We just re-did the roof about a year or so ago. Spanish tile is very expensive, anyhow. Can you tell me more what you mean by "change the roof line"? That middle part will be changing. It's kind of hard to describe and I don't have any software tools that will let me show it but basically that section will be coming out so that it takes over the tiny front porch area and the columns. hard to see behind those arches but there's a door with sidelight (door and sidelight will change but basic configuration will remain) and a rather large window. That also means the trim around the window is open for change. Scale is about the same as the two sides, I think. See here's the thing - take away those hideous arches and you have a basic, simple, box of a house - the same box that is repeated over and over (and over) again in our neighborhood. The only thing distinguishing one house from another is color and a few bits of trim, essentially. The ones that stand out (in a good way) are the ones who have added a little something extra - such as a decorative fence and some beds in a distinctive style. If there were more true Spanish elements I wouldn't have an issue with it. In fact, the house I lived in as a teenager was Spanish in style (and quite nice even though it was a suburban tract home). But with just those two arches with those WTF boxes in the middle and the competing huge brick columns, it just looks half-a$$ed and thrown together - which it was. We know the builder and his style and reputation. He was interested in fast, simple and cheap. not style. Don't worry, though. I know I need to keep the changes fairly subtle/tame.

I think I'm in the same zone as you but I'm on the N.Olympic Peninsula, I believe you get more rain & heat than I do, lucky you! You should be able to grow some lovely Teas, we just don't get the heat in the summer. I read somewhere that roses with 35-40 petals do better for our climate, less balling of the blooms. You might want to try Peter Kukielski's book 'Roses without Chemicals, lots of good suggestions including regional picks. I grow one marvellous old (1910) white HT, Mme Jules Bouche that seems to fit your requirements, lovely fragrance, thick petals & stands up to the rain well.HMF says it gets BS but it's so minimal I just pluck off the leaves. Oh, I also was intrigued by Triple Delight. Let us know if you get it. Jane

Hello Everyone, New Well , pump and tank is installed and all is working well. Thank you so much! May your roses continue to grow and bloom and bring you joy! Burling

There IS an "old rose scent". Roses express it in many permutations, that is, with different additions of other scents in more or less quantity. The old rose with the purest "old rose scent" that I have experienced is unidentified from an Indiana farm that was passed down through a number of generations. I gave a rooted cutting to Christopher. I hope that it survived. I am not adept enough at rose classification to say what class it belongs to. It is a once bloomer, medium to light pink, button eye, with about a 2" diameter flower. It is true that the perception of scent differs from person to person yet anyone I have seen who has smelled this rose has been enchanted. I have grown Tiffany, Fragrant Cloud, Blanc Double de Coubert, Rose de Rescht, Reine des Violettes, Souvenir de Claudius Denoyel, Crimson Glory, Chrysler Imperial, Munstead Wood, Proud Land, Autumn Damask (pink), Comte de Chambord, Jacques Cartier, Zephrin Drouhin, etc. and sniffed wild rugosa roses on a beach (clove scent, wonderful but not "old rose"). Also, I have noticed that many of the c. mid 20th century roses with decent "old rose scent" such as Crimson Glory and Chrysler Imperial develop a less pleasing scent as they age. Does anyone else sense this as well? Cath P.S. If you really want to smell the "old rose" scent, buy a vial of true attar of roses. Put the stopper right up to your nose. That medicinal scent is not it. No rose has a scent that concentrated. Then slowly move the stopper away from your nose in increments. You will know it when you smell it.