Well, all in all I must've moved about 20 roses...I had some that were in their third summer and still only a 6" twig...so, far I think I've lost the weakest of the bunch..the china, Louis XIV... For those that may be slightly interested, these are some of the roses I recall moving because they just weren't performing/growing Cramoisi Superier Therese Bugnet (from the death bed) Gruss an Teplitz Louise Odier Wind Chimes Cymbeline Double Knockout Lyda Rose Louis XIV John Davis Reine de Violettes Honeysweet Perle d'Or Maitland White Annie Vibert Francesca Pretty Lady Lavendar Lassie The Mayflower Knockout There are probably others that I've moved but these are the ones I recall. I am really thinking that the majority of them just need constant watering which they couldn't get where I had them before... I'm enjoying this rose journey still... Robert

Stlgal: Thanks so much for the report on Austins so I know what to avoid. My regrets here: Pat Austin (healthy but few blooms that shatters, so-so scent) - Mary Rose (annoying prickly thorns). Onederw: Bolero is also great here in Chicago area. The best-looking and best-fragrance at the rose park in late fall. The fragrance is elegant, like an expensive perfume. Now I just have to find a red rose to plant next to Bolero in zone 5a. When I checked on Mayflower and Eglantyne - there are varied opinions. I wonder if some roses prefer acidic soil versus alkaline soil. Some roses with a wimpy start might need some shade, or a jump on nitrogen. I had problems with William Shakespeare's own-root, slow, stunt, yellowish growth - until I fixed the soil: 2 gallons of peat moss with 1 gallon of alfalfa meal (bring down pH of my 7.7 alkaline soil, plus a hefty nitrogen-boost). He's now extremely vigorous, dark green, and healthy in east sun. What Michaelg wrote helped me a lot: RE: Can Roses on Multiflora Rootstock Grow In Alkaline West? Posted by michaelg z6B NC Mts (My Page) on Fri, Feb 4, 11 at 17:28 Maryl, surely own-root hybrids vary in their tolerance for alkalinity and salts; many would be more tolerant than multiflora but less tolerant than Huey. Rugosa and roses of multiflora heritage (some ramblers, polyanthas, and hybrid musks) of course would tend to prefer acid.

Oh lucky you! We LOVE that area, have spent many happy times in Flag, at the Canyon and in Sedona. There's not a lot to do in Flagstaff itself, other than admiring the San Francisco Mts, but the Canyon will leave you with your jaw dropped and Sedona is very beautiful, despite the tourists and over-building. Where are you staying in Flag? We like Little America a lot, although not for the food. There is also a lovely museum of Native American history and crafts which is well worth visiting. You will love the restaurant at El Tovar Lodge at the G.C. You can also hike along the canyon rim without getting so close that it bothers you (I also hate heights). Just be prepared for the place to be stuffed with wall-to-wall tourists in July. Take sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. In Sedona, the Pink Jeep tours are excellent. Personally I don't think much of the vortex idea, but the views from them are very good. There's an accessible vortex on the hill going up to the Sedona Airport. Sedona has some of the best shops and galleries in the Southwest. A special place to visit is Tlaquepaque (ta-lah-ka-pah-key) Square. This is an area of galleries and restaurants that is built in the style of an old Mexican town. Even if you don't buy anything - haha - just strolling around is great fun. I like Rene's French Restaurant there and also the very good Mexican one. The galleries are tremendous - take an empty credit card, lol. There are also good galleries across Oak Creek from Tlaquepaque, including one just over the bridge that specializes in Native American rugs and weavings. To die for. There are many shops on the main road through town, but lots of those are pretty junky. Best of all, IMHO, is the drive through and up Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89, which connects Sedona to I-40 and Flag. I would drive it from the top down for a spectacular view that you will never forget. It's very, very twisty for about 15 minutes and then settles into an easy winding drive through O.C.C. that is just a dream. Personally, if I were you, I'd take one or two overnights in Sedona. You will want that much time, and it's a bit of a shlep back and forth from Flag. When we're in Sedona we stay at Sky Ranch Lodge, on Airport Mt. It's a well-kept motel, nothing remarkable, but OMG the views are incredible. At night, with the town lights below and the stars above, you'll think that you're in heaven! Enjoy!

Thanks all! Vala, she does have her own litterbox now in our bedroom, but before we started keeping her in here permanently Cali would block her from the food and water and litterbox. She bullies her every step of the way which is interesting because when Amy was pregnant and then when the kittens were little she scared all my other cats, going "mama cat" on them if they got near her babies. I don't know why she has totally changed into a meek kitty, I think she misses her babies and has no reason left to fight. I am so sad that she has to live this way, although at night she LOVES sleeping between Jim's and my heads.