Allotments 4 All
General => News => Topic started by: Jeannine on May 16, 2007, 19:45:47
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If you are a watcher and you do belong my lottie I would like to say you must be some sort of sicko to go onto my lottie and chop off all my squash at ground level,and if you are stupid enough to believe that I think it was cutworms or someother insect then I pity you. You forgot the rain!! Your boot marks were all over the ground by every single plant.
If you are reading this and your plan was to hurt me, then pat yourself on the back, you succeeded ...big time.
Jeannine
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Oh no Jeannine, how cruel :'(
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Oh Jeannine, I'm so sorry.
Some people are just sick - to get a kick from doing something so mean. :'(
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Jesus Jeannine I thought there was going to be a punch line, evil barstards. >:(
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spiteful b****** >:(
I hope you haven't lost all of your squash Jeannine - do you have any spares ??
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Unbelievable! If they'd dug them up it would have been bad enough, but this is just mindless vandalism! Hope you can get some replacements, Jeannine. It must be horrible knowing someone's been on your patch like that. :(
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Jeannine - only just read this - so angry on your behalf >:(
I received the squash seeds that you kindly sent yesterday/ the day before - pm me if you'd like all/ some back and they'll be in the post asap.
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Thanks friends,I wasn't going to mention it but after sitting here an hour I just had to get it out of my sytem.
Maybe coincidence but one of my watering cans and small box of tools went from my lottie overnight too and a couple of other owners had some stuff go. As it very rainy and not many folks about I doubt we will know the full damage to other plots till the weekend. Last year someone got a big kick out of going from lottie to lottie cuttings any ropes or strings they could find and several pumpkins had scratches in them so they split open as they grew and one really nice old gent has lost greenhouse windows for the last three weeks ,and a few each time.
I had 48 different winter squash and pumpkins planted out covering 2/3 of one lottie. They missed the only 4 summer squash I had planted on the second lottie.
What is really upsetting was among them was Supersprouts Triamble.
I still have loads of seeds for all of them of course but I don't think I will plant them again.
Maybe the sicko felt he had to massacre my chances of winning in the lottie veggie show....well if you are reading this , think about it, I have never shown,I don't enter competitions, I just go to look !!!!
I guess if they are reading my greenhouse windows will go tomorrow now.
XX Jeannine
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that's really dreadful.Spiteful, vindictive, evil. I'm so sorry for you
clive
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What a horrible thing to happen - I just can't understand how anyone could get a kick out of it - they must be really sick. Jeannine, don't let the buggers get you down, plant some more - & protect them with barbed wire or somesuch.
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o Jeannine, what a horible thing. i am so sorry. i thinkyou should plant more, dont let them win. you have shared so much with us that i know everyone will want to send you a seed or two to make you feel better. dont let the barstewards grind you down. :-*
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Sarah thank you but I have tons of seeds, what I don't have is the long season that I need to grow some of my bigger squash. In a way I am glad it is not just me as I shan't take it personally. XX Jeannine
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Some people are just sick.
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don't take it personally Jeannine - the kind of people who do this don't need a reason, they are just sick. I am so sorry for you, you really don't deserve this. Sarah and i were marvelling over all your gorgeous seeds this morning and now this for you. It's not fair. Fume fume fume. >:( >:( >:( >:(
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Very sad to read this. :(
I'd offer to bring the boys round, but I suspect you wouldn't approve.
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Jeannine, I feel sick to my stomach at your news - so God only knows how sick you must be feeling. Please don't let the sicko beat you. Sow a few smaller squash which will still ripen, just to show that you haven't been beaten by such a vindictive cruel person.
Is vandalism so prevalent on your lottie sites? Although I've often wished I had a lottie, maybe I'm better off with my small walled garden and just enough space to keep veggie gardening a fun pastime for me.
Hugs
Tricia
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Last year we had folks who had tomatoes outside fastened to strings on an overhead frame,they cut the strings,I had a bean fence with wires top to bottom and side to side, they cut the wires. Then we have the person who picks everybodies gooseberries in the night. Not nice is it XX Jeannine
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How secure is your lottie?
We are at risks of the kids from the hood at all times.
Sometimes they only do silly things, like tipping butts over and moving barrows around. Other times is pulling up canes. It is not unknown for greenhouses to loose pains, or plants to be pulled up (but not removed), and sometimes for mature crops to dissappear !
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Sorry to hear of this Jeannine. Local people probably know who the kids are (if it is kids) but their hands are tied. You can't get the kids to do manual labour like digging on the plot as a punishment because someone has to be CRB checked, or, it would infringe their human rights or something. I put this suggestion forward at our AGM after our plot was done, but too many obstacles in the way for anyone to be able to help these youngsters. That's where it's all gone wrong it's the adults making crass policies that have given the young ones an escape route!
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oh no, this is terrible. I just don't understand why people are compelled to do such dreadful things. so sorry
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So sorry to read this Jeannine. Having such wicked, evil, sick, heartless b*stards in the world makes me appreciate even more the kind, gentle, thoughtful, generous people I know. People like you. xxxxxxx
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Oh Jeannine,
that's terrible! >:( >:( >:(
I have some plants , but they are too big to post. If only you were nearer.
I hope all the comments on here will help you, as there may be some horrid people in the world, but there are loads of really nice people on A4A, who really appreciate you and all the chat and advice you give.
Thinking of you. Cyber hugs :D
cj :)
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I truly don't think it was kids XX Jeannine
I have decided to seed I think,not the long growing ones.
Another thought has been in my head,I wonder if the plants will send up new shoots,they were not little transplants,they were large with a really good root sytem and have been in the ground a month or so.I have never had this happen before so I don't know the answer. I am not going to pull them out for a bit.
The good thing is that they didn't get Jack and Jill, they are growing upwards in a greenhouse. I have two growing at home too but can't remember which till I dig out my records at the weekend. I remember keeping 4 back but can't remember why,Jack and Jill and 2 others???
XX Jeannine
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From what you say, you do really need to identify this person, who may well be another allotment holder. Maybe you could set up a discreet CCTV camera to try to get a picture.
You could then get them ASBO'd.
Otherwise they'll continue their spiteful games indefinitely.
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Terrible news Jeannine. Far worse than having sheds or tools vandalised. Hope you can get some new plants up and running soon and put this behind you. Best wishes
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Oh Jeannine, that's heartbreaking! I have a few spares, which I'd be more than happy to bring to the Barnsdale meet. I'm not a 100 % sure I'll be able to come yet (I need to find a lift from a station unless I drive all the way).
My spares are (1 of each):
Marina di Chioggia
Sugarloaf Delicata
Potimarron
Crown Prince
Red Kuri
I also have 2 spare Sunburst Pattypans
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This sort of thing seems to happen so often, makes you wonder what these morons get out of their actions. So sorry about what has happened to you Jeannie. As others have said don't let them beat you. I only garden at home but because of hanging baskets being stolen I have to go to the trouble of wiring my baskets to the brackets. Makes me so cross.
Best wishes Lorna.
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Jeannine, I'm devastated for you. What makes these creatures tick?
I think we've all suffered the odd bit of petty vandalism, but this is sick.
You must replant - just as an up yours.
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Sorry to hear that Jeannine, it sounds a little like kids rather than a personal vendetta.
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How awful :'( So sorry to hear this Jeannine XXXXXXX
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Jeannine, like everyone else I'm absolutely speechless at this mindless vandalism, and furious on your behalf >:(
who knows why people choose to behave like that, or what kind of moron they are to get pleasure from destroying what someone else enjoys.
it seems that most allotment sites are subject to some kind of vandalism these days, it's happened on my site but "fortunately" only material objects have been destroyed, not plants.
don't let the b*****ds grind you down!!!
fingers crossed that some of your squash plants will fight back, if not do get something else in. as Trevor_D says, as an "up yours" to whoever did it.
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If there is a clear footprint you should make a plaster mould of it for future reference. Failing that, draw a sketch of the tread and take some measurements to give an indication of size. My gut feeling is that it could be someone from the site itself rather than an outsider.
Anyway, if of any use I could spare a couple each of 'Sweet Lightning', 'Pattison Orange' and butternut (seeds from one I took from the local organic shop).
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I'm so sorry to hear this Jeannine, it's horrible when it happens, you feel so helpless and angry. The other week someone broke our fence, and walked (size 9+) the length of one of our raised beds, just planted with potatoes. No damage done, but I was almost in tears, and was planning on evening vigils armed with a spade. I can't imagine how you and your neighbours must be feeling.
These people do it because they can, they have no sense of other people's feelings, and are probably cruel to animals as well.
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Just read the post Jeanninie and I'm sooooo sad for you and furious at the s*** of a person who did this! All will agree that you are such a kind and generous person, I'm gobsmacked that someone could do this to you...........
Camera seems like a good idea >:(
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Jeannine, you really must get some of those exploding cucumbers on your lottie. That would be one in the eye for them, eh? ;D ;D ;D\
cj :)
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I also have some spare squash plants I could bring to the Barnsdale meet if you would like them, I'm driving there so it will be no bother. I know you are coming by train, do you have one of those shopping trolleys on wheels or similar you could bring to take plants home with you? Or can John act as a Sherpa? ;D
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I'm so sorry to hear this Jeannine. I have mixed feelings of sadness and anger.
How can anybody do something like this? :(
My allotment suffers from all sorts of vandalism and harrassment too but I can't know if it's done by an intruder or a plot holder. Some people seem to think it's done by a jealous plot holder. Last year an old gentleman lost his pumpkins, a couple lost their 300 onions, another gentleman had his tomato plants slashed with knife, and the list goes on.
When I started the allotment last year I marked out small beds with strings so that it's not too daunting to tackle the wild plot. Every time I came to the plot the strings were cut or chopped in pieces. It was quite heartbreaking even though I didn't lose crop. I just felt like somebody really really hated me or something.
Don't let the sick person get to you Jeannine. I know it's such a terrible thing to happen but the sicko will be pleased when they see you upset...
SS sent me a couple of triamble seeds last year, which I sowed last month. Only one of them germinated. I'm going to hand pollinate it and save seeds. If I succeed I will be sending you the seeds, Jeannine. :)
Sending you a big hug,
Tora xxx
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Hi J,
Although what has happened is awful, you must ot let yourself give up.
We had vandles here having football matches with the pumpkins from a couple of the plots but all the people unaffected offered to share there produce. So i think the hurtful thing here is that this might be someone on your site whom you knew and knowing you helped in the past. This betrayal is what hurt and why you are giving up.
I would think that if it was someone on your site targetting you then they would have taken out both plots and no one else would be affected.
I say plant again post a message on freecycle and see if anyone has some spare plants and sow some seeds. Or else in 6 weeks you will look back and regret it.
If you think it might happen again place a 6inch nail upright by the plant stem with the hope that they cut themselves next time ( but i really dont think they will hit the site again )
Cam
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The person who done this is SCUM. :( :( :(
They are probably jelous of the work you do with kids and on your lottie as they have not got a heart in their rotton body.
Keep your chin up, replant and sod 'em :)
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I filled all my 3 inch pots this morning and the seeds will in tonight,yesterday I fely hurt and angry and somewhat judgemental but today I am back to being me again and yes they are sick,but perhaps better that they hit us rather than the older couple down the way who would not be able to build again.
Thank you all for all the hugs etc, it is wonderful to hear, like a family who come together at a moments notice, I know no-one can change it but it is great to know you care XX Jeannine
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I hope you reported it to the police. Obviously they won't do anything about it, but if vandalism or whatever happens again, they may stir themselves into sending a patrol around more (?) often. Also every little statistic helps when they put in their request for funding. Also hopefully it helps to make your useless Chief Constable a little less pleased with himself
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Really sorry to hear about this sick attack...whats the point??
When our site got turned over last year, we reported it and an officer (with land rover!) came down and handed a few cards out, said nothing would really come of it but he promised to keep a check on the site, which seems to be happening, I have seen him a few times now, which is great!
I noticed a few people have suggested CCTV and other forms of revenge, I know it feels like a good idea, but be REALLY careful if you do as you could end up being the one in court...thanks to the great ??? laws in place!
Regards
Matt
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Sow again and plenty of Yorkshire grit!
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Just been visiting some pumpkin sites then came on here and i cannot believe what i have read, don't give up and keep smiling because one day they will get thier come uppence ;D
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Jeannine, I'm so sorry for you. Unfortunately I've not tried growing squashes yet, so can't offer any help with seeds/plants but if you need anything else, please let me know and I'll do everything I can.
Try not to let them get to you, keep your chin up and keep going.
Take care ;)
Linda x
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I filled all my 3 inch pots this morning and the seeds will in tonight,yesterday I fely hurt and angry and somewhat judgemental but today I am back to being me again and yes they are sick,but perhaps better that they hit us rather than the older couple down the way who would not be able to build again.
Thank you all for all the hugs etc, it is wonderful to hear, like a family who come together at a moments notice, I know no-one can change it but it is great to know you care XX Jeannine
Thats it chin up :-)
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if yo don't want seeds, here's cyber hugs instead :)
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Thank you,for the hugs.
Good news too, I am so pleased I have just realised that the 2 I kept for growing at home were Superspouts Triambles,as they were special I didn't put them out with the others.
na na na na na...
XX Jeannine
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Play this to the cut-off seedlings!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKSE0ou67TI
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if anyone is going to Barnsdale from Huddersfield or Sheffield I can send a Baby Bear and a Sunshine. Also have butternuts and some home saved turks turbans
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Trixie, thank you, hey it might just work too,I haven't totally given up on the idea that they might grow back.
I think I should be the roller skater in Spandex in the backgorund though while she is singing. I really need to encourage them after all.
I wonder what kind of a nickname I would get then.
Thanks for the laugh XXX Jeannine
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Sorry I forgot to say, thank you for all the offers of plants and seeds. I so have loads of seeds of all the varieties I lost ...and then some,and I have just been offered about 15 assorted plants from a neighbour so I am fine for plants but it is lovely that you offered. Thank you again XX Jeannine
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Glad to hear you're keeping your chin up Jeannine. I would agree that as the vandalism is continued and vindictive - I would call the police.
i think i'd rather have everything nicked outright than just cut strings and ruined crops etc. At least then you can think at least someone is eating it!
Is there a veg competition on your site or locally. I had a thought it could be that if such things go on - which they probably do.
cutting strings and slicing through the stems doesn't seem like kids does it? they would just smash it all up or something equally destructive. Seems too calculated. So spiteful. Still fuming for you!! >:( >:( >:(
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so sorry, did'nt see this post when i replied to your question on the other side, thought you might have one broken not loads ::)
dont know if its any help, and without seeing the damage, it does sound like someone who knows what they're doing rather than just kids. the upshot is that its probably someone on the plot that you might have met??? and therefore could identify. i would definately report it to the association and the police.
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Jeannine, just read this, and as a fellow squashaholic I would be as devastated and angry as you! :'( :'( >:( >:(
Hopefully we will get a long hot summer and your new seeds will romp away! ;D
Makes me shake my head in amazement when I hear things like this, and I would rather they had done it to me runners than the squash! ;)
Glad to hear you are back smiling! ;D
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Well we found out today we are not the only ones who have been vandalised.
Two plots had there greenhouse tomatoes cut off at root level and one lottie owner had their strawberry plants pulled up and stuck back in the holes upside down.
Nuff said
XX Jeannine
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Have only just read this thread and I am appalled What a mindless vindictive act! Jeanine, I am really sorry for. My greenhouse has recently been targeted by some little darlings from the local school and windows have been smashed, one when I was very near, but the vandalism on yuor site seems so vindictive and unpleasant. I can replace broken windows and put up a net shield, but all your plants have been lovingly grown and nutured.
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Oh Jeannine, ive only just caught up with all of this >:(
I am so sad and devestated for you.
You are a superb lady and have been so kind to me personally and it really breaks my heart to know that you have lost so many precious squashes.
I am just so glad that you discovered the ones you had saved at home were actually Sarahs, i know that will mean a lot to you.
Ive actually planted out both Sarahs and some you sent to me this very morning, so was thinking of you both.
Chin up duck x x x
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Only just seen this Jeannine... dreadfully sorry. Are you sure you are alright for plants? We are on half term next week 25th onwards and I could detour via Hull with some of Deb P's spares... and call in on MIL in York!
;D
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Thanks Saddad, we are Ok, planting new ones and had load of local offers, that is so sweet of you. Might be a blessing actually, I have bought several new ones since I first sowed.
Thanks again XXX Jeannine
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:'( Jeannine
just read this post
I'm so sorry, it's so hard to comprehend the mind set of people who would do such a thing :-\
I hope your feeling better now :-*
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I am fine now thank you,they missed the four plants that went out the week before on my other lottie and they have baby yellow pattypan squash on now,about 1 inch wide. The others are being re seeded. I have said this for 5 days now, but they are getting done tonight. All the pots are filled and the name tags done.
Thank you for caring,it is very comforting XX Jeannine
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Having been away for a week in Devon, I have just seen this post. How can anyone be so cruel as to destroy all the hard work that someone else has done. :'( You must have been devastated.
Somehow I don't think a fellow allotmenteer would have done this to you and the others as they would have appreciated the hours that are put in week after week.
I think it was probably a mindless prank from a youngster, probably to impress his mates. I just hope that he doesn't come back when everything is planted out again. Sorry if I am being sexist here but it is usually youths that get up to this sort of thing. I am pleased the squash plants from the seeds received from Sarah are safe and hope there is something that you can do to keep the destructive person or persons away from your allotment.
Looking forward to meeting you at Barnsdale.
Pauline
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Only just caught up with this, Jeanine (been away too)So sorry for you and your fellows. I would be inclined to dig a few ankle damaging camoflaged pits around them now ;D
Glad you're up and running again.
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Oooh pits is a great idea - you'd have to remember where they were though!!
Glad you're all back on track Jeannine - I bet it takes more than that to keep you down girl! ;D ;D ;D
By the way - the pumpkemons have germinated, beans still to come, planted sweetcorn, courgettes and squash today at the lottie. Thanks for all those gorgeous seeds, I have shared a few round to keep the love going! ;D :-*
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Wot is a 'pumpkemon' please? Surely not a cross.........no.
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It's a little pumpkin! L'il pump-ke-mons they are called. A prezzie from Jeannine. I'm keeping 2 or 3 and the rest will go to the school fair.
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Jeannine!! :o what an absolute crock !! (http://www.websmileys.com/sm/mad/boese043.gif)
Toal and utter JEALOUSY comes to mind ... but I'm pleased to read that you are indomitable!! Yay !! ;D
... and just for the record guys I'm sorry that Barnsdale is too far away for me ... I would so like to have met such generous hearted folk ;)