Thanks everyone. Yes, I grew the gourds myself. I have a few others but haven't done a lot with them. I have one other gourd birdhouse but I drilled the hole too big and so far nobody has taken residence in it. I have one I turned into a feeder as well and a few still sitting on a shelf in my garage that I haven't done anything with. Last year was the first time I'd ever grown gourds and I didn't plant a whole lot of them. I'm hooked though and have put several seeds out already and have plans to put out more. A lot of the seeds I put out are seeds from the gourds I've already worked with. I hope they grow! I also have another of the wood birdhouses DH's grandfather made. This one is the original red and white he painted it and is hanging from my cedar arbor. There's a family of finches living in it right now! I just love to watch the birds (and so do my two kitties!). Bright, we should get together and go junking some time! I'm on the NW side of Lake Norman, about 45 minutes from Charlotte. Robin

Manderine1... That's great! And by the way, did I ever tell you how nice it is to see kind and appreciative people like you around here? There is a lot of manners lacking around these forums lately, but you certainly make this forum nice to be around. Mike

Good thoughts gumbycat. Gardening is definitely a 12 month endeavor where our brains must not be turning off just because the days become shorter. I am always thinking of adding more winter interest without eliminating valuable space of the "summer" garden. As recently as a week ago (before the cold weather set in) I lined the front walk and part of one side with pavers to help break up the straight line effect of the concrete.

I agree..I'm so happy you posted your pictures. Everything is so lovely. That tree in the Den is a Treasure for sure..especially with all your GDaughter's ornaments as well as the vintage. Also the fact that your main tree has ornaments from your childhood right up to the present, i think is so special. I'm not one for 'Theme' trees, although they are really lovely... As for me, a Tree filled with memories..old & new, is what I look forward to each year. I've collected some vintage ornaments, and hung on to some of my old ornaments,(from childhood)..they always remind me of such happy memories from that time. YOur mantel and snow scene is laid out beautifully. I remember that sleigh you had posted I think on another forum...I LOVE IT..I showed it to DH, because you said your DH made it, and that your Gkids take pictures in it each year. NOW THAT'S such a great idea and Memories they will treasure for sure! I told DH..to study it, and to create plans to make one......lol Once again, glad you posted your pics..better late than never...TFS jane