I have a very pretty david austin english rose (pink, reminds me of a peony bloom) I would be happy to root a cutting from - right now its dormant as I was forced to move it mid summer, but in a few weeks I should be able to get something going. I would love any dahlias.

Wow, what you should do is introduce me to your friend! You have some really nice varieties there and what wonderful descriptions he/she gave you. Here(at the link)is the best info on planting in pots I've found and am following it to a T right now for the first time. Read it, think about what soil you have available. Use well drained potting mix and try to avoid a high peat content which is tough to water. Get Soil Moist or a similar product to reduce watering needs. Get stakes (I'm using rebar to take up less space.) The pots I'm using are about 4 gallons? ~15" across by ~12" deep and will use whiskey barrels as well. Make sure you have good drainage holes either existing in the pots or drill some. If your pots are ceramic, I guess go with the usual rocks in the bottom for drainage. You'll need someway for excess water to pass OUT. Protect from slugs if you have them. You'll be happy to hear that I've had deer 3 ft away from my garden dahlias munching down raspberries and blueberry bushes while not touching one dahlia leaf. Ditto in the perennial bed: mowed down my phlox and glads, left the adjacent dahlias untouched. So the deer trail might not be a factor to worry about as far as eating goes: trampling maybe! Good luck, I'll copy this to your email address.

My whole goal after moving here to NC was to have 4 season bloom - and I do have my favorites for each season winter - violas, dianthus, hellbores spring - columbine, violas, dianthus, iris, daffodils, foxglove larkspur, clematis summer - gosh - anything that is blooming but I guess it would have to be all the rudbeckias, dahlias, hollyhocks, sunflowers, lilies, daylilies, clematis and the list goes on and on fall - mums, cleome, all the salvias, snaps I am starting collections of.... clematis - 15 so far daylilies - 12 so far with 4 dwarf re-blooming ones coming lilies - can't even begin to count - I just buy bags of them and plant but so far mostly asiatic and oriental. I am ordering collections of tiger and Turks cap I have a serious addiction - I know that but I figure that I don't smoke, drink very little, don't go on vacations or out to dinner - gardening is WHAT I do :):) - as long as bills are getting paid and food is on the table (DH takes care of that with his vegetable garden addiction) then my addiction can go on and on as long as there is green grass on our acre+ of paradise..... Lynne

Sandi The people you know that put the dishes in the dishwasher come out ok? I probably will just hand wash though. DH did like his mac and cheese! Slinkey Thanks! Yeah I really like the reindeer too. Hoping I can inspire someone in the family. I know the reason Mom has never been into it was because the extra money they had while we were growing up went to us kids . Im sure if she had unlimited funds she wouldve done more of that stuff. I know I would go wild. Ha Bright Thanks for the friendship ball info. I figured it had a name but didnt have a clue what it was called. Are they supposed to be ornaments? Come to think of it, I think I remember seeing those dishes at wal mart the other week and refrained that time. The reason I bought all that stuff at value city is because I know it wont be there too much longer. Its amazing how much that can influence your buying decisions. Luvs Thanks! Im really excited about the wreath! All the ones in the stores are skimpy looking. I know I could add stuff to them but I happened to see this one and just loved it. Valleymaypie Thanks! Acually thats ebay posted pic from the person who made it. My door is still white because I cant figure out what color to paint it. Heres the seller if anyone is interested. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=170275966166 Betty 34!? I cant imagine trying too cook for that many people! Paper plates would be my way to go too!! I plan on shopping the day after Christmas so Ill be buying lots of goodies. Plates will be on my list thanks to you guys! You have my wheels turning about the deer on the table. I was thinking of using them in my LR but I just may go buy some more. I would need another set for my second table. Youll have to post pictures of your tree too. Were using blue on ours also.