Nothing goes like you plan. Had everything ready. I forgot to ask George how he moistens the peat/vermiculite mixture so I used the garden hose sray in the cups before I stuck the cuttings in. It got too soggy. I tried to drain and squeeze out as much as I could. Then I look at the cuttings and don't know how to prepare them right, made another slanted cut under water as best I could, cut the flower heads off as best I could (some of these had three flower heads), some were very healthy but some had some brown stuff on them (none had mold) so I pulled those leaves off but not all of them, shook the water off, dredged in powdered hormone, stuck a pen in the mix, felt I had to pull some of the bottom leaves off or I couldn't poke them deep enough, stuck the cutting in that, pressed as snugly as I could, then buried them as deep as I could in the ground. I figured burying the cups in the ground might keep them cooler if it gets hot again, but then it was frustrating trying to get the pepsi bottles over them without touching the leaves and disburbing the cuttings more and getting the leaves tucked up in there. Some of the leaves are touching the sides, I guess that can't be helped. Finally I put up an old window screen to filter out some of the sun that will get through on the east side, most is blocked now by trees, but a little gets through in the morning. The north side would get some of the morning sun anyway and is not a good place right now, ground packed from cement work that was done, too hard to dig for me. I toyed with the idea of stapling translucent plastic to the screen but just ran out of patience. Once the sun hits the south, they should be ok in the natural light that is left. I was afraid the plastic would block too much light and I would have to move the screen every noon. I put the seventh one, the only one that didn't have a spent flower head, looks very healthy, in the cup, in a gallon baggie, blew some air in, sealed it, and set it on the table by my north window, put curtains to block the sun from the east window very close by. It made me nervous, and all I can do is hope for the best. You look at those cuttings and must have to have some special knowhow to know what to do with each one because each one is different. Then what to do with the rooting hormone with all the warnings about not getting it on your skin, wear rubber gloves, I didn't, so I sealed that up in a plastic container and will use it again because I don't like to waste it. I was thinking as I was struggling with all this and back was hurting, legs stiff, why am I doing this? Why not just buy my roses? Two more sets to go, one tomorrow and one the next day, I hope. Have to go to the grocery store and buy back some bottles. Maybe in time I'll gain confidence and more of a knack with it. It is not easy for me, and it is messy.

i m so very sorry for you dear...you know one fine day,same thing happened with me and u know what i got a call that my parents have died in an accident..i was not at all prepared and had met them a couple of hours before...this happened on 27th april '08...my younger brother was driving the car ...he is just 24,i m 27 and my mom dad were in their early 50's...today i cant even accept and believe that they r gone..i just keep calling them to talk and all but no body picks call...i keep calling them try to talk to them..it pains so much and i always keep crying....i m not able to believe they r gone and i dont have a family to go to..me n my brother were so dependent on them...I know my dear it is going to be very difficult,it hurts a lot ..mom is a mom then... but try to involve yourself in your family members love them u have DAD...support him emotionally...try to cherish the good moments u have shared together i know its difficuly,for me too it is... i have a BIG blank in my life ...since that say i have sleepless nights and haunting mornings telling me something is missing... but I hope God gives us strenght to carry on...hugs my dear...

Good for you!!!! Im glad you did both cuz now you can play while you wait for the order. The glass is so pretty I'll bet....what'cha gonna make????? Have you started it yet????? Hmmmm....cant wait to see a wip picture.....yippeeeeee!!!!!!!!

Not quite a happy story like that...but at least the babies have the same mommy and daddy...There is always hope for the future...and it's proof that bc pills don't always work. patti