My initial thought on the cedar siding is that it competes with the wonderful stone. I have to admit that I did not even see the stone when I first saw the picture. It was only after I read the text where you mention the stone that I noticed it. A crazy though...I have no idea what the interior layout of your house looks like or what is on the other side of that front facing wall. Would it be possible to enclose the area that is your porch with a wall? That would give you a nice looking front facing door and maybe enough room inside for a small foyer with a coat closet. I am a big fan of Gordon Hayward. Ohh...I see that the library down the street says that they have "A Welcoming Garden" in stock. I expect that book expands on some of the ideas presented in the book "Your House, Your Garden" which has some good ideas for designing entry gardens. Another book that I would highly recommend is "Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book" by Jeni Webber. The book "Front Yard Gardens" by Liz Primeau is a decent book with some inspiring gardens. - Brent

OA, if you don't go spend money, then we are failing at being Enablers here. Now go, you don't want to be responsible for our failure. Dreamgoddess, you are a good friend, LOL. But I think I'll keep my pink Santa. By the way, there is a VERY similar one on eBay if anyone is interested. Says its from 1990. Mine is an even older piece and looks like this one was copied from it. Also listed is the Santa and Sleigh in my first photo. Since I can't do two clickable links, here is the info for that piece. You can copy and paste. http://cgi.ebay.com/MIB-MIKASA-PORCELAIN-SANTA-SLEIGH-AND-REINDEER_W0QQitemZ230300640299QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230300640299&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 I was trying to remember what other white Mikasa type pieces I had. From last Xmas, I have a partridge big enough to fit in my hand, a Xmas tree about 15" high, a Santa from the arctic....he has a polar bear, wolf, and other animals around him. And earlier this year I found a large Nutcracker on shopgoodwill, I was very excited about him! But I can't remember the pieces my daughter found for me at the "morning after" sales. I think a smaller rocking horse, and one or two other items. I can't wait to get them all out and see what to DO with them. I know I want to put them all in my living/dining room. Judith.......want to come decorate for me? LOL. I'd sure like some of your fabulous little vignettes with these items. hugs, Karen Here is a link that might be useful: Pink Santa with Reindeer

thank you so much,, YUCK i don't care for that at all. We are not doing the brick, we are using castle rock similar to the stone that sprice5105 used under her porch, but i still don't think i care for the red. Our roof is black/ gray// any other ideas. Our current home is a cactus green w/ white which i love. I will be using some accent color, in the gables but OH I DON"T KNOW NOW. What to do ? What is your favorite house color.

Thanks Casey. I will go and look. I also have PictureIt too Maryanne. (How are you feeling?) I used it years ago with my first scanner and I loved it. I bought the latest version just last month and I'd forgotten all about it. Thanks you too. I will post the end result when I'm through with it...IF I figure it out. LOL If not I'll come back her and one of you can take my little hand and walk me through it. Lori who is having a really 'dumb-dumber-than-usual day'