It is not uncommon for roses to have basal canes with prickles and flowering laterals that are sparsely armed or even unarmed. We encounter this sometimes when we are trying to ID unknown roses. One says their found rose can't be the same as some named variety because theirs has no prickles. Eventually, upon closer inspection, we find that the flowering canes are thornless, but the basal canes, sometimes even only the base of the basal canes, have prickles. Come to think of it, it wouldn't surprise me if the budwood or cutting used to propagate Hot Cocoa were unarmed, but eventually, new basals with normal armature emerged. I saw the same thing on my ownroot Tamora. The young growth the first year was sparely armed, but the first major hefty basal - and every subsequent basal - was massively thorny.

Although I had quite a number of real Koi (Carp), most of my fish were Shubunkins. Even my "Butterfly Koi" were actually Shubunkins, not Koi. From: http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Pond,%20Shubunkin.htm "Origin. Goldfish originally came from China. Fanciers took them to Japan and then to England where they developed a calico version called the shubunkin (or poor manÂs koi). Many U.S.-grown shubunkins get shipped to the U.K. -- at least the best ones go there. Shubunkin Types. Standard shubunkins look like regular goldfish with a calico overlay. "Calico" involves a mixture of blue, white, black, red, and orange colors in willy-nilly splotches. Butterfly shubunkins develop a tail often as long as their body (like what the comet is supposed to look like). Bristol shubunkins grow a much more developed tail with rounded lobes. We never see these here. We get the long torpedo-shaped guys." There are some people who raise all the varieties, however, so that article is not completely correct. Nonetherless, I loved my Poor Man's Koi, especially my Butterfly Koi. They were like beautiful orange angels flowing through the water - some had calico colors and patterns. Two had dorsal fins and tails that were all black. The Shubunkins were much better behaved in the pond. They didn't churn up the bottom and devour all the plants like the real Koi tend to do. I had two huge "Ghost Koi", and boy were they monsters. Huge ugly charcoal grey Koi bred in England by breeding common carp with Koi. They looked like prehistoric fish. Just hideous things. They really churned up the bottom. They never swam, they tore through the water constantly at a terrific speed. And BTW. I found out what the Scarecrow gismo is that you were talking about CD3. Pardon my mistake. No, I had never seen those before, but after having looked at them on the internet, I'm sure I wouldn't want one, but thanks just the same. That was very thoughtful of you to suggest a possible predator remedy. I now have a dog that is an Irish Wolfhound-Border Collie mix. He keeps the racoons away pretty good. We shall see how that goes anyhow. ~SweetAnnie4u

Shaddy, I have an older XP computer, about the same age as yours. I have two external hard drives and both of them are recognized and work just fine. There's a story about why I have two, but won't go into that. Anyway, one of mine is the Iomega, which I've had several years. The other one is the Western Digital My Book Essential. It connects by USB (3/2) and both of these also have an AC power plug. Both work just great, and I would recommend that you try to find one of these. They come in different sizes, so I'm sure there is a 500GB available. I also have a "portable" Toshiba which I use with my Windows 7 laptop. It has just the USB connection. I'm wondering if the lack of an AC plug is causing your problem.

Just wanted to post a happy ending update. Shortly after this thread ended, and my new pic were up, we did lower the asking price for sale and rent. Within a week we had 5 more showings for purchase(no offers) but a very qualified renter applied to rent. Unlike my previous tennants who had a very good job, low credit score, BUT always paid their rent on time.. this couple has an excellent income, good credit score and excellent references. They had always owned a home, but were transferred 18 months ago, were planning on it being temporary, so rented. The home they have been renting in Michigan is now up for sale, and I looked at the pictures and they have lovely furnishings, that will fit perfect in my home. I'm very confident it will make the next time I list my home much easier. I have stipulated in our contract a longer 'right to show' clause.. previously 60 days, now 90 days. They stated they might be interested in purchasing at a later date, but are unsure about a future transfer at this point. I would have rather sold the home, but at least we have rental income again- the same amount as I had previoulsy been receiving. And we roll the dice and hope there isn't any further decline in the housing market in the next year or two.. I do always learn by my mistakes! Next time I will insist on better pictures from the start.. besides that.. my realtor really did an excellent job for me, in keeping me well informed of any and all feedback and following up with people frequently. I know those things should just be expected.. but not so much so with my last realtor.. I would definately use her again..just not have her take the pictures!.. and she was very ok with that.