Thanks so much for all your wonderful responses - I'm glad you liked this, and it's good to hear there are many more northern gardeners like me that recognize themselves in this poem. I found myself muttering Seuss-like comments grousing about the work of uncovering the roses this year, and wondering why on earth I'd covered them in the first place (particularly this year), so I figured writing this into a full Grinch poem would let us all laugh at ourselves. Seil, AnneCecelia, Kate - it's good to know I'm not the only one out there fretting over protections when there really isn't anything we can do about it. Like barefootgirl, I've been hitting the antiseptic hard already because the roses are telling me it's pruning time - fully leafed out in mid-March no less - even if we get a late frost, there's nothing I can do to stop them! Harmonyp, I'm honored that this posting ranks as so delightful in your book, but I've benefited from all the truly informative posts from all of you over the years. Many of the roses in my yard are there because of the recommendations and photos from all of you on GW, particularly Beth's photos(I turn to her photos on HMF more than any others to judge the real colors and appearance of roses, at least at their best). I don't think we should read this poem to our kids or novices, however, as it's a tad discouraging (even without the frostbite). My kids look at me dragging myself inside at twilight, bleeding profusely and dressed like a particularly scruffy bag lady, and for some reason they don't seem as excited as I am about growing roses! Fortunately they love the homegrown fruits and vegetables, so there's hope for them as gardeners some day! Happy pruning, with fingers crossed for no late frosts Cynthia

I found the tax shelter in this posting when searching for a gift for my brother. He is a tax preparer and has everything. So I just had to share what I did for him. I took one of those woodcraft houses from Walmart- removed the two screws from the base. I cut a 1" block of wood that fit into the bottom of the house. I glued this block onto the base thus allowing the top of the house to be easily lifted off the base. I cut a 1/2" groove in the center of the block with the table saw so I could set a card of thumb tacks into it. This was hidden in the house until the top was lifted off. I wrote a poem for this & read it to him while my daughter did a Vanna White presentation of the house. Everyone got a good laugh out of this and I finally did a complete craft project! It's been a while. Hope you have as much fun with this as we did. Here's the poem: I drew your name for Christmas It's an honor, don't you know To get my brothers name for Christmas Ah! ashopping I will go. But then I started frettin After searching high and low Whatever will I get 'im (Twas wrong to worry so!) I went into an office shop Maybe something for your desk? I talked to the clerk a lot She tried to aid me in my quest. He could use a tax shelter Is what the lady said It seemed a bit off-kelter But there was nothing left instead. So here's your little shelter All painted so very nice The foundation has been mended The roofs' been polished thrice. The flowers are all blooming In the big pot by the door The bumblebees are buzzing And there's no sawdust on the floor. It seems to be the perfect place I do agree she's right It sure beats a plain old case And your tacks! They're finally safe at night!

oh, I want to reach out and just hug you! feeling stressed and tired and aches are the worst, when one is trying to be even normal, let alone sane, during the holidays. I was the grinch in my household and it stayed that way, till the bitter end... then Marilyn, my porcelain painting mentor, called me and asked if I would like to go over to her house and bake cookies for gifts...she was feeling the pangs of an empty nest at her house. she's always baked and been on top of the holidays and this year it wasn't happening. she told me that I make her laugh and she wanted to 'join forces' and do this project together...how could I refuse? so, I did go, two days before Christmas Eve.. we baked all day, for the two entire days and painted, during the cookies cooling and baking. we baked a full table full of different kind of cookies and then wrapped them up on plates, with colorful tissue paper and celophane wrap, with bows tied to each one...she did all of this for me, to be able to give to my family...6 grown kids and the 6 grandkids..and spouses and girl/boy friends... I also made 6 hand painted ornaments for each of my grandkids...little porcelain, oval broach sized things, with fir boughs and holly berries on them, with Merry Christmas 2007, in the centers. I didn't think they would make any impact on the kids and I was so surprised, when the two older ones opened them..the 14 yr. old boy and the 10 yr. old girl... "gramma, you MADE these?" "they're awesome!" let me tell you....coming from kids, in this day and age...I could have died and gone to heaven at that very instant! such simple things, for such heartwarming rewards....

Melinda, so sorry your not feeling well. I know you must sometimes feel like it will never end, but you have so much faith and such a good attitude about it all. I would not worry about the bra at all. I'm sure no one will even know. I'm glad you had fun today and enjoyed the swap.