Hi Judith: Muriate of Potash is potassium chloride, salt index of 116.2, very high, that's the stuff we use to de-ice in zone 5a winter. I would not use that stuff on any plants. Sulfate of potash has salt index of 43, NPK 0-0-50, plus the sulfate part which makes it more water soluble. The safest potassium with no salt would be chop-up banana peels soaked in water. Banana peels NPK is 0-3-42. MiracleGro Moisture Control potting soil (blue bag) already has slow-released fertilizer for 3-months, no need for additional fertilizer. What it doesn't have is calcium, essential for root-growth. I put granular gypsum bought from Menards on top of my roses ... after 1 month of spring rain, that didn't dissolve. Gypsum is 22% calcium, and 17% sulfur, but it varies with brand .. some brand contains less sulfur, and never get dissolved. The soluble gypsum from Kelp4Less dissolved easily in my tap water, pH 8, so I suspect there's more sulfur % in that one. The instant green-up and deepening of bloom colors most likely is from the sulfur %. I would dissolve the gypsum you bought from the feed store at the rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon, if it doesn't dissolve, then is best used in the ground. Roses Unlimited recommends mixing in 1 cup of gypsum in the planting hole. If the gypsum you bought from the feed store still doesn't dissolve, I would put less than 1 tablespoon of vinegar per gallon ... any more roses will wilt in the heat. Putting vinegar in the heat is risky, less is best. So far 4 studies pointed to calcium and extra potassium as essential in best root-growth: U. of Kentucky with Peters 20-10-20, same with U. of Mass with marigolds. Two additional studies: one with hydroponic lettuce, with the best result Masterblend 20-18-38 with added calcium nitrate and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt). This was done hydroponic, no soil, thus the logic for Epsom salt. Another experiment is done by Ohio Link NTD center on New Guinea impatient flowers. Here's the tested ones: Peters-water-soluble 20- 4.4 -16 Daniels-soybean-base 10- 1.8 -2.5 Osmocote 3-month release 15-4-10 5-month slow-release 15-4-10 The best performance is Peters-water-soluble (NPK 20-4.4-16). The worst performance is organic soybean base, too little potassium. Potassium mobility is a 3, somewhat mobile, and gets leached out. Potassium is essential for root growth, that's the only extra fertilizer one needs besides calcium for best root growth. MiracleGro potting soil has plenty of nitrogen, I get a gigantic dark-green Excellenz von Schubert from a band, I had to chop off 2 feet of growth, before planting in ground. The safest bet: chopped up banana peels soak in water for potassium, and gypsum powder at 1 tablespoon per gallon (low salt index of 8). Plus MiracleGro Moisture Control potting soil (blue bag), which already have slow-released fertilizers. Less fertilizer is best for young bands. Below is Gene Boerner, bought from Roses Unlimited end of June sale, fertilized with the above approach. Picture taken few days ago, so it's 3-weeks of growth:

ARS 2011 OFFICIAL ROSE LIST SUPPLEMENT, JANUARY 2012 GW A Partial listing of registered / unregistered roses with Approved Exhibition Names (AEN�s), missing from publications utilized in judging roses. The ARS Official Rose List, Modern Roses 12 and Recent Rose Registrant website etc. Lists are posted on the last day of each month, remaining valid until ARS publically publishes something contrary to all members. 1) ARS Approved Exhibition Name (AEN), or temporary (AEN). 2) Color Classification. 3) Introduction / MR 12, Recent Rose Registrant website and ARS Rose magazine registrations. 4) Date of latest change. NOTE: Roses in italic with an (X) are additions or corrections this month. Roses listed in the Combined Rose List (CRL), have temp. AEN�s. By Ronald Schwerdt 1-31-2012 THIS IS NOT AN ARS PUBLICATION HYBRID TEA (HT) Amelia HT, 4-20-2010>>>>>>>(Gr) Amy�s Rose HT, yb, 2011 Antique Duett HT, rb, 2010 Anna Mae , HT, pb, 5-29-2011 Atsuhime HT, mr, 2011 Bandleader HT, dr, 2911 Big Guy HT, my, 12-4-2011 Black Berry HT, dr, 2009 Bobby Jean , HT, mp, 10-26-2011 Burgund Cl HT, dr, 2011 Carey E HT, pb, 12-4-2011 Child of My Heart HT, ab, 2010 Cerise Success HT, mr, 11-9-2010 Charlies Rose HT, pb, 9-15-2010 Cullinan Centenary HT, ly, 2011 Dama De Lago (X) HT, ab, 1-28-2012 Dame Nellie Melba HT, lp, 7-31-2011 Dearest Anne , HT, m, 10-26-2011 Dollar Secret (X) HT, mp, 1-28-2012 Dona Martin , HT, lp, 10-26-2011 Dorothy House HT, pb, 2010 Ducat HT, my, 2009 Eclat de Tendresse HT>>>>>>>(Gr) Elizabeth Hallowell Irwin pb, 5-25-2011 Eunice School HT, w, 2011 Eventail HT, D�Or, dy, 2011 Father�s Love HT, 2009 Feeling HT,>>>>>>>>>>(S) Flirty Girl HT, rb, 12-4-2011 Gates of Eden (X) HT, lp, 1-28-2012 Gentle Giant�s Child HT, ab, 5-25-2011 Gerd Keichel HT, yb, 2011 Goldkuste HT, dy, 2011 Graceful Gisela HT, ab, 2011 Gustav Mahler HT, dr, 2011 Halloween Tiger (X) HT, ob, 1-28-2012 Harlequin HT, rb, 2010 Hannah Jeanette HT, rb, 5-25-2011 Heart of Cupid (X) HT, mp, 1-28-2012 Helene de Troie (X) HT, pb, 1-28-2012 Hopeful Heart HT, ab, 5-25-2011 Hope�s Vision HT, ob, 12-4-2011 Hot Kouzaki (X) HT, pb, 1-28-2012 Hot Salsa! HT, dp, 2013, 5-25-2011 Intense HT, my, 2011 Itsukushima HT,or, 2011 Jam and Jerusalem HT, ob, 2011 Jenna Clifford HT, pb, 2010 Jewel Grace (X) HT, pb, 1- 28-2012 JimJimmy James HT, or, 12-4-2011 Judy Lynn HT, ab, 12-4-2011 Krtstal-Lynn HT, pb, 2011, 5-25-2011 Ladykiller HT, m, 2010 Ludwig HT, 7-28-2010>>>S, 9-2-2010 Madeline HT, yb, 2/9/2011, 2011-3 Magic Lamp HT, rb, 2011 Magnifica HT, dp, 2011 Mama Africa HT, r, 2011 Mama Jean HT, w, 2011, 5-25-2011 Mara Louw HT, yb, 2011 Mill�s Magic (X) HT, mp, 1-28-2012 Miz Tis HT, w, 12-4-2011 Mojave Sunset HT, ob, 12-4-2011 Morning Sky HT, dy, 2010 Mukta HT, lp, 5-25-2011 My Brother Jack HT, pb, 2011 Mysterieuse HT>>>>>>(F), 9-8-2010 Natalie Ann HT, m, 2/9/2011 Nike HT, 2010 N-Joy HT, pb, 8-19-2009 Our Ruby HT, rb, 7-31-2011, Party Hardy HT, op, 12-4-2011 Petit Coquette HT, w, 2011 Pink Florence HT, mp, 2010 Pitahya HT, pb, 2010 Promesse Eternelle HT, m, 2011 Red Desire HT, mr, 2010 Resa G HT, rb, 12-4-2011 Roger Miller (X) HT, dr, 1-28-2012 S Pandey HT, pb, 2004 Sally Michelle dp, 7-31-2011, 9-3-2011 Senorita HT, pb, 2011 Sepia Note HT, ob, 2010 Sister Jane HT, 9/10-2010, Shug HT, mp, 12-4-2011 Sky Tree 21 HT, m, 7-31-2011 Snapshot (X) HT, mp, 1-28-2012 So Chic (X) HT, m, 1-28-2012 Souv de Baden-Baden HT, pb, 2011 Sunstar HT, dy, 2010 Super N-Joy pb, 2009>>>>>N-Joy Supernova HT, w, 12-4-2011 Sweet and Lovely (X) HT, pb, 1-28-2012 Sweet Dekora HT, w, 2010 Sweet Parole HT, mp, 2011 Tania Norris HT, yb, 5-25-2011 Tblbeta pb, 3-5-07, 4/2007 Testarssa HT, dr, 2010 The Blushing Princess yb, 10-26-2011 Toni HT, dp, 12-4-2011 Toplesse HT, w, Tsunami (X) HT, dp, 1-28-2012 Vagarious , HT, ob, 10-26-2011 Valentino HT, mr, 2010 Wanda HT, ab,>>>>>>>>>(yb) Wanda Ferragamo HT, m, 2010 Wedding Bell HT, w, 2010 Wedding Bells HT, dp, 2011 White Handkerchief , HT, w, 10-2011 Young Rita HT, yb, 2007 Yu-Zen HT, mr, 2011 GRANDIFLORAS: (Gr.) Amelia , Gr, mp, 3-22-2011 Eclat de Tendresse Gr, mp, 2010 Twilight Zone Gr, m, 7-31-2011 Uptown Girl , Gr, op, 10-26-2011 Vic�s Refrain Gr, w, >>>>>>>>>(S) FLORIBUNDAS: (F) Abder F, 2011 Anne Birnhak F, mp, 2011 Apricot Morning (X) F, ab, 1-28-2012 Bengail F, 2012 Bordure Apricot F, ab, 2010 Bossa Nova F, mp, 1992>>>Changed to Pol)*****September 2004 "Rose", on pg. 7 Breath F, ab, 7-23-2010 Caramac Diana F, r, 5-30-2011 Charm F, mp, 2010 Coeurs De Vendee F, mr, 2011 Cream Veranda F, ab, 2011 Dad� Day , F, dr, 7-31-2011 Darling Charlie , F, op, 7-31-2011 Denise Anne F, mp, 12-4-2011 Dianne Eve (X) F, w, 1-28-2012 Douglas F, or, 2011 Eleanor Masson F, ob, 2011 Equity F, mp, 2010 Estart F, dy, 2010 Fabulous at 60 (X) F, op, 1-28-2012 Famosa F , 2008 Firestar F, or, 2010 Flaming Redhead F, mr, 7-31-2011 Flashing Eyes (X) F, pb, 1-28-2012 Friend�s Forever F, >>>>>>(S) Gartenspab F, ob, 2010 Ginger Glow F, ob, 2011, 5-25-2011 Glitzy Glam (X) F, ob, 1-28-2012 Great Speckled Bird (X) F, pb, 1-28-2012 Hannah Gordon Cl F, pb, 2010 Hansestadt Rostock F, ab, 2011 Harquest F, ab, 2009 Henrietta Elaine Marks F, ab, 5-25-2011 Iroha F, rb, 2011 Isle of View F, dr, 12-4-2011 It�s Magic F, mr, 2002 Jan Cilliers F, my, 2011 Jugendiebe S, mr, 2011 Juliet Jackson-Bonner (X) w, 1-28-2012 June Elizabeth ) F, pb, 12-4-2011 Kana Rose F, ob, 2011 Konigin Kunigunde F, 2011 Lila May F, lp, 2011 Looking Cute (X) S, lp, 1-28-2012 Love Song F, m, 7-31-2011 Mercedia F, ob, 2010 Mom F, m, 2011, 5-25-2011 Mysterieuse (F), 9-8-2010 Noir F, dr, 2010 Orange Bouquet F, op, 2010 Orange Velvet F, ob, 12-4-2011 Out of Rosenheim F, dr, 2011 Pat�s Pink F, dp, 12-4-2011 Patricia Ziad (X) F, ob, 1-28-2012 Pink Lipstick (X) F, mp, 1-28-2012 Prinne (X), F, pb, 1-28-2012 Puppy Kisses F, m, 2013, 5-25-2011 Purity F, w, 2011, 5-25-2011 Qunceanera F, lp, 12-4-2011 Raspberry Ice F, rb, 17/25, 1989 Rawfabsal (X) F, op, 10-26-2011>>>>> >>>>>>>>Fabulous at 50 F, 12-4-2011 Red Galaxy (X), F, rb, 12-4-2011 San Diego Sweetheart F,>>>>>(M/F Saskia Jade F, yb, 12-4-20110 Scent of Woman F, m, 2010 Scented Air F, m, 2010 Sepia Note F,>>>>>>>>>>>>(HT) Sharing A Happiness F, pb, 2011 Slim Dusty F, dy, 2010 Sparkle & Shine F, dy, 2012, 5-25-2011 Starry Eyed F, lp, 2/9/2011, 2011-3 Steve Long (X) F, ob, 1-28-2012 Striped Frau Astrid Spath F, rb, Sunny Samba F, dy, 2011 Sweet Cailin F, ab, 2010 Sweet Caitlin F, ly, 2010 Sweet Milo F, m, 2011, 5-25-2011 The Last Dance F, my, 2010 Thelma G F, ob, 12-4-2011 Vanessa�s Gift , F, m, 7-31-2011 MINIATURES: (Min) Akane Min, r, 2011 All a�Twitter Min, ob, 2012 Ann Hopper Min, pb, 2012, 5-25-2011 Baron�s Rose (X) Min, rb, 1-28-2012 BENomen Min, 2011 AOE Boogie Woogie Min, rb, 2010, 5-25-2011 Butter Me Up Min, my, 2012, 5-25-2011 Daddy Frank TM>>>>>>Min, 8-18-2011 Daddy�s Little Girl Min>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>Daddy�s Little Girl TM Danillla Min>>>>>>>>(M/F) Dark Tiffany Min>>>>>>M/F) Diamond Eyes Min, m, 5-25-2011 Fading Love Min, 2009 Festa Min, 2000 Harpeep Min, 2009 Holly Tred Min, 1990 I Believe In You (X) Min, m, 1-28-2012 Janjin Min, dp, 7-31-2011 La Belle Carmen Min, mp, 1999 Layer Cake , Min, or, 10-26-2011 Mermaid Palace Min, or, 17/ 25, 2003 Nova Hit Min, lp, 17/25, 5-31-2010 Nova Hit Min>>>>>>>>(M/F) Peppermint Patty Min, mp, 2010 Petit Pink Min, pb, 5-27-2011 Picture Perfect (X) Min, pb, 1-2012 Pink Flemenco Min, dp, 12-4-2011 Plum Sauce Min, m, 7-29-2010 Priscilla Plumbbob , Min, pb, 10-2011 Splash of Color Cl Min, rb, 12-4-2011 Strawberry Cream Min, pb, 12-4-2011 Toscana Balconia Min>>>>>>>(S) Triple Hit Min, rb, 2006 Urawa Red Diamonds Min, 2011 Yumeotome Min, pb Whimsy Min, pb, 7-31-2011 White Irish Splendor , Min, w, 10-2011 MINIFLORA: (MinFl) Affection >>>>>>>>Affection Hit Alicante >>>>>>>>>>Alicante Hit Amber Meillandina ob, 7-16-2010 Andigirl (X) M/F, mr, 1-228-2012 Anna Mae M/F, 4-20-2010>>>>(HT) Bamoraltn dr, 26/40, 2006 Bandito! (X) M/F, mr, 1-28-2012 Beautiful Anne M/F, r, 7-31-2011 Caroleen Hit TM M/F, dy, 5-30-2010 Daddy Frank TM M/F>>>>>>>(Min) Danillla Hit TM M/F, w, 5-30-2010 Dark Tiffany Hit TM dp, 5-30-2010 Delight Hit M/F, ab, 2006 Ellen Palace M/F, w, 26/40, 2009 Exciting Hit TM M/F, lp, 5-30-2010 Fading Love M/F, >>>>>>>>>>(Min) Flaming Hit M/F, ob, 5-30-2010 For Mickey M/F, dp, 9-2009, "Rose"> >Changed to (Vonna Mae), 9-2010 "Rose" Golden 2007 Hit TM dy, 5-30-2010 Golden Hit (M/F>> Golden 2007 Hit TM) Golden Hit TM M/F, dy, 5-30-2010 Graceful Palace TM M/F, w, 5-28-2010 Gucci Hit TM M/F, pb, 5-30-2010 Hampton Palace M/F, w, 5-30-2010 Honora Hit M/F>> >>Honora Hit TM) Honora Hit TM M/F , w, 5-30-2010 Isabel Hit M/F>>>>.( Isabel Hit TM) Isabel Hit TM M/F, dr, 5-30-2010 Judie M/F>>>>>( Judie Hit TM) Judie Hit TM M/F, ab, 8-11-2010 Laurent Hit M/F, my, 5-30-2010 Lillian Morgan M/F, m, 2.5", 5-25-2011 Lindsey�s Laugh , S, lp, 10-26-2011 Lo and Behold M/F>>>>>(M/F) Lo and Behold TM M/F, 3-31-2009 Loreal Hit TM M/F, ab, 5-30-2010 Lynn M/F>>>>>( Lynn TM) Lynn TM M/F, m, 7-28-2009 Madonna M/F>>>( Madonna Hit) Madonna Hit M/F, ab, 5-30-2010 Manuel Cuevas (X) M/F, 1-28-2012 Mermaid Palace Temp AEN>>>>(Min) Minnelli M/F>>>>( Minnelli Hit) Minnelli Hit M/F, ab, 5-22-2007 Misaki M/F, 2010, lp, 8-19-2010 Miss Reed M/F, dr, 2011, 5-25-2011 New Isabel TM >>>>>(New Isobel Hit) New Isobel Hit M/F, mr, 5-30-2010 Nova 2009 Hit M/F, mp, 5-30-2010 Nova Hit M/F, >>>>(Nova 2009 Hit) Palomino Hit M/F, ob, 5-31-2010 Patron M/F, >>>>>>>>(Patron TM) Patron TM M/F, dr, 2011, 2-9-2011 Picture Perfect (X) M/F>>>Min., 2007 Plum Sauce M/F>>>>>Min, 2011 OL Polaris Hit M/F, w, 2006, 5-31-2010 Pride Palace TM, M/F, dr, 5-28-2010 Raspberry Ice rb->>>M/F, 10-5-2006>>> >>>Changed to a (F) in July 2010 "Rose" Rebekah Hit M/F, mp, 5-31-2010 San Diego Sweetheart M/F, ab, 2010 Sister Jane M/F, 3-12-2010>>>>>>HT Southern Peach M/F, ab, 12-4-2011 Spirit Dance TM M/F, ob, 5-31-2010 Stella Hit TM M/F, ob, 5-31-2010 Toril Hit , M/F, dr, 2007, 5-31,2010 Triple Hit M/F, rb,>>>>>>>>(Min) Vonna Mae M/F, dp, 10-2010, "Rose" LARGE FLOWERED CLIMBER (LCl) Belgian Beauty LCl, m, Louis De Funes LCl, ob, 2011 Our Nan�s Sister , LCl, op, 10-26-2011 Peshpompom LCl>>>>>>>>>(S) Reaching the Sky , LCl, pb, 10-26-2011 Silence Is Golden LCl, ob, 2011 Smiley Faces LCl, my, 2011 POLYANTHA: (Pol) Bossa Nova Pol, mp, 9-2004>>>>> >>>Changed to Bossa Nova TM, 4-8-2010 Bouquet De Mariee Pol, mp, 2010 Chloe Eileen ( X) Pol, dp, 1-28-2012 Komurasaki Pol, m, 2011 Little Butterfly (X) S, >>>(Pol)., 2012-1 Miss Crabtree Pol, pb, 10-26-2011 Oso Happy TM Smoothie (X) Pol, 2012 Petit Pink Pol, mp, 2010 September Celebration w, 5-30-2011 CLASSIC SHRUBS: HYBRID MUSKS (HMsk) De Tous Mois** HMsk w, Kartause Lttingen HMsk, w, 2011 MODERN SHRUBS: (S) Addictive Love S, w, 2011 Alissar, Princess of Persia S, rb, 2010 Allerhop (X) S, dp, 1-2 8-2012 American Legacy S, dp, 2010 Arabia S, ab, 2011 Black Forest Rose S, mr, 2011 Bull�s Eye S, w, 7-31-2011 C J�s True Love S, 2012, 5-25-2011 Cariad S, mp, 2011 Cinderella�s Song Darcey S, dr, 2011 Dawn Star S, lp, 2010 Eleanore Cruse S, 2007 Elizabeth Bowers (X) S, mp, 4-8>>>41+ Elemental (X) S, dr, 1-28-2012 Equity S, mp, 2010>>>>>>(F) Eye Candy (X) S, yb, 1-28-2012 Feeling S, mp, 2010 Fine Dressin� (X) S, dp, 1-28-2012 Folletto S, pb, 2011 Friend�s Forever (S), dp, 2010 Full of Passion (X) S, dp, 1-28-2012 Fun Jwan Lo ** S, w, Garden Of Roses S, w, 2011 Gartnerfreude S, op, 2010 Gerald Van Der Kamp S, 2005 Global Waters S, mp, 2011 Grandpa�s Boy S, lr, 2010 Jardin De Granville S, lp, 2011 Jeanne De Chedigny S, lp, 2011 Jukebox Tune (X) S, rb, 1-28-2012 Katla S, ob, 2011, 5-25-2011 Kew Gardens S, w, 7-7-2009, L�Oiseau Chanteur lp, 2/9/2011, 2011-3 La Maculee F, pb, 2010 La Roche Guyon S, dp, 2011 Little Butterfly (X) S, >>>(Pol)., 2012-1 Lipstick S, dp, 2011 Lucia Melo S, dr, 7-31-2011 Ludwig S, 9-2-2010 J&P Madam S, p, 2011 Mango Salsa S, rb, 2010 Mary Susan S, ob, 2010 Mohanna S, yb, 2010 Monique Bouygues S, mp, 2011 Monplasir-Guydarmet S, rb, 2011 Moonlight Love (X) S, w, 1-28-2012 Moraya Rouge S, mr, 2011 Neon Bright (X) S, mr, 1-28-2012 Note Dame de Rosa S, 2011 Oh By Jingo (X) S, yb, 1-28-2012 Orchid Legacy S, m, 2008 Paul Brooks S, 2006 Peshpompom S, ly, 2010 Pinnatifide** S, mp, Pink Frost , S, pb, 2011 Platinum Blonde (X) S, w, 1-28-2012 Plotz Of Spots (X) S, pb, 1-28-2012 Premier Essai ** S, w, 1866 Princess Anne , S, mp, 10--26-2011 Raspberry Lemonade S, rb, 5-27-2011 Remi Chang S, mp, 2011 Rivers� Musk Cluster ** mp, Roisin Ruddle S, ob, 2004>>>Ron Ruddle Salmon Wings S, op, 2011 Saphir S, w, 2010 Satin Haze S, lp, 2011 Silken Touch (X) S, lp, 1-28-2012 Silky Moon (X) S, my, 1-28-2012 Skeeter (X) S, my, 1-28-2012 Soft Knockout S, lp, 2008 South Moon S, w, 2010 Striata ** S, rb, Sunlit Yellow (X) S, my, 1-28-2012 Susan Williams-Ellis , S, w, 10-26-2011 Thanksgiving Rose S, ab, 2010 The Endeavour , S, pb, 10-26-2011 The Lady�s Blush S, lp, 2011 The Sun & The Heart S, yb, 2010 Topolina S, pb, 2013 Town OF Kensington S, pb, 2011 Under The Rose S, dr, 2011 Ventilo S, dp, 2011 Victory Cry (X) S, dp, 1-28-2012 Vic�s Refrain S, w, 1/27/08, 5/2008 Wheaton�s Royal Mile Pub w, 2011 Wichtel S, w, 1994 Xavier de Fraissinette S, my, 2011 Xtion S, dp, 2010 Yabba Dabba Doo S, pb, 7-31-2011 Yderosen , S, lp, 10-26-2011 Yume Otome S, pb, Zaros S, dp, 2010 HYBRID RUGOSA (HRg) Freycinet HRg, m, 2010 Heather HRg, pb, 2011, 5-25-2011 Jaimie HRg, m, 2011, 5-25-2011 Red Foxi HRg, lr, 2011 HYBRID WICHURANA (HWich) Bullseye HWich, pb, 2011, 5-25-2011 OLD GARDEN ROSES CENTIFOLIA (C) Gerda Nissen C, mr HYBRID CHINA ( HCh) Gages Gift Ch, op, 10-26-2011 Patron D�Orleans Ch, dr Yellow Mutabilis Ch, my, 2010 HYBRID GALlICA (HGal) Etienne HGal, m, 2011 Poitevine HGal, mp MISCELLANEOUS OGR�s: (Misc. OGR) Amanda Saborn Saborn w, 5-27-2011 HYBRID PERPERUAL (HP) Joey Angiolino HP, pb, 2012, 5-25-2011 HYBRID KORDESII (HKor) Emma Elizabeth , HKor, mp, 7-31-2011 Xiuhcoati (X) HKor, mp, 1-28-2012 MOSS & CLIMBING MOSS (M & CL M) Carena , M, m, 7-31-2011 NOISETTE (N) Xochimilco (X) N, lp, 1-28-2012 Xuchiti (X) N, LP, 1-28-2012

You can always go to a flooring store to just look at wood samples in various colors and get started there, so you have an idea in mind of what color you are going for. Then it will be up to the flooring guy and the staining guy to get as close to that color as they can to what you have in mind. I started with the flooring first (which wasn't stained as it's vinyl) which gave me a lot to work with as there is a lot of variation in the flooring color, and then I ended up picking out the stain for the kitchen cabinets to blend with the flooring color, and I liked it so much that we used the same stain for the stained woodwork, including the handrail. Don't push your desires aside and then get angry or wait too long and be miserable. That is not the best way to get what you want. Rather, learn to be calm assertive....so they can either explain to you why what you want isn't going to work and it explain it to your satisfaction....or if they can't, insist that you want it done your way. You are footing the bill and you have to live with the choices that are made...they don't. They have other objectives. I remember when dealing with the trades, it was difficult as they each would insist on something but they'd be conflicting. It was because each trade saw it from their perspective and their ability to get their part of the job done in the easiest way. But I had to make sure I got MY way as I had to live with the result...they didn't.

Hi LL and all.............Spent a quiet weekend......ate pretty good no serious binging or any for that matter but I was up 1.8 this morning...kinda discouraging since I have really been getting the treadmill work in......... I need to work on the smiling too...people in my area are big in that department but I've been kinda glum lately.....not feeling my best.... Hope everyone works hard and eats well..I am going to concentrate on this 1.8 pounds...