This is a great question, I've enjoyed all the posts. I haven't had a real rose garden since 1995. The bloom I most looked forward to then was not remontant, but the best moment in that garden was when Madame Legras de St. Germain threw out her sweet, prolific blooms up the front of the garage and over the door. I am still in structural mode in my new garden, improving soil and building paths and arbors, etc. It will probably be 3 more summers before I plant new roses. So hard to wait!!! @ gardenerzone4- Molineaux should be fine for you, I saw it growing in the Minnesota Arboretum this summer. I believe they used soil and mulch at the base of the plant for winter protection. DH is trying to convince me to grow it since he is a philosopher who loves the name as well as the color.-- Also, I am curious about your italian roses, what do you do to winter protect them? Erin

I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing all the photos and reading the stories of your collections here. Such beautiful pieces and wonderful, touching stories. To see most of mine, you'd think my home was full of antiques, which is far from the real deal, but these seem to be most of my most interesting non-art things. However, some of you have given me some ideas for things I could do in the future with things I have stored! This is a small collection of silver vases, albeit in need of some polish right now. My collection of miniature tea sets. This started with my aunt giving me her much-used Mickey Mouse set she had used back in the 30's as a child and a then-new set when I was about 8-years old (the blue and white delft set). The rest is a mix of old and new I picked up along the way as an adult. I also have a lot of old hankies that belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother, and yes I use them at weddings and funerals. They made some of them, including the tatting on the edges. Gallery hallway of family photos (old and new) To honor our home states (Alabama and Ohio) I started looking for old maps of our states and regions. This is one of Alabama and of the Eastern US in our breakfast room. The next one is an Agricultural map of Ohio. I think I've posted enough. Thanks for viewing. BTW, those clocks are awesome! And I adore that mirror, and I can't say enough about that belly cast!

Thank you all! I have made a few changes to the room, based on your suggestions. Ravencajun: I agree that ideally the darker framed boats/sunset picture will look better over the fireplace. But right now it's hiding a very bad bit of drywall patching! Also I'm still waiting for the perfect piece for above the mantle. I almost won something on eBay that would have been perfect, but it got away. The mirror doesn't bother me too much so I'm going to just keep waiting till I find something I love. ingrid: thanks for the suggestion about the rug. I did switch it and liked it better your way. Thank you! I'm currently trying out a different rug that I think most people would hate, but I think it grounds the room nicely. I'll probably go back and forth between the blue striped one and this one. justerrilynn: I love that bird!! Do you know where it's from? I took all your (as well as others) advice and changed the coffee table decor. I will keep looking for a couple more interesting pieces. olychic and lascatx: Thank you! I hope the close up of the coffee table, gives you a clearer picture. Do you think the base is still too white? Idaclaire: I did move the padded bench to a less obtrusive spot. Thank you! I'd like to keep it in the room because it makes cleaning a cinch! Just hide everything in it!! Lol. pkpk23 and nursetammie thank you ressurecting this thread. I kept meaning to updated you all on the changes I made. I know many of you did not like the glass pieces on the lower mantle shelf but they are handmade and special to me. In real life, they catch the light very prettily. I also added my 2 year old's latest masterpiece to the mantle, cause I'm terribly proud! :) Please let me know what you think!! I may not take all your suggestions, but I truly appreciate the discerning eyes! Thank you!!

This OP has posted several dilemmas lately. I started reading this one from the onset and yes, there are several of the more critical posts missing. She clearly was happy about the selections and appeared to want validation from the people that had helped her with her other dilemmas. One of the first comments on my first dilemma on here was devastating to me and left me very upset. Fortunately, I have a thick skin and just flagged it and then along came some wonderful people to help me. Sometimes certain contributors just go too far. I’ve seen many OPs run off from this forum, but this is the first I’ve seen someone completely delete their account. THINK before you comment people! You could make or break someone’s day with your words