Welcome to our forum, Nhardy! Are you in Michigan? I've lived here in New Mexico since we were married 26 years ago, but I'm from Mt.Clemens, Michigan originally. I'm sad to say, that in all the years I lived there, I never made it to Bronners. I've heard from everyone that it's a wonderful place,too. Isn't that the place that also has the famous chicken dinners? I guess that when we were heading up I-75 to the U.P. or wherever for the weekend, I was in too much of a hurry to get there and never wanted to waste time shopping. I regret it now. You should post pics someday of the inside of Bronners, if you have any. I'd love to see it. We head back every summer for a week or two, but stick mainly to Lexington on Lake Huron where we rent cottages. I put up 5 trees myself: a very large family tree in our living room; a 4' Spanish Colonial in the family room; a 2' tree in the kitchen with Christmas countdown ornaments on it for DD; a 7' slim in DD's room with her ornaments that we've collected over the years for her. Now that our DS has finished grad school and is in the Army, I've stored his ornament collection away for him and decorate his 7' slim tree with Western ornaments, as the room is now more of a guest room. I have 13 large bins of Christmas decorations and vow every year that I'm not buying one more thing . . . but I always cave in the end. Last year it was Mercury glass. This year, I'd just like to stick with a few more Western ornaments. Hobby Lobby always has some good ones, but I just can't bear to think Christmas yet when I'm still enjoying my Summer and my gardens here. Anyhoo, it'll be fun to look at all your decs. Welcome! Lynn

Now I get it! Didn't know you posted one on both sides...... By the by....sounds like you had a great trip. We have a lot of antique stores in Chehalis and Centralia...twin cities and most are moderately priced. They are a favorite day outing for cold winter days. It is shocking so see so many childhood "things" fast becoming antiques, especially when I am still using them as everyday things. Belle

Good Morning Anj, PF and Joan, Thanks all of you for your sweet comments. As I just looked I hope these look far better when varnished. DH said he would drill for the lighter background ones if I want. I had thought of using these for coasters if not. PF, I'll tell DH you thought he done a dandy job cutting. Looking forward to seeing more projects soon. I have company coming today so I won't be painting. Punk

Sorry Kellylou, this exchange is in the mailing to me for redistribution stage already, and we have 24 people participating in it, which was our goal number, so yes, this exchange is closed, Sorry! That doesn't mean you couldn't try to start your own one up, but I'll leave that to you. We wanted to have our ornaments all returned by U.S. Thanksgiving time, so we can enjoy them for a good long holiday season, that's why it's over with now. Thanks for all your interest, and in case anyone thinks I've ignored all the previous posts, I haven't, I emailed them all directly in order to let this post fall... Debbie, debglasses, keep an eye out here next summer, that's when we'll post about another exchange, if someone wants to host one.... I suppose we should wait and see how this one turns out before commiting to one then, though. So far, it's looking good... Thanks everyone!