slahgirl, Crocs are not a bandwagon "fad". They are sensible shoes with an intense following. People said the same about Earth shoes way back in the 70's. I still buy and wear them today, and they have a very loyal following with many. Sure they are not for everybody and they are not for wearing for all occassions. (Although my friend Kay joked about wearing the white Crocs under her wedding dress so her feet won't hurt from standing all day.) As far as leaving smudgy footprints inside of the shoes goes, I've seen that with many brands of shoes and is not indicitive of Crocs, but of sloppy hygiene and inattentive maintanance of the shoes by the wearer.

I emjoyed reading about all of your celebrations. Glad to hear most of the steer are home. My Christmas started last Tuesday with the arrival of Nieces 1 & 2, plus 1's DH and two sons. I adore those kids. I gave then some Avatar figures and they played a lot with those. I got a bracelet made of beads. Mom made a pot roast dinner. I worked Wednesday and Thursday. The boss gave me some liquid soap and a candle that stink to high heavens, so they will be regifted or taken to the thrift shop. The aroma is supposed to be Fig but it's actually P.U. Christmas day was very quiet and made me wistful for the days of lots of relatives and complete bedlam. My older son came over and made a nice breakfast of french toast, bacon, eggs, coffee and juice. I got out the good china and silver just for the heck of it. I gave him a set to learn to juggle and he spent most of the day fooling with that and could do it by the end of the day. Dinner with Mom and she made lobster tails that were very good. We found #2 nephews shoes under the dining room table so I mailed those back on Saturday. The other half of the family arrives this Tuesday for lunch. That's my BIL and his wife, Niece #3, her DH and two daughters. Can't wait to see them. I work on Monday then have the rest of the week off. I have a job interview on Wednesday morning. I'll let you know more about that. I think I will make asparagus soup tonight. I bought a lot hoping I could convince Mom to come here for dinner, but no luck. So far no plans for New Year's Eve except to go to bed early!

Thanks for all your kind comments! I still have a long way to go in this room. It actually is/was the worst room in our home, decorating-wise. I do have high hopes, though, that once the table, chairs and built-in hutch are restained a darker color, the paintings are rehung and I get a new lamp for the buffet, it'll look much more pulled together. Shannon, I didn't see your post to me over there, sorry! I need to go look at some of this gentleman's homes. It's fascinating to hear that our homes out here are very similar to his in Louisiana. Mine is actually very eclectically decorated, as I have paintings from Japan, China, England and India hung in here, too. The Virgin Mary painting is actually from Peru. I also have a have a game table from Syria in the living room, which opens into the dining room. And, crosses everywhere! DH says that it looks like we have a serious vampire problem in the area! Anyhoo, I'm flattered that you think my home is so interesting. Sometimes I think I drive my sweet DH a little nuts with my eclectic tastes in decorating ;^)

i wear them 24/7/365 .. yeah.. i even sleep in them ... and they last 2 to 3 years ... i usually get a blow out in the sole ... that lets water in ... as noted ... i fill them with hot water and a part scoop of laundry detergent once or twice a year ... let them stand an hour or so ... then throw them in the washer with some rag towels ... i have the short shoe type ... i prefer to let them dry in summer out in the sun ... i am pretty sure.. a hot dryer would not be good as they age ... and my god.. all that thumping ... lol .. so i try to wash them in spring and fall .. to avoid the dryer ... ken