Milestone grows very well here in southern Ohio. Its chief attribute is long-lasting blooms. Nice color, but I don't recall fragrance. The form has that cast-iron modern hybrid look--no charm or character. Flowering is not really abundant, but it does repeat well. Alas, my bush is very old now and needs to be replaced, but it is hard to find this one anymore.

We're pretty much like roses, nothing special for anniversaries. Some years we go out to eat, others we don't bother. i do have a doozie of a 25th story though. A few weeks before that anniversary while on a road trip (sans husband) I had car trouble. A few days later I realized the very small diamond in my engagement ring was gone; I suspect it was or maybe still is in the grass next to I-95 between Cocoa Beach and Miami which is where I was crawling around trying to deal with the car. So, I was sitting on the couch when I noticed the missing stone--no I'm not the most observant woman. Although it wasn't a large or expensive diamond it was what he gave me when were were young and starting out so, upset, I went into the bathroom where my husband was showering to tell him I'd lost ti. Whereupon the poor man uttered the most foolish words a husband could come up with: "Well, maybe you want to get something bigger to replace it." Took me about one nanosecond to agree to that plan and in the end I traded up to a stone 400% bigger than my original and just for good measure to a platinum engagement setting and band. Yowza, I figure that 25th anniversary gift will stand in for all the years before and after :). Ann

Yes, we DO understand! I'm not getting new appliances, but I've been giving myself a "kitchen shower" and buying new bamboo lazy susans for condiments in the cabinets, new canisters, 2 new pans, new toaster oven (Breville Mini that my children gave me for Mothers Day", and even a new mat to put under the dog's water dish! Makes the waiting easier. The stainless drawer liner to hold dog kibble, has been sitting just inside my living room in front of the Grandfather clock for a month, and the Rev-a-Shelf utinsel pull- out that's been in the garage since late Mar when I got a great deal for it in eBay. Yes, we understand! Congratulations on a great find!

Non food question for anyone following this thread: What do you think of the wording "gifts not expected" on the invitation? Reason being I'm doing this for fun, not for gifts. When I have a friend with a significant birthday, I enjoy giving them a gift, and feel that if someone wants to bring a gift (like closer friends and family would), that's fine, just don't want anyone to feel obligated to do so, which is why I bring it up at all. When an invitation says "no gifts please" I've noticed at other events that everyone seems to show up with a bottle of alcohol, as they want to respect the request, yet not show up "empty handed." I don't really drink at home (unless I'm having a get together) and would not want 50 bottles of alcohol showing up. I don't think "gifts optional" sounds right - seems inappropriate. I've never seen "gifts not expected" - just thought of that myself; not sure how it would be received - is it awkward and better not to mention it at all?