Looks like the first two are the favorites of most of you. The first one can look spectacular, but it has some "bad hair days" so I don't know what it's future will be. It could also use more buds, but I do love it when it looks good. I'm anxious to see what it's like next year. This has been almost a lost year for my garden. I do love the flower on the second one. It has sibs that performed better, but this is by far the coolest flower. The yellow and orange ones are both new and the last one had a very good bud count. They definitely get another year or two.

let me try again without the IMG; I'm using photobucket and going to the "share" tab on the photo; then "get link code" for bulletin boards/forums..full size...copy link and paste here. What am I doing wrong? http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv331/angeldog2009/silvershakers001.jpg

Probably wasn't the best time for me to start posting here again when my DD came to visit these past few days and I didn't have time to get back and respond to all your wonderful compliments! Karen, thank you! Although we love the Inspiration Albums you create and I'm honoured that you put some of my pics in them, we are totally understanding of how much time and effort it takes to organize them. So don't you worry about "falling behind". You SO DESERVE to do your own thing after all you've been through lately. Milosmom, thanks! I was happy with the size of the silver trees with the penguin too. Mary_Ruth, nice of you to comment, thanks! Yachter, thanks. After I bought the snowflake hurricanes, I did have second thoughts as they are more "season limited" with the snowflakes on them and storage is getting limited around here. However, when I saw them together with this table theme, I was happy I got them. Punk, thank you. Your Martha Stewart hats sound great. Look forward to seeing them next year ...will be here before we know it! Luvs, thank you so much. Nice to know I'm thought of and that you would check out my blog. I did have a good holiday season but was sick with a bad cold and had to work more than I wanted. Next year, I'm putting in for more vacation time! Magpie, thank you. I'm all about "mixing it up" and using a variety of things in my 'scapes as you can tell with this one. Jane, thanks. You are kind to say I've been missed. There were so many great "posters" on here during the holidays, I'd think you all would forget about me. Just shows why I love this forum, its like family! Syble, thank you. Yes, I'm afraid I spent way too much time on tablescapes, actually working on them up for days tweaking here and there until I finally take some pictures. That is another time consuming thing as I have to work on the photography part and I don't enjoy it as much as setting the table! Jay, thanks for your kind compliments. Lynn, thanks! The silver branches are just stuck into the centerpiece wreath. I originally bought them with the intention of having them in a vase in the center, kind of overflowing like champagne but they were way too tall and clear sight-lines are always an obsession of mine. Kathleen, thank you! I never tire of your quick wit! You have the best come-backs/comments! I probably would use this scape for other celebratory occasions this winter. Best get back to visiting with my DD and her boyfriend...just ducked in to chat with you while they were out. DD

So sorry to hear about your SIL Mary - Your peony quilt made a perfect Comfort Quilt -soft, soothing colors & design -- it was meant to be. I do remember the pink ribbon fabric you bought. Sadly, we need pieces like this in our stash. The Old Country Store in Intercourse, PA (Lancaster) has recently filed for Bankruptcy and closed abruptly. Follow the link to the story if you are interested - it changed my perception of this 'country store'. Glad your life has gotten back on track. You've had some real highs and lows - BTDT -- take advantage of the free time & sew! It is like a mental vacation if you pick a difficult project that requires you to concentrate really hard. :) Congrats on the job recognition for all your hard work! Here is a link that might be useful: Store Bankruptcy