Hi all... im finally back I was out in the new yard pickin bricks (as crazy as that sounds.... its true) Tons and tons of them everywhere. Well Royce, you got it man! Thats EXACTLY what i was talking about. And i see where th differences in size can come into play. Yes the same patterned flower for three years in circulation @ 4"s then improved upon by the same patterned flower @6-7"s is worth introducing. or visa-versa in the case of minies. But the same is the same is the same is the same.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Especially if there are not dramatic differences in th plants, as in habit increase and otherwise. Even when looking at parentage and some of the same names come up? GEE i wonder how thats possible? THEY LOOK SO MUCH ALIKE!? are you for real? (rambling) OK nummama, here goes. If you take a look at the posts i have made (digging a hole, should i say grave for myself) where people have posted flowers/seedlings and asked for opinions, i do always try to comment. Take a closer look and you will see a pattern. I always remark on what i think the best is of the bunch, or the best part of the flower. Nothing else. Because they are my opinions and i would hate to hurt anyones feelings. Some people might post 8 dif. blooms... i comment on one. The rest are well i think we can all guess what i think! But in the same respect i EXPECT the same from you! On tinkers there is some-one i like alot. Rebecca. Dont know her but love her. When i post there sometimes (very seldomely) a pic of a seedling... i for the most part get ooohhhhss ahhhhhs, u know save face comments! She posts... i dont think that one is any good, all in all i looks like a composter! All i can do is laugh, but its true and its real, and upon further evaluation unless some miracle occours.... they endup in the horses mouth... my composter. On another note, i moved some seedlings last year, one of which was an 8" flat form opened real wide like a hibiscus, looked like one to, beautiful gold with burnt orange stipling on the petals almost a bi-tone..... Its no where to be found! I could kick myself... im so sick! well need to get back to the brick picking and whoever posts next, ill be sure to spread the CRAP adjective pretty THICK! G

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. The memorial celebration went so well, a bright sunny day, people wrote condolence and memories on squares of vellum we provided, those who spoke each took a rose petal from the pink roses (Mom's favorites)and held it while they shared a rememberance, then placed it in a crystal bowl. I will make sachet's for my daughters from the petals. And we sent dozens of balloons sailing up toward the mountains with our love and wishes for Mom. My granddaughter made a collage of pictures of Mom from childhood, college, early wife and mothering, as well as recent pictures, and everyone enjoyed seeing them. All in all, a loving tribute. I am glad I made myself do it for her, when all I wanted to do was go to bed and pull the covers over my head. Little sister breezed into town for Thanksgiving...maybe after the NY trip this week, I will be able to sort out my very mixed emotions about that!

Laurel, I'm very sorry you lost your Mom. She was so pretty and very youthful looking. She's at peace now. And I know we all want that for our lost loved ones. I lost my Dad 25 years ago, he was only 60! My Mum died in my arms 12 years ago. I didn't think I would survive that. I hope you and your sister can help each other through this. You're in my prayers.

Feeling a little better today, Monday. I've spoken with my siblings and they understand I can't come for a visit right now, my husband is in a Rehab Hospital himself due to an exacerbation of Mulktiple Sclerosis. My brother is the Executor of the Estate. My two sisters have volunteered to help with the sorting of her belongings. I wrote my brother Bill "Billy" a long letter, thanking him for taking care of Mom for the last years since Dad died , for visiting her every day when she was hospitalized, for getting her hospice at home, and told him I will not challenge the will. I trust him, we were best pals growing up, and I know he'll do right for all of us. Mom wanted no wake or funeral; we will spread her ashes when the summer comes. Thank you for all your responses. They give me strength to carry on. Yes it's true. Love to all of you! Jannie (aka Janice/Jan)