I'm behind on my record keeping (ouch). I have an Excel spreadsheet which badly needs updating, with roses sorted by class then by name, with the nurseries or individuals I got them from, and some other information. The Excel spreadsheet doesn't give enough room for adequate comments, and I've been thinking about a parallel text document with rose varieties listed in the same order as in the spreadsheet, but with unlimited room for text. But I haven't started it. I also have written and drawn maps of sections of the garden and of the propagation beds where I start cuttings, very important in case labels get lost, which they do all the time. I accept that labels will not be my primary source of identification of plants in the ground, and that their labels will need to be replaced periodically. About pots, by an evil magic they lose labels constantly no matter what I do. Recently I've taken to punching holes at the rims of plastic pots, threading ties through them, and attaching labels to the ties: I defy these labels to disappear! Labeling the pots is the only way I know to keep order in the pot ghetto, which contains probably a couple of hundred plants of every description. Currently we probably have 500-600 roses in the garden and 300-odd varieties, spread out over a couple of acres. Keeping track of them is difficult but important. I've learned I can't trust my memory--and I have an excellent memory--and that I need multiple forms of documention, so that if one source fails I have another. Also that I need to keep better order in paperwork like invoices: saving them isn't enough, they need to be accessible and in order, but hitherto I haven't succeeded in this. I have other plants I would like to keep better records of, including lilacs, peonies, and violets, none of which I have satisfactorily documented. Melissa

Hi pdg...Welcome back. I was just checking in here and saw your post. There are several of us here who have become CTS fans...Big Time. When I first came across them, it was back in the 70's while I was on vacation in Cape Cod. At that time, they were Only on Cape Cod. Slowly they started expanding on the Cape (I would visit each one)! Then they started expanding to other parts of New England. Now, they are popping up all over. They were known for having the most unique and fabulous items, with outstanding prices. They also were a family owned business, however, a few years ago, BB&BY bought them up. With one of the original family owners staying on, as their buyer/consultant. I guess until they got the swing of everything. However, I don't think she does this anymore. They've cut back on inventory that you were always accustomed in finding. Now you see lots of BB&BY inventory at outlet prices. There is a sprinkling of what they used to have, as well as seasonal items.. A new shopper would not know the difference,and still be happy, but if you've been a CTS shopper for years, you can see there is a difference. All in all, their prices are still pretty good, and you always find something that you 'must have' ! As far as Christmas items..this was something that was always a special tradition with my family (as well as others) each summer up at the Cape. They have stopped putting it out year round since BB&BY took over. Now it's done as a Seasonal item. This was disappointing to us, as we loved finding special decorations in the summer, and it would be such fun unpacking them at Christmas time... Bottom line...they are still fabulous to go to...and when I do go, I never leave w/o something I must have!! I hope I've been able to give you some insight..and I'm happy to hear that Now You...will be able to 'join in on the CTS experience... LOL HOpe to see more of you here and keep us updated when you finally shop there.. jane

Ok, here it goes... HUMANS: Male and female in our forties and thirties. BABIES: Two girls, 3 years and 20 months old. None of the fur kind. JOB TYPE: Hubby is a business consultant in a private firm, I am a music librarian at the state university in Athens. WHERE LOCATED: A few kilometers from the city center (walking distance, maybe less than an hour) in Athens, Greece. DWELLING TYPE: 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment (750-800 sq ft). OTHER INFO THAT MAY TELL A STORY OF WHY: DH and I work about the same hours. When we are both home it is very difficult to get anything done as our 2 toddlers are always underfoot and DH may want me to talk or just listen to him (I love him dearly, but he is the kind of person who is always bugged by something. Also there are all those instances that he says something that makes me feel heavy and drained of energy...) I am much more productive when at home alone with the kids. Our relatively small space makes it necessary to keep on top of decluttering, and not having lots to spend makes it easier to not bring uneeded things in the house in the first place. I am a long time member here although I mostly lurk. Maria

Have you had the opportunity to see your style of cabinets with beveled glass? I am learning (through the University of HK) best to see what you want first if possible. I have a thing for beveled glass. We are planning on having our glass inserts (only have four large cupboards)made by a stained glass artist, and they will definitely have beveled glass in the design. So, with my bias, I would say 'go for it'. To my mind, that is the beauty of simplicity, that little details like beveled glass is what makes it so special. FYI, there are even different kinds of beveled glass. In our TV stand it is just normal BG. In our corner cupboard in DR, the glass looks antique (reproduction), so not sure if that would be an option for you. I find the bevels are more noticeable with mullioned doors, cuz obviously there are more bevels...Duh! I know this isn't a cabinet, but here's a couple of pics of my corner cupboard- I think what makes it different IS the beveled glass. Either way, your cupboards are going to be great- another one of those judgement calls- is this 'splurge' worth the added cost? (Assuming you think the way I do, always a cost/benefits type of decision! Are we having fun yet? :>)