"When it comes time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home." Chief Aupumut, Mohican. 1725 Then there is Robert Frost Still a Long way to go� Robert Frost Posted on April 10, 2009 by JamesInDigital Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by: Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there�s some mistake. The only other sound�s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep,

Robert, No harm done, I was pressed for time when I responded and may have come accross as offended. I understand that everyone's frame of reference is vastly different and typed communications deny us the subtle inferences that impart so much. A perfect frame of reference example was your comment that "with so many roses to chose from, why would you want to risk suckering" I would imagine your choices in zone 7 would be almost limitless. Alas for us in zone 3 they are in fact quite limited. But again it is all based upon perception only. I may drool over the lush climbers, teas noisettes & china's that I will never be able to have and at the same time be dumbfounded that folks in the south lust after things like tulips, delph's and the rugosa's. As much as things like this define our differences, we all ultimately want the same things. The Algonquin area is lovely. I hope you get the chance to use it often in the summer. I am much further north at the top of Lake Superior, about 3 hrs north of Duluth MN. We still have several feet of snow on the ground and the temps are just now beginning to slip above freezing for a few hours at midday. The garage roses are still sleeping in the pit but at least the cuttings are blooming in the basement. cathy

@v1rtu0s1ty Those are some very nice Catalpa specimens. Here in Minnesota they are very common residential plantings, so Im surprised that you haven't seen more of them. Anyhow, our West Iowa friend is correct. Catalpa are extremely easy to start from seed, done it a couple of times myself actually. The pods generally stay in the tree and burst open on the branches, releasing their winged seeds. The seeds will remind you of Tree-of-Heaven seeds. Collect the seeds by taking the pods off the tree sometime in oct-november, or basically any time before winter (which is when the pods often burst). You can start them inside in a pot or wait until spring and plant them outdoors. With a little pre-soak they will sprout quite quickly. I've seen seedlings get 1-2' if not more their first year, and they are pretty quick growers after that. Just be sure you can protect them from any real hard frosts while still young, but they'll probably be fine in Northern Illinois. Enjoy! Tim

Well, whilst going thru the past messages, over the years, i felt i must join in the long ranging discussion. First, Ruth and i are still living! Not camping any more, but the motor home is ready to go at any time! Can't sell it, as gas cost is prohibitive. I remember when we went to Ipperwash Park, I had forgotten to buy my beer in the USA, and couldn't find the best hidden beer store in that area. I got to talking with a local feller, name of Charlie Miller. He said if we'd follow him to his place, he had some, and we could sit and talk for a spell. So, off we went, about ten miles, back in the sticks, and finally got to his home. He had two beers left, and sort of warm, but we sat and talked for 4 hours, and consumed his beer! What a wonderful experience, for a guy like me who likes to sit and talk to anybody! I offered to pay for the beer, but he wouldn't take any money for it! Said the fact of sitting and talking to nice folks was priceless! But, he did tell us how to find the beer store! Best example of hiding something in plain sight! Another time, we camped near Niagara Falls, in a nice camp on the Canadian side. Whilst eating lunch, a foursome came in and proceeded to try to set up one of those cheap blue dining fly's. The 4 post type. Well, after ten minutes of falling poles and twisted ropes, and lost patience, i went over to tell them i knew the secret of putting one of them up, and we'd help! I got the bum's rush, got told to mind my own business, and got fishy eyed stares from them! Well, another half-hour of trying to set it up--the poles and fabric were all stomped on, broken, and ripped and tossed into the trash! And, they left and didn't come back! One thing about Niagara Falls: Yes they are beautiful, but an hour of watching water run over a cliff, pales in comparison to the sights at the Welland Canal! Watching those ships cross a farmers field, then go into the lock, and sink out of sight--was a wonderful experience for my family, especially our two sons! We could talk to crew members as the ship was in the lock chamber and ask where they were from, or going! I always tell folks who are going to Niagara, to look for the Canal!