I'm so jealous. I would love to come, and meet you both.

And I would SO love it if you could come, Trish! I was just looking for something to read, because it’s too hot outside and realized it was only 13 miles from me! I’m really a homebody, but I feel like I would regret not going. I sent an email to John, ( the man who posted about the event) and asked if I could still attend some part of it last minute. He replied this morning and said that I was welcome to attend all of it except the dinner on Saturday night. That must be all filled up, but that’s fine. I don’t actually NEED any roses, but I’m having a hoot looking them all up and deciding which ones to bid on. Saturday afternoons presentations should be interesting, too. I’ve never been to anything like this, so it will be an adventure! I’m hoping Ingrid can attend, but it is short notice. Lisa

Lisa, I'm sorry, but I don't think so. I went to the one in 2009 and didn't really enjoy it. I'm not buying any more roses, for one thing, and the ones listed are not my thing. Also, I'm working today and also Sunday (I work Sunday every week) and it would be too much for me. Thank you so much for asking. I do want to get together with you, should it ever cool down. We can meet each others' kitties.

That's ok, Ingrid. It is short notice, the weather is predicated to be positively wicked this weekend, and I don't know what I'm in for either. I don't look forward to going alone too much, but I think I'll push myself before I become a recluse:) I really don't know anyone that would consider this anything but pure torture, so solo I will go. Of course, I don't need any roses either, but so few rose related events come along locally that I feel I ought to give it a try. I will take some pictures and give a report when it's all over. I very much look forward to getting together after it cools down. (I just KNEW we were going to get blasted by heat, after that wonderful little cool spell.) I admit I am breathing a small sigh of relief, that you won't be seeing my garden in just a few days. Things are never at their best this time of year, and I've been just keeping things alive with this heat. Now there's no need for one of my famous, "tidying up the garden, while wearing my headlamp until midnight sessions", before company arrives. lol I really hope the heat ends soon. This is no fun. Lisa

Yes Diane, I really do! I can’t stand the heat and my neighbors across the street saw me planting something by flashlight a while back. They gave me a headlamp to garden by. I was embarrassed because I had thought I was going unnoticed, but apparently not! I did explain that I was heat intolerant and at that time I was also on a medication that made my eyes sensitive to bright sunlight. That headlamp was a miracle! I later ordered a different one that could be plugged in and charged so I no longer need to buy batteries. Now I can water and do my little chores after it cools down, and I’m not rushing to finished before dark. My hands are free, and the light is bright. The only drawback is that bugs are attracted to the light, and therefore my face, but we don’t have a huge nighttime bug problem. It’s mostly annoying little moths, not mosquitoes. My kids have all had a good laugh about it, as I often forget I am wearing it when I come inside. My son just had a vet tech over from work the other evening (female), and I came in wearing my headlamp. He took it in stride, but I could see that it wasn’t his proudest moment. Oh well, it works for me. You gotta do what you gotta do! Lisa

I can't count the times I've been out there with a flashlight, although I'm just doing small chores like deadheading or cutting back roses that are crowding others, or cutting roses for the house. Almost no neighbors to see me out here, and I get to say hello to our resident skunk and admire frogs sitting on leaves and branches. The time between it's too hot for me to go out and it turning dark is ridiculously short at this time of the year, just enough to hand-water the areas that don't have drip and feed our resident rabbits their dog food. They turn their noses up at commercial rabbit food, and there is precious little wild food for them to eat since it's been so dry for many months. It keeps them from eating the garden, and so everyone is happy. Of course I supply plenty of water since the dog food is more concentrated and probably somewhat salty.

Yes, people think it’s crazy, but that’s the only time it’s tolerable outside sometimes. You’re fortunate Ingrid, that you don’t have to worry what the neighbors think. My son says surely some of mine think I’m using some sort of speedy drug, that makes me want to work outside at night! I’m sure your critters are happy to see you out there, as they must know you are nurturing them. How funny that your bunnies prefer dog food. How did you figure out to even over them dog food? I never would have thought of that. I’m sure they are doubly grateful for the water. I bet many species of wildlife drink from it. Wouldn’t it be fun to set up one of those trail cameras, and see who all comes for a drink at night? Your very own nature channel! I watch lots of nature programs. Do the rabbits really leave your plants alone because you feed them? What a wonderful solution! I have a gopher(s) right now that is just ruining everything! Not everything is in gopher cages, and this morning one bed had been ransacked. There was originally no bare soil to be seen, but now large plants are completely gone. Some perennials are wilted and collapsed, while others have been pulled underground without hide nor hair left of them. A few days ago they ate ALL of my yams that I have been growing since April. So much for my special Thanksgiving plans for them. Sorry, I’m feeling pretty discouraged about it today. I really thought my sonic beeper things were effectively keeping them away from my yard, but suddenly I’m being overrun by them. I know it’s due to the hot and dry weather we’ve been having. They seem to eat whatever I’ve most recently watered. I’m afraid to water, but that’s a death sentence for the plants too......Lisa

Oh, Lisa, that's miserable about the gophers.

I hope you enjoy the rose auction. I'll be there in spirit.

Omg! That story makes my deer travails seem petty. At least I can fence them out. I'm sorry about your yams. : ( on a happier note, I can't wait to hear about the auction.