There are many hardy roses which may not have the big high centered flowers of the hybrid teas but are pretty in their own right and fragrant as a bonus. Any hybrid rugosa is good and is hardy to the tips, very fragrant also. Canadian Explorers of which there are several climbers were specially hybridized to withstand temperatures to minus 40 in some cases. The Canadian Parkland series, many of which begin with Morden, as in Morden Sunrise, Morden Ruby, and Morden Fireglow, bloom very much like floribundas and Griffith Buck roses are often referred to as hybrid tea wannabees. While the latter will die back somewhat, they come back quickly. I also grow over 20 climbers that are hardy also. Roses by Bailey nurseries from your area are also hardy. Hardy can mean crown hardy not necessarily cane hardy. In your zone, burying the bud union 4-6 inches deep will help protect the bush except on really tender hybrid teas. I'd get own root roses as they have no bud union to worry about. You'll not find own roots at Pickering and Palatine. Roses Unlimited, Vintage Roses, among others are fine own root nurseries but you should purchase now or wait until spring. If planted too late in the season, own root roses grown in warm climates and shipped to cold growing area, won't have time to get established and acclimated this year. While I don't get as cold as you, I grow 400 hardy varieties in my zone 5a and do little more than allow nature to blow leaves in around the bases of my roses. Snow cover before a severe drop in temps will also act as insulation. You should have snow cover most of the winter. E-mail me for a list of roses I grow that are hardy for me and would most likely survive your cold winters. All mine are own root.

SG, I think it's the noise. The library is one place I expect some peace and quiet. Other places too but 'Quiet Please' is the hallmark of a library that certainly everyone should be aware of. It's just inappropriate to have chatting and noise. It wouldn't be just you. It would be the next 10 people over the next 10 minutes as well. Libraries are places of study. People are there to concentrate on their reading and work. I don't visit often but last few times I was shocked at the staff's noise and chatter, all made worse by the vast open space, glass walls, and vaulted ceiling. It's bad enough when the patrons are inconsiderate and disruptive but staff should know better. They should also try to keep others quiet. The person at the busy information desk was just plain loud. Constantly booming away through the whole space. Then you try to escape to a private cube in a remote area and you've got the kids hiding back there talking and giggling nonstop. Noise, noise, noise. Bright colors, bright lights, constant talking and activity. Everything must be vibrant, bustling and loud. The world is addicted to it. I just want some peace and quiet! I don't know how some people can concentrate on what they're doing and get their work done when they're busy talking all the time. One of these days I just might scream to really shake things up, lol.

I have personal experience with the folks at Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital - part of the In Town Veterinary group (the place Naturegurl noted in Woburn) and was very happy with them. Everyone from the intake to the techs to the pharmacists and doctors were all very calm, caring people who made us feel that although our baby-boy was sick he was in very capable hands. Thumbs up! 20 Cabot Road Woburn, MA 01801 T: (781) 932-5802 F: (781) 932-5837 Also, Bulger Animal Hospital in Andover, MA is part of the same In Town Veterinary family and I've heard only good reviews of them over the years. 247 Chickering Road North Andover, MA 01845 T: (978) 682-9905 F: (978) 975-0133 Another vote for Tufts, too. A few friends are vets trained there and are very competent. One did our boys' neutering years ago. Well wishes to your kitty and you.

Yes, not too long ago and ironically with Kale and Sausage Soup. I had diced the potatoes and added them to the soup and the soup was simmering for at least 40 minutes and the potatoes were still crunchy. I don't know what was going on but I've never had potatoes take this long to cook. We ate the soup with crunchy potatoes because DH would not wait any longer. Michelle