I don't know about you, but I think that was the longest January of my lifetime and I'm glad it's over. I'm a news junkie and the month was full of bad news -- national and international news, ranging from ludicrous to horrible. Meanwhile, at home, the weather was so damp and cold that I spent the whole month huddled under blankets. I'm looking forward so much to some warmth.

February is Black History Month, and although this month's thumbnail photo of 'Black Beauty' doesn't really convey the spirit or intention of that designation that well, it is one of the prettiest roses I've ever grown.


February 1st is Spunky Old Broads Day.

zuzu said:
February 1st is Spunky Old Broads Day.

Too bad there's not a rose named "Zuzu" (yet)!

I look forward to Zuzu's month and day choices. I am never disappointed.

Zuzu, you should live in northern Ohio in January.

It is expected to be cold in Ohio in January (December and February too). It is not supposed to be that cold in California - or Texas either.

porkpal said: It is expected to be cold in Ohio in January (December and February too). It is not supposed to be that cold in California - or Texas either.

Very true, but, we are 18 degrees right now and this has been a mild winter. January can be brutal here. I saw one of our members ( forget the name right now ) who is in zone 2. I can't imagine how he/she grows roses.

I need Black Beauty in my garden!


I emailed Burling regarding Irish Crème and she has it in stock! She was also kind enough to email me the miniature rose catalog. I am sure to order some minis after cross-checking them on HMF.

It's National River Day.

Another new one to me. Beautiful, and bluer than most "blue" roses.

It's American Painters Day.

One of McGredy's hand painted roses.

Dang it was cold here last night: 1f (-17c) degrees, with 35 mph (56 kp/h) winds, producing windchills of -20f (-29c). Otherwise, it had mostly been a mild winter here, up until Groundhog Day. But that little marmot had to come outdoors and predict six more weeks of winter, and it sure as heck started last night!

It's Liberace Day.

A perfect trio!

The Lantern Festival is celebrated on this day in China and Taiwan.

I also have a personal anniversary to commemorate today. My family arrived in the United States 70 years ago on February 5th, 1953.

Zuzu, happy anniversary on such a momentous date that reflects your family's history and journey, as well as the world events that ultimately brought you where you are today.

Yes, I often wonder if we'd still be running the family dry goods store in Siberia if the family hadn't had to flee the revolutions in Russia, China, and North Korea and the war in South Korea.

Happy anniversary, Zuzu! I'm so glad you survived all the revolutions and made it here.

It's Ronald Reagan's birthday.