:) Thanks, everyone! Funny you should ask about the winds and rain. Interestingly, my area hasn't been seeing much of the rain although we have had intermittent gusts of wind that have blown things over (we're used to those big gusts, though). I just came inside the house after having been out with Chelsea, collecting some Milkweed for the Monarch larvae I still have. I also decided that, with the rains and all, to 'rescue' any little babies I find. As many of you know, I don't often bring in Monarch larvae from outside to rear anymore BUT decided, hey, those poor dears...it is a bit cold and wet and...even I wouldn't want to be outside!! I found 14 cats just now. I can't believe it! They range from 2nd instar to 4th (I left four others outside as they were later 4th and 5th instars). When I came in, I found I had a Monarch BUTTERFLY on my head. ;P I guess he (yes, it was a boy) had had enough of the cold and wanted to be indoors with the little babies. DH laughed when he saw the butterfly on my head ("Another hitchiker?"). I put the butterfly into a pop-up... Ahhh...butterfly foster motherhood.

Gosh, I have not seen one of these in years and it brings back some of the ideas that I had lost over the years. We used to make them back in the early 1970s. I also remember how we made Christmas card holders of oatmeal boxes, knitting yarn and red foil, green tulle and a fragment of holly on the top. These are great ideas and I can probably get grandchildren involved in this. It is a very good idea and inexpensive as well.

GOOD TIMING, Jim!!! I was going to post tonight asking where the heck you'd been and where were the photos of your holiday decorating. I was beginning to think little Catzilla had derailed Christmas at your house and you'd given up on it this year! LOL Whew, sure glad I was wrong. Photos are wonderful, a feast for the eyes. I keep looking trying to take it all in, which is impossible. Oh to see this in person...can't even imagine that! hugs, Karen

Are the 4ft tree indoor/outdoor??? I am looking for 2 4ft trees to put outside my entry way.....I am going to get my husband to look into Ebates tonight. There is an Ace Hardware right down the road... Can you provide a direct link to Bradsdeals that show the Christmas trees??? This post was edited by Orchidllauraga on Fri, Nov 1, 13 at 13:08