I'm bumping this as a reminder to all the local folks. There is only a little over a week until the gathering, and I'm trying to make sure that as many people as possible know about it. I just sent out an email with final details to everyone on my mailing list. The email said: Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the organizational meeting of the Old Dominion chapter of the Heritage Roses Group. (My apologies to those of you who receive this message, and live too far away to attend.) Sunday, October 10, 2010. 11am, at Hartwood Roses, 335 Hartwood Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406. The purpose of this meeting is to gather old rose enthusiasts for food and fellowship, to answer questions and share experience, and to discuss local volunteer opportunities with old roses and gardens. Our special guest for this gathering will be Dennis Whetzel, nursery manager at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants at Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lunch will be a pot luck buffet ... attendees are asked to bring a dish of their choice to share. Please contact me to reserve your spot at the gathering ... email Connie@hartwoodroses.com. The last open garden day this year will be Saturday, October 9. For those who are planning to attend the HRG meeting, and intend to buy roses that day, please order ahead of time on the web site if you can, to guarantee that your selections are available. Most remaining varieties are in short supply. We already have at least one garden volunteer opportunity, thanks to our friend Nick at Heritage Rosarium. We'll discuss the details at the meeting, and report back here afterward. I look forward to seeing as many old rose enthusiasts as possible next weekend. I'm so excited!!! Connie

Josh, That's actually 'Kamsahamnida', because I know the Kimchi Kid would want to know. Karen, Houseleek - from Wikipedia Sempervivum (sÃÂmpÃÂÃÂvaêvÃÂm),[1] known as Houseleeks or Liveforever, are a genus of about 40 species of succulent plants of the Crassulaceae family which grow in rosettes. Another name used for some species (and also for some plants in other related genera) is Hen and chicks. Yes, leeks are great in soup and baked, aren't they!

Hi Naomi! Glad you took the plunge and joined in on the action. This is a great bunch here and you won't regret it. I think there are a few forum regulars in your neck of the woods. My name is Betsy and I live north of you in Palm Coast. Near the east coast - south of St. Augustine. I currently work fulltime but am losing my job on May 2nd due to a corporate buyout/downsizing whatever they want to call it. I wish I could stay home but unfortunately that cannot happen just yet. I like all that nature has to offer. ~Betsy

woo hoo,what a great foodies welcome! And yah, I am pretty much nuts! I love reading about food, what can I say. Almost as much as eating it. I can't wait to try more of the recipes here. It is so much more fun to cook in my almost complete new kitchen. Thanks all. Sue