I've heard good things about Kordes' newer roses being disease-resistant in a variety of conditions- how interesting that many of the roses you've looked at have similar foliage types. I wonder if having smaller leaves is beneficial in itself (smaller target for pests/fungi or promotes better air circulation?), or if the similarity of appearance is a result of using certain disease-resistant parents who just happen to also have small leaves? Sorry- I do tend to overthink things. But I wasn't trying to hijack this thread- I was wondering if the Carruth-like foliage of the rose in question means this is likely to be a Carruth plant, or if that leaf look could be seen as a clue to check out plants with similar ancestry... Given your familiarity with the Carruth roses, do you think any of them has a flower shape that's pretty similar to that of mauvegirl's rose? From what I know about plant genetics (mostly from working with camellias), a plant with a dominant leaf trait is likely to bequeathe that trait to most of its offspring, even if the parent plant is chosen for reasons unrelated to leaf shape. But Mendeleev I'm not, so I may be off-base with this line of inquiry...

Well, just read all comments in one sitting. Infestation is traumatic. Especially when inflicted by a third party. Been there. But should we be POISONING ourselves, families and pets? The use of chemicals, etc., and "dirt" not safe for breathing, is cause for alarm. Do we need look farther for causes of cancer, and other disease? Asthma? Autoimmune? In humans and our pets. I've had them all. And lost my pure white Maltipoo to mesothelioma! (Asbestos.) How was he contaminated? Don't know. Having read these stories, I am giving thanks to the Universe that my concerns today about the odd speck of flea dirt is nothing to complain about. And easy to spot. How did I get here? WHITE ON WHITE: I love white. Warm whites, and cool: Floors, decor, linens, etc., it provides ME much needed brightness, greater opportunity for cleanliness - it shows dirt! including flea dirt! thus I clean and launder with passion. Place was spotless when my new wee white adopted Maltipoo pup, who takes a monthly flea pill - for now, arrived with fleas from Fresno - captured stray and wounded from streets, spared euthanasia thanks to rescue organization, healing has been a process. Her sensitive skin was angry. Her fleas were eradicated, quickly with vets help. How? Initially: one extra (chemical) flea pill was given. Initially 3 weekly baths with shampoo prescribed for her sensitive skin. After shampooing, rinsing, I would spray her with 50/50 diluted organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar - let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse lightly. This calmed her skin. I've read it's widely used to eliminate fleas. (DO NOT SPRAY NEAR EYES) She gets super omega fish oils SUPPLEMENT about 4-5 times weekly. Instinct Raw Frozen DIET. GRAIN FREE. With the odd flea picked up on outings, I am guessing, I inspect daily, we are LUCKY! White bedding, towels and throws make it easy to spot evidence. And easy to remedy through laundry. Here's what works for us: NO chemical cleaners, sprays, etc., NONE. LAUNDRY: WHITE VINEGAR (cleaning-strength) and PURE TEA TREE OIL added to each load. (Detergent: Nature Clean), Extra rinses. Hot dryer. Duvets too: both down and wool laundered with same method, several cycles in hot driers - fluffs up the feathers and wool. Works beautifully. Carpets removed. I make my own cleaning solution, using SAME white vinegar and tea-tree oil. (Using Nature Clean All Purpose Concentrate) NO CHEMICALS. Goal is to eliminate that flea pill: Education. A work-in-progress. If chemical cleaners and insecticide smells and inhalation don't make you sick (as they make me) think of the cumulative, long term impact. I deeply sympathize and empathize with everyone experiencing the trauma of infestation. Something experienced with my first dog who died too young (age 10) of cancer.

I love good flea markets that sell junk and not so much new stuff and clothes, altho there is one here that sells mostly new stuff, appliances, clothes, etc...mostly hispanics...but once in awhile there will be a good buy on a piece of junk because they really aren't interested in stuff like that usually. I like yard sales, estate sales, auctions, dumpster diving, curb shopping. I am mostly into stuff for the garden now, since I've filled my house a few times over, but I won't turn down a neat piece of junk for the house. Last week I found two old faux bois planters. I had to think "WWMD?" Ha! Not really. (What would Martha do?) Martha collects faux bois...fake wood...made out of cement. I jumped at them for $10 for both.

What a cute kitten. Sometimes I miss having a cat around. Speaking of Hide and Seek, a ripple rug pretty much saved my life (or at least my legs) when I had my daughter’s cat for a couple of weeks. I don’t think he likes me most of the time, so he would attack my legs and bite through the jeans. Wearing him out with that rug helped. Of course it would be a lot cheaper to make it yourself with some carpet and Velcro. A lot of fun for them.