Well I cut it out..while looking closely I see lots of new branches coming up from the root ball. In fact the root ball (I think that's what you call it)is a foot long. It is a very old rose. A start was given to my MIL years ago from her friend Birdy. Birdy is long gone now..My MIL will be 85 at the end of the month. She has kidney failure and now cancer. I want the rose to be spectacular for her this year.

Oh, Cathy. I just saw this post and I am so sorry for you, my friend. Tough times indeed. I thought I'd share this with you to ease your sorrow just a little THE RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Stepup: The normal human tendency is to blame someone else for our misfortune. If it is not about the rain, then it is about the sun. I am sure I have been there before, perhaps you have too. Enlightment and the path to happiness are when we realize that we can only control what we have control and let go of what we don't. Your SS is trying to set you up in triangulation between his father, you and him. The best is to avoid that situation. Just let your H deal with his own son in terms of discipline and such. But destruction of your property should not be tolerated and dealt w by the police. I hope your SS will only be invited back for a thanksgiving meal or christmad but that is about it. He should not be welcomed back to live.

Some Queen Elizabeths tend to make vigorous growth at the expense of flowers. This rose is known for not blooming well even after years of good treatment.