Temps are predicted to drop significantly into the teens over the next 3 to 5 days and snow for tomorrow night and Saturday. Only an inch though. Not enough to cover and do much good. But then next week sometime it's supposed to go back up into the 40s again! What a crazy winter! Snow fall amounts are less than half what it was last year at this time and days above freezing are more than twice as many. I watered my roses today! We haven't had any significant precipitation in several weeks and it has been very sunny the last few days so I thought maybe they'd like a drink. I also think they'll fare better in the cold snap if they're well hydrated. I had to lug gallon jugs of water out, ugh! If this weather does keep on like this I'm going to ask his nibbs to hook the hose back up!

Just wanted to post a happy ending update. Shortly after this thread ended, and my new pic were up, we did lower the asking price for sale and rent. Within a week we had 5 more showings for purchase(no offers) but a very qualified renter applied to rent. Unlike my previous tennants who had a very good job, low credit score, BUT always paid their rent on time.. this couple has an excellent income, good credit score and excellent references. They had always owned a home, but were transferred 18 months ago, were planning on it being temporary, so rented. The home they have been renting in Michigan is now up for sale, and I looked at the pictures and they have lovely furnishings, that will fit perfect in my home. I'm very confident it will make the next time I list my home much easier. I have stipulated in our contract a longer 'right to show' clause.. previously 60 days, now 90 days. They stated they might be interested in purchasing at a later date, but are unsure about a future transfer at this point. I would have rather sold the home, but at least we have rental income again- the same amount as I had previoulsy been receiving. And we roll the dice and hope there isn't any further decline in the housing market in the next year or two.. I do always learn by my mistakes! Next time I will insist on better pictures from the start.. besides that.. my realtor really did an excellent job for me, in keeping me well informed of any and all feedback and following up with people frequently. I know those things should just be expected.. but not so much so with my last realtor.. I would definately use her again..just not have her take the pictures!.. and she was very ok with that.

Melissa, I haven't been in GardenWeb in a very long time - and even then, I'm usually a lurker in the Garden forums. We are starting our remodel on our kitchen, master bath and bedroom, so I wanted to see if there were any ideas out there that I could steal because it feels so overwhelming right now, trying to make the right decisions. Anyway, I wanted to tell you how much I love your step-back cabinet (I've never heard that term and I'm going to research it). It looks like it is a wonderful addition to all of the other great design ideas you've created. I love your style.

lilyfinch -- I'm glad I was able to help! If I can offer another suggestion, consider a Type-3 Clematis with dark flowers to grow into 'Renae' as it matures and is trained onto the pergola. The Type-3s are normally pruned hard each Spring and bloom on new wood, allowing you to prune and train 'Renae' without worrying about maintaining any particular rose cane as a "trellis" for Clematis stems which must remain from year to year. Typically, the Type-3s start blooming after the main rose flush, continuing until late Summer. You'll have some overlap of bloom between the two (I don't know how much 'Renae' blooms during July/August). Two Clematis that come to mind as possible companions are 'Gypsy Queen' and 'Negritjanka' -- I think they'd look stunning against 'Renae' and the pergola if you intend to paint it white (I think you mentioned that...). There are plenty of others in the purple range which aren't quite as dark but will also look really good. If you haven't already done so, look through Brushwood Nursery's website -- and check the box to show "out of stock items" to see their full inventory. "Secret Garden Musk Climber" is relatively new for me. I first received it as a band in Spring 2013, but last year's horrid Winter was too much for such a young and only moderately cold-hardy (in NJ) rose. So this Spring I purchased it again, this time as a gallon plant. It has a few canes substantially more mature than what the first one achieved, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it makes it through this Winter. I have mine planted in a bed with limbed-up arbor vitae, in a bit of a tight spot but which gets plenty of sun. I know it will eventually spread wide as well as tall, and I already have one cane weaved into an arborvitae. I'm hoping that this provides a little extra protection as well as support -- and I look forward to seeing its white blooms poking through the evergreens. It's not overly thorny, but those it has are substantial -- large and hooked, perfect for snagging itself onto a support. From what I've read here, 'Mme Alfred Carriere' can get rather large -- and I mean tree-climbing large. True, this might not be the case where you are, but I'd still consider carefully if you want it on your pergola. If you are able to train it against your house, that might be a better spot -- if you don't mind it reaching the second story. I was actually considering it for the Japanese maple in front of my house after my 'Jaune Desprez' didn't survive last Winter. Instead, I decided to use the 'Baltimore Belle' I already had instead of ordering another Tea-Noisette which might not be able to handle Winter here in such an exposed location. :-) ~Christopher Here is a link that might be useful: Brushwood Nursery