Hi guys, :o) it's time to update this thread! The work is still in progress, a few Roses are still waiting to be planted, and some architectural detail need to be completed, but in a few weeks all should be done! Here's some pictures to share with you the work in progress :o) I've started by the end of April, planting the very first roses, even if nothing of the hardscaping work was done :oP There where still the giant cardoons that I was going to uproot by the end of June. (The blooming rose to the right is the Wichurana Rambler 'Paul Noel') I keep on planting all the summer long, step by step, working very early in the morning (it was SO hot!!), and by the end of August nearly all the Roses have been in place - A bad picture prom the North side of the (shapeless) walk By the end of September, with a more pleasant, fresh air and a couple of showers, we have started with the path, steps and a few other architectural details... A picture with my father in the background, to better show proportions. The path seems to be larger than necessary, but this is to allow the roses and perennials to spread out in the path. By October, two big Moroccan jars have been placed making a striking focal point at each end, The North side (I've planted a Rosemary hedge behind it to hide the back structures and to make a "firm" background) And the South side... In November, some Roses where in flower (Gloire de Rosomanes and 'Souvenir de la Malmaison' in the foreground, with green flowered Chrysanthemums (...how many weeds to pull out...!) The last picture I've take, a few days ago. Note the chipped leaves of the Olive Tree to cover the path, and the steps leading to the small vegetable garden. It looks so bare now...I'm waiting for Spring to come!! Ciao! :o) Maurizio

I too, love your home! I've totally enjoyed seeing the pictures you so generously share with us on the forum. A question: Is your antique bed shorter than modern beds? If so, have you bought a new mattress and bed springs? And if you have, and if you are happy with them, would you share where you bought them? The reason I ask is that I have an antique sleigh bed that very much needs a new mattress and box springs. It is about an inch shorter than modern standard mattresses. I'm having a difficult time finding a quality mattress for it.

Ear Mitts Kat! We were going to Seattle today, but after watching the news, we are staying on the Island! Too icy outside now to even take the dog for a walk!

I have had so many I lost track, but I have a positive history. I had to follow a cancer protocol. At first I had another after 6 months, then once a year for a few years, then three years, and now 5 years. My history started at age 38. I most definitely would not be here alive today if I had not insisted on having one done at 38. I made a believer of my gastroenterologist. When you have a nagging feeling that something is wrong stand your ground! I have had several types of preps but I have absolutely refused to do the golytly gallon drink. I also stand up for the type of prep I will do and with as much experience as I have I know what works best for me. I did like the pills and I knew to take them as prescribed with the proper amount of water. Unfortunately because of some people having negative reactions not many doctors use them now. My latest one a little over a year ago was one of the newer split preps it was nasty tasting but I always chill it and use ice, a straw and hold my nose as I suck down as much as possible. Then immediately rinse my mouth with water. It really does work. I also always start taking a stool softener, NOT laxative!, 2 nights prior to the prep. It makes the movement much easier and less painful. Not being able to eat is difficult. I also buy my favorite soup from a restaurant and strain it for just liquid. I stock up on Popsicles. Depending on the Iv drug cocktail I might or might not remember anything. The latest version I didn't need to get Phenergan in the mix but I used to become extremely nauseous upon waking up and would vomit, with risk of aspiration. Demerol does that to me. So they knew to add some Phenergan to the Iv. It's not a fun process but I am alive because I did it! That's a very powerful statement. I will stand on a soapbox any day to help get that message across. I was 38 and the doctor said I probably would not have seen 40. I had no definitive symptoms, I had no blood, I had stools shaped like a U, a deep groove down the center. That was caused by the extremely large growth in my lower colon. My doctor decided he would go along with me just to make me feel better. He was shocked. Please get your colonscopy done.