sunnishine - Francis Dubreuil was a "he", not a "she". He was the rose breeder that first hired Antoine Meilland (Papa Meilland) to work with roses when Antoine was just 16. Antoine ended up marrying Francis' only daughter, Claudia, making Francis the grandparent to the son of Antoine and Claudia, who was also named Francis. The younger Francis' other grandparent (Antoine Meilland's mother) was Grand'mère Jenny, which also happens to be a lovely HT rose from 1950. Francis Meilland was the breeder of "Peace". Your history lesson for today is now completed.

Christie, Yes, they do. It's about an hour for me but the drive is easy. The thing about Baker Creek is that you'll find things there you definitely won't find elsewhere, especially with heirloom vegetables. But they have garlic, fruit trees, native plants, perennials, annuals, tools, books, soap, food, etc. Lots of fun stuff! Oh... and don't forget the speakers which is the main reason I like to go. Here are the speakers for the Fall Festival. I think you would particularly enjoy Patrick Byers. I've heard him four times on four different topics and it's always fascinating so you learn a lot. Doug Oster is the garden writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a nationally syndicated garden writer, TV guest, producer of the radio program, "The Organic Gardeners" and his new book "Grow Organic" is due out soon. www.theorganicgardeners.com Len Pense has developed a new method of raised bed gardening. It will make gardening easy for anyone, weed-free and organic. His farm and methods have been featured several times in "Rural Missouri" magazine. Check out his site! www.gardeningrevolution.com Wesley Greene is an expert on historical plants and gardening. He is the Garden Historian at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He also writes for "The Heirloom Gardener". www.cwf.org Kelly Norris is a 20 year old Master Gardener, freelance writer, and speaker who lives and gardens in Bedford, Iowa. He is the manager of his family's "Rainbow Iris Farm". Merlyn Neidens Heirloom seed grower and seed-saving expert who has developed some of the superb market varieties that we carry. He also writes articles for "The Heirloom Gardener". Always one of our most popular speakers. Patrick Byers of the SW MO Experiment Station. A highly acclaimed rare fruit specialist who will be speaking about raising rare fruit and berries. The Heirloom Garden Show "The Historic Living Fest" Come to our 7th Annual Spring Fest! August 5 & 6, (Sun. & Mon.) 2007. 10 am-6 pm both days Come to our 8th Annual Summer Show

I agree that jewelry, doll and china collection must be looked at by a professional. You never know, after watching those "Antique Road Shows", what treasures you might find - just because they dont make things anymore like they used to. IF they are worth good chunk, sell it and put the money into her funds. You never know what disaster will strike and what SHE will need. Money is like water, and She is still alive. You all have your own families and houses to take care of. Dont waste her money on storage. Sell it now and then sell the house. I also agree that if anyone has any sentimental feeling or wants to have something from her things, let them take and keep - years later you will regret just selling it to strangers. Just apply the same rules to all - either all take 1-2 items for free as memory, or all pay fare value. My husband's grandpa just gifted me his mother's (great grandma for my husband) chain watch, it was all broken, not working, I spent $80 to repair it, and it is worth maybe $80-100. BUT it has her name and date that it was gifted, etc. so it is a part of family history and I am the only female in the family who is interested in keeping it. Re the family issue - I do agree that you as parents need to set example to your kids - get them out of the picture and discussion until three siblings agree on what to do, and clarify what legal role your brother plays. What a shame that they dont go to see grandma but got their eyes set on the STUFF. And please, if all argument is about $10 desk, have the kid pay for it. Teach them to earn things just like grandma did. Teach them lessons now, even though it maybe too late if they are grown up as you describe them.

Well, I clicked on the QVC link and got a website for Westminster Crackers, LOL. I've already gotten Bruvver's bike and Makayla's Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery online and already delivered. I do have to assemble the bike. Elery and I are not buying gifts for each other. The girls will get cash. I drew the name of the new-soon-to-be-daughter-in-law/fiancee on Elery's side of the family and there's a $100 spending limit, so she's getting a gift card to Musician's Friend, she's a music teacher. I ordered that on line Some stocking stuffers and "Santa" gifts for the little kids on Christmas Eve and I'm done. I did promise Amanda I'd take her shopping so she can finish up her stuff while I play with the kids, and Makayla still needs a prissy dress. Oh, and I got tickets to see "The Nutcracker", I got those on-line too. Bruvver is going to stay and play with Elery, he doesn't want to see "The Nutcrapper". LOL Annie