Beautifully said, Florence. Robert and I have had many conversations about just this subject. Sharing isn't just the best part of gardening, it's a most essential element to friendship. This is the reason that I share whatever I can from my garden -- whether it's cuttings, or rooted roses, or a rose I've decided to discard . . . sharing something that brings us joy (roses, in this case) spreads that feeling to others. Even though I could barely function when we were finished, I will always remember this particular planting day with a smile. (I'll dig the photos out of my camera and start another thread about this in a day or two. I don't think I have time to do it this morning. I'm off to share the joy by helping a friend put a new ceiling in her front porch.) Connie

Hey-i've read all these postings and have a question. I made strawberry jam this year and for the first time ever it didn't set. I followed directions and redid and still no set. it tastes great but no set. I used very late season strawberries and live in Georgia where it is extremely humid right now--those are the only reasons I can find for no set this year. I usually use these for Christmas gifts. I read some suggestions that the runny jam can be a great pancake topper. I'm wondering--and this is probably a stupid question---but if it isn't set will it still be ok to put up until Christmas? I did use the water bath method after cooking to sterilize.....

Yes, I knew that Debbie used lime green in the summer thanks to one of the "informational" posts and Kiki's treat is in the shape of a whale. The Good Dog Goods shop had all sorts of dog cookies in various designs. I'm going to try to replicate the ginger pear marmalade,too. Debbie, thanks for posting the picture of the salad bowl with your existing placemats etc. It looks to be a great match. I was having second thoughts when I started seeing other shades of green called lime. Linda

Hi Sue! I'm glad your birthday party was such a success!! I had a great day on Sunday! Out of the blue, a couple of weeks ago I got a phone call from my ex-brother-in-law who I hadn't spoken to in over 30 years. He said that I have been mentioned several times over the years and the kids remember me and want to see me again. His oldest daughter was my flower girl, at age 6. I was 20. We emailed a few times and got together yesterday. DH and I had a blast, and 2 of the kids, and 7 of their 12 grandchildren were there. Awesome, polite grand-kids and we got hugs from them all. Ranging in age from about 4 to 16. My "flower-girl" wasn't able to make it yesterday but wants to come next time! To think she's now 42... And the ex DIL and SIL said there will definitely be next times, if we want to go. Anyway, that was my day, and it was great. She made 2 lasagnas, caesar salad, Mississippi mud pie, and I took a loaf of homemade bread.