Actually, Marge, they were the test items that I got when I became a Premier Life Member.  Hopefully, I'll get some good stuff with this type life membership.  I'd like a composter or shredder or something on that order.  Solar light would be good too.  If you are interested in the Premier Life Membership, send me a PM.

Betty

I'm still holding out for a new F-350 or a new John Deere.  Real tractor, not a lawn mower. :^)

And I have filled out the product test sign-up sheet since becoming a premier life member this summer.   Still waiting....

I got a pair of rubber garden clogs that I still wear.  Not often, just once in a while.  But they still fit and work.  I got one of those grill mats as well.  No idea where it is now.  Coup de gras was the Echo string trimmer.  But I don't use a trimmer very often, so it hasn't been used much.  And several packs of seeds.  I probably got some other things, but I don't remember.

I got a coil hose for submitting a letter that got published. 

When I first wrote my compost FAQ, Justin was still around and he asked if I'd mind if he put it in the NHGC online article library.  So I told him that would be fine if he'd send me a NHGC book on veggie gardening.  So he did.  Not sure I'd buy any of them, but a freebie is well worth it.  Nice pics.  Decent descriptions.  But there are just as many pics and descriptions online these days.

I hope your solar light is better than the ones I've seen.  I bought one of those path lights one time that glowed amber and not very brightly at all.  So I returned it.  Then I tried to get a clip on a couple years ago that I could use on my truck after dark to help with unloading late loads of leaves in the fall.  It had 7 or 8 LED's on it and was fairly bright.  But it had a faulty switch and when I tried to return it, they said they'd just send another one.  So they did and that one wouldn't turn off completely, so it kept draining the battery.  I complained and then they sent a third one.  Seems like the same problem again.  So I sent a long recap and got all my money back, including shipping.  It was an Internet purchase and the "tech support" was obviously of middle eastern background and not happy that I was calling right when they were trying to leave for the day the first time I called.  Which just made my day because I do tech support and have to stay late all the time.  So I hope you get a decent light. 

This crazy reply window took forty forevers to get ready for me to reply.  Isn't anything easy anymore?  Now, what I wanted to say is that I'd like to win that Torch Light on the GardenGiveAway.  Or the $50 that is above each forum. 

Marge, let us know when your solar light comes in.  Did they tell you the value of the thing?  As much as I can, I try doing a live chat with the Techs.  They are usually from somewhere way off in nether netherland but at least I don't have to try to decipher what they are saying.  A lot of them are from India.  What's wrong with our American people?  Can't they assist people with their problems?  Chris, aren't you an IT?  We have intelligent people here without getting foreigners that can't speak English.  That's was free!  Now, I'm going.

I hear you on the English, Marge.  I was trying to talk to someone at Dell when I was working as secretary at our church.  All I got was a person from outer space, I do think.  I couldn't understand but about every 3rd word.  He got so frustrated with me that I finally gave the phone to a young lady that was there.  She seemed to understand him better than I. 

Wow!  I've never gotten a product worth that much.  I hope it is a good one too.

Yes, I'm in IT.  I used to do tech support at a good sized technical college near here.  It was wonderful!  I had a golf cart to ride around campus on.

Then I got a job where I sat inside with a phone attached to my ear for 8 hours a day.  Gained 20 pounds in a year and found a better job in another year.  But coming off unemployment, I was ready to do anything.  They did introduce me to Oracle, which is my primary job today.  I've been here almost 11 years now.  Very relaxed atmosphere.  Less relaxed in the last 3 years or so, but still not bad.  If they can get my pay in line with everybody else doing my job, I'll be much happier.

But as for ferners doing tech support, they do it cheap.  I'm sure they have lists of questions and a tree sort of routine (if yes, go here, if no, go there).  They have to assume everybody that calls in is dumb as stump until they figure out otherwise.  Indians in particular don't have a great sense of humor about anything.  They still live in class system in society and that doesn't help.  Americanized Indians are better, but still tend to be less socialized than other folks.  I've worked with a lot of them, and they are great people once you get to know them.  I went to school with a lot of them as well and learned to focus on what they were saying because they talk so quick and with the front of their mouth so there's not much enunciation going on.  The tone of their voice says a lot too.  Up and down and around. 

I figure if you need help and you can't get good help, then you ought to return the product and try another one.

Hey Marge,,I seen the test thing when you did,,and told them why I would like to test it out,,and guess what,,they told me I would be getting one to test too..Got it yesterday..Sure will come in handy in the g-house when I want to work at night out there..Will be putting it up as soon as it stops raining..Sure is nice..

Got an in-out door temp thing for one of my gifts for becoming a life member..Sure is better than going out side to check the temps,lol..Congrads on getting the tested solar light..Sure is fancy..hahaha..Later,,have a good day..

Marge,,isn't it nice..Paul and I said the same thing about the off and on switch..Sure will come in handy..And the rains here won't be gone until later today or tonight so hope we can get it up and going tomorrow..Where did you put your light ? And whats nice is,,it can be moved easy if you need a light some where else..Did you get a questionaire on it to send to NHGC ? I looked everywhere and didn't see it in the box. Maybe they will send it,,or just fill one out on the computer,Oh yes we can compare notes on this light,,,have a good day and chat soon..

Oh I forgot to turn it on..hahahaha.I will turn the light on today and let you know how bright my light is..Sounds like a great idea to go solar..lol.It was low 30's here last night and I was sitting on top of the heater..I'm not used to the cold  yet here in Ky.lol.I don't feel as clogged today..Vicks saved the day..Mom's really did believe in the vicks when we were sick,,Plastered it all over us it seemed .lol.

Hope your light shines and thanks,,Chat soon..Maybe the BB will send us somthing on here and let us know something . Have a great day.Sun out and will be nice day for me today..

As long as you have mounted it, turned it off and on a few times, and have gone through a few charge/discharge sessions, that's probably about all you can do before rating it.  I read that it is supposed to have a 2 hour burn period now, I think.  Used to be much shorter.  Maybe it's 4 hours and used to be 2 hours.  Anyway, that's the big improvement between version 1 and 2.

Hi Marge and Chris,,

Chris thanks for the info..I was like Marge,,I want to get back into the pot too.lol..

Marge....I am wanting to get the info to the club also,,That chipper/shredder sure is nice..With all the high winds around here..the chipper would really come in handy..lol.

have a great day ya'll..