Welcome!! I am also an MFP, as are a few others here. We have all levels of expertise here and welcome questions! The intent is to sort out the tested, reliable methods from the fly-by-night postings. However, there are no "police". Ultimately, each one has to decide what level of risk they're willing to accept. Some of us aren't feeding at-risk groups. Some are selling are markets to total strangers. In general, we are not here to judge, sometimes folks want to argue when they don't get the answer they wanted, but there's really no point. The science is what it is. Recipes have been tested...or not. What each person chooses to do with that information is completely up the them! You don't say where you're located, but here in Western Oregon, the strawberries are just coming on and they're beautiful. I pick at a local farm where I can get an approx. 4-5 lb. bucket (depends on your talent for heaping/stacking it) for $8.50. Gorgeous berries, nice fields, good people. LOCAL!! I grow my own blueberries, but there is a U-pick farm nearby that sells for $1.25/lb. Picked ones are $2.50. How do our prices compare with yours? Where? Deanna

Hi Susan and welcome. This is such a fun and interesting place to be whether you're a newbie or expert, and I agree, the photos are outstanding and I appreciate those who share their talent. I started backyard bird watching many years ago and it has become my hobby and passion so to speak. The beautiful friends who visit my yard bring so much pleasure. Get a few bird books if you don't already have any. Mine include books that not only help identify them, but cover lots of info about food preferences, nesting habitats, nesting cycles, etc. I pretty much know what my birds like to eat! Then put up a few feeders...there are many styles offered for various seeds and other foods. Believe me, once you get started, you'll be amazed at how many different birds you can attract. Too, this forum (along with the bluebird and hummer forums next door) are loaded with veteran birdwatchers who provide valuable info and will answer any questions...and you'll love the many bird "stories" that are shared here. BTW, what kind of seed did you put in your feeder? Donna

tey again,,he he...

I smoked for 40 years , now I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) this is Emphesema in lay terms along with brochotus. I tried to quit many times over the years .I now have been a non-smoker for 2 years 11 months . I can no longer work ,I am on Oxygen 24/7 .Doing even the simplest things are a real chore ,bathing,shopping ,vacuuming,etc. My quality of life has ben severly diminished and also my longevty .Every day my breathing gets just alittle worse. I feel so terrible that my life is going to end soon and my wife will be alone,that I will not be sharing our childrens and grand childres lives with her.The youngest grand daughter is now 10 months old and the grand son is 6 weeks old. So smoke if you want but be aware you are paying dearly for it. I am 57 yrs old .Why the heck didnt I listen when my 7 th grade Science teacher actually took his time to speak and educate me on the dangers of smoking . I wish all who will try to quit the best of luck and encouage you to use your will power.Dont let a cigarette be stronger than you. Cravings will diminish each day. Hang tough,and dont let a cigarette make you a weakling.