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Pat Blankenship
09-15-2009, 11:52 PM
I was born in Texas not 45 miles from where I now live. Grew up in Dallas. My three children were born there. I live in East Texas now and have for 31 years. To be exact Quitman here at Lake Fork, Top two World Record Bass caught here. I went to college and got my degree in computer science at the young age of 49. I am also a certified Novell Engineer, computer management basically. I worked at Quitman Elementary for a number of years. I ran 2 of the three computer labs and worked on all of the computers there when needed. I love computers, but they are second to "Digging in the Dirt". Nothing can come close to watching plants grow and bloom, except children. Children being number 1.
Just call me "the" mama hen. I take all children under my wings.

I married a widow with three girls. Together we have six children. Eleven grand children, and three great-grandchildren. We lost the oldest child in a auto accident July 27, 1997. She was my child for 19 years, She would have turned 40 in August. A drunk driver broad-sided them, Trisha, her husband Bobby,and their two daughters...Candy who had just graduated highschool and Carrie who would have turned 15 August 8 were killed. A drunk driver broadsided them at 95 mph. Killed them instantly, so we were told. Here's the fact.....the drunk drivers blood level was almost twice twice as high as being too drunk to drive. He was too drunk to get into his truck by himself. His friend HELPED him in it. Here's the kicker!!! This friend was a Wood County Deputy Sherriff!!!! Three minutes later five people were dead. So much for feeling safe on the roads when it comes down to law-nforcement.

I found this site during a search for Texas Star Hibiscus. I didn't know there was a white Texas Star. I was given two of the red ones. They are beautiful. I love digging in the dirt and being rewarded with tons of flowers. As a child I loved playing in the dirt. Fifty ++ years later I'm still playing in it. It keeps me going. I found trumpet plants in 2008. I went crazy buying plants and seed on e-bay. I have yellow, white, and pink single trumpets. Purple, white, and yellow double trumpets I planted from seed, doubles only. As you can see I stay really busy. Keeps me going.

Given Name: Patricia Ann

LilRaverBoi
09-16-2009, 12:02 AM
Welcome to the site! I hope you enjoy it here! We have some great resources here on the wiki pages and in the forums...but if you don't find something, just ask! People are very helpful here!

Richard
09-16-2009, 12:23 AM
Hi there Pat! Feel free to add fruiting bananas to your collection!

:woohoonaner:

Eric
09-16-2009, 05:35 AM
Welcome aboard, Patricia :) ! Lots of us here who Luv digging in the dirt! Can't keep my hands out of it. Sorry to hear about your losses. I lost an Aunt cause of a drunk driver. Sure wish people like that would grow some common sense. Anyway, got lots of friendly people here & the forum is packed with great info. If ya have any questions about using the forum, just ask.
Enjoy!

Btw, guess you'll be meeting CValentine (Cheryl). She's got the biggest collection of really healthy Hibiscus I've ever seen :) !

CValentine
09-16-2009, 12:20 PM
Good Afternoon Pat!

Glad to have you here with us!
I'm not a native Texan like yourself, but I am a transplanted one & am LOVING IT!!!
GO ZONE 8!!!

I got started on the Org here about 3 monthes ago, researching growing bananas for the children & myself. (We Home-school! :))
Have found unfathomable, invaluable amounts of information on bananas & many other plants & have made a few friends along the way!
There are great people here & we're glad to welcome you as one of us Pat!!

Look forward to seeing some pictures of your Hib's & Trumpet flowers!! (I LOVE doubles!!!)

Welcome Pat!!! :) ~Cheryl

justjoan
09-16-2009, 12:48 PM
Welcome from Minnesota, the future home of the "frozen banana", glad you found us!!!:waving:

Patty in Wisc
09-16-2009, 01:55 PM
Hello Patricia Ann! It seems all of the 'Patricia's' I know have the middle name of Ann - like myself LOL. When you talk of trumpets, do you mean angel & devil trumpets as in brugmansia & datura's? I have several - mostly brugmansia, & I love them. All in full bloom now! I have one hibiscus that I bought here to replace one I bought in TX that died. I've been to Corpus, Conroe & Sam Rayburn (north of Jasper) to visit my son & loved it. He's living up here now so I won't be going to TX anymore. Loved the hospitality there.
I have a feeling you'll be adding bananas to your plant list.

Bob
09-16-2009, 04:16 PM
Welcome aboard Patty ann, great introduction. We'll have you growing bananas in no time I'm sure. I'd like to hear more about the record largemouths too!
To you and Patty in Wisc. Patricia Ann was my sisters name as well so add another to the list!