Yard - my initial question presupposed that, since I don't remember reading anything in English sources about dire effects on trees etc., there must be some reason for that in terms of something different there than here (e.g. pests of some sort or other unidentified conditions...) It was probably misleading of me to use the word garden when I was interested in the bigger picture also - although I did also wonder about it in gardens too... (Bahia and Ink's input helped answer that question, as well as a recent post on GW that included comments from an English gardener on controlling ivy in the garden - she does much the same things as I do to control the ivy coming from my neighbours...) It just occurred to me to check the RHS web site re ivy. Interesting... While this doesn't explain why the ivy would be more damaging in areas of North America, it's interesting to see the English perspective on it: "Just how harmful is ivy? Here are some facts that will help you decide; - Ivy growing on trees is often thought to be a serious problem, endangering the health of even very large trees. However, its presence on the trunk is not damaging and where it grows into the crowns this is usually only because the trees are already in decline or are diseased and slowly dying - If the branch canopy becomes thin and allows sufficient light to enter, the ivy will develop into its arboreal form. Fraxinus (ash), a naturally thin, open-crowned tree may suffer heavy infestation, and for this reason ivy on ash trees is often controlled - When trees grown for their stem or bark, such as birch and some acers, keep the stems or trunks free from ivy - On other trees, ivy can be allowed to grow on the trunk, although one problem with very old or damaged trees is that the ivy may hide cavities which, in time, could gradually enlarge and possibly affect stability - Ivy is not a parasite; the short, root-like growths which form along climbing stems are for support only. Its own root system below ground supplies it with water and nutrients and is unlikely to be strongly competitive with the trees on which it is growing - Ivy has much wildlife value. As ground cover in woodland, ivy greatly lessens the effect of frost, enabling birds and woodland creatures to forage in leaf litter during bitter spells. Growing on trees, it provides hiding, roosting, hibernating and nesting places for various animals, birds and insects (including butterflies), particularly during the winter months and in areas where there are few other evergreens. Note: If you are concerned about an old or diseased tree, always seek professional advice from an arboriculturist or tree surgeon." Their recommendation on how to control it when it is an unwanted groundcover and you don't want to use chemicals: "Dig up all stems and woody roots. This may be difficult on heavy soils or where vegetation is very dense. Where the site is not needed for planting, an alternative control method is to clear away all top growth before laying weed-control fabric and a 10-15cm (4-6in) deep layer of bark mulch. Leave in place for at least two growing seasons." I would bet that a big part of the problem here is likely due to the greater presence of evergreen conifers here that are not evolved to live with evergreen vines. I'm not sure about the PNW, but most forest vines here are deciduous, so are likely less stressful on the trees when they climb on an evergreen conifer. And I wonder if the local bird populations have developed a strong preference for this 'exotic' food source... :-) Note that the RHS info only seems to be talking about deciduous trees and makes reference to ivy having value particularly in the absence of evergreen trees. So I think the the difference in the type of trees in forests between here and there is very much likely to be a key factor in how ivy performs in the environment here relative to there.

I grew 'Boule de Neige' the Bourbon of that name, It is one of my favorite white Roses, and I love how the red buds contrast against the fully open white blooms. I adore its' scent which although I would rate as light in strength ,a 4 out of 10, but wonderful in quality, a rose I will sniff every time I see it, it has several scent notes to me, mixed floral, a touch of Damask type rose scent, and a note of cold cream, that is often found in much older white roses. I'm from the North originally, and snow has endearing qualities to me, which is why I've chosen to take most of my vacations in the North; Sweden, Norway, Scotland, Finland, Denmark, Alaska and Canada, far more often than India and Mexico, I like temperatures in the 60's and 70's F. best. I find the rose name "snow ball" or "ball of snow" to be quite charming in itself, especially as it blooms in summer when there is no snow on the ground; a white rose that stirs up memories of sledding, caroling, and seeing miles upon miles of pristine snow on a winter night, and falling down on forests of fir and spruce. The chill of snowflakes against my cheek, being indoors on a cold winter night with a wood fire burning and all the world in black of night, contrasting with silver- white sheen of snow, mirrored in stars above. The winter nights are silent, surrounded by snow, and that is a blessing for contemplation. It is an evocative name; 'Boule de Neige' One rose can mean the world to a person, whichever rose it was, the lady was in love with it, that seems for sure. Lux

Miguel, last summer was an awful year, even worse than the previous 2 years of drought. The constant heat, drought, and humidity, along with the surreal earwig infestation felt like I was living in a hell. I couldn't even get a black-eyed susan vine to flourish in a pot. My garden didn't grow much last year either; it must have been as stressed as I was. This year is so different. The early spring days were warmish and sunny, the evenings were cool, even close to freezing some nights, and we had ample soil moisture from the snows in winter. It wasn't raining much then, but the soil was very workable once it thawed. Then it started raining and the garden exploded almost as if it was making up for lost time. Whenever I look at my garden now I am in awe at the contrast. Regardless, no annual flowers, no cruising nurseries, and especially no pots on the deck waiting to be planted. After so much maintenance last year, I want a more relaxing summer this year.

Hi Shaun, Why can't the existing mtg company send the money we've paid in for our property taxes to the new mtg company and then *they* can pay them when they are due? I just dont understand this. Can someone explain it to me? I can explain... but unfortunately, the answer's not going to be very satisfying. The reason is beacuse the servicing company (the place you send your loan payments to, who manages the distribution of the cash, and subsequent bookkeeping of where it all goes, and when) is not your mortgage company. It may be a subsidiary of them, or a 3rd party contractor... but its not the actual mortgage company (even if it has a very similar name.) The servicing companies business model is to have as many loans managed per month, by the least number of clerical administrative staff, at the lowest possible hourly rate. In order to accomplish this, their processes are *EXTREMELY* dumbed-down and stretched out. *NOTHING* happens quickly on any out-of-the-ordinary request, and all standard changes (like the turnover of escrowed funds for taxes & insurance when a refinance occurs) is handled in a batched-out manner once a month during a special shift. In short; It COULD be done the way you logically just described... but the rate/fee driven public doesn't want to pay the higher servicing costs for that kind of service. Hope that clarifies (if not exactly creating the warm & fuzzies.) Cheers, Dave Donhoff Leverage Planner