Thanks everybody! Mantis, probably it's creping. Not my favorite thing but doesn't look bad on MOM. Shores of Time has a low budcount here but it can open its flowers and even reblooms a little, plus it's such a pretty shade of pink. Julia, fertilized with the usual stuff (Micracle Gro), no new soil. Oh Chris you have flies too :( Maybe it's a 'north thing'.. Linda, Barbara Mitchell is a diploid. Supposed to be short, but mine is taller, and opens its flowers well.

Thank you ladies for all the wonderful compliments. Punk..the iron planter came decorated with fresh Holly & Ivy (for Christmas) and was so pretty. The little pumpkin is actually a rust and green color which went well with the color combo. DH gives painting lessons to my oldest DGS who's also very talented. Mostly now he does lots of woodworking. Please find that Pheasant Plate. I bet it's beautiful...and put it out for us to see! Karen - Thank you..you are so funny... it was Janet's MIL who had those wise words..and they are so true. I'm looking forward to seeing the Dr tomorrow and get a clear 'Bill of Health'! lynnencfan..I like understated too...but then sometimes I see something 'over the top' and say Wow!..but I never find myself doing the same...lol frou..glad you liked the mantel and plates. I've been looking for those plates for awhile and found them on Ebay International at not a bad price. I'll pass the compliment on to DH. magpie > A Tennis Tournament!! wow gal..you must be in Excellent Shape to do that!! Thanks for your caring words... I wish we were closer too.. I think we'd enjoy helping ea other. Wish we were ALL closer..what fun and trouble!! jay...that bus has been making 'Revving' sounds like it's getting bored and 'rarin to go'..! Just need a little more rest and I'm on my way! Gee we took a cross country camping trip once with a pop up...that would be fun doing that and visiting everyone. I definitely can see those Red Farm Transferware Plates in a mantel setting...use browns and rust tones to w/them. nanaK...what a wonderful compliment.. 'like pictures you seen in magazines'! Now that brought a Big Smile to my face...Thank You....Glad you enjoyed everything. marlene...thank you very much for such nice compliments. PLEASE come out of 'lurkdom'..we ALL started out do that here..one by one we came out...me included. Everyone is so gracious and fun...If you have anything to share...we love pictures... I'll look for you ... okay kathleen...I will let DH know you liked his painting... The (half picture) I took of it doesn't do it justice. He amazed me when he completed it - in 2 Weeks at 22 yrs old! oreos-mom...thanks for the kind words.. That pumpkin seems to be pretty popular. Glad you were able to find one at Walmart... I hope Jeannne reads this...she's been looking for one. thanks again everyone for looking.. jane

Cool! I didn't even know you drank. ;) Always love your fall shots Joan. We've had such a brutal summer I don't have a clue what our leaves are going to look like this year.

You should look on the underside of the leaves. Looks like the leaves were eaten by rose slugs. They are small green caterpillars type insects. You should squish them or knock them off the leaves. When you see one small hole, then look on the underside of the leaf, and squish the bug. I usually use a small rock or squish the leaf over the insect and squish. Carol