National Seed Swap Day

Today is National Seed Swap Day. I don't know how you're celebrating but, if you live in Arizona, here's one way you can enjoy the day: how 'bout a hike?

The Washington Gardener is hosting a seed swap this year and some local Civic Gardens offer seed exchanges, here's a little info about one from last year.

If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll send you some seeds from my garden. I love sharing nature's beauty. And, spreading the blooms is one way to pay-it-forward.

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY AND EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY: Palmistry traces its roots back to Indian (Hindu) astrology. It is thought to have started more than 5000 years ago.

Now for Earth-Friendly Friday:

One of the ways I live green is by not using any pesticides in my garden. Of course it can be a pain when I watch neighbors come out with Roundup and spray their weeds - instant results. But that's not the way to go. Those poisons destroy so much more than the weeds.

I'm trying to create a habitat for the wild things: birds, bugs, toads, and YES even snakes.


And, even though I don't use any pesticides, some of my plants grow over 3 feet tall. (Cute neighbor-kid model :)


My Mom always used to say, "Money doesn't grow on trees."

But paper is made out of trees - and money is made on paper - right?

Oh...well, if you're going to grow anything - it might as well be moneyplant - that's my motto. :)


Of course here in the city we don't get many toads or snakes but we DO get some. And I don't want to have them arrive, just in time to kill them. These creatures are good for the garden and good for the environment. So, I garden organically. The process may take more time but the results are worth it - don't you agree?

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

QUESTION: Do you know where palm reading originated? And, if you do, in what year?

ANSWER TO WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

ANSWER: Shypod

Someone who doesn't want to share the contents of his or her iPod.

WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

I love learning new words. And, it seems like I learn a new word every day. My kids say things I've never heard before and when I look at them with that slap-me-in-the-forehead kind of DUH look, they explain what it means. Here's one, I think is fun:

WORD: Shypod

Take a guess and then come back around 3:00 to see if you were right - or NOT.

Techy Tuesday - What do you think

Okay, we all love books - right? I love to hold them in my hands, late at night, as I curl up under the covers. But so many agents, editors and people are talking about the Sony Reader and the kindle...I'm wondering.

Do you think it's worth the investment, which looks like it's about $359 (according to Amazon) for the kindle? And which one is better: Sony Reader or the Kindle?

I would love to be able to upload books and take them with me wherever I go, without the bulk and weight of them. Plus, whenever I pack, I over pack. This way I could bring way too many books with me without having to worry about space.

But, what do you think? Is it worth it to invest in this new technology?

I'm considering it. But, then again, I've never been a big techy. Of course my kids are and my husband is an IT director - so I'm sure someone would use it even if I decided it wasn't for me. But, having grown up poor, I hate to waste money.

Any words of wisdom for a bookaholic?

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

I guess I'm the opposite of most people. I read Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (2004) first, then When You're Engulfed in Flames(2008) and now I'm reading Me Talk Pretty One Day (2000).

I didn't read the first book first, I read the middle book first and the last book second, now I'm reading the oldest book. So I guess I'm a little mixed up but it doesn't matter which order you read the books in, they're all good and they all stand alone.

There is a lot of humor in each of these short essays, although some might think it's a little twisted. So, I guess twisted goes well with mixed up.

Me Talk Pretty One Day is an especially good book for anyone studying a new language. If you've read any of David's books, add your comments here.