Thanks for the nice comments. I find my MW plates at garage and estate sales. I like the really big ones but I will buy the small if I find them. This one is sold. Have 2 more to make for the lady. She ordered 6!!!

Wow, nice pictures! And what a crop of berries on that tree! Al, robins are insectivorous in the breeding season, but change to eating fruit the rest of the year. That's how they manage to winter over (which they do in some number all across the prairies - almost any well wooded area, where people are out looking, will have a few recorded on Xmas bird counts), and how they survive their early migrations in March, when few insects are out and snow may cover the ground. Seems like strange behavior but apparently many groups (warblers, vireos, thrushes, etc.) are fruit-eaters on their wintering grounds, but feed themselves and their young on insects during breeding. The reason I say it seems strange is because on the wintering grounds (e.g. Central/South America), I'd guess insects would be plentiful. Perhaps insects provide superior nutrition during breeding and nesting (protein?)...just a guess. Konrad, the young you see in late summer are most likely Cedar Waxwings (as these are the common breeders on the prairies) - they are easily distinguished by yellow undertail coverts (the area on the underside of the tail and vent area that's brown on Bohemians, visible on your excellent photos); they also have a different wing pattern. If you are interested, keep an eye out for cedar waxwings in your flocks of bohemians; they are normally migratory but it is not too uncommon for one or two to hang out with a flock of bohemians and winter over with them. And the closer you are to the mountains, the greater the likelihood of seeing the odd bohemian, out of range, in the summer. Yes, amazingly beautiful birds - always such a pleasure to see!

Thanks, holiday-ers! Yes, cardinals are just so beautiful & esp when they are combined with new white fluffy snow...can't beat that combo! tugs, I have been making photo cards for lots of yrs. Thanks, everyone, for your gracious comments. The "Rowe Pottery" (pine pc & vase behind it) are made here in the midwest in Cambridge, WI...Google it sometime...they do beautiful work! I just LOVE the feel of pottery...looking at it & handling it...it's a comfort. I have a 3rd fuzzy sheep buried in my Holiday tubs int he garage so will have to wait til next yr to add him to the empty space on shelf where I took down the ceramic "chubby" guy. That reminds me: chubby sheep, chubby sheep, chubby sheep! Ok, OA? You are TOO FUNNY, woman! LOL! Thanks, everyone! Jeanne S.

Thanks everyone! I'm still loving this color and think Rockport is definitely my favorite of the grays I've done thus far. rmkitchen, I guess the Rockport looks lighter on the exterior? Chardie, I would love to see your stairs! caminnc, can't wait to see your dining room! Mush, that's the color combo I am going for. Cream sofa, tan drapes. I want to add a bit more turquoise and a splash of orange with pillows and accessories. Maybe next month! catkin, I'll try to post some tomorrow. We've been out of town and I'm on the wrong computer. In the meantime, you can probably find photos by searching my name and the colors I've used. Here is a link that might be useful: Here's my foyer