Thanks for the compliments everyone. My husband didn't use any plans or pattern. He just copied what he had seen in the past on regular docks. He grooved out the frame underneath to make it securely fit on the skimmer (I had asked him to somehow keep it secure so that it wouldn't accidently tip if our cats stood on the edge to drink or look down at the water). Basically, the 'dock' is just a nicer replacement cover and is very light and easy to remove. The original plastic cover has been removed (its not underneath) and is now stored in our shed; I will switch them around when the snow and ice arrives in the winter, this way protecting and preserving the nice cedar color of the 'dock' instead of leaving it buried under deep snow.

Jane, don't listen to him! If you have ever used a sewing machine, then cutting wood pieces will be easy for you. You just trace the outside line of your pattern onto the wood and then feed it into the saw and follow the line just like when you are sewing. And remember, it won't cut unless you push it against the blade, so you can pause anytime to want and don't have to feel rushed at all. I use a scroll saw and prefer either 3/4 inch soft pine or for thin things like this, I prefer the Baltic Birch plywood sheets. I say "prefer" because I will use any scrap of wood I can get my hands on! ;o) And now with all the scrapbooking pages, even if you don't paint, you can create a neat item for your decor. Just cut a shape, spread Mod Podge on it, then press on a pretty sheet of paper, trim the edges, and add a design or letters. I've seen some really neat word blocks recently on some of the blogs. Women CAN use POWER tools! ;o) Glad all of you liked it. OA, I can't take credit for the little tattoo. It was already part of the design from Juliette Martin. I have a few of her books and she does some darling designs. I often hesitate to do her designs because there are so many little details and I usually like quick & easy! Painting is like most other things, the more you do it, the easier it is. So yes, I was feeling a bit rusty-- struggling more with the small detail items especially and some of my outlines are thicker than I'd like. But overall, it's okay, and lots more fun and durable than just buying a paper decoration at Michael's. ;o) Luvs

I'm planning on taking up Yoga again myself and bought myself some yoga DVDs for my birthday. My father has Parkinson's, but I think it's too late for him to take up yoga, and I think that I may be developing arthritis in the middle fingers of both hands. I've given my doctor a note to check that when I see him again next month. We had a pond in Venice, and in the 15 years that I was there, we only had one raccoon attack, but it was devastating. At one time I had over seventy fish and two to four frogs. The raccoon murdered my one remaining frog, and it was very sad. Pam should be able to fix the keyboard! I had not thought of doing yoga outside, but that might be a good idea. I have enough yard space, and I also have enough concrete patio space for the mats that I recently bought. I have the mats in the sewing/exercise/guest room, which I think I need to pare down a bit - maybe to just a sewing/guest room. Lars

I love the mirror and its frame, but its not my first choice for that space. My first thought was to get one of those faux type looking stone wall sculptures....that might not be the right name. They are usually and inch or 2 thick, made out of resin, but looks like plaster. They are sold like art. Here is something at Ballard Design, I dont know how to post the picture so here is the website http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Paintings-Prints/Whimsical-Prints/Individual%20Stones%20of%20Florence%20Giclé%3Be/p/6362?code=SHOPZ07 Its not that I like these from Ballard, its just to show the idea. I really liked the iron scroll idea too. Another thought is a framed print. There are tuns of framed art that have that kitchen flair to them....that fat cartoon looking waiter, fruit, roosters, etc. I see those items better suited in that spot than the mirror. Did you ever consider faux painting a stone pattern for your backsplash? When I googled stone art to post a picture, I saw some DYI Learn to faux paint stone. Kind of neat.