golddust, what a fantastic story. You've had some rough spots in your life, but sounds like you received enough loving support to make them strengthening ones. Thanks for letting us in on your wonderful uncle. I have a theory that it isn't the big gestures that make the best impact on the world, but little kindnesses and quiet expressions of affection done over the years that add up. Your uncle is proof of that.

Good for you, Toni. It's a macro, BTW. And not likely to be cheap. You might enjoy hanging out on one of the DPreview Canon DSLR forums to get an idea of the best lenses for your camera. I did the same thing on the DPReview Olympus DSLR forum. I made note of the lenses that were used in some of the best pictures, and also lurked in lots of lens discussions. I had to pass on those that were out of my price range, but ended up with several that I'm happy with. Bulldinkie, that sounds beautiful! Murraysmom, I remember saddles......yes, a major purchase. :-) Leann, I'll bet your change in mood opened you up to meeting (and recognizing) the love of your life. What a happy ending! Joyfulguy, are you sure you're a minister?? LOL Ravencajun, I'm familiar with those great tiles. I almost bought them (or a similar brand) for my laundry alcove, but eventually opted for rolled vinyl "wood" flooring. I never dreamed vinyl flooring could look like wood! I really love it, and if I ever redo my kitchen floor, that's the way I'm going. The contractor was impressed with the thickness and quality. Here it is going down. Looks weird, huh? (We redid the walls in white beadboard.) And here it is next to my 1860 real wood floor. Holly, that's a great gift! And Jannie, do plug in that heater. I'm sure you won't have to be persuaded when winter comes. If you don't watch out, Ron will borrow it for his next camping trip. :-) Toni, I agree--hooking does look rustic. It's a very old and often primitive art. Some people hook with very fine strips, doing a lot of intricate shading, and some use wide strips and a coarse hook. I'm somewhere in the middle. No shading, though. It's a good thing I enjoy anticipation, because I just received an email saying my frame will be shipped January 17. This is what happens when a product is made to order. I had told him I was giving it to myself for Christmas, and he said, "By special arrangement the Twelve Days of Christmas are being extended this year." I like his sense of humor!

The kids from Sunday School brought in the last word on Sunday, "L O V E" in big black, attached letters, that they then hung on the wall behind the altar. We were each to write some kindly thing that we planned to do for someone in the New Year, on a strip of blue paper that we were to put on the offering plate ... and they're glued into links of a chain, that is hung along the wall of the church. o j

Lynn, Our salad was served after the tasting to clear our palates. It was served with a chardonnay wine. Here's the recipe: Salad to pair w/ Chardonnay Basil Vinaigrette 10 basil leaves 1/3 C extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 Tbsp Champagne vinegar Pinch salt Couple cranks black pepper 1/8 tsp ground cardamon In blender or food processor, blend leaves & vinegar. Drizzle in evoo while blending. Add seasoning, mix, and refrigerate. Salad Triple Creme Brie - a wheel or large wedge 3 Granny Smith Apples Sourdough Boule (I like Nashoba Valley from Concord) Field Greens Cut double creme into small wedges while cold. Warm to room temp before service. Core and cut apples into thin wedges. Store in ice water until plating. Blot before service. Cut Sourdough into large, thin, crust-less triangles. Lightly toast until barely brown. Brush with evoo and sprinkle with coarse salt while warm. Toss field greens in dressing and plate. Add 2 pieces of cheese. Fan out 3 pieces of apple. Lay one toast triangle across top.