Jeri, how would you describe the scent of Emanuel? *** I don't remember, sorry. There are very few Austins left here, and will be even fewer soon. Also, how much smaller are the blooms? Are they similar in size to Graham Thomas, Golden Celebration, Pretty Jessica, Pat Austin, etc? *** Maybe Pat Austin? Think of it as a Floribunda, with smaller (2.5-3-in) blooms in nice clusters. Would The Squire have growth similar to WS2000 that tends to throw out lateral canes? *** Never grew WS2000, so I cannot say. Its growth is simply angular. Not a handsome plant in the garden, to be frank. I considered Prospero, but HMF says it grows rather large, *** Are you sure? Prospero is one of the small Austins. Until we learned that it did not tolerate pruning, I don't think it got over 2 ft. Now, it is "bend & snap" deadheaded, and never pruned, and it HAS made it almost to 5 ft. My only question on this one would be whether it will take your winters? It's got some tenderer ancestors. We treat it like a China, and it thrives that way. I am growing Golden Celebration, Evelyn, and Abe Darby in containers as well, but they mostly have tall arching growth aside from Abe Darby. *** You know that GC is a very big rose here? But beware of the Pernetiana heritage behind this one. Evelyn was an unweildy giant with a few blooms at the top end of 12-ft canes, and is long gone. Jeri

Well I think i can give you a different perspective. On Sd and they way she is, i understand. I lost my mother to cancer when i was 11 1/2 years old. So...looking back on those years now, i now see that i was also a very negative , angry individual. I felt that life was unfair and that i was jipped by my mother's death. I focused alot of hate on my own father and i wasnt' the most warm person when he tried to meet woman. My first SM was to me terrible. Not to me but to her kids and i was indifferent to her. My second was amazing. Why? She did'nt infringe on my space. Thought or physical.She let me go to her ...not the other way around. You said you spend money and alot of time to get to know her and fix her room....a bonding when she was no where near being ready to do that with you. I understand your intention were good. I dont think you are a bad person...but it was too soon for this year and she was just thrown into your house without the choice. Plus grandma sounds like a B**ch....So that didn't help you cause. Your husband. Is an *ss for what he has done to you as a friend adn partner in marriage. I would be more concerned with him. He sounds like my husband who didnt' want couciling either...so i basically told him that we are either on the same page or we are not. The day i see him taking his kids side over me , is the day we divorce. I made it very clear to him. The kids fall under the marriage. UNDER the parents. THey are not equal to the parents or more important. All the kids...bio, or step.. THe main issue to address is your husband. Speak to him and stand you ground with him to clear state you treat each child the same and his daughter will be no different. You've put time and effort and she hates you?? Normal, she has emotional issues. Sit down with hubby and tell him how you feel and tell him you were hurt by his comment. That sd is part of our family and will be treated the same...she should not be treated special because mommy died. .....Does she also have biopolar???? This could also be an issue of behaviour. Question...How was your SS with you ? Was it good? Was your husband at his defense when something came up divided or did he agree with you? Cause if he was fine with him , then you should remind your hsuband how he was with his son and you and that sd does not and will not get any special treatment. In the end , if he continues to act this way, warn him it will be the demise of your marriage. If he wants to do that its his choice but you know what, pull back from her and let her dad handle her. Take care of your daughters and when she mouths off to them, you defend them tooth and nail and take it on with your hubby. Go to counciling for your own piece of mind...you can't force you husband but you can put your foot down with him..and if he doesn't like it...sorry tosay...tell him to take the door. You are either a team or you are not. Yes its harsh..but i noticed that some men here are wishy washy with their daughters and need to have it put straight in their face without suttletees... I have a friend of mine , whos' friend at work divorced because daddy put their own daughter above the marriage..well....they divorced and dad has custody because mom doesnt' want her. Its sad..it happens...but its a crazy world. 1. Take a break from her and step back. 2. Go to counciling and see what they say. 3. Keep open honest calm communication with hubby for now. 4. Let him handle her. She views you with hate because she has alot of emotions to deal with....leave her have some space. Its important. 5. Concentrate on your girls now and leave her with dad...it will be divided for a time but it wont last forever. 6. Connect with hubby again and keep connected for your relationship.....because if that goes...its dangerous for the futur. Tell him you will back off on sd but that he must be responsible for her since she has issues with you. 7 . YOU: Expect nothing from her...no cleaning..no chores...her homework? your hubbies problem....expect nothing...Focus on your girls. Your sd is angry, hurt and still trying to get over the loss of her mom...she sees you in the 'mother' position and she hates that...not you personally. She is too young to separate the two. She'll be like this for a while...i know..i went through it. Give her space.

Visit this website: http://www.ndipat.org/ They will be able to direct you to where you can get a no-cost phone. Here is a link that might be useful: N.D. Assistive Technology

As a former school nurse I love the idea of a free well baby clinic. I worked in inner city schools that had a high number of poor parents, who at that time could not go for well baby checkups. These days there are more options for poor parents than back then, and some places for free immunizations, but an ounce of prevention is worthwhile. Snidely's comment about entitlement awakened a fond and amusing memory of my Father and his lifelong best friend. Both my Dad and his best friend grew up in want and poverty. Both escaped their pasts by hard work and a good education. But by virtue of a patent, my Dad's friend became a millionaire. Although he was well off, whenever the two of them went out to eat, his friend would duck into the bathroom when the check arrived, and my Father always paid it. They were dear friends, but I don't think his friend ever escaped the memory of his harsh early years, and the fear of poverty. My Father understood, and never judged, because his friend brought so much into my Father's life.