Jeri, you were not late, just right on time. And besides, at my age late is fine. Thanks My dear Sue of the beautiful smile and bestest oodles thank you and I can't wait to see you in May. Krista, I worked yesterday, but I had a fabulous weekend filled with friends and wonderful food. Thanks. Florence, you are the best and we all appreciate you on this site. I love your pictures of the sprawling ramblers in your backyard. Carol, our memories are very special and can never be taken away. My time in SC is special to me, so back at you girl. Jackie, Miss Manners says that you need to visit me so that I can repay your hospitality. But, you know that I would love to see your garden in its glory and sip some wine by the lake. You are so dear to me. Geez Joe, I need to see your garden. Your pictures are breathtaking and I hear such good things. Thank you. Melissa, I hope to get to you one of these days when the dollar gets a bit stronger. My guess is that with young children, it will be a while before you make it across the states to beautiful (and not humid) California. Thanks Carol

Barbara, thank you so much. I would love to see you and hug your neck again :-) Deb, just look at that beautiful rose. You are doing a great job with your roses. I'm so happy for you. Thank you for the nice words. Hi Kate with the face of an angel and the dancing pugs. I thank you for the birthday wish. Hello to Joe and hug the pugs. Melissa, it is never too late. I wish I could visit your garden some day. In the meantime I will continue enjoying your stories and photo's. Thank you. Kathy, I knew I should have bought that rose.... LA, I remember every step I took in your garden, how warm and wonderful that cup of coffe was, and how fragrant the roses. It was a wonderful day and I wish I could visit again in May, but I doubt Bill will let me run away again so soon. Thank you so much. Maybe you would like to come back to the hot humid south? Love to you too. Bet, watch Suze, she is a sneaky one. Before you know it Alchymist will live in your garden too. I have one because of her, but I can't say that I am sorry. :-) Judith, well I love it, it's a beauty. Carol

Thank you, Jerome! I'm hoping for a less eventful year :-) Jim, you will love Georges garden. A little piece of heaven on earth. I didn't know you were in Long Island. I could have visited you when I came up to see George! I remember the fun we had at Richards! Remember the nuts dropping on our heads? :-)Thank you for the birthday greeting! Anne, it's like old home week around here! Glad to "see" you too. Thank you for the birthday wishes! My precious Beau died two years ago. I said I wouldn't have another dog but these two from the rescue caught my eye and my heart. Meet Harvey and Barney :-) I don't find time to come here often anymore and I am pleased and happy to see that some of you remember me and to have such lovely birthday wishes. Thank you all.

Hi Carole, Sorry to be late, but the wishes for a happy birthday and a wonderful year are just as sincere as if I'd been on time. Hope your celebration was terrific! Here's one of our first r. serratipetala blooms: Sue