On my computer that clematis looks blue with blue-purplish edging. One I might like to add to my garden. I will look for it when it's in bloom this August. Sometimes plants in public gardens have markers that are hidden behind foliage but often they are missing or were never marked. It's been a few years since I have gone to the Japanese garden in Como Park. Is that the only clematis growing there? If not and you can describe the location you might be able to call or e-mail Como Park and ask for an identification. This is a good time to visit the Como Conservatory and see their spring flower display. Think we will go this Friday or Monday. I will look for a marker and/or ask. Also, try posting on the MN forum. Maybe someone there has seen it and can identify it for you.

Marty (missouri), I've put a link here to the pattern for the signature quilt. Since I'm going to be working with my mom and sister on this project, and we want to get it pieced in a day (yikes!) I'm cutting out all the foundation blocks out of 6 1/2" muslin squares, and am using 5 1/2" squares, sewn on the diagonal, for the side pieces. It will give us 1 1/2" for the siganture. I know there will be waste, but this is the easiest way for my mom (84) and my sister (who has never quilted before). I am using patriotic fabrics, in blues and reds and the pattern will form x's and o's (I'm gonna call it Hugs and Kisses). The quilt will be made prior to the reunion, and everyone at least 18 will sign it on the front at the reunion as a family record. The quilting on the front around the blocks, will form a grid on the back of the quilt. Each year, I will write the year on one grid block on the back, and everyone in attendance will sign it within the grid. That will give us over 20 years worth of "who was there". I will take the quilt to the reunions every year. Don't know what I'll do with it then. I haven't told anyone but my mom and sister about this quilt...it's gonna be a surprize for everyone. The reunion is in August. Caroyn- Your new sewing room to be is just awesome!! It's great that there are shelves in there already! Hope this year goes by quickly for you! Here is a link that might be useful: signature quilt block pattern

I think it might work great, but white is tricky since the white of the countertop won't exactly match the white of the subway tile/cabinets. A very light grey would be probably be easier to match, although I don't know if that color scheme would be as timeless as all white. We ended up going with no backsplash (!!) and just the light grey walls. But I love an all white kitchen - and I think you might have the not-quite matching issue with most countertop color options (unless you go with a darker counter, I guess).

I'm so sorry that anyone should feel unsafe in their own community. We need decent respectful compassion for our neighbors and fellow community members by making us feel safe wearing masks and all physical distancing when necessary. It is just basic curtesy. I was hoping the rest of the country would learn from our mistakes in NY, NJ, Conn. Hit hard first and did what is best. We know so little about this virus but do know what works. Use all available precautions. Every precaution together adds to the percentage of less transfer. We had three unfortunate home tragedies. The AC went bust. The home softener/reverse osmosis needed service. On the phone they gave specific instructions for safety. Pre covid they would stack indoors and check the system. We asked they stack outside and did the filters ourself via chat. They were thankful and so helpful. Please ask via phone service calls what their protocols are before they visit. We have central AC. It just needed a reset that we could not find on-line. He never came inside and charge peanuts to re-set. (wearing a mask as did DH, outside!). The service fellow was so thankful we were wearing masks. We do 90% of our repairs by trouble-shooting. Remember the appliances forum will talk you through any issues before calling a repair service. Do try that first. I have extra masks. No one enters my home without. No need so far but not playing covid-roulette in my own home. If you do need service unavoidable, open all windows and use fans. Insist they wear masks before they come and be firm. The increase in the country is insane. So horrid for our health care workers. They are stressed beyond human normals. Holding the hands of dying patients. Shame on those not doing their part by wearing such a simple piece of fabric.