It wasn't a gift, but when DH and I were at my Step-father's on Boxing day to help him eat the desserts, he mentioned that a neighbour's wife had died of cancer this summer. This was a total shock to me. My parents live on a court, and I "know" of the man he was talking about because I remember when he got his little long-haired doxie as a puppy. We got such a kick out of him training this teeny-weeny dog.....he was scared of the grass, wouldn't walk on it. The couple is about my age. When we were leaving I told hubby to drop me off at the guy's house. He had his Christmas lights on, and I knocked. I told him who I was, and that how sorry I am, etc etc. We both had tears in our eyes and we rubbed each other's arm; (didn't hug.) He was so touched that I would stop and see him. His wife died 3 weeks after Mom. I'm so glad I did that, and I still tear up thinking about him (as I am now)

Those comments are priceless! Reminds me of the comments left after a Paula Deen recipe for English peas, which consisted of opening a can of English peas and cooking them with a stick of butter. I laughed so hard I cried at some of the reviews. Of course I loathe Paula Deen, which made the experience that much more gratifying.

Well, now you're getting me to talk about the outstanding items in my wish list, Rick lol Were you planning to get a camera? I inherited a 35mm Nikon FG when I was in college. I had to retire that because developing films became increasingly expensive and digital cameras became cheaper. I have since been using my very old digital SLR (single-lens reflex--the kind that lets you see through the lens exactly what shot you are taking) with interchangeable lenses. It's an old Nikon D60, strictly an amateur camera. Over the years I have only splurged on lenses but I know I should upgrade the body to something less than 30 years old (this is item #3). I'm actually now wondering whether I made a mistake spending on Item #2 in that list because Item #3 went on sale on Amazon just now. Patience doesn't really figure into it, Tracy. Only steady hands or a stack of books to lean on because my tripod is crap lol Now, this babe is being babied this winter--lights, heat, water and everything! I think it will be pruned before winter ends, though. Pagan

I haven't had Teas for that long but they are definitely amongst my best roses. In my hot, humid climate (10b), my favourites so far are: 1. Rosette Delizy - I think this one is my best rose overall. I love the growth and sheer number of blooms. I don't have any problems with balling and they only burn a little on very hot days, which doesn't really matter to me as there are new blooms opening all the time. No disease and fast growing. The blooms don't nod and last ages in a vase for me. 2. General Gallieni - I don't think many people love this rose but it's imperfection is the key to its beauty for me. You never know what you will get! I love the look of the blooms on hot days, where they look like they have been painted with watercolours. Doesn't ball or burn at all for me. Took this pic not long after it arrived as a tiny spindly bare root a few months ago, now it's 5ft high and rising! 3. G Nabonnand - some days it's my favourite but the blooms aren't as tough as the others so it suffers a little in the heat. Beautiful leafy shrub though and always in bloom, like everyone says. I think it has nice perfume too. 4. Duchess de Brabant - I didn't like this one much to start with but it's growing on me! Love the perfume and the number of blooms. Gets a bit of black spot here but nothing serious. 5. Climbing Devoniensis - wow, what a climber! It's my most vigorous climber by far. Actually I'm a little scared of it. My favourite perfume from all the Teas. Also gets a little black spot here. 6. Anna Olivier - mine is still young but it's graceful and has soft full blooms. No disease, not as fast growing as others but it's slowly making a nice full shrub. 7. Baronne Henriette de Snoy - not 100% sure about the growth and how the bush will shape up, it's a bit branching and angular and sparsely foliated at the moment. I'm hoping it will improve. Love the full pretty blooms though. 8. Reve d'Or - I don't even own it yet but I love it! It's on order! I've admired the mature bushes at the rose garden for ages, I can't wait to find a spot for it. 9. Lady Mary Fitzwilliam - sneaking this early HT in as it grows like all my other Teas - vigorous, leafy and healthy. I guess I can't be sure the rose I have is Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, given the contention, but I think it could be. Never balls, never burns. 10. Mrs B R Cant - wasn't too impressed with this one until I fell in love with the reverse of the blooms! So pretty (and huge!) She is sprawling at the moment and may get too big for her spot. Not as floriferous as others for me but very good blooms for picking. 11. Souv de Pierre Notting - here this rose loves the heat. The hotter, the better. I don't have a problem with the brown ruff of outer petals unless it rains. Last very well in the vase and an interesting shape. Love the tinge of pink to the golden blooms. Healthy but a little less vigorous than others I have. 12. Marie van Houtte - I adore this rose but it's a monster! Beautiful blooms that I prefer to most other pink/yellow combinations. Nice tea perfume too but it's getting too big for its spot sadly. Should be higher up my list, I just forgot about it. Ones that haven't impressed are Monsieur Tillier (blooms fry instantly and are tiny, so disappointed with this one), Francis Dubreuil (likewise), the imposter Noella Nabonnand (floppy wet rag blooms here that don't last) and White Maman Cochet (balling a bit, slow growing for me, not many blooms so far). I've ordered loads for next year so I'm sure my list will change! I'll be adding Mrs Dudley Cross, Tipsy Imperial Concubine, La Vesuve, Comtesse Riza du Parc (whatever it really is - Dr Grill? Mme Charles?), Souv de Therese Lovet, Souv d'un Ami, Mme Jules Gravereaux, Triomphe du Luxembourg, Etoile de Lyon, Archduke Charles, Duchess d'Auerstadt, Marachal Niel, Octavius Weld and Lady Roberts. Now I just have to make more room! A Tea I'd love to add one day is David's Dilemma.