And speaking of pine trees... tie a 12" string or weatherproof ribbon to the top of each pine cone; then roll the cone in peanut butter, followed by rolling [and pressing] in bird seed. If you are especially handy and have some scraps of thin plywood, cut them into stars, snowflakes, or any geometric pattern; drill a hole in one corner and use heavy twine or ribbon to make a loop hangar. Optional is to glue 2" lengths of ¼" dowel for perches along the bottom. Pat a thick coat of peanut butter on each side of the plywood shape and then press birdseed and small or cut-up dried fruits to make a pattern. To make them look fancier, tie or staple netting (from onion or potato bags) over the seeded shape. Birdwatchers like these (and have you seen what the catalogs are charging???) My home-made is often potholders; either double-knot crochet or sewn from scraps -- a trick to use a teflon ironing-board cover cut into squares as a liner. Favorites include ones of denim or pinwale corduroy, trimmed with bias tape in bright colors. I've also made them using block-quilt patterns on one side. Which ever, make them 7½ to 8" square unless the recipient has exceptionally small hands. These tuck nicely around a couple jars of jelly in a small basket. A variety of home-made jams and jellies packed in ½-cup jars avoids having to remember who likes which best. I do try to include one of the more unusual ones such as mint jelly, pear honey, yellow tomato jam, or strawberry-pineapple preserves, along with the usual quick'n'easy apple, grape, blueberry. Apple butter is another quick'n'easy which is popular; pack it with a jar of mix for pancakes or muffins.

Thanks gals. I think they call the material that tree is made from resin or something like that. I know I've seen bears, angels, etc. at Michael's out of it. It has all the designs already on it and you just fill in with your choice of colors. Sorry that picture didn't get straightened before I posted it. :o( Anj, I had some cute penquin patterns I wanted to do on the rocks, but the only smooth rocks I found weren't big enough, so I had seen a bowl full of snowmen rocks, or rockin snowmen, as you put it, somewhere on the web and thought I'd just go ahead and make some. Little GD thought they were so cute! Bet your kids would enjoy decorating some--they could just let their imaginations run wild. Now that I think about it, I guess I could have just reduced the penquin patterns--duh! I didn't put these on our gallery since they were a just for fun project and it's okay if they drop off quickly. LOL You know what they say about painters--if it doesn't move, we'll probably try to paint it! Luvs

Yes.... it would be cool on the top of a desk --- or on the back of the Kitchen counter... It is a really neat idea.... I like the little message/office center..... idea !!! Thanks for sharing ! H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G * * * * * and a Very M E R R Y + C H R I S T M A S !!!! God Bless! Susiesunshine

Can you get in touch with a nice restaurant in Branson and make reservations for a nice meal and tell them that you will pay for it? That would be nice along with the travel package. Although some people are fans of gift cards, I am not. Frankly I don't think they show much imagination and maybe I don't shop at that store. It puts more of a burden on me when I get a gift card to a specific store, As I have to keep track of the card, have to find something there I like, and just remember that I have it to use. I am not suggesting that it's not generous and that it's not a good gift for some people. I just choose not to use them and don't really like getting them. Of course, I am appreciative of any gift that anyone get me and I am grateful for their gift, but gift cards just don't do it for me. To me, it just seems as though the giver didn't care to put any more thought into it and took an easy way out. Call me crazy. Put a little more thought into it for some creativity, and I would expect that would be much more appreciated. Can you set it up with your father ahead of time, so that you have some idea of your plans in Branson and when they would be available for an extra special dinner at an extra special restaurant? Of course, by the time you read this, it will be too late. I was hoping that you could at least tell her that you would be giving her that special dinner and then make specific arrangements later. Sorry that I am reading this too late.