This is the first time I've been on this forum, and the word "crow" caught my eye. Wow, is that cool! I LOVE it!! I think you could definitely sell that, especially at a fall festival. Is there a pattern for it all, or did it come from your imagination? Love it, love it!!

Jenn, I have three TS in about a three mile radius of each other. The biggest one is my fav, but the other two often get some good things in. The mgr at the smallest one always puts the holiday things in a special display area. I really like that, makes it easy to see what's available. Let me tell you, there were lots and lots of those plastic pumpkin pails! LOL I always look for craft/decorating books and have found some good ones from time to time. My last two trips I've found these notebooks with the project cards in them. They are those big 3 inch notebooks. I remember when I used to get offers in the mail to sign up for them. You then would get different sets of project cards until you filled your notebook up. These actually have some really cute ideas in them. The first one was only $1.98 and the one yesterday was $3.00 with 30% off of that, so fun to read even if I never make a single project out of it! LOL I only started checking out the TS last year when I found the Garden Junk forum and wanted glass items to make those totems. Now I am hooked on checking them. Like a treasure hunt, sometimes I find nothing, but usually I find something I can sand and repaint, or glassware pieces I can use, or a picture/frame I really like. Judith, the pumpkin jar is a nice heavy one, and it was only $1.48. Can't beat the price and after a good washing in the dishwasher, it is just like new! ;o) (I do have to tell you that I hate the smell in the stores--does that make me a snob? LOL What's that smell from anyway? Surely people do not donate clothing without washing it first, so where does the odor come from? Inquiring minds wanna know!) Luvs

I'm coming by as often as I can too, but not contributing a darn thing. I have lots of "ideas" and "want to do's", but just not the mental or physical energy to get anything much done. First I had sore arms which I totally understood and vowed to be more careful--now my wrists and hands get this terrible "tingling" achy feeling that even wakes me up, so not doing anything I don't have to do. Karen, maybe Punk could paint you a bench if she ever has a minute to sit down. Or you could just find the fabric or even napkins or those decals with a design you like and Mod Podge it on a little bench. Just a thought. MM, sometimes it takes someone brave enough to speak up in order for change to happen. Let's hope SD says something to his own kids to encourage them to help out a bit. So sorry for your DM, know it must be hard for her. Janet, I sure hope you are getting back to normal again. So sorry you've been feeling so bad. You always have enough to deal with without things like shingles added to the list. Take care, gal. Lynn, isn't it hard trying to decide what to keep and what to part with? I struggle with those types of decisions all the time too. Really need to either get busy and use some things or get rid of them around here too. Jeanne, you always seem to find fun things to do or projects to work on, and I'm so glad you share it all here with us. I can live vicariously through you! LOL By the way, I saved LOTS of seeds from the holly hocks! Jane, I so love that you made the big witch, and will look forward to seeing how you displayed her this year. I've always loved that design. I had so many neat ideas saved for to work on this year for Halloween but guess fate had other plans for me this year. When my wrists and hands are better, I'll try to get busy and do some creative things again. Marlene, with all that's been going on with you, I can totally understand why you've not been creative either. Hope all is going better. Candy, I'm so glad you've stayed healthy and creative this year. I so love seeing all your finds and neat ts you do with them! Nana, you do great with your monthly birthday tablescapes. I look forward to each one. Karen, you are the greatest for keeping us supplied with neat things to look at. My wrists were killing me the other night but I still kept looking at all those mantels from your post! LOL Didn't want to miss any of the good eye candy! Okay, I hope I didn't miss anyone, but my hands have had it for now. I'll be back to see what else you are all up to, but may have to learn to keep my responses more brief! Luvs

Sandi & OA, I have to admit I bought two of the soft, big snowflakes at DT last week, have no idea why, I'm getting the "Karen symdrome" buy it cause it's there & don't know why! Now I'm thinking I should have gotten 4, but I already have placemats for the winter setting, so maybe the two will work out in it somewhere!! Kathleen, the way the economy is going, my hubby better hold onto his good job here in the midwest & thoughts of moving south are long gone! Although, I might need an addition onto the house if I keep buying. I did say I controlled myself, I could have bought at least 25 more things, they had sooooo much & such great prices. They only had one witch hat left, but couldn't pass it up, it was so cute. Luvs, so true, we get bored with the same ole, same ole stores around us, and Gordman's truly is a GEM! If you put in the www.gordmans.com, it shows locations, so if you are ever travelling you can look for one. I was also looking for some small deer, mice etc. to use with my winter table, maybe next trip on the 23rd!! LOL Judith got me started thinking "birds" on the tablescapes, but I rarely see them at garage sales. I love the red ones too, not sure if I'll use them on the table, probably on the end of my kitchen counter. I do NOT have plates for a winter table, but if I buy them, where will I put them?????? Anyone want to donate to my addition to my house for more storage? LOL