How many rose names you can find ?

I got a letter recently from my Grandpa Alex, and I would like to share it with you. He writes:

Good Day Sunshine: It has been a long hot summer and after the bright lights had faded to an amber sunset in the cottage garden, I sat by my baby grand piano caressing it with a gentle touch. I had a delicious snack of an iced latte and a gingerbread man cookie and afterwards I even found room for a buttermint, I am still fond of them.

You know my lifestyle has changed dramatically since your Grandmother, Chelsea Belle passed away. With every stolen moment now forever mine, it was real easy to treat her like the royal lady she was.

Remember the sandalwood trimmed sofa in the front parlor? The one with the antique tapestry, the color of coral 'n' gold? I found one of the girl's dolls behind it. I think it is the one they called Apache Princess or maybe it was Betty's baby.

Tell Mary Margaret we can play checkers when she is here again, so she can just sing that morning song I love so much.

I think it is still too warm for an evening fire, but even in the glow of candle light, I noticed there was a full moon the other night. The room was full of the lovely fragrance from the dainty bouquet in the flower basket full of the golden beauty of glowing petals. I turned on the radio and found a golden oldies radio station playing my favorite song, "Stormy Weather". I suppose Midwest living can be kind of dull so oh darlin', imagine us walking hand in hand down Penny Lane or taking a joyride down Melody Lane.

The girls old side kick that cool dude, Charlie Brown could tag-a-long and make it a double date with Kayla and Whitney. They could go down to the Honky Tonk cafe for a hoot 'n' holler or a folkdance or a bunny hop. Afterwards they could stay to see the cherry bomb fireworks and watch the sparks zig-zag while they snack on a hot tamale; they make them with Cajun spice here you know.

You mentioned wanting to catch the opening act, Ziggy Stardust; at the Arcade on Jackson Square. The Hall of Flowers is where the Tattooed Lady is the featured attraction. Did you know she still keeps baby chicks in her dressing room? We could splish splash in the water or I'd just like to sit near you on the beach and enjoy the Gulf breeze and we can imagine seeing the lights of Broadway from the point clear to the other side of the bay or watch for a rising star in the Sun Chariot's constellation.

I was thinking about the last time you were down and the girls came running into the house calling, "Surprise, surprise!" They had brought me a yellow bouquet tied with a red ribbon and gave me their grown up ladies' view of a rosy forecast, and had to tell me, "the flowers are for you Dad. I laughed so when my old friend Billie Teas saw the girls for the first time and exclaimed, "Glory be, what a spunky glamour girl you have become and I always thought you were just an old fashioned girl. How is your little sister, Alice Lee? That carrot top is a cute as a June bug!" He never could keep their names straight! I had to agree with him though as I've always thought their young 'n' innocent, wistful looks were pretty enough to make the angel's blush.

I'm getting my sweet revenge by putting in a supply of cherry wine, but thought you had said, "Make mine sherry" the last time you were here. I also remembered that after dinner snacks had always been forbidden, but I don't mind spending a pretty penny on my girls. I know sweets are your secret obsession, so I';ve put in a supply of party popcorn, and a Dreamsicle or two. Hope no one wants any gourmet pheasant, (ha ha).

Next week is the River City Jubilee and Rita Applegate from Avon, known affectionately as the Bingo Queen, has invited us to attend her summer wedding to Darby O'Gill. She will be wearing a lovely dress fashioned of silk 'n&' satin embellished with rubies 'n' pearls and will walk down the aisle to the strains of Sonata in Pink. They have rented a Silver Phantom to take them to the reception on the Bowie Yellow Patio. We had heard that she wanted to serve flaming potluck, but Darby nixed that idea. She is hoping for a nice day and a sunny afternoon for the outdoor festivities. Who knows, we may even get to kiss the bride after she throws her simply elegant pink bouquet. Did I mention that her engagement ring was a black sapphire? Alice Faye, that old redneck girl, will be her matron of honor. Imagine, a woman her age and she is still a pretty woman and as light on her feet as a summer breeze.

I hope you are planning to bring back something for Judy. Maybe she would like Mom's fancy delicious secret recipe using brown sugar for Lemon Meringue pie. Of course there is always Apricot Perfection, Peach Candy or Creme Glacee.

I've been trying to think up a new fairy tale to tell the girls. I think they are tired of "How Santa Claus Lost Dasher", "Jingle Bells for the Snowman", "Father Christmas and the Little Mermaid", or "The Circus Clown and the Golden Promise". Maybe something more mysterious like "Tut's Treasure" or "The Sorcerer of the Red Moon", or even "Gabriel's Fire and the Fortune Cookie". The girls can tell me their wildest dreams and if they aren't x-rated, we might be able to include them in the story.

Did I tell you about my new striped pet? She sure was a street wise, wild thing when I first saw her one misty morning on the doorstep with her tiger paws all muddy and matted. That little maverick is so in love with me now, that she snuggles next to me on the sofa every chance she gets. I think she will be forever mine. Her life has been no southern delight as she had been on the road for a long time. I named her Voyager.

I hope it's not wishful thinking on my part when I say, I';m so looking forward to seeing all of you soon. I suppose you are busy making plans for school days all ready. I know we will have such a great time while you are here and you know my promise is as good as gold.

Tenderly yours, Love 'Ya Dad