Donna...yes and Rosalie. The photo doesn't do justice to what a mess she is....the first scape is 6" and the second is just 2 so far. There are 2 disfigured blooms trying to open in the middle of the 4 that are open...they are far from what I expected. I did just now go put my nose into the bouquet...ahhhhh....sweetness! ;-) K

Thanks Scott - great advice. Just to clarify, the original plan was to pump glycol out from our existing solar hot water system to a heat exchanger for pool water - so there would be no intermingling of pool and domestic water. The solar guy did mention the need to drain the solar panels and said it may be necessary to blow them out at the end of the season. But I would hate to start the system up in the spring and end up with pool water draining out all over place from the panels! I hadn't thought of the issue of additional wear and tear on the liner on the steps - I'll give the non-lined steps a second look. As for stone, we were looking at limestone bullnose coping, but perhaps limestone is too porous? We had originally planned on bluestone, but it seems to get awfully hot underfoot. We did get a quote from the pool company on a cantilevered concrete deck but the pool guy said that due to the cost of the molds, it would be just as expensive as the stone. However, if that is really a better way to go than the stone, perhaps I should reconsider? Maybe a narrow cantilevered concrete coping with a stone deck set outside? PS We are putting in a salt system - not sure if that impacts the deck choice... Thanks again. I am feeling completely overwhelmed and appreciate the advice.

Looks like you got the perfect Christmas gift Beth. I have always enjoyed looking at your photos, but these are even better. The beauty of the roses really stands out with amazing clarity. Thanks for sharing them with us!

mary yep I remember you love yellows, king George is a big bloom,too.YES, THIS LAST one may very well be Strawberry Candy. Thank you.Debra, I do have Red Eyed GRANY. it has a bigger bloom then this one.