Here are some others not to forget: Griffeth Buck Vernon Rickard Paul Barden I don't believe Americans are dissinterested in things that were not invented here. We seem to be quite fond of things with European names like Krupps, Braun, and all those other coffee makers. We eat tons of ethnic food. Lots of us are tourists. When the Beatles came out many of us became Anglophiles and a lot of us still think the English cottage garden is the ultimate. We are a country full of appreciative people, IMO. I have never noticed anyone not wanting to buy a rose because it was bred by a non-AMerican. Excuse me for digressing. Anyway even with it's flaws I bet I could really enjoy looking at that book, Devon. I usually check the big Botanica's out from the library but have my easy to hold paperback copy which I enjoy. My library also has The Rose Bible and Antique Roses for the South, both of which were responsible for a number of roses in my garden. Linda

Good evening! It's 86 F. and the mosquitoes had a nice dinner on me - literally! I have bites on my face and on my hands and knees. All the fun spots that I can't resist scratching in my sleep. Donna, I'm so sorry for all you're going through. Be strong and post more often for lots of (((hugs))). Jan, I have severe osteoporosis and have been on Fosamax for 6 years with good results. I'll never be perfect, but my bones are stronger than they were at 55. I also take two calcium tabs every night before bed. Raeanne, I really hope my son loves this birthday gift. In the last few years, I've taken the safe way out and just gone with a GC. And, I didn't make it to Dallas after Christmas this past year, so my sister and decided to just wait until this weekend to exchange gifts. I don't usually wait quite this long! Still lots of packing to do. I keep thinking of things like sheets and spring rods to take to my Dson for when they move into their new home in late August. That's what I used until we got our window coverings, and it was helpful. I also need to take Alexis's (9 yr. old DGD) books to her that she forgot last visit. I haven't seen her in a month, and I really am excited to see her tomorrow night when she flies in from AL and visiting my xh and his wife. Guess I'd better get back to it because experience has taught me that nobody else is going to do my packing for me! Have a great rest of the week!

The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare...Lilian Jackson Braun

As a person who has had a lifetime of having cats...18 with the two new additions, I feel your pain. I had to list them to make sure I wasn't forgetting anyone. Simon, Pumpkin, Casey, Cricket, Maddie,Louie, Emma, Minnie, Nellie, Annie, Peeper, lily, Henry ,Phoebe, Bernie, Poppy, Piper in no particular order except at the beginning and end. Of these, I had one prolific pee-er. It can be many factors, medical , emotional and just because they can. Maddie was my pee er and after vet's visits and other modifications which were futile, one day I took her in the carriage house empty of cars. It's a very large building and it was summer and a trial for a day or two. I put her food and water, toys and bed and litter box. I had thought maybe she was being bullied. Nope, she peed out of the box when there was NO earthly reason. I have one or two who pooped beside the box even though it was cleaned every day. Cats are mysterious creatures. Three years ago when I found the Maine coon I thought maybe that's why he was dumped. Nope, perfect habits from day one, All five litter boxes are in the basement and so when I got the new girls in June, Piper did pee on a rug because this was all new to her being in a cage for over four months but as soon as I carried her down to the basement, she caught on, Since two of my cats are declawed(not by me) my only problem now is dealing with piper clawing inappropriate things but she's good about using scratching posts. I think inappropriate elimination is the number one reason cats are dumped. I am such a cat person, I could never live a minute without a few, but will admit it's a nasty problem. I'm sorry this was rambling with really no solution. I have used Natures Miracle with limited results. I think a change in their lives...cats hate change and new things is a big factor too. Good luck.