LindaC, I don't care where the artist lived, or why he painted anything. I just want to know if he will paint the cabinets. I didn't say it was fun painting cabinets, I said I was going to do it. I hate to paint and I hate to decorate even more than I hate to paint. I do like white. It's clean, it's easy and it goes with everything. Plus, I want to sell the house. I told Elery that if there was going to be any color, he'd have to choose it. Then the realtor informed me that most people don't want color, they want neutrals so they can cover them easily and choose their own colors. That's why they call it "realtor beige". the high point of tearing out that wall was finding out that under that butt ugly striped paneling was drywall, so I don't have to build another wall, just paint the one that is there. Well, that and getting rid of the wall that I hated. Striped blue, brown, gray and cream. Ugh. I'm excited about FINALLY starting to do something about getting these houses ready for sale, I just hope they sell quickly so I can move the heck out! eileen, I'd like the interesting little cafes, although I don't usually eat breakfast, it would be lunch for me. I like to wander off by myself too, but that drives Elery nuts, he's sure I'm lost or mugged or eaten by some animal that I just had to get a little closer to. But he's not interested in the seals or the sea turtles on South Padre. he wants to sit and relax and by gosh, I need to learn to relax too. It's both funny and annoying. I can tell you how cold the water was and how the sand felt on my bare feet and what the coffee was like and how many people had dogs and what kind. I notice the breeze and the smell of the flowers and iguana on the rocks and that the aloe is blooming. To me a thousand sunsets are all different but 152 paintings of people I don't know are all the same. I believe that nature is a far more talented artist than any human could ever be. I can't tell you about sunrises, though, because I'm not a morning person. (grin) So I'd LOVE to see Big Sur and Monterey and Point Lobos. And in about 3 days, I want to go home. Annie

Here you go Karen. Stacked Pizza posted by Sharon (Chase) 7 sheets phyllo pastry 1/2 cup butter melted 7 TBSP freshly grated parmesan 1 1/2 cups grated mozarella 1 sweet onion sliced thinly 5-6 roma tomatoes, sliced 1 tsp oregano salt and pepper to taste ( I don't use any I find the parm salty enough and I forget about the pepper!!!) fresh herbs sprigs thyme, oregano or rosemary Preheat oven to 375. Follow package instructions to thaw phyllo. Place 1 sheet of phyllo on baking sheet, brush with butter and sprinkle with 1 TBSP of the parmesan cheese. Repeat until all layers are used. Press down firmly so layers stick together. Sprinkle top sheet with mozerella. Place onions on top then place tomatoes on top. Season with oregano. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden, and the bottom is cooked. Decorate with fresh herbs and cut into squares (squares can be cut in half to make two bite triangles) Notes: I slice the onions and then cut the circles in half to arrange on top. I also try and line the tomatoes up in a diagonal pattern, I don't place them randomly, and then when I cut it I cut the squares so each piece has 1 roma slice. I also don't measure anything anymore I just sprinkle the cheese. I use rosemary but I cut the leaves off the stems. I've often cooked it with the rosemary on it. I also line my baking sheet with parchment paper. Linda

Thanks again everyone. Dinner was delicious but not very adventurous vis a vis the menu which had some very "interesting" items on it including calves brain and a tripe , sausage and bean casserole. I had escargot with garlic and parsley, frogs legs in a white wine and butter sauce and a Mandarin orange souffle. It was all delicious but the dessert was sublime. Clive had foie gras, duck with a raspberry sauce and the souffle for dessert We had a local sparkling wine as an appertif and a red from the same vineyard with the meal. The wine was lovely. I've made up my mind that I prefer Burgundy, Loire reds and Bordeaux in that order. I had never really experienced Loire wines before, they really are wonderful....not that I'll ever find them at home. We are leaving in a minute for a tour and wine tasting of the winery the wine we had with dinner comes from. All in all a wonderful evening.

Glad they got there in time Ann, I was starting to worry! The weather out on the West coast has really slowed down delivery times.....talk about a close call! Moe, enjoy and Matt, you share with your Mom, although I know she isn't much of a pickle person so it won't be a huge hardship! ! Just putting , my Tourtieres in the oven. Chris and Amity are hosting Christmas Eve this year but Chris asked that I bring the Tourtiere and they would do the rest! Merry Christmas everyone!