Also, you might consider Chamblee's Roses. They are shipped in gallon pots and are more mature than roses of many own-root vendors. Chamblee's selection is not as extensive as some, but they do have nice roses. Another vendor with larger own-root plants is High Country Roses, though their selection is aimed at colder climates. Still, you might find some you like there; I have. Amity Heritage Roses used to sell the largest own-root bands around, just gorgeous plants, but I don't think they are currently active. It didn't look like it to me when I last visited their website. Probably there are others, but I'm only mentioning ones I have purchased from myself. My personal favorite vendor is Vintage, and I buy the majority of my roses there, but you do have to mature them in a gallon pot yourself. Rosefolly

I'm so glad you're feeling better. It is good to have those tests once in a while, but also good to have them over with! I love biscornus, myself--don't know whether you would consider them "fun" or not, though! ;0] Here are some others, too: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bella_dia/sets/733357/ Chicken Pincushions http://www.web-goddess.org/archive.php/postID/2381 I hope these links still work. I had to figure them out from where I had saved them in Firefox's "Scrapbook." Here is a link that might be useful: Biscornu making

You certainly have a full plate going on here. And no, you're not a bad person for feeling what would be normal and expected frustration. I think you're due a break yourself...the day in and day out has got to be taking a toll on your own mental and physical self. Can you do that? Can you arrange for some occasional help and an evening out for yourself? Maybe a housecleaner a day or two a week? Somebody who can maybe premake meals for the freezer on Sunday afternoons so you can just pull them out during the week? You've taken on a lot all by yourself and have both children and teens that are making things even harder than necessary. I'd say get these older kids up and into helping, but with some of their health conditions I don't know what they can and can't do...or what might set off one of their problems. I'd hate to say something like 'get that oldest kid going into action' and then have him go full blow asthma attack on you. Only you, your wife and their drs know to what extent you could push this area. Their mouthiness and bad attitude are not physical though and you really do deserve more respect than what you are being shown. Maybe a sit down family discussion with your wife fully backing you up and supporting your stand. No cooperation no treats. You don't owe them nights at the movies or other fun activities if they can't at least appreciate it and realize that such events/items are not going to be forth coming if the attitudes don't change. Reality check the little darlings. The teens especially are old enough to know that if you walked out that door along with your paycheck , housecleaning, and cooking they'd all be 'up a creek without a paddle'. They can either behave themselves and start showing some respect, stop the fighting and constant crap or you stop cooking, cleaning and handing out money. Your their step father and the only father currently willing to step up, you've taken this on as a volunteer, you're working your butt off to make a home for them all and you did it out of love...they can start appreciating it and acting a part of the family or they can figure out how they are all going to fend for themselves. If you don't begin to find some sense of relaxation and a few moments of happiness now and then you're going to destroy your own health...caretakers usually take a bigger toll on themselves than on those they are trying to care for. It's not an easy thing to do and your body will begin to pay the price.

Tinker, I remember those posts you made. I'm so glad that everything is working out for you! I totally understand the whole second guessing thing. Right now I have my "kitchen in a bag" I bring with me to show everyone. In the bag is a sample of my granite, handles, flooring and cabinet paint. My husband thinks I'm crazy. (in a good way!). I look forward to seeing photos of your new kitchen. Barb