Thanks Seysonn, that's helpful. I ended up letting the ones that were further along go to seed and have started collecting seed for next year. Meanwhile, I picked all the flower buds off the ones that hadn't gone completely to seed and made a ginger-shiso-toasted sesame oil pesto with the flower buds. Pretty tasty, but the sesame oil dominated...next time I'll go with olive oil. Hopefully, we'll get a few more weeks of leaves out of the plants I de-flowered. Yes, Jim, according to Japanese sources, shiso seeds stay dormant for at least 6 months before they will germinate. Smart temperate climate annual weeds, if you ask me. Very unlike it's cousin basil that will germinate right away - perhaps partly due to more extensive history of cultivation and selection in favor of fast germination?

To the Chairman of the SD Rose Show. We would like you to reiterate the logistics for exhibiting at your show. Specifically: 1. Are you still suggesting that exhibitors arrive at 5AM for a 9:30AM deadline for entries? That is 4.5 hrs which is way too much time. Since you may not be able to get the judges there earlier for an earlier deadline how about doing something exhibitor friendly like promising to give out the awards at 12Pm on saturday rather than forcing the exhibitors to return (if they win after spending a grueling long Saturday in traffic going to and leaving the show) on Sunday for a 3 pm award ceremony. 2. Have the water & parking problems been resolved? If so please advise resolutions. Mr. Chairman, your show sounds like a very tough one for exhibitors and simply not worth the effort. We have many nice friends in the San Diego area and we were looking forward to going to your show. However, unless the logistics situation changes we (and many of our fellow exhibitors )are either going to bakersfield or going to stay home. Mr. Chairman, if you changed the awards ceremony to saturday afternoon so that exhibitors would not have to return on sunday perhaps it might sway some exhibitors to go your show. I for one would definitely consider it. At this stage of the game it is clear that you cannot change the date of your show which is in conflict with not just another rose show but now in conflict with the March of Dimes, Earth day, and who knows what else. However, one item in your control is the awards presentation. We have heard that many have requested that SDRS change this awards policy. Now is the time to show some appreciation for the exhibitor who will be getting up at 1AM to be there by 5AM(speaking for myself). Finally wrt your comments about Chris Greenwood. In my opinion and I am sure shared by many rose people in Southern California & in the PSWD Chis is an outstanding and dedicated Rosarian who is not deserving of your abuse.

Hi everyone! Thanks for the messages, and I'm glad to read that Carol and AM are safe and sound! Carol, I talked w/a friend who lives in Temecula today, and he's worried about being surrounded by the fires. I hope the winds die down up by you and the fires are under control soon. Here are a few photos of what happened to our property. We're so lucky that nothing major happened to the house. It's too soon to tell if our pool equipment is messed up from all that soot/ash going through it, but that can be repaired over time. We still don't have water service, but hopefully we will tomorrow or Friday. A lot of Ramona homes are without electricity still, including my Mom's place. So, residents won't be allowed back until those two things are repaired. Take care, everyone, and I'll try to post more photos later. -Melissa Before the Witch Fire of 10/21/07: After the Witch Fire of 10/21/07:

It's always fun to meet up with forum buds! Sort of solidifies the bond you have already made on line. Sure wish I had an excuse to come east for a few days, but am gearing up for the Round Top Antique Show then off to IL for a a 3 week visit with my best friend of 51 years. Several years ago I met up with 4 gals from a decorating forum and we went to the Rose Bowl flea market for the day. They also came down to San Diego, where we spent the day at a local swap meet as well as several antique stores. One of the gals appeared on the Christopher Lowell Show(twice)and was also featured in Romantic Homes magazine. It was 'back in the days' when home decorating shows were big and the decorating frenzy was going strong. Again, have a great time and make a toast to those of us who are there in spirit. ;o)