I don't think anyone counts on the Christmas lights for supplemental lighting. I used them last year, and will again this year, to keep the soil in my potted lemon tree at or above 55 degrees (a critical temp, I understand, for citrus roots) when the rest of the GH occupants could get by on 50. I simply wrapped the string around the pot several times and then strung the excess where I pleased. If you decide to use lights, please please please be sure you use exterior grade lights! It is still absolutely critical to have these on a GFIC outlet and, even then, to use utmost care ... water and electricity are a bad combination! My greenhouse is a little Harbor Freight 6x8 and I found that it got very warm in there on sunny days, even when the temperatures outside were freezing. Some method of venting you little structure will be necessary, and a small fan for air circulation probably advisable in any case. You sound very resourceful and like you're having fun with this ... keep it up and good luck!

I love your garden art Roselee! The reclining buddha is really highlighted there! We always collect fossil rocks on our walks too. It is amazing to imagine that the sea was covering the area. So many little gems here and there, mirrors really do bring sparkle to shadowy areas! I love green bauble, did you craft that? I absolutely love the rake heads used as tool hangers! The lime green of the filipino lilies really sets off the crinums too! Thanks for taking the time to share!

Thanks Candy... Karen...Kath.Nana..Luvs and Janet... and Welcome to you Crozz! I'm happy I got to do this table and that you all enjoyed it. I will be using these dishes (on the long table) for TG. That table is between my kitchen and family room and has a less formal feeling. Everyone prefers to sit there whenever they come over...It's just more casual - like us! When we were building this house I didn't want a formal DR. People just seem to always gravitate around the kitchen island, but DH insisted we have one. I think we've sat in there about a half dozen times! It's also a seperate room, and I hate that my Black Hutch and large China Cabinet are in there where I can't enjoy them. I don't know if any of you feel the same about formal DRs. My white hutch, which has a more casual look to it, is in the open room with the long table. It just feels more comfortable sitting there. Crozz...I'm like Jeanne...when there's a large amount of people...the food is usually set up on a buffet table. Everyone helps themselves and brings it to the main table. I keep the CP more simple so it doesn't overwhelm the table. I also use a CP on the buffet table. As far as a charger plate...it's used more as a 'decorative accessory' rather than having a function. Punk...No honey...I wouldn't wish that snow your way! but you take care driving down the mountains..those cars that usually flip are going too fast for their own good and for the safety of others! jane

Bobby~your quilt turned out great! I agree tying or tacking, using one of your decorative stitches on your new sewing machine, would be perfect. I second what Teresa said, this quilt would be too frustrating for you to try free motion to quilt it, simply because of the size. About the border, your teacher was "teaching" you the right way to attach the borders. The pressed marks she had you do are guides to match to corresponding marks you make on the quilt top dividing it into quarters. You then 'ease in the difference' (like the lady had you do) between the the quarters, spreading or stretching as necessary throughout, so you end up with flat borders. It is more work, but you will be happy with the results- the easy way isn't always the best way when sewing :)(said very nicely). Your teacher sounds good, and her job is to annoy you with the right way, so you will be happy with the results. All that said - many people do it the easy way~LOL. When you wash your quilt, make sure to use Color Catchers - it concerns me that the dripping water from an iron is making some of your fabrics bleed. The Color catchers will keep those loose dyes from redepositing on your fabrics. You should be very proud of your quilt. I wondered if you gave up- I am so glad you kept working on it.