Thank You Jeannie----we also have a large live tree with all the family ornaments---the stocking was made by my son when he was 5 years old (51 years ago) the antlers on the deer where traced from my grandaughter's hands I do enjoy all my treasures -- most of the angels on the two Angel Trees are gifts from friends and family over the years---I have them all marked with the date and whoever gave the angel to me---- and a Happy New Year to you also--- Florence

Merry merry Christmas, everyone. We're having a thunderstorm this morning, which is supposed to change over to a wintry mix this afternoon - we'll see. Usually any snow forecast is taken with a grain of salt around here. We had lasagna for Christmas eve dinner, and everyone wanted tamales for Christmas dinner, so we're having Sharon's spinach enchiladas, tamales, and some kind of Mexican slaw I'm going to try to duplicate. I realized that I accidentally planned for basically the same dish from different cultures - enchiladas from Mexico and lasagna from Italy. Oh, well, I've never been good at menu planning. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year, everyone! Sally

Rafor, enjoyed your picture. Since I didn't have a spare moment around Christmas, will send New Year Wishes your way. I love those bell cloches and I agree with Jeanne, adding the ribbon was a neat idea. Punk

Mara -- I love those elf shoes!!!! Yep, it is so warm in Texas on most Christmas days you have to turn on the AC if you want to use the fire place. Buttoni -- what a darling little dog! Button's toy in the picture looks bigger than her ... lol I agree with you that Alfie has some Rat Terrier or Toy fox terrier in his genealogy. He has the long legs and general conformation of a Toy fox terrier, but is much bigger at about 25 lbs.. I used to visit 'Plant Maven' Kathy and admire her little Toy fox terrier Mavie, who she said was the smartest dog she ever owned. I vowed to get one someday. Then lo and behold Alfie turned up on my front porch on Mother's Day this year. He was only about 10 or 12 weeks old, was so scared and was hiding behind some pots. I posted his picture on our neighborhood Facebook page, but no one claimed him. I guess someone thought Mother's Day would be a good day to dump unwanted puppies, It was my lucky day ... :-) This three minute Alfie video was put together by my son using some videos I took when Alfie was about 5/6 mo. old. He was a natural at fetching a ball. I knew he was smart when he'd never give up looking for it. The poodle, Sport, appointed himself as "The Sport Police'' to 'protect' our 17 old dog Max, and would chase Alfie away when he pulled on Max's legs in trying to get him to play. I feel all dogs are more intelligent than we give them credit for. They will pick up a lot of words on their own, but when given a little direction, as youngsters especially, they will transfer that learning into lots of other areas. My daughter Rhonda fosters for Tracy's Dogs and made this video I Rescued a Human Today. Let a dog adopt you and have a fulfilling and happy 2017.