Good morning, Patricia. I had to work this weekend so I've just gotten back to this post. You know what crazy, long hours I work. I am not miffed. I know that you are my friend and that this post was written in a light hearted manner. I hadn't responded because I was still doing the finishing up with the kitchen thing, working and most importantly, I don't know exactly how many pots are out there. :-) Seriously, I would have to go count them and I haven't had time. I try never to count them because I am a firm believer that in this case, ignorance is bliss. When Bill asks me how many roses are out there in pots, I can truthfully say "I don't know"...The numbers are constantly changing due to new acquisitions and roses given away. There are a few reasons that I grow so many roses in pots. I have a small garden so a rose has to prove itself to me before it actually gets a place in the ground. I have an established garden with huge bushes so a small ownroot rose needs to put on growth before it can compete with the other roses. I've been gardening for years and I don't believe it when most people tell me I can't grow something until I try it for myself.:-) If I get a rose that doesn't grow well, I don't automatically assume that it is my garden, sometimes it can be the clone I received so I will usually try another if it is a rose I really want, and lastly I "need" to actually see a rose in bloom, smell the fragrance and look at the bush in person before I can know if it will suit me or my garden. Many roses have come and gone here without ever being planted. I know that this method wouldn't suit everyone, but it works for me. I'll actually go out there and count them today if it isn't over 100 degrees again! BTW, thank you for the kind words about my garden and my abilities. You, Ann, Jean and a few others taught me everything I needed to know about growing roses. Mostly, you taught me to follow my instincts, use common sense, and call for help when I got in over my head :-) Someone on this forum was recently very rude and condescending in remarks that were directed to me, personally. Joe is my friend, just as you are, and I can only guess that maybe he was feeling a little protective and unsure of the tone of the post. I know that you would do the same for me, as I would for you. I love both of you and don't want either of you to be upset or hurt. I'm sorry that there was a misunderstanding. Please accept my apology. Carol

teeth chatter

extender pole

hibernating bear (well, the early bears anyway....LOL) R?