I'm not Lavender Lass, but I am currently growing a couple of clematis using twine for support. In one case, it's a 'Jackmanii' growing up a porch post. I tied twine to the railing on each side of the post and the loosely tied the dangling ends to two of the leaders on the vine (just enough so the leaders would find the twine to climb). They've been happily scrambling up the strings. So much so, that now I need to hang two strings from the rafters so that the vine can continue to ascend. Since 'Jackmanii' is a group III, I had pruned to 12" in early March and is now about 6' tall already. It is so fun to watch grow. The other is a 'Nelly Moser' that I am growing up an old flowering dogwood that is on its last leg. Similarly, I tied the twine to two branches so that it draped over the main trunk and loosely tied the dangling ends to two of the leaders. That one is growing up nicely, too. Basicially, I'm thinking you could put nails up high and just hang a few strings like I did. Hope that's a little bit helpful. Lisa

Thank you all so much for the very kind words and good advice. It means so much to me! I haven't had much help and part of that is my fault. Honestly, I don't want everyone to know my husband is in the hospital and I'm gone every day, visiting him. All of our friends and neighbors are wonderful, but in a small town, people talk...and soon everyone knows your situation. I actually feel safer having most people think my husband is home and feeling just fine. As for family, I don't think some of them are all that fond of the farm. It was their grandparents and many worked out here, when they were kids. I love it, but I don't think they do...which is kind of sad. But, my brother has been a big help and that's been great! Thanks again for all the support...and Gemini, thank you so much for posting this thread :)

I'm still hoping to find something similar to the Arborite, which is almost too gray...but the two tone seems to make it work...at least on my monitor. Since it's been discontinued, I can't find any actual samples. From Lavender Lass farmhouse pictures But it does look great with the bunny tile (also no longer available). From Lavender Lass farmhouse pictures Since I like this combination so much...and nothing else seems to be quite as good...I might just have some tile painted and use a blue ceramic tile countertop. I did like the flower tiles (when I was thinking about having the brick fireplace/current living room, as the kitchen) but the bunnies seem to look better, in the smaller space of the original kitchen. Thanks again for the link! :)

Hi all! Sorry I missed this earlier...but I have been with my husband a lot. He's getting better, but still a way to go. He did walk on Thanksgiving (8 steps with the parallel bars) and that was great! We're hoping he'll be home for Christmas :) Deedles- How goes the kitchen remodel? I'm sure I've missed some posts, so I hope you'll catch me up. To everyone else- Thank you for the good thoughts and well wishes. It means a great deal to both of us!