I do keep them year to year, but store them in the refrigerator with multiple seed packets in a ziploc bag, along with a silica gel packet or two (I save them when they come with a pair of shoes or whatever). There are certain seeds that do not keep well—I've read things like sweet corn and parsnips, for example. Things like that I would buy fresh every year or two as needed. With the older ones, I might plant extra to help be sure that enough would germinate. I have successfully used seeds from several years old, but then, I don't have super high expectations for my garden results either. :) One chart is at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/how-long-do-garden-seeds-last. Erica in OR

Craft stick flags, maybe? You could have them in tin cans with tissue paper or such to keep them upright, to use as centerpieces for tables or to put on windowsills. Erica in OR

I realize I am resurrecting an old thread, but it cropped up when I did a site search for fatigue, brain fog, and depression. I am having some similar symptoms, with a primary doctor appointment scheduled for next week, but am looking online for possible explanations so I feel prepared to discuss the possibilities. This last post jumped out at me, because I'm also doing Trim Healthy Mama (for a year this July). I'm in maintenance mode, so no longer trying to lose weight. I am wondering how the eating plan affects my symptoms. I'm very interested—how did your situation turn out? Erica in OR

You might consider the Beethoven's Wig series. They're less what you describe, and more an exposure to "classical music staples" from the description with really funny lyrics added. There are several CDs, but the first one is https://www.amazon.com/Beethovens-Wig-Sing-Along-Symphonies/dp/B000060OLA. Erica in OR

Are they/you certain it's your cat and not some other outdoor cat? Erica in OR

Do they have juniper-type bushes near the front door? There is a particular type that always smells like cat pee to me, no cat required. I haven't tried it, but what about a product like this? http://www.gardeners.com/buy/scat-mat-cat-deterrent-roll-78x11/8592448.html Erica in OR

Do you have a local restaurant supply store? Several states in the west have Cash & Carry stores, and they have bulk paper goods. Not sure about their selection in colors, but I think I've seen vinyl tablecloths in colors there. Erica in OR

Guessing I'm the only one who pictured a mass of runners making their way through the winding streets of the neighborhood pictured on the show. :) Erica in OR

FLL 1 and 2 are only really partly grammar. I liked some of the other portions as well for young students. For example, it has kids memorize poetry selections, which they are well suited to do at that age. It was also a gentle introduction to narrating a story or about a picture. It was something "school-y" but short to do along with our math and phonics. Erica in OR

I'd guess there are some families who won't bring cookies—simply because they might not even see the email in time since it's the day of the event. Erica in OR

I really like our Ninja too. We have a larger blender cup for it and then a smaller cup that we use for food processor type tasks. Very much agree that it is very loud, especially when blending ice. Our family members try to make a general announcement just before blending to warn people in the area that high decibels are on the way. :) Erica in OR ETA: We have a Ninja Master Prep (not sure of the wattage, but we paid ~$40 at a local store for it a couple Christmases ago).

Displaying it on a pedestal with signs as other suggested would likely keep it safe from harm. But, another thought on that, even though that presentation would help with risk of destruction in using them as centerpieces—if I brought young children to the event, I would dislike spending a chunk of my energy being vigilant throughout the afternoon or evening that my Lego lovers didn't touch the creations, tempting as though they may be, which would be in constant line of sight for them. Erica in OR

We usually split up a chapter into two days, listening to a section (or more, if there were more than two sections) on audiobook, then asking review questions and making a timeline square that related to the section to hang up. We did mapwork on the day we finished the chapter. We typically did projects on Fridays as a third day, for something fun but still related to schoolwork. If there weren't any projects we were interested in that chapter, we skipped that day. I tried to get some of the recommended books out of the library early in the week and made them available, or did one as a readaloud. Erica in OR

Classes that I've found useful have been speech, so students have an opportunity to present in front of peers, biology labs with dissections (we did coursework on our own), specific literature units (particularly Shakespeare), and organized P.E. to learn particular sports. Erica in OR

That's what I thought, but then the OP says the two classes (writing and chemistry) would be $88/week. Erica in OR

That's a weekly price for a single class? Based on that alone, no way. The no would get stronger for me since it doesn't mesh with what you had planned for her curriculum. I agree with others that I'd look for a different opportunity for connecting with people. Erica in OR

My two volunteer at the library weekly. There's a wonderful teen librarian with a great team of teen volunteers. Besides the usual stuff (shelving, setting up for events, etc.) she gives the team continued opportunity to have real input in teen programming and materials. So, it helps out the community, but also is a good way to have an impact on something they care about. Erica in OR

Same here. I went to the store for just one thing last week—toilet paper. I unloaded a whole stack of groceries onto the check stand and then luckily remembered, so I could race back and grab it before paying. Of course, then my husband revealed the place where the toilet paper we had at home was stashed—in the back of the bass drum in our basement drum set. :) I thought we were down to the last half roll. Erica in OR

Interesting nprEd post yesterday—4 Things We Don't Know About AP Tests. Erica in OR

I've found some items at my local hardware store, like magnets. One online science supply source is https://www.homesciencetools.com. Erica in OR

I once saw a classified ad for a chair that described its upholstery as "red Swede" rather than suede. In high school, a male friend of mine saw a caterpillar climbing up the outside of our house and exclaimed to our group of friends, "Look, a centimeter!" (I'm guessing he meant inchworm.) We mentioned that to him, and his reply was "What am I, a botanist?" Erica in OR

I'd be interested in advice too. In a similar situation with my tween, although he doesn't vomit during those instances. I wonder in our case if it's constipation or some sort of food intolerance. I also wonder if the doctor could make anything of it, or if it would be a wasted visit. Erica in OR

I really like Classical Composition from Memoria Press. My son started doing it in 4th grade, which they recommend as a standard time for starting the series, but I've also had my daughter start it in 8th grade, at the beginning. The instructor guide takes it step by step and has very good example answers for each exercise. Erica in OR

If it has all the formatting that you use regularly, I'd just go with Google Docs. I like the online availability and collaborative aspects of Google, but some formatting options can be clunky or nonexistent. Erica in OR

If you still want the functionality of Office without the pricetag, Open Office is an option. Erica in OR