Thank you all for your kindness in thinking of me. Carla, thank you for your kind words - I am not sure of what kind of asset I am, because I sure know I've said some dumb things, but do know that the rose forums have been an asset to me, meeting others who love roses and in teaching me about them. Thank you! Lucille! I'm so glad you've come back to the forums and hope that all those sore muscles will produce a bounty of beauty in your gardens. In the meantime, have another brewed ale! Thanks for the birthday wishes! Rozanna, thanks for the birthday wishes, and really, best, best wishes for your new life in east Texas. I think of you every time I see that Nacogdoches. Barbara, thank you. Death to midge! Mendocino Rose, thank you. Your gardens are an inspiration to me. Patricia, I hope spring rains and warm sun will 'fill 'er up' your gardens w/the best of all blooms this year. Hope to meet you sometime this year! Carolfm, likewise; thanks for sharing your gardens and knowledge with a newbie like me over the past couple of years. My General Gallieni salutes you! Jerome, thank you for the grace and kindness you exhibit here on the forum; I hope that your gardens and roses give you much joy - and that there are no more fires! Sue, thank you. Your Alchymist still gives me goose bumps - thanks for sharing your knowledge. Melissa, thank you and likewise. I so enjoy your thoughtful postings. Rosefolly, thank you for your kind wishes. Carol, Patricia is lying, but don't hold it against her. Thanks for the birthday wishes! Ronda, thanks for your kind wishes; beautiful pic!

Thank you all, my dear, dear friends. Yesterday we had one of those days here at our house -- no water for 36 hours, Freya sneaking a pizza off the kitchen counter, and the smell of fresh polyurethane pervading the cold, damp house.... On the other hand, I had the loving affection of Tom and my DS Jacob, calls and cards from family, and greetings from all of you. And tonight we're going out to dinner to try celebrate again. Carla, Luanne, Jon, Anita, Lori, Ingrid, Sue, Carolina, Pamela, and Carol -- each one of your messages brought smiles and memories to my mind. I just realized that with the exception of Ingrid, I know each one of you in the Real World (as opposed to online) -- Ingrid, we'll just have to correct that soon. The only birthday wish I have left (besides more rain) is to hope that I get to see you all again as frequently and as soon as may be. Rosefolly

I made a mistake today too, Ivamae. I'm a sub and thought the job was for today since I'm not usually called on short days and the call came in so late. The job didn't appear on my computer so I assumed it was for today--woops. Better than forgetting to go, I guess, just as it's better to be a day early for Ed's birthday than a day late! I'll wish him happy b-day tomorrow then. Thanks for posting and please don't feel badly.

I hope each of you has a truly happy day. H a p p y B i r t h d a y ! Shirley