It was interesting reading about other's creations/techniques. I'm so busy right now trying to get my private practice off the ground that I don't have time to make something. (But who am I kidding--even if I did, I probably wouldn't have the inclination, esp. with something like this so cheap! :-) I looked online and saw what Michelle was talking about and realized I also want something with a pattern on it, but it was eye-opening to see this specific thing is actually made. I /really/ don't get out to stores much due to a strong dislike of shopping. Well, I called a bunch of dept stores in the area and got several variations of 'huh?' then I hit on the idea of trying linens and bb&b. The latter said they had some, I went over and found the perfect thing! It folds up and zips together to form its own pouch. Has a carrying strap, a pocket for Stuff and a really cute pattern. I can hardly wait to try it out at an outdoor concert later this week! Thanks again for all the brainstorming!

Hi there, from a fellow Minnesotan! I like the idea of three bean salad, and you could easily put that together in a hotel room and the day before! How about picking up a cold shrimp cocktail from the supermarket deli? Or a pound cake and some strawberries for dessert? Here ae a couple more ideas to add to your list of considerations: White Corn Salad 2c frozen shoepeg white corn 3/4c chopped roma tomato 1/2 c chopped cucumber 2T chopped green bell pepper 3T white wine vinegar 1-1/2 tsp olive oil 1 tsp Dijon mustard tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 clove garlic, minced Combine vegetables in bowl, toss. Combine remaining ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Pour over corn mixture and toss well. Serves 4 From Cooking Light magazine, date unknown Make the orzo for this one before leaving home and just kkep it chilled in a zip lock bag. Greek Orzo Salad 1c uncooked orzo 2c chopped cucumber 1\-1/2c cherry tomatoes, quartered 1c feta cheese,crumbled 1/2c chopped onion 1/2c chopped fresh parsley 1/2c chopped black olives 2tsp salt 1/4tsp pepper Dressing: 1/3c extra virgin olive oil 1/3c lemon juice 1tsp minced garlic ½ tsp salt 1/4tsp pepper Cook orzo, cool, place in bowl with prepared vegetables. Toss with dressing and chill If you can keep the fruit cold, you could make this in your hotel room, too. Super easy! Sunny Fruit Fiesta 1 cantaloupe, halved and seeded ½ honeydew, seeded 1/4c sugar 1/4c fresh lime juice 2T fresh lemon juice 1T orange-flavored liqueur (optional) 1-1/2 tsp grated lime zest 1c fresh sliced strawberries 1c black or red seedless grapes Using a melon ballr scoop cantaloupe and honeydew into balls, set aside. or just cut fruit into bite size chunks In large glass or ceramic bowl, combine sugar, lime juice, lemon juice liqueur and lime zest. Stir well to dissolve sugar. Add fruit and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour to blend flavors, stirring once or twice. Spoon the fruit mixture into serving bowls or hollowed out melon halves, dividing evenly. Serves 6. **For a tropical version, substitute kiwi slices, papaya or pineapple chunks, or mango cubes. Add a little grated fresh ginger, and maybe a dash of coconut extract. Linda

You did a great job! That is a wonderful view! I hope I can buy an old weathered table for one of our pine groves, but I'm looking on craigs list. No rush! We enjoyed a recent visit at a home with similar views, and we heard the story of how they built their home. It helps that he is a framer by trade, but they got tract house plans for really cheap from a builder. They lived in a trailer on the property while it was under construction, and it didn't go up in a day! He hired professionals for all the drywall, weather protection, roofing, plumbing, electrical. It was fun sitting there, enjoying the views and hearing that story! Love your table! Suzi This post was edited by desertdance on Mon, May 13, 13 at 15:53

Sorry Jan I cannot make it out, have a look at the link below you may find it there: Cheers...MM.. Here is a link that might be useful: Australian Caterpillars