There is a lady whom I've known forever, who was a dear childhood friend of my mother. She is a prolific letter-writer and used to correspond with Mama over the years, or we'd visit when we had a chance to go to my mother's birthplace. This lady is in her later eighties now and is shut-in for sometimes weeks on end and many of her pen pals are now deceased. I have kept up written correspondence with her for a number of years and especially since my mother passed away. I can't keep up with her on sheer numbers of letters sent, but keep in touch by pen and ink (or printed on my puter printer) with only occasional phone calls. It's a dying art, and this woman joys in getting mail in her box to pour over perhaps several times and maybe even stow away as physical evidence of her friendships. Sitting at her desk and sharing her thoughts are an important part of her day and her mind is as sharp now as it was ever and I think the letter writing has been part of why. In addition to that, I have gained some really precious insights to my mother's life when she was a young girl, especially since it was a different perspective than the stories my mother would share with me. Now, that as they say is 'priceless'. So yes, I keep an active pen and ink habit. I also will surprise my three cousins with a rare letter even though we do phone each other on occasion. Now, when I lived overseas it was at a time when phones were not mainstream in homes in those places and very, very costly to make long-distance calls and there was no email. I had several friends in America with whom I would send mail. It took about two weeks each way, even airmail. So new news was old news by the time each of us would get answers. Patience, patience..............it's also become a lost art, no?

Thanks for the answer, Ron, I will check this rose (Mnthly Rambler) on help me find. I have not heard about it. Looking forward to your next roseart!

Beautiful colors and textures, I love the blue vase with the pink roses.

Captivating! Each bloom is special- the apricot pink- a cloud effect, the cream- the spiral petal effect, and the blue white- a luminous effect. Each unique. Thanks for sharing. Brandy