You've gotten lots of great positive feedback here. I'm sorry your feelings were hurt, mine would have been also. The guy probably was just looking for work, either for himself, or someone he knows. I am a 'hodge-podge' gardener, with my tropical/cottage gardens. I'm sure plenty of landscapers would have something to say about them. They make me happy, they help restore my soul. They are my haven in this crazy world that we live in. May you feel love, joy and peace as you continue to work in your gardens. Hugs ~ FlowerLady Here are some thoughts: Gardening is any way that humans and nature come together with the intent of creating beauty. - Tina James, 1999 A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul. - Sadi He who plants a garden plants happiness. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden. - Chinese Proverbs Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity. - Lindley Karstens When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves. - Ken Druse Seek to understand what draws you to the garden. You may discover greater rewards than the blue ribbons awarded for the biggest pumpkin or the best preserves. You may find the garden becomes a teacher and crop "failures" become lessons learned. However big or small your garden is, if you allow nature to touch your spirit, gardening will bring returns of peace, satisfaction, and well-being for as long as you continue to wander the garden path. - Norman H. Hansen, The Worth of Gardening

Vulgar, indecent, illegal (though probably is), don't apply to a child, but filthy, disgusting, unsanitary are not out of range for this, um, unbridled "activity", imo. Speaking of perspective -- now that we know how acceptable this is, and to mothers of the many, many young children around -- can you imagine just how much of this stuff is around? The multiplier effect is not a pleasant thought. That's why there are laws for dogs. It is filthy, disgusting, unsanitary. And it smells. At least you asked, ms-thrifty. I agree, to at least hide behind a bush if you must, lol. P.S. I don't think it's an unreasonable leap to think that where the urge is to defecate, that is probably happening too. This post was edited by snookums2 on Mon, Aug 5, 13 at 13:33

Agreed. This isn't the time to debate the benefits and cultural mores of extended nursing. The OP was very specific. And I also agree that the function of kindergarten has changed. My cousin's daughter was expected to know how to read and write her own name, address, and several other things before entering kindergarten. Many districts are opting for full day kindergarten, teaching basic math skills, and implementing pretty advanced curriculum. When I was in kindergarten (I'm 28) it was about not running with scissors, waiting in line, and practicing tracing letters. Not only have the academics changed, but, in the course of that change, the amount of time spent on socio/emotional development has been shortened. If she's not at the same level of emotional development and social skills as other 4 - 5 year olds, then it may be appropriate to hold her back, send her to preschool, and work on those skills for a year. I had a Nov. birthday, and was one of the older people in my class. I can't remember that age -- either way -- was a big deal, except maybe when we were starting to drive. By high school, though, some kids will have been held back, so even if you start her late she won't be the oldest by much out of her original class, and there will likely be older kids who are repeating a grade. I really wouldn't let being the oldest/youngest be a determining factor. I also wouldn't let her start and then pull her out. In the long run, that's going to be more detrimental than helpful. It seems like delaying kindergarten is fairly common and accepted for boys. I'm wondering if some of the reaction is a little different because this is a girl?

We live in a very large Midwestern city school district. The school district budget is MILLIONS of dollars a year. But, by the time any $ trickels down to our local elementary school, it's pennies. The teachers ar our elementary school are so dedicated and work so hard! There are only 4 families active on the PTA, but most families take part in the fund raisers. Here are some of the things PTA pays for at the school: 1. The biggest item is "teacher wish list". Teachers can submit requests every month for items that the district will not cover. Some examples from last year - a new pencil sharpener for the third grade classroom, to replace the broken one that would not work and to keep the kids from having to go across the hall to the 2nd grade room to sharpen pencils. Yes, the district would not buy a new pencil sharpener - outrageous! New basketballs for the gym teacher, to replace the worn out, cracked ones that would not bounce right - the district would not buy new balls. A series of video tapes for the speech thrapist to use with her kids - the district would not buy. Paper for the laser printers in the office - the district severly rations paper and there is never enough. Special items for the occupational therpists - district won't cover anything beyond what they consider the minimum for any therapists. Extra diapers for a diaper-dependent disabled child who is in a wheelchair, whose parents couldn't afford to keep extra diapers at school, so the techer kept buying extra packs until she finally asked the PTA to buy a case to keep in the classroom. This list goes on and on. Every month, I am outraged at what the district won't purchase for the teachers - basics, not luxury items! Teacher already buy so much from their meager paychecks! 2. The ribbons & certificates for honor roll award - district won't buy them. 3. The school carnival. The PTA puts this on for the kids, it's not a money maker, and the kids LOVE it. 4. The school open house. The district won't cover refreshments at open house, so the PTA buys them. 5. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. The district does not have a single dime budgeted for playground equipment. Every year before school starts, each elementary playground is inspected, and unsafe equipment is torn down, but is not replaced by the district. If the school has a playground, it has to be paid for by the PTA. This is the primary function of most PTAs in my areas, because playground equipment costs thousands of dollars! 6. Teacher appreciation breakfast the day before school starts, a mid-year teacher appreciation lunch, and an end of the year teacher appreciation breakfast. These teachers work so hard, it's the least we can do to have a meal brought in three times a year! 7. End-of-year field day and pizza party for the whole school, on the last day of school. The field day includes carnival rides and games, snocones, and pizza - all free of charge to the kids. Sorry this is so long, but I get irritated when parents complian about PTA selling stuff. If you'd like to know why your kindergartener is selling gift wrap, attend a PTA meeting and ask them just where the money goes. Hopefull it goes right back to the kids, through their teachers or directly!