Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. I hate them when they tangle.  I hate them when they lie dead. Oh Christmas, oh Christmas tree, how I hate your lights. The tree is up, and once I changed all these bulbs, it is shining bright, but it took superhuman effort again this year.  I don't understand why.  It should be so easy, but it's not. Still, I liked how these bulbs looked when I replaced them.  My friend, David, from A Photographer's Garden Blog wanted us to square our photos today, and this was the best I could do.  To answer his question, yes, I do see a lot of subjects squared when I'm taking a photograph.  I thought it was a fault.  Goes to show what I know, eh?

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, defined as: 1. the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye ; specifically representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b: a picture in perspective. 2. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed (places the issues in proper perspective); also point of view; the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance (urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework — W. J. Cohen. 3. a visible scene ; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : vista; a mental view or prospect gain a broader perspective on the situation. What does this have to do with...

This weekend is an opportunity for me to remember that for which I am grateful.  We ate with HH's enormous family yesterday, and my small one comes over this Sunday.  I'll get to have dressing then because I'm preparing much of the meal, and it will be gluten and casein free. Following are my top ten reasons for being grateful for this moment in time. 10.  I live in a country where we are still free to worship God as we see Him.  This is a freedom much of the world does not enjoy. 9.  That, although much is made about the food at Thanksgiving, it is an opportunity to break bread and spend time with our friends and families. 8.  That a five-year-old child, my nephew, came to visit and made me remember what it's like to love fast cars (Hot Wheels), Batman, a soft, green blanket named Silky...

With this post, I hope to clarify a couple of things.  Although I said I grow ninety roses, I don't own ninety different varieties, although it may be close. Several commenters requested more photos of my roses within the landscape.  Before RDR, I didn't take many photos of Rosehaven.  I regret that.  My advice to any gardener and/or parent is to take lots of photos.  Take them of the garden and of your children.  Take them of the children in the garden for that matter.  Normally, I don't post photos of my children online, but this one of Bear and ASW in front of 'Zephirine Droughin' is very old.  ZD never looked so good since that year, and I've added a couple of gardens on either side of them. Now, for a list of the roses I currently grow: New last spring: 'Dream Come True' (1) Grandiflora (2008)  You may...