Deanna, My Braveheart is only in its second year and it did suffer badly from that big Easter Freeze. In fact, I was starting to get worried about it, but recently it has snapped out of its post-freeze funk and is looking like the rose I was so excited about last summer. However, like my other frozen roses, it is a bit shorter this year. Just hasn't had time to get back fully into its regular growing pattern. Presently it is about 3x3, but I think it should grow to be closer to 4x4. That said, I can report that the blooms are a lovely red that stays red; it blooms fairly regularly (hopefully even better next year--if we don't have another horrendous freeze!), and the blooms are long-lasting. It's been very hot here recently, but it handled the heat quite well--a bit of a burn around the edges, but nothing too serious. (I have other roses that just about burned up completely in our 100+ heat.) As for disease, it had quite a few problems as it struggled to recover from the Big Freeze, but now that it is thriving again, I'm seeing very little disease. That is how I remember it from last summer. I think last year I sprayed it a couple times in the spring and a couple times in the fall, and that was all. I'm so happy it is returning to "normal" again because I really, really like this rose. I think you will like it. Kate

There are some whole shrub photos at HelpMeFind. (Link below. Just click the Photos tab when you get there.) The problem I find with those, however, is that if there isn't something in the photo to act as a frame of reference it's actually pretty hard to tell just how big the shrub is. On a related note, this is one of those roses you have to see in person. Pictures don't do it justice. Here is a link that might be useful: SdSA @ HelpMeFind

Hi Robin, Just saw your posting and responses and wanted to add some info. American Brass & Iorn as noted used recycled iron in their foundry for years. This iron included old auto engines, transmission and differential cases, etc. that of course previously had oil in them. Todays American foundry practices do not use those types of reclaimed metals to manufacture food processing materials such as cast iron cookware to my knowledge. This is a hot and sensitive issue and current question and concern about imported cast iron especially from China. If your pan were mine I would be cautious of its use until the material content could be confirmed. AB&I also used different logos on the bottom of their pans. Most if not all pans were marked with the American Cookware logo. I had a pan and have seen others with a covered wagon on the bottom, and have seen boats and ships, all depicting americana. Your pan is unusual because of its size, large pans are hard to find. I also agree and disagree with the link to Old Jack's seasoning recipe and cleaning technique. I deal in cast iron on ebay and clean 200 or so pieces a year using the electrolysis method, fast, easy, efficient, and no posinous chemicals used. For more info on cast iron and use and cleaning I recommend the Wagner and Griswold Society or the Griswold and Cast Iron Cookware Association websites. Both sites have open forums and can be used by non members.

jxbrown, fwiw, I bought a bunch of those to put on my oven racks. Yes, they do work...but they were a PAIN! I could no longer slide things on/off the shelf. I found them to be impractical...jmho!!! I don't care for mitts, either. Or the silicone pad. I just like the good old-fashioned terry cloth pot holder. I bought some newer quilted ones (not terry) that won't bend easily enough to grip the pan! LOL! I'm always on the search for terry cloth potholders. I must be in the minority since I have a hard time finding them. Here is a link that might be useful: This one is round, but it's the texture I like