Here's a tip for anyone going on a cruise or vacation. Write down a list of what goes in all suitcases and carryons. Keep the list in your purse so you can refer to it during the trip. And when you're home unpacking, make sure everything on the list gets put away properly. I call it "reverse packing". I once made a list and used it for several years. Hey, travelling with two kids (any age) is not simple. And for stupidest goofs-when I was visiting family in Buffalo NY one winter, I left my winter snow boots in the motel. I placed them next to the TV, intending to wear them. Somehow I left without them. I called the hotel the next day but they couldn't find them. Who would (steal/ throw out) a well-worn pair of boots ?

I can't wait to see pictures of Maggie. Love the name. If you wanted to try another DA rose, I have had great success with Pretty Jessica which laughs at the heat, is upright and stays small but tall for a DA rose. I would say mine is about two to three feet wide, if that and about four to five feet tall. Constant bloomer. Next one would be Princess Alexandra of Kent but give her room to grow. She is a beaut! Flowers bigger than my hand in spring and fall. Smaller flowers in the heat. She takes a beating and keeps on ticking! Next would be Munstead Wood. Love, love, loveo him. He also takes the heat. All three have to be the best DA roses I have seen for the heat. Now, that being said, my first timer roses that have been in the ground about six months (if that) and on their own roots, that seem to be doing pretty well for me are also Lady of Shalott and Alwick. They are both babies and being subject to full sun all day long and until this week, 100--110 degree heat. Both are producing sporadically with tiny flowers but their leaves look good and they are continuing to put on new growth. I think once they get established in a couple of years, they will be fine. I hope Lady's flowers tone down the orange a bit in the future. Another rose, still very young and on its own root that seems to be doing well is Occhi di Fata. It is starting to put out a few more blooms and the growth is good. It is a charming rose and I hope for great things in the future.

Hobby...great minds think alike! I actually had a couple of trees in my shopping cart at Logees...a variegated calamondin and that vanilla blood orange....I did not finish the check out process though. I may still. I did something i've not done in a long time: took on a photo session for today with an old client that was a very good client. Please cross your fingers for me! If it goes well and they place a good order, I will get the money for that greenhouse! My husband has said I can get one, but I'd rather earn the money. I don't have time for photography clients anymore, but I made this exception for them because of my beloved trees ;-)

Best pink for me for fragrance is Brother Cadfael. Scent to die for. Now that said, repeat bloom is not great and he gets HUGE! Brother Cadfael Princess Alexandra of Kent is another great pink but she gets HUGE! Scent is good, Pretty good repeat bloom. Sharifa Asma--one gorgeous rose! Not great repeat bloom, however Sharifa Asma Mary Magdalene Pretty Jessica. Stays somewhat small for an Austin. Great rose. Lady of Shalott--gets to be big. So far, not great rebloom but she is still young