Karen, I tried to talk DH into wrapping up those paintings last Christmas Season, but he was adament he didn't want to go that route. It's a good idea, though. Ncnana, thanks. The door, like most all of them in our house, is handcarved. We had to have a carpenter repair one once and I was amazed to see that they come apart in many pieces that fit together by sliding each piece into the grooves of the next piece. Kathleen, that's what I try to do. I don't have the room (or the energy) to store the everyday pieces we have! I'm so sorry that all these pics seem dark. I need to take my camera in and have it checked out. Something is not right! Lynn

Here is our family cookie recipe, dates back to the ealry 1900's Michigan Rocks Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds Walnuts, chopped course 1/2 pound Butter 1 12/ Cups plus 2 Tbsp Sugar 1 1/2 pounds Loose dates finely chopped 3 Cups Flour Pinch of Salt 8 Eggs 1 Tbsp Vanilla 2 Tbsp White Vinegar 1 Level tsp Baking Soda Powdered Sugar Pre Heat Oven to 375 Degrees Grease a cookie sheet or use parchement paper Cream butter, vanilla and sugar in large bowl, add nuts. Mix a cup of flour over dates add to bowl, add rest of flour, mix well. Beat the eggs and add to the mix, mix well. Lastly, add vinegar in which soda has been mixed. Drop on greased or lined cookie sheet by Tbsp. Bake for 15-20 minutes. After cookies have cooled, roll in powdered sugar

Hazel- you are doing some really neat work. Judy

BIRD IN SANTA'S BEARD ( BIG BELLY ) by Jeffery L Schatz * remember, you can't have the word Christmas in the title. That's too easy !!