I knew that some of you could relate to the living in our gardens part! Michael Marriott was a good speaker and it was also also a pleasure to finally get a chance to meet him in person. He has designed some really great rosegardens that are a great inspiration to me. I hope many of you will have a chance to meet him and hear him tell about English Roses in the garden. I do think he tours various parts of the world, and it would be a good idea to invite him to a meeting at your local rose society. I did read that about his seminar at Ashdown Roses Carole. And yes...feeding the soil (and thereby also the roses) really makes a huge different in vigor and health. I also mostly use roses in "Mixed borders" with many companion plants. Veilchen and Ruth: I don´t think you will regret getting the old Wisley! When we live in cold areas, we need roses that are this vigourous. It seems to be one of those roses that will bounce back and become 5 feet tall every year, even if the canes froze back to 3-4 inches (The protected part). And I really like the big pink flowers, that looks like a pink version of Golden Celebration. I also really like the fragrance! AusIntense is a fitting name! But yes the flowers nod, but so does the flowers of Golden celebration and Jubilee Celebration ... and even worse on William Morris and a Shropshire Lad. But then again ...these roses are not named after a posh ancient garden society's headquarter ... I sure look forward seeing the new cultivars (and smelling them!!)... but new is not always better ...it is always exciting to grow the new Austin Roses. I really like the new roses introduced last year (Munstead Wood and Claire Austin) and I am still the only one that has posted pictures of these roses on HMF. And I do look forward to the crowdy show ... and spring in London!!! Actually spring is almost here!!! Record Early!

give them some time to see what works in the local areas - but it will remain as mulit-purpose. Michaels is not close enough for me to go to on a regular basis - out of the way from everywhere I go (20 miles in the opposite direction) but when I visit my father-in-law, I visit a Michaels in NJ. They remind me of AC Moore which also has many crafts but each have a fairly large yarn section with good variety. Joanns is closest to my house so I go there more frequently and that is where I pick up the sewing notions. Their yarn collection is not as good but now is trying to be more competitive and recently expanded their selection. I buy yarn there only if it is on sale or if I have a coupon. Generally their yarn is more expensive. For instance the Bernat Baby Coordinates is $3.99/ 6oz in Joanns, $2.99 in Walmart at the other end of the shopping plaza (but I try NOT to shop in Walmart) and $2.69 in AC Moore 5 miles away. Even with a 40% off coupon, I hate buying it in Joanns unless I need it immediately. Try to coordinate my purchases to be at AC Moore since they all accept competitors coupons.

Thanks, everyone! I'm off to buy a 1/2" nap roller, and I found a local ICI paint store, so I'm going to give the ultra-hide a try. Thanks, Paintguy, for that tip. I'm hoping the reason you like it best is that it is forgiving in terms of the flash marks! (After feeling all confident after my walls turned-out so great, I now feel like I need some sort of "ceiling paint for dummies" to get the ceiling to be even passable!) Faron, I used the non-reflective flat on the ceiling. When I asked at the paint store this is what they recommended. They did not mention the C4150 ceiling paint. I'd be curious to know your opinion on the difference between the two. My paint store told me that the non-reflective flat was only good for ceilings, as it would not stand up to wall use. What is C2 thinking here? If, as Paintguy reports, even the pros don't like the non-reflective to use on the ceiling, (and I can attest, it's certainly hard for the amateur to use), what is it's intended use--particularly if C2 has a less costly reformulated (better?) "ceiling" paint? If you have used both, or have enough comments from your customers to form an opinion, I'd be interested. Is the reformulated ceiling paint intended to replace the non-reflective? Do you think my local store is just unloading the old stuff? Just curious. Thanks Mindstorm for clearing-up the full spectrum issue. I think the full spectrum paints sound wonderful, but am wondering if there are any that are available through local stores, as opposed to mail order? Also, if I'm using basic off-whites and neutral beige, is it worth the extra cost and hassle? I've always liked plain white walls because you can change the color in a room with accessories. I'm thinking of making (for me) a "bold" move, and going with beige in my entry hall. Would I really notice that much difference between regular paint and full spectrum, considering it is, after all...beige? Thanks also Michael and Christopher for chiming in. Michael, any tips on rolling technique to maintain the wet edge? I think the longer nap roller will help, but I found, with the room size, if I start in a corner, and roll the length of my reach working across the room, by the time I get back to the side where I started, it's kinda dry? Ceiling is 9' and I'm using a pole. Surprised no one picked up on the floetrol? would this stuff help keep things wet? Is there a downside to using it?

Did you enjoy being tied up? Me thinks ya probably did! LOL My holidays were spent working (I was on two weeks vacation), but Christmas was nice with the family. I hope you had a great holiday, too. Don't you DARE change your modus operandi - you are the life-blood of this place! I will debate with you any day. People who can't stand to be challenged/argued with are more than likely unsure of their sources and facts. That's ok - just be aware that other's opinions are just that - opinions, and take them with a grain of salt. I know you well enough to say that you don't give a statement unless you are sure of what you are saying, so please - keep saying!