I LOVE Julia Child, Molineux and Honey Perfume, but as a lover of orange and yellow roses, I have two others to suggest. Orange Fairy Tale and South Africa are both available from Palatine and both really impressed me. The picture of Orange FT on the Palatine site shows a bloom that is a bit of a different form, but I don't remember mine looking that way. I was particularly thrilled with the fact that the blooms didn't change to dishwasher- or some other shade of pink, like Tuscan Sun, Easy Livin', Gingersnap do. All these are gorgeous for awhile and break my heart when they change colour. It wasn't a scalding hot summer here last year, so I can't say it will always be the case, but South Africa remained a strong golden yellow until the petals dropped. I was so pleased that I ordered two more this year! Wishing was another find from Palatine last year. Lots of blooms, slightly on the pinkish side of orange. I was very pleased with it. Here is a link that might be useful: Palatine Roses

Obviously, any of the Knock Out roses are easy care, but they won't look like "florist's roses," as Michael pointed out. In addition to red and pink, they come in white and a yellow (sorta--fades quickly to whiter look). The most disease-resistant hybrid tea I know is Elina--wonderfully lovely, well-shaped rose that is ivory white with pale yellow highlights. I liked mine so well that I went out and bought two more. Another hybrid tea which is disease-resistant to some degree is Valencia--kinda buff/golden shade with a touch of apricot at times. It doesn't rebloom as fast as some others, but it has the BIGGEST and most long-lasting blooms I know of. Valencia is also very fragrant. (I think Elina is--but can't quite remember.) I'm not sure you can get either one at a local garden center. For some reason, garden centers specialize in the disease-magnet roses. I got my Elina and Valencia online at Roses Unlimited (you have to order 3 minimum) and at Pickering Nursery. Good luck, Kate

mindstorm: Could you please show me your river rock so I can get a better idea of what you want? I think I remember the Ice Fog, and thus what you DON'T want. Thanks, Ivette

Totally get your overwhelmed feeling. I once picked out a nice shade of blue that looked way to harsh as well. Maybe your husband dislikes it as much as you do? Maybe he doesn't want to give you the blues, but is inwardly choking on this color too? I would try to find his honest perspective and if he is in doubt too, I would really and sincerely apologize very much indeed. Then I would suggest to go for at least two shades lighter and try it out on a bit of one wall first. And indeed, keeping the lower part in step with the woodwork, I'd paint that all white anyway. Although some given ideas might soften the pain a bit, it will never become what it is supposed to be. Alternatively you could make this the room of your newborn, if he is a son, and move the living room into his bedroom... just kidding ;) At least you'll never fall into this trap again for the rest of your life.