This is just as it sounds! If your post doesn't fit in one of the other thread categories, post it here!

Want to share a cool nature photo? Do it here! Want to inquire about why the sky is blue? That goes in here. Want to share an awesome recipe you just tried out? Yep, you guessed it--it goes in here!

Also, last year was the first time we really had an issue with people submitting seeds to the swap and then not participating in the swap. If you submitted seeds, other members wishlisted them, and then find out that you cannot participate for some reason....first of all, we'll miss you! Are you sure you can't stay? If you're positive you have to leave (hey, things happen, we get it)....then please let others know in here so that other members can update their wishlists--thanks! (...and we really will miss you--be sure to come back next year!)

Not sure if this is the right place or not, but I could really use any prayers you have to spare. I was laid off last week and I was the only income for my family of 5. I really need to find something soon.

Thanks in advance

Steve (Hammer)

I just want to share some good plant news.
Last year I planted out about a dozen seedling Glaucidium palmatum, it looked like most of them didn't make it through the winder due to the crowns getting exposed above the soil, to my surprise 4 or them have sprouted leaves! Better yet two of the survivors are Glaucidium palmatum leucanthum. And my Iris lacustris obtained last year has put up 12 fans and is settling in well (I am overjoyed at this as I though I lost it last year). It is so fun to watch seedlings and plants come up.

Hammerojustice, my heart goes out to you. I pray you find something soon.

Prayers to you & yours, Hammer

Thanks. Over 190 applications out so far and no offers.... A few interviews, but nothing....

And no interviews in state, so we're fairly confident at this point, we'll have to be moving in the middle of the garden season.

Well, wanted to give you guys an update.

After over 200 applications in, I have 1 offer on the table and I am anticipating another offer by the end of the week.

Assuming all things are equal (financially), my options are to either:
a) Stay put, drive 90-minutes a day at best into NJ, but I'm looking at an average of over 20 hours a week in the car on top of my work day, I keep my garden on my 1/5th an acre.
b) Relocate to the Massachusetts area (MA, NH, CT, or RI) with a shorter drive than the NJ gig by at least 30 minutes each way, and every house we've saved on realtor . com had over an acre, some as many as over 5 acres. But doing this would result in forfeiting my garden that is already planted and my garden the following year might not be ready the way I like it.

I think option b is better for my family, but I might not have the seed offerings this year.

Is anyone in that Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Connecticut/Rhode Island area? If moving, we'd be changing growing zones going to a shorter growing season, so any tips from up there would be appreciated.

I'm happy for you, Steve! My longest commute was about 20 minutes, 17 if I remembered I was late for an early morning faculty meeting just as I left the house at the ranch. I can not imagine driving as far as you will be. If you do start a new garden and need seeds, remember I have lots to share.

patrob said:I'm happy for you, Steve! My longest commute was about 20 minutes, 17 if I remembered I was late for an early morning faculty meeting just as I left the house at the ranch. I can not imagine driving as far as you will be. If you do start a new garden and need seeds, remember I have lots to share.

Thank you.

I'm good on most things except for a few of the tomato varieties I bought from @kdlund as I had trouble with the first round & needed to restart with the remaining seeds, but I can get more for next year if I need to.

That and the black magic kale that is doing beautifully right now which I believe was also my last seeds, but those can be purchased if need be. ;)

Steve,

I have been off line alot (and not on the swap chat because it's not swap "season") and hadn't seen your post.
I'm so sorry about your job loss and hope this week brings a GOOD resolution. Selling/buying right now is difficult at best (mostly because of the prices, tho moving is always a huge thing!)

Want to send my good thoughts your way! Let us know what happens/what you decide!

vma4922 said:Steve,

I have been off line alot (and not on the swap chat because it's not swap "season") and hadn't seen your post.
I'm so sorry about your job loss and hope this week brings a GOOD resolution. Selling/buying right now is difficult at best (mostly because of the prices, tho moving is always a huge thing!)

Want to send my good thoughts your way! Let us know what happens/what you decide!

Thank you and will do.

I was asked late Friday afternoon for an in person interview in western Ohio... So once I know when, I have to plan on a 9.5 hour drive for the interview. That position would be the ideal option for both location and job choice, so I'm hopeful for it. ;)

I'm kind of at a place right now where I have many seeds and few needs. I've seen a few species wants here that I can fill, but doubt I will be participating beyond that. If you want to send me your address(DnD), and give me a reminder when the close gets closer, I can send you what I have for those who are looking for them, and you can get them in the right packages.. Like American Bittersweet.
'Close gets closer', just doesn't sit right in my mind.. Is that just me or does it look odd to others too?
This is also an invitation to browse my list for things.

Hope you get that position you wanted in Ohio.. Moving in the summer is almost as bad as winter.

Drove ~11 hours yesterday for an all day interview in western Ohio today..... Fingers crossed!!!!

I know this is what my wife and I want... I just pray this is what God wants for me...

I hope so too, Steve!

Hammerojustice said:I know this is what my wife and I want... I just pray this is what God wants for me...

Your family are in my thoughts, Steve. I hope your interview went well.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Buckeye State!

P.S. If you are comfortable sharing what industry and/or area of expertise you're in (and are interested in moving out to NW Ohio) I could put out feelers up here. Also, are you on Reddit perchance? I'm certainly out on a limb here, and Redditers should really take care to remain anonymous, but I've seen people successfully land unadvertised jobs by reaching out on our local subreddit. Use your common sense and all that jazz, but just a thought.

orangelift said:

Your family are in my thoughts, Steve. I hope your interview went well.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Buckeye State!

P.S. If you are comfortable sharing what industry and/or area of expertise you're in (and are interested in moving out to NW Ohio) I could put out feelers up here. Also, are you on Reddit perchance? I'm certainly out on a limb here, and Redditers should really take care to remain anonymous, but I've seen people successfully land unadvertised jobs by reaching out on our local subreddit. Use your common sense and all that jazz, but just a thought.

Thanks. I sent you a treemail

I'm officially Ohio bound... House hunt is in full swing now

Steve,
So happy you got the job you'd hoped for and while moving and all is a big deal, going someplace you really want to be is GREAT....
Wishing you all the very best! Keep us posted on your progress!

Will do. My other option was Massachusetts, but we wanted a slower pace of life & more land so I can garden. ;)

Maybes get chickens too

Happy Father's Day to any other dad's on here