I didn't take many individual pics this year, but I have several overall garden shots that I really like, so I'll share those--just for a change of pace. Bright red Eutin (Kordes floribunda) surrounded by various white blooming things (like hardy garden geranium). Other end of the same bed, a sister red Eutin next to Pompenel (another Kordes), and a cute frilly petunia at its feet. Middle of the same rose bed, dominated by my gorgeous Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea (paniculata) and part of the Perfumed Path that cuts it in half. The reds you see there are not Eutin, but Braveheart (bottom right corner) and Red Intuition (middle of pic)--plus a pink Elle and white Memoire and yellow Berolina. Another center of same bed, slightly different angle--that pink rose is Austin's Jubilee Celebration front center right--same big Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea toward the back center. For the record, here is the hydrangea showing both strawberry and vanilla, which doesn't happen often--usually just vanilla. Fortunately, the vanilla is gorgeous! And one last pic--a beautiful new non-rose: But I can't resist--here is an older pic of Red Intuition, as nearly a perfect pic as is possible. Don't think I'll ever match it again. That's it. What a fun way to spend a grey winter afternoon! Hope you enjoyed it also. : ) Kate This post was edited by dublinbay on Thu, Dec 18, 14 at 16:16

I remember in the old elementary school, the boys bathroom was down in the basement and was sort of scary and once shortly after getting a new watch as a present, I took it off there to wash my hands and left it on the edge of the sink. When I went back to find it, it was gone. :-( Another time on the marble stairs leading up to the main hall of the elementary, two friends were having a contest to see who could jump down to most stairs. Starting at 3 steps from the bottom and jumping to the bottom, and then 4 steps, and then 5 steps, then 6. I was just about to ask to join the contest, because it didn't look that hard and I thought I could win. But with the next jump one of the boys slipped and landed on the steps with his arm beneath him, and got up screaming and crying and holding his arm which looked like it had two extra elbows. I also remember walking to visit a friend for the first time who only lived about a block further then the school (which was six blocks from my house) and being nervous about being able to find my way home. Although I'm now really questioning whether that would have been the old elementary school, which was first grade, or some time later. Anyway when I was looking for a picture of the school online, I saw campaign signs saying that that friend was running for head of city council (at whatever time the google street view truck was there)

I'm curious how the bare root roses were that everyone else ordered from this sale. I knew it was late in the season and J&P aren't what they used to be, but I though i'd gamble and order some tree roses and a hybrid tea. Ordered by web morning of the 26th. 36" Shazam!, 36" Scentimental, 36" Sunsprite, and Chicago Peace. I kept close eye online for any processing/movement, and on the 31st. I saw that 36" Sunsprite was listed as sold out and removed from my order. I wrote, but go no reply. Knew it was a holiday and all, but I was still surprised that it was removed. Though it was in stock. I waited, and then finally called after 36" Scentimental was removed from the order. I was bumming, they were pretty much the two I had ordered for and both were gone. I called and asked what was up, would I be getting any of what I ordered? The woman I spoke to checked with someone else there and said they had 4 24" Scentimental left. I said I'd take one, so they added it. I was really looking forward to the Sunsprite, and was surprised after waiting some time after ordering to have it removed from the order. I assumed if I could put it in the cart and process, they were in stock. For both of the tree roses I ordered. I did get an email at some point saying the quality of the Sunsprite was not up to par, and therefore was removed from my order. Finally I got an email saying they shipped on the 3rd. I got them on the 7th. Ended up with 36" Shazam!, 24" Scentimental, Chicago Peace and a gift of Hypnotized, which I hadn't considered but could be an interesting addition, if it survives. It actually looks way better than the Chicago Peace I was sent. I had concerns for all of them and called right away, but went ahead and soaked, potted and am now babying them. I knew it was late in the season, so knew concerns may be part of the deal, but still not sure what to think. I'd only ordered from J&P once before several years ago. The climber I was sent did not survive, but never could get a replacement as I couldn't find my paperwork and it was right when they were going through bankruptcy, if I recall. I sort of blew it off. Anyhow, how was the condition of the bare roots and tree roses you were sent? Did you get what you put in your cart and ordered, or did you end up having roses removed before they were shipped to you? Did you end up with a gift, too? I'm guessing by the thread that phone orders filled first, you think? I'll know that for next time.

Carpet needs padding to support it. Carpet consists of fiber woven into a backing Without a great pad beneath, the backing will break. If the backing breaks, the aging process of the carpet accelerates. The carpet gets wavy and the fibers look worn. Check with the manufacturer of your carpet-as some carpet warranties outline specific requirements for the padding. A question to ask is it frothed urethane? Don't confuse frothed foam with standard foam pad . Not only are they totally different-but they're actually at opposite ends of the padding spectrum. The different is prime foam/standard foam has gas mixed in with the foam when it is manufactured. Frothed foam does not. This makes frothed foam extremely durable. It is also one of the few pads that last through two carpet installations. In other words you won't need to replace the pad when you purchase new carpet down the road. So what's the trade off? You are right the price tag!!!! Rebond is the sweet spot for most homeowners. It's one of the cheapest pads, but durable enough to hold up for many years.