You bet, Andie. The events of that period laid the groundwork for the struggle which would take place in the 1860s. I find it amazing that a century and a half later, Americans still mentally divide themselves by the Mason-Dixon line. It is understandable, however, when one comprehends the terrible way it permeated every pore of life in every American household on both sides of the line. Our history courses don't do this era, nor the war era, justice. One can see that authors who write textbooks still see it from the perspective of their particular orientation to that line. Although slavery was a major issue, it wasn't the sole issue nor a particularly popular one on either side until later in the conflict. There was an immense amount of intrigue and politicking right on up to and through the rebellion. Polk's era lay right in that time-frame when the country was establishing itself westward at full speed, and the era of the railroad was about to change how it was done.

Hello Florence. Thanks for your advice. I read the article "New York Times" on Camellia in Louisiana. My congratulations. It's a great satisfaction to see an article on camellias in a newspaper as important and known in the world. I also congratulate you and the fans who work to protect the Camellias and ancient gardens. To me, I love old camellias and I like to try to achieve their identification. In 2010, during a visit to Portugal with other members of the Spanish Camellia Society, identified an ancient variety. The "Formosa de Young" symns."Young's Formosa", "Formosa Youngii", cultivar of English origin in the mid-nineteenth century. Experts have recognized Areeiro SF. I like knowing that many other people in the world have the same passion I have. I hope to achieve save camellias Island Tabasco Peppers. Receive my warm greetings. Daniel D.F. oKintos Camellia japonica "Formosa de Young" Here is a link that might be useful: New York Times article camellias

gaelen these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem,Carrier/Bryant. ...... I would not purchase a re-branded system period. I find that type of selling strategy very suspicious. I did go on the James River site and it told you very little and absolutely nothing about the manufacturers they represented. for me, that raises a red flag. I am not certain you could get a certificate for HVAC tax credit qualification on a so called James River Select model. Take a look at my link below on one of the reviews. The AmStd dealer is listed as an authorized dealer? You have been quoted a Heritage 15 HP system. Excellent sgl stg HP system. You are replacing a three ton system? What size heat strip do you have? Trane/AmStd make a 7/12KW staged heat strip that I would recommend.I would ask dealer to break out the cost for the zoning control and other associated costs. What mdl zoning control? Why do you want it? I assume this includes ductwork modification. Correct? Thermostat selection depend on whether you go with zoning controls or not. Trane has been behind the curve in this area for many years compared to Carrier. Honeywell has had a long business relationship with Trane/AmStd and makes their stats. The HW VP IAQ would be top of line if you elect a non-zoned system. Other choice would be the 803. If zoning controls, then a good basic on-off HP thermostat(2) as the zoning control board would handle the system's operation for both zones. I am not a fan of the CleanEffects(AccuClean) because of the maintenance/cleaning schedules that most homeowners do not follow. I prefer a good 4-5" box filter cabinet Merv 10. I am not going to comment on the need for ERV or Humidifier as you know your home's characteristics and envelope better than I do. Here are AHRI HP Directory performance/efficiency numbers. 1384032 Active Systems HERITAGE 15 AMERICAN STANDARD, INC. 4A6H5036A1 4TEE3F40B1 37400 12.70 15.00 36200 9.00 IMO Here is a link that might be useful: James River Air Review

If black spot is an issue for you in zone 6a, I strongly recommend that your climber(s) should be none of your three named possibilities. Austins are not known for black spot resistance except for Olivia Rose and possibly one or two others. That's not too good in light of there being well over 100+ Austins that have been commercially introduced. My many Austins trialed over the past years were all black spotters. As soon as I decide this spring which roses are going to get shovel pruned, I hope to finally put in at least one Olivia Rose. This goal is long overdue, then our Kristine LeGault's strong recommendation of OR to me will be accomplished. Thanks Kristine! I only grew Jeannie Lajoie of the three you are eyeing, and then, that was many years ago. For me its flower was mini, but the bush was quite substantial...not by any means mini in stature. 12' basal canes were the rule. The basically barely scented, light pink bloom itself is 1.5", heavily petaled, high centered, and the bush's spring flush was spectacularly lavish here, to the point where the foliage was almost completely obscured by flowers. However, repeat blooming was sparse, never improving over the years. One JL could easily cover a 8-10' section of 4' high fence, planted on center, and given about 5 yrs. to do it. A bush at either base of your trellis would do the job. When my two bushes were finally dug out due to their annoyingly poor repeat bloom, and need of regular spraying for black spot, the crowns were a foot across! Ah yes, JL is a black spot magnet, just about 2/3 defoliating by mid-summer if not regularly fungicide sprayed. At least, that was my experience, and the same for all who grow JL around here. Do yourself a favor and go black spot resistant. Take a good hard look at Quicksilver, almost the perfect climber, which laughs at black spot. Moses