Steve and I had a wonderful weekend in Paris! He wanted to stay near the airport, but I begged him to book our hotel in the 5th, which he did, and it was wonderful. We bought metro passes, but walked everywhere we wanted to go, which included up and down banks of the Seine, to the Cluny (which was less than a block away), the Musee D'Orsay, and to various restaurants. Dinner last night was at a restaurant that bills itself as the oldest cafe in Paris (founded in 1686, and previously frequented by the likes of Voltaire, Danton, Robespierre, Moliere, Diderot & Ben Franklin). We could see out our window that the building across the street was the one Marat was imprisoned and died in. Our dinner was pretty awesome. We both started out with a bottle of wine and escargots, and I thought of Sheila and how much better off I'd be stomping the buggers with my shoe than maneuvering that teeny fork and the grabber thingie. (They were yum!) Next, Steve had some chicken thing and I had braised ox-cheeks served in a cast iron pot with carrots, potatoes, and a sublime sauce. We finished off with creme brulee --- a favorite of both of ours. I did manage to sneak a couple photos (with the camera flash turned off) when no one was looking and I'll post them when we get back next week. This morning we flew to Nice (via Munich). I was disappointed not to be able to take the TGV, but flying was cheaper. We have a lovely view of the Mediterranean from our balcony. Steve was to have a conference call at midnight (our time) with coworkers in the US and a business partner in China (there's no good time to have that call) but it got postponed and instead, they scheduled a different call for 8:00 our time, which we only found out about at 7:00... so we got some Chinese take out to eat in our hotel room since dinners take hours here. The call got canceled at the very last moment, and he is on the hook for a proper dinner tomorrow night! (I have to be cool about his schedule since this is a business trip for him.) I am enjoying speaking French again. I'm a little rusty, but I've been able to communicate all our needs thus far without reverting to English, and have enjoyed the conversations I've had with all sorts of people. Everyone has been as polite, charming and engaging as I remember from my last time here nearly 20 years ago... (that thing about French waiters being rude is a lie --- they're efficient and unbelievably accommodating.) Steve started out the week with meetings in England, Wales, and Germany. We have lost track of the number of people who have congratulated us on our election and have broached the subject of American politics with us. We have strong opinions on the subject and have enjoyed these conversations (though we'd never be the ones to bring the topic up ourselves). Tonight's a wash, but I'm looking forward to exploring tomorrow. If Steve doesn't have any work responsibilities, I think we'll rent bicycles and ride them along the beach. If he has to work, I'll shop. I have a whole day of cooking class and various market tours scheduled for Wednesday. We've noticed lots of poppy pins on lapels. It will be interesting to spend 11/11 in Europe...

I'm so sorry for your tsuris, Harmony! Having dealt with precisely what you describe off and on since 1989, I felt the pain you expressed. I believe you were correct in just letting the roses recover on their own with copious water. In many cases, water really is the best "fertilizer", "fungicide" and "insecticide". As long as the plants can be kept sufficiently hydrated, their will to live is amazing! Nature truly has provided them with everything they need to survive, if given half a chance. In this climate, I have found mounding soil over the bud union after replanting from a gopher attack, as you would a new bare root, has helped greatly in preventing the plant from drying out as quickly. It apparently also helps keep it cooler and darker, which are the conditions conducive to root formation rather than top growth. As long as you pay attention, catch the problem before the plant is too far gone and keep it wet, most can be salvaged. But, it is a bear and definitely NOT fun. Congratulations on your successful recovery! I know it wasn't the way you wanted to make the decision, but at least the whole situation worked to help you cull those roses which really didn't speak to you. Now, you should be happier with the garden. It's often difficult to make the transition from quantity to quality. Kim

Thanks for the stars and for the fun, TM. I realize that's I see patterns in numbers easier than in words. Probably why I find math interesting. We had 3/10th of an inch of rain late last evening. While there is plenty of moisture in the ground the top layer was getting dry and I was planning to water Wednesday. We will be gone for most of a week and want to leave the gardens well watered. More rains expected over the weekend so gardens should be okay. Good luck with your stone wall, Cynthia. Please post photos of your progress. I've thought of adding a stone wall but don't think I am up to taking the time needed or that amount of physical work anymore. I'm trying to get my garden beds into shape so we can do more summer travel next year. Laura, glad you have your DW back. Doing a kitchen and bathroom remodel at the same time must be chaotic. We are talking about doing one or the other this fall. Need to do both but don't know if I could handle them both at the same time. Nancy, is that new puppy keeping you hopping? We are going to The Black Hills of SD for DH's family reunion this weekend. Don't know if we will have Internet access so may not see you all for next week's trivia. If I am able to connect I should have lots of help from some very smart people.

I've seen very few Polston daylilies in people's garden shots. It's nice to see his Swimming with Sharks. I know he likes his edges and that is a nice one......Ultimate Illusion looks interesting and the clump shot of Red lightning stands out.........I think one of my favorites of this group is Betty Benz. I love the substance and look of the petals. A subtly colored beauty............Maryl