest of the tomatoes that year. I think I got one tomato from four plants. And, I haven't planted any tomatoes since then. Linda

Just reading this now and enjoying ALL the ideas. My husband's family used to do the pull a name out of the hat at some summer get-together. Not everyone has to be there...his mom would send out the names to all. So my side started trying this too. It works out fine since we all get along so well. But in some families it might be tough if you get someone's name with whom you don't get along that well. It can be a good opportunity, or just a problem. I love the idea of making things - we tried that too but for everyone (or at least a family gives to another family something they made). In the end, you probably need to consider all ideas and customize. One thing is certain - only a handful of well-off family members who LOVE to shop and give will not be happy with any suggestion. Most of the time, I hear over and over that everyone found it to be much less stressful - financial and time wise. One thought is to talk the idea over with a single sibling, or parent, and see what they think. Coming up with a plan as a family is a good thing though. So if you suggest the idea, leaving part of how to go about it might be a good thing. Suggesting adults draw names, and kids still get something from the adults is one way to go. College aged "kids" can be adults, or they can concentrate on the little kids. But you might get more cooperation/interest if you give them some say in how to go about this. Good luck - hope to hear how it went!

if you weren't invited to the shower, you don't need to give them a shower gift. If you DID go to a shower, you would give both, as you know. If you wish you had been invited to the shower, you *could* give them a shower gift, but I wonder if that might make them feel bad for not inviting you--in which case, don't label it a shower gift. But the wedding gift alone is just fine--and I bet they'll like it, LOL! it'll certainly fit w/ their decorating scheme.

Wait til after Christmas and ask if she would knit you a scarf (or something) if you supplied the yarn. She may not realize that you admire her work, or good quality yarn may be too expensive for her right now. By asking her to use her talent for you, maybe she'll get the idea that you would enjoy a knitted gift next year. If she agrees to use your yarn to knit something, offer to pay her for her work. Hopefully, she won't accept payment so thank her in some other way. ML