You just dry your hair in the barn because that is where the hair dryer is (used for unmolding tufa), and when your DH asks why, you say 'it's just easier to leave the hairdryer out here..." Yes, this happened this morning. DH gave me a look and quickly departed for work. Mabel

Hi Cowboy, I'm trusting you are the same Cowboy on the Hallsons forum? I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with your wonderful slide show and thanks for sharing. I was impressed enough to try to register on there but so far haven't received whatever it is you need to actually post. Anyway, I encouraged people on the discussion side of this forum to have a look. Hope that's ok? Myrle

Thanks for your comments, everyone! Luvs...you tried to "lead me astray" last winter, I remember! Tsk! Tsk! PM50...those plum blossom I've been using alot...hope I'll run across more somewhere...need 2 more plates & bowls for a setting of 4. Thanks for the Espress website...I did look but I still can't find ones like these ..embossed around top edges ...same color. Think I will probably watch for a cheaper set somewhere of white. Jane...Spode & potato chips, uh? Sounds like trouble! Will be fun to watch for when we go camping & such this summer! And, yes, the GW online dishes I got for $9 but the shipping killed the deal! UGH! No more of that! froufrou & lynn... I do love the contrast brown Sango's! Gordman's used to be called "Half Price Store" & lots of good deals there...these 4 plates caught my eye on the clearance table! I do ck out TJMaxx here, Lynn...love that place...cause something's always changing! Today I got another garden bunny statue...I'll post a pic later. Milo,OA, Lucky & Kathleen...Thanks! Spode is beautiful! Thanks to you all, I am hooked...YES, purplemoon! Am looking forward to using them all! Jeanne S.

YOu asked for opinions--mine isn't about the poem itself--as far as the poem goes, whatever YOU feel fills the requirements of the contest is perfect, regardless of what others here may say. However, I've been competing (in another field) for almost 30 years. I know this is a small contest, not the national kind I compete in, but here's my problem with your post. And I say this only because it's good advice for anyone planning on entering a contest. You NEVER share or publish your work before the contest is judged and the winners announced. Often, in the fine print, there's an admonition against submitting published works (and yes, posting on the internet CAN be considered publishing by some sponsors). Even if there isn't, it's always best to keep your entry close to the vest, so to speak, just to protect it. I'd strongly recommend NOT putting your entry on any website at this point in the competition--it could end up costing you the chance to win. Obviously, that's just one opinion. You can certainly do what you want, but you're obviously putting a lot of thought and effort in this. It would be such a shame if someone either stole your entry, or disqualified it because it was easily found with a quick internet search.