~~~Santa is HERE!!!!~~~

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Santa has arrived and WELCOMES you to our Foyer! He stands life sized at the front door and says, "please, come on in!!!! He is holding a lit tree and lit bag of goodies! He has such a beautiful, kind face!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnth4lCRhC3SBbq2vU6m2e1JiXvd8HAzdb-dQ9cfqkQcCuermoTZDfEZj5qNPby22q_Ymoh_w9ji4T-gHR4D9AjORb224vESy81GIn1cygHF-uMi_BWploz-g_QltYp3TGKJy6blRSGbKQ/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnth4lCRhC3SBbq2vU6m2e1JiXvd8HAzdb-dQ9cfqkQcCuermoTZDfEZj5qNPby22q_Ymoh_w9ji4T-gHR4D9AjORb224vESy81GIn1cygHF-uMi_BWploz-g_QltYp3TGKJy6blRSGbKQ/s640/IMG_0467.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOozcHhOZhKcsnG9pBGb0Du2f6axucGfFfYG-AV67iJJJkt2f0FAirk2UicIDE0j5SXP5RCsL6KUjBU1hApbUdZ1nxbFRRJzbXt7WadRmKq9KOFqQz3bJ00xqrF7J13r1Yq2I26wzVH1rk/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOozcHhOZhKcsnG9pBGb0Du2f6axucGfFfYG-AV67iJJJkt2f0FAirk2UicIDE0j5SXP5RCsL6KUjBU1hApbUdZ1nxbFRRJzbXt7WadRmKq9KOFqQz3bJ00xqrF7J13r1Yq2I26wzVH1rk/s640/IMG_0468.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> Isn't he so life like!!!????<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3En02whyp_vow5u-RZ2wYCWwhYQAt-WqGvN635MDkychPfUwe8De-_EH3vogHKpyb4hQvJOB3NLICWPq0hEkyNEWgIqToiHSBgR918ElqDcS2KnyFLkXY4nxp-BXZeFFcZHxbhKeDJx_/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3En02whyp_vow5u-RZ2wYCWwhYQAt-WqGvN635MDkychPfUwe8De-_EH3vogHKpyb4hQvJOB3NLICWPq0hEkyNEWgIqToiHSBgR918ElqDcS2KnyFLkXY4nxp-BXZeFFcZHxbhKeDJx_/s640/IMG_0491.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> On the other side of the Foyer is this Santa. We found him several years ago at a HARDWARE store!!! he was just plain with the bark coat and moss covering it. SOOOO, you know I had to "embellish" him a bit!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB2IO7ueIA-vukAI_P3NkgPMnwob_IGh6vimkPtW-mQBftIzCkRcPAX7TCBbX3JSpHi0VvAld_jCNJiMEH6AnT19XjZdLcEaLqq93kdsWYdJxtqfKME2jUy3TPlnOtBQ8iWR2QgrZQ0Hf/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB2IO7ueIA-vukAI_P3NkgPMnwob_IGh6vimkPtW-mQBftIzCkRcPAX7TCBbX3JSpHi0VvAld_jCNJiMEH6AnT19XjZdLcEaLqq93kdsWYdJxtqfKME2jUy3TPlnOtBQ8iWR2QgrZQ0Hf/s640/IMG_0470.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> Some birds are perched in hs arms and on his shoulders<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMDes-u0_GnqwK3IX4n770Jvch5d1rHUf4tpZ2xxSa3vi9XUNJ7QhW6D9_pjkzHxd7UsbLsyvKG06wRoGs5a3K4LQwtmlGMdFJs14AfZetiCU8JJyV8ZfshCLBdr5ru_atF443j7xTw2P/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMDes-u0_GnqwK3IX4n770Jvch5d1rHUf4tpZ2xxSa3vi9XUNJ7QhW6D9_pjkzHxd7UsbLsyvKG06wRoGs5a3K4LQwtmlGMdFJs14AfZetiCU8JJyV8ZfshCLBdr5ru_atF443j7xTw2P/s640/IMG_0471.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl9h4LnTLm7KDOh9NtZhI8lPx-w0pEpv-3abVVN95myz7tsexXIlahvuV3BUqy6npaZzQM4tWqAXxS5QFNu-5ZZBmAWwUf8oX_6J4iQTdar37daTTGT9hOJecQtxgEydNfI7raEGCkdrV/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl9h4LnTLm7KDOh9NtZhI8lPx-w0pEpv-3abVVN95myz7tsexXIlahvuV3BUqy6npaZzQM4tWqAXxS5QFNu-5ZZBmAWwUf8oX_6J4iQTdar37daTTGT9hOJecQtxgEydNfI7raEGCkdrV/s640/IMG_0472.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> he carries a wooden reindeer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZe3G-vBtWp3YS4ieBuqCJiqzhWk4v47muzKLbxDUbwszvU8FJar8v8GBEl2wSzHYfXrhqANHjHKd1CrFuy1muG2gJOx5JU3RQuwyPK7wfc_8t8DrrNyU-dFmH4Y9V0gdU4zRs6SxEgNr/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZe3G-vBtWp3YS4ieBuqCJiqzhWk4v47muzKLbxDUbwszvU8FJar8v8GBEl2wSzHYfXrhqANHjHKd1CrFuy1muG2gJOx5JU3RQuwyPK7wfc_8t8DrrNyU-dFmH4Y9V0gdU4zRs6SxEgNr/s640/IMG_0473.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Joe made his glasses for him, we do NOT want him to get lost!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbmjItzFvJJrJ8beZ8fx4FCXW8rZZChgJRbBnw_rGsbXTWQsP1J-YSgUMGPVgId-eibCf-AiW_grcG7qhCn_4V5G9fEVY0EkwYp0vHVRF7x0QWsZVfNOuzaKNecaV6ahtRMvpb33GSLm9/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbmjItzFvJJrJ8beZ8fx4FCXW8rZZChgJRbBnw_rGsbXTWQsP1J-YSgUMGPVgId-eibCf-AiW_grcG7qhCn_4V5G9fEVY0EkwYp0vHVRF7x0QWsZVfNOuzaKNecaV6ahtRMvpb33GSLm9/s640/IMG_0474.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> This cute guy is on the back of the front door.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIjrfi-OxcM179gVF-SjccKirAcCVbLnclBDPUXIyCQpARcREW53kSIaRLdoVUrINutg_CqwS2V03BTeoonhYwYayUTn6Ubn7Sxo39iRos-GFMsEPJmHyVXsYNi3agr0s1o8Z1Tw-rsM_/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIjrfi-OxcM179gVF-SjccKirAcCVbLnclBDPUXIyCQpARcREW53kSIaRLdoVUrINutg_CqwS2V03BTeoonhYwYayUTn6Ubn7Sxo39iRos-GFMsEPJmHyVXsYNi3agr0s1o8Z1Tw-rsM_/s640/IMG_0475.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> When you open the front door this bakers rack is against the back of the stone fireplace that is in the living room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc0JOjbo_XKLxpj9JAmHWAFqN8QOhQ4DxzHaanjd8oiEtYjthAIEodnpPZ_gpBMRYXZP3UTnG5-FxKjlQ07gYmUD9rdMFf0Zs-zBhnBs1mFc6KklpMN_JXt6Pgn3hA_DLS3HEbw-QcJlK/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc0JOjbo_XKLxpj9JAmHWAFqN8QOhQ4DxzHaanjd8oiEtYjthAIEodnpPZ_gpBMRYXZP3UTnG5-FxKjlQ07gYmUD9rdMFf0Zs-zBhnBs1mFc6KklpMN_JXt6Pgn3hA_DLS3HEbw-QcJlK/s640/IMG_0476.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> I have alot of my Santas on it and 2 stand on each side too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuKF0btNpm5vOBkuz-l0y45-7PKh38XmQQl_a0_Gz_IDQctKPUQKIVcQJmn-zI2pKJnl60RMTKQ0S2adnPCk43cAZX6pYgP4JXUz-I_Uo5jqCz42hGwC3xkKTKhBaA2yrnnhoOEYt9s0-/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuKF0btNpm5vOBkuz-l0y45-7PKh38XmQQl_a0_Gz_IDQctKPUQKIVcQJmn-zI2pKJnl60RMTKQ0S2adnPCk43cAZX6pYgP4JXUz-I_Uo5jqCz42hGwC3xkKTKhBaA2yrnnhoOEYt9s0-/s640/IMG_0477.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJj0v1jXrRrRUVerQLXcQPGjk6AZola-V8TE-m74jnX7fIhn0m7YQ0hP2vGHOcmpFYqfd_qkZ432UFhImViFhc8waVPP4msA5TcL5kk9q1FxBs0pw-pI79CM8e0Y1GrrKiULMdVLIFtgQ/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJj0v1jXrRrRUVerQLXcQPGjk6AZola-V8TE-m74jnX7fIhn0m7YQ0hP2vGHOcmpFYqfd_qkZ432UFhImViFhc8waVPP4msA5TcL5kk9q1FxBs0pw-pI79CM8e0Y1GrrKiULMdVLIFtgQ/s640/IMG_0478.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF15SmvPu9TODdc78fXWslWbu7TK82wZKastVevO-EbGW_fMDhSvdhq8cnbaZIQoeGr8NVra2RbQvBoNl5Bfg3yU-oioWACXaVem5yzGxa-P7KzxdKSveRiUkDcrPz7wHTfCnSGeGMmd6/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF15SmvPu9TODdc78fXWslWbu7TK82wZKastVevO-EbGW_fMDhSvdhq8cnbaZIQoeGr8NVra2RbQvBoNl5Bfg3yU-oioWACXaVem5yzGxa-P7KzxdKSveRiUkDcrPz7wHTfCnSGeGMmd6/s640/IMG_0479.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9D0WaWVXC5tv1YKcX1XHUQwChNmmdUQkQJIcxY1yo0-c0dDPzAMkMLePlBJowDAB7N19PfPfi7fbjF9YtV3Qfs0p-L17shOmrdHKcjBwV1fIgbQHFUqVX2CShtENK1TX-G2UrMTxdra0C/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9D0WaWVXC5tv1YKcX1XHUQwChNmmdUQkQJIcxY1yo0-c0dDPzAMkMLePlBJowDAB7N19PfPfi7fbjF9YtV3Qfs0p-L17shOmrdHKcjBwV1fIgbQHFUqVX2CShtENK1TX-G2UrMTxdra0C/s640/IMG_0480.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqB40_ZDqmFlO3xHDbcei20fkBsPQ7KYuRkRToeiTQzE2OVmt-OIF_bT68EAOoIvDxFcityh_yjoAyXusBXS_hcI4QCI5zoezx3Jl_jBGU5F65YAaWAG118Rkh2prX1wKkfYwrY6bpVzv/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqB40_ZDqmFlO3xHDbcei20fkBsPQ7KYuRkRToeiTQzE2OVmt-OIF_bT68EAOoIvDxFcityh_yjoAyXusBXS_hcI4QCI5zoezx3Jl_jBGU5F65YAaWAG118Rkh2prX1wKkfYwrY6bpVzv/s640/IMG_0481.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzHBX6JDEhyD9ujyCweO4CnSBjs9hlgMfgcv5JzbMSHxAjt5xv49EPK3S94SBii0RiYQAyzLVK-rD-ta8_xNTMJaONyQ8NP14yLG8zczKfTP_SrwypMjgX3ZUqaJZqyrda0rdUJBqGwm4/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzHBX6JDEhyD9ujyCweO4CnSBjs9hlgMfgcv5JzbMSHxAjt5xv49EPK3S94SBii0RiYQAyzLVK-rD-ta8_xNTMJaONyQ8NP14yLG8zczKfTP_SrwypMjgX3ZUqaJZqyrda0rdUJBqGwm4/s640/IMG_0482.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> WELCOME!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2afPPGfG1UItiWhei7BkLA9qrjQfPaDz-X_EWtsrCaiImIrlvUVP6kiSga1a0Z9U3Db3dNxXWpN0dyOjth8ZgJarea2wMOPb-t6eUiTFaonWfmJpQI6vOKeC5O8j-dJTTrDeq2xvbpC8m/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2afPPGfG1UItiWhei7BkLA9qrjQfPaDz-X_EWtsrCaiImIrlvUVP6kiSga1a0Z9U3Db3dNxXWpN0dyOjth8ZgJarea2wMOPb-t6eUiTFaonWfmJpQI6vOKeC5O8j-dJTTrDeq2xvbpC8m/s640/IMG_0483.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> These 2 in the plaid coats were purchased at a craft fair many years ago. I love the bald guy and...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTebbG29VbnMQ3SBVEMQx5ze4upJmKsGKw6rTsxyibOinV2TPvdTz-_Gk-2nXuLYGzVyhqfPcWYdJoW6u-t17gztte5m8OToC-rhIk8WE5xssbKmB0mGDU2CAsKZe4_jgA_TPELuPXOfZ1/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTebbG29VbnMQ3SBVEMQx5ze4upJmKsGKw6rTsxyibOinV2TPvdTz-_Gk-2nXuLYGzVyhqfPcWYdJoW6u-t17gztte5m8OToC-rhIk8WE5xssbKmB0mGDU2CAsKZe4_jgA_TPELuPXOfZ1/s640/IMG_0484.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> his Mrs.! I sat her on a mini chair since I had placed him on a decorated sled.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CVWywDRPz6KGTXNP7dysIcCGvlGJnZkZvh-5sDcWn6u-2sFBtz9f170uUHWtw3wmpwIjdwNVAMVuoznNHGXFf_UhTC-DjdyzKWW4iwEFrVOkXbLqaZQhlru267mBwLiUuSGvdLdYbKMs/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CVWywDRPz6KGTXNP7dysIcCGvlGJnZkZvh-5sDcWn6u-2sFBtz9f170uUHWtw3wmpwIjdwNVAMVuoznNHGXFf_UhTC-DjdyzKWW4iwEFrVOkXbLqaZQhlru267mBwLiUuSGvdLdYbKMs/s640/IMG_0485.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> These 3 are made of pottery and were made by a local artist. The center one holds a Christmas tree.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaakxxqaMJecOJqUIcOUlXsgWfbKaEpTG85POhOunwcoWp0y8RnTy1DKPdn05ShW4ediV60x33kF20YwjPrA6A4zOmKOy-5rBZN8yCRPxK2Jb687N1iMmQ9TkVjD8ljGJgx803n10jT7Ap/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaakxxqaMJecOJqUIcOUlXsgWfbKaEpTG85POhOunwcoWp0y8RnTy1DKPdn05ShW4ediV60x33kF20YwjPrA6A4zOmKOy-5rBZN8yCRPxK2Jb687N1iMmQ9TkVjD8ljGJgx803n10jT7Ap/s640/IMG_0486.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> A few more shots of my very FAVORITE Santa in my collection! He is made by Joyce Ditz if any of you are interested, you can find them online too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauySqfYZiJuS5_MPYpQQkC9TkON5nV6_gY67I0445_GlNU3Sf8tEN-I0aOMbJqYLy8asxF6Rxa3w7wg68fAXkKKyUlCMvHbsQSicjLJYN_HMwygV5GOvBW_ZBWVQ_yEdT_iHpULgX0nl/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbauySqfYZiJuS5_MPYpQQkC9TkON5nV6_gY67I0445_GlNU3Sf8tEN-I0aOMbJqYLy8asxF6Rxa3w7wg68fAXkKKyUlCMvHbsQSicjLJYN_HMwygV5GOvBW_ZBWVQ_yEdT_iHpULgX0nl/s640/IMG_0487.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW8R_w0eLEtz-hM2wWLWzojaTP2XN0khyfOVtXeTa1407McftuuVU9Ml0PbFBIh4mKGwvhlGPuiT1Iv1fnxONc0fsIgRdRjRDGb0uAffsFV1ouzrG-FaA9QOdsPKgU26jexS8HK6i1coV/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW8R_w0eLEtz-hM2wWLWzojaTP2XN0khyfOVtXeTa1407McftuuVU9Ml0PbFBIh4mKGwvhlGPuiT1Iv1fnxONc0fsIgRdRjRDGb0uAffsFV1ouzrG-FaA9QOdsPKgU26jexS8HK6i1coV/s640/IMG_0488.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> This is the life sized Santa's bag.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uaNUX390c0W-5cX5sQo47cexL31SWRY86ZC2xr7tV0zEzaoD54b2YKW5fIjhbxdEN0hwD3QZKfAG9qSP4UuAdcachL3bdjQwRrjQ0obDJyQtov-kPFx6jvOtZ999CFgpTGE5IJo_Rb75/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uaNUX390c0W-5cX5sQo47cexL31SWRY86ZC2xr7tV0zEzaoD54b2YKW5fIjhbxdEN0hwD3QZKfAG9qSP4UuAdcachL3bdjQwRrjQ0obDJyQtov-kPFx6jvOtZ999CFgpTGE5IJo_Rb75/s640/IMG_0489.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> and his pocket watch to tell what time it is!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h8cezAml0mnflBoXddTZiwzN2lBi6trCpkFCE5GhqGHADBAm5AS95jndXa-DBtRMvclso1Tec1FtJX4U7-MrmMCu6lkNPnvfZd5QLaJ1M3Lz0SZXClK-QE8sqCf-xQbA3J8rDenJgqau/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h8cezAml0mnflBoXddTZiwzN2lBi6trCpkFCE5GhqGHADBAm5AS95jndXa-DBtRMvclso1Tec1FtJX4U7-MrmMCu6lkNPnvfZd5QLaJ1M3Lz0SZXClK-QE8sqCf-xQbA3J8rDenJgqau/s640/IMG_0490.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zGAnHwqf_aerk2Y7YNxY9GU19rVNEWF7HqQKoDH06bmXe5dV3DX5f0EgLM1-wGEjsVZVNuN_L7pVxlWKjJgPOS2z3gio0n3qJ_AbJy6Betrl6PPEAfFK4fiJI86hXFTFg6veqLeLDVb/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zGAnHwqf_aerk2Y7YNxY9GU19rVNEWF7HqQKoDH06bmXe5dV3DX5f0EgLM1-wGEjsVZVNuN_L7pVxlWKjJgPOS2z3gio0n3qJ_AbJy6Betrl6PPEAfFK4fiJI86hXFTFg6veqLeLDVb/s640/IMG_0491.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you all a joyous, blessed Christmas. Thanks so much for stopping by. I will join these parties again. XO, Pinky<br /><br /><div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Metamorphosis Monday at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/" title="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Between Naps on the Porch</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Motivated Monday at <a href="http://becolorful.typepad.com/" title="http://becolorful.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Be Colorful</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Making the World Cuter Monday at <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/" title="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Making the World Cuter</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">More the Merrier Monday at <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" title="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">DIY Home Sweet Home Project</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Savvy Homemade Monday at <a href="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/" title="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Home Savvy A to Z</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Tabletop Tuesday at <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/" title="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">A Stroll Thru Life</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/" title="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Home Stories A to Z</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wow Us Wednesdays at <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" title="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It's A Party on Thursday at <a href="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" title="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">A Creative Princess</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Show and Share on Thursday at <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" title="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Southern Lovely</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Open House Party Thursday at <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" title="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">No Minimalist Here</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Share Your Creations on Thursday at <a href="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/" title="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Kristen's Creations</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Hookin’ Up on Thursday with <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" title="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">House of Hepworths</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at <a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" title="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Addicted 2 Decorating</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration Friday at <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" title="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">At the Picket Fence</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Saturday Nite Special at <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" title="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Funky Junk Interiors</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Showcase Party at <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" title="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></a></div></div>

~~~Santa is HERE!!!!~~~

Santa has arrived and WELCOMES you to our Foyer! He stands life sized at the front door and says, "please, come on in!!!! He is holding...

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good enough to eat

I crafted! And no one cried or threw up (a measuring stick for all disasters in our family).<br /><br />We always get fresh boxwood wreaths to hang on the french doors in our dinning room. But this year, I thought I would try something a bit more fun and something that would last (knock on wood) from year to year. Namely this...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hYfSOm_FveA7197Sah1jFy0oxa6nBkSe67AfPmPtdZ1LJvtqBidPcQi2LcNp1x6k8KVLsHhtrMWKzSnLuFde0FfIFYs-kCxTRzEOFoDP_FYm-Dy-z4wsopYLzLUqmCdtmjG_jFPrYYv/s1600/PeppermintWreath-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hYfSOm_FveA7197Sah1jFy0oxa6nBkSe67AfPmPtdZ1LJvtqBidPcQi2LcNp1x6k8KVLsHhtrMWKzSnLuFde0FfIFYs-kCxTRzEOFoDP_FYm-Dy-z4wsopYLzLUqmCdtmjG_jFPrYYv/s320/PeppermintWreath-1.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/115615915403449762/" target="_blank">via Pinterest</a></td></tr></tbody></table>I read a few tutorials and thought it sounded so easy that I could out smart the foam wreath and go with a cheaper wire wreath. I got my supplies, plugged in my glue gun and started wrapping my wreath.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOTXqq1vKpiCl5wLdH90TfRFP5ihWfMqHNpNdMGLg3xEP2aiUqY5nuYT8uL1-3zpbwRQwjbiF3z2worl0dCDGxDyJwCfvsbxqsFCiMMfLY27Lwfw488-SGEaRXkizB_tUpNl8CTeO1MSy/s1600/PB291611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOTXqq1vKpiCl5wLdH90TfRFP5ihWfMqHNpNdMGLg3xEP2aiUqY5nuYT8uL1-3zpbwRQwjbiF3z2worl0dCDGxDyJwCfvsbxqsFCiMMfLY27Lwfw488-SGEaRXkizB_tUpNl8CTeO1MSy/s320/PB291611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Wrapping the wire form in duck tape, I got about one row of peppermints on before I proved my crafting ignorance. You silly crafting fool. It was ugly, mis-shapen and the wire wasn't holding up as those little candies were getting heavy. Bust.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etJ34esuERiHxeEyVaeG2Pgyc6N44XRBpLxdAhOmwLz48Q2IoUuqeKdmOHVLe7VD8tX_hy05xTTuO9h-4-lV5C4xQmL7EnVZH6BppMNNwDYZdgb8KiZ7lle4nHQtLSKm8I2-Dp1pWIGx/s1600/PB291612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etJ34esuERiHxeEyVaeG2Pgyc6N44XRBpLxdAhOmwLz48Q2IoUuqeKdmOHVLe7VD8tX_hy05xTTuO9h-4-lV5C4xQmL7EnVZH6BppMNNwDYZdgb8KiZ7lle4nHQtLSKm8I2-Dp1pWIGx/s320/PB291612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took off my sad first row in disgust before I got a picture taken</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So, I printed off a Michael's coupon, sucked it up and bought foam wreaths (I believe they were 16"). The tape went on a lot better and I had a more stable, flat surface to work on. After that it <i>was</i> easy. As long as you have several episodes of RHOBH or Sarah's House DVR'd and a crafting partner you are in good shape.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjS6JPkNA97Sys5WgLdalPLPcktk39kekZU82aQsOqr-L5w9uoP8UVYo51YknNf29IroZiO0rXygvOujd-YU2VfVCz2iuGjtWskwnk0KXhlDKojQNPIjVoiJIDCcPamc1oI73zE-mfWqk/s1600/PB301620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjS6JPkNA97Sys5WgLdalPLPcktk39kekZU82aQsOqr-L5w9uoP8UVYo51YknNf29IroZiO0rXygvOujd-YU2VfVCz2iuGjtWskwnk0KXhlDKojQNPIjVoiJIDCcPamc1oI73zE-mfWqk/s320/PB301620.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My crafting partner</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Several hours later...ta-dah! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPyoigZLfGkEA7anzW2MH8PT8nxJtoHKEQuykaQ411DRHZlfUT1b5FBSgHjQZBeiPZq1snxjyIyJI7M9MBKPWol3TjuH015L4jXNFRq31Zm19ZYRER1ZjqajHfqCgS1UHWENNrsXWN2oP/s1600/PC111889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPyoigZLfGkEA7anzW2MH8PT8nxJtoHKEQuykaQ411DRHZlfUT1b5FBSgHjQZBeiPZq1snxjyIyJI7M9MBKPWol3TjuH015L4jXNFRq31Zm19ZYRER1ZjqajHfqCgS1UHWENNrsXWN2oP/s320/PC111889.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm thrilled. It was easy, relatively cheap and looks great. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93ET9MDsAf7QT5IT-7Q1UZU929tyCKhd0cnl0sVdK-ao9YdwMgOkIJeumBnMp9mNVoGSrFl6Vt85aFBulGel6Lb2m4pF_OximZTfyxb0InpuWNwri0FF1AuZouhk-lf74AL2HRs9YFv0H/s1600/PC051681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93ET9MDsAf7QT5IT-7Q1UZU929tyCKhd0cnl0sVdK-ao9YdwMgOkIJeumBnMp9mNVoGSrFl6Vt85aFBulGel6Lb2m4pF_OximZTfyxb0InpuWNwri0FF1AuZouhk-lf74AL2HRs9YFv0H/s320/PC051681.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will say I highly recommend covering the wreath with duct tape first. Some tutorials glued the peppermint directly onto the foam. You will have gaps between the candies and the red background looks more finished. And the glue holds onto the tape a lot better as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL8uB9ocneMDRKf4s9fs0-ewyXV6d5SU-BkaaNGiN8HtxUNwtgvMBMDdjLJMbrgEj0hGLjN0NC25VsBNpPzM-ycx09EijYgU7gLxDutY-o0s9Y0_vO6jYYhiKYvg42rEXXdnpKFFQ9AQw/s1600/PC051679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL8uB9ocneMDRKf4s9fs0-ewyXV6d5SU-BkaaNGiN8HtxUNwtgvMBMDdjLJMbrgEj0hGLjN0NC25VsBNpPzM-ycx09EijYgU7gLxDutY-o0s9Y0_vO6jYYhiKYvg42rEXXdnpKFFQ9AQw/s320/PC051679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Also worth noting, this project uses a LOT of peppermints. Thank god I have a dollar store down the street as I had to use 7 bags for 2 wreaths.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR9g9AfbsSKXDBT290q7iNI0F2Fp4vfjfddlG3HSW2shMkeImImO-HFClKLi5Rng_QwOh1KvrHWiXlHXe-dk3UsKOB5YqXutUwRyBMQ-T495__tItoDI2IwhRRM6-68TA68cTthQrwIAH/s1600/PC071748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRR9g9AfbsSKXDBT290q7iNI0F2Fp4vfjfddlG3HSW2shMkeImImO-HFClKLi5Rng_QwOh1KvrHWiXlHXe-dk3UsKOB5YqXutUwRyBMQ-T495__tItoDI2IwhRRM6-68TA68cTthQrwIAH/s320/PC071748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcWrVsyQ0-H-Cx8DYkBxWSGJi5bVLckd_kD89QnnJkhHOJuCcEnM2wm8I1ZlSKC18JVCkJNYxq-7t0bx2Ql7V3zqANYaVKjKgA749kc2X5lvqGyNcdYU9XXY-F599ig1O7VOI2ox-L1KI/s1600/PC111893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcWrVsyQ0-H-Cx8DYkBxWSGJi5bVLckd_kD89QnnJkhHOJuCcEnM2wm8I1ZlSKC18JVCkJNYxq-7t0bx2Ql7V3zqANYaVKjKgA749kc2X5lvqGyNcdYU9XXY-F599ig1O7VOI2ox-L1KI/s320/PC111893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />So for less than $20 bucks I've got two wreaths I can pull out year after year (and they smell minty fresh). Have you tried any new projects lately? Holiday or otherwise? Share!

good enough to eat

I crafted! And no one cried or threw up (a measuring stick for all disasters in our family). We always get fresh boxwood wreaths to hang on ...

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tied up with a bow

I took advantage of a morning full of holiday spirt (you gotta feel Christmasy after spending a morning with Santa and his elves) to tackle my mantel before I thought too much about it and psyched myself out. I found my inspiration and got an idea.<br /><br />I'll make all those hurricanes I have stashed in the basement useful and <strike>stick</strike> artfully arrange Christmas lights in there and make those suckers glow. But my big honkin strands of lights we use on the tree were not fitting into my little hurricanes.<br /><br />One trip to Hobby Lobby later and I had 4 boxes of the shortest strand of lights I could find - a white string of 25 for $1.99. Wahoo.<br /><br /><i>Lazy note/sign of a faux crafter</i>: There are serval tips on Pinterest about how to drill a hole in your glass to get the strand to feed thru the bottom so the cord doesn't show etc. However I'm of the opinion that if you are standing close enough to my mantel that you see little white cords popping from the top/back of my hurricanes and this horrifies you, you have yet to have enough cocktails. Sit down, I'll shake you another drink.<br /><br />So with my hurricanes all light up I started to play with my <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2011/11/who-doesnt-want-to-wear-ribbon.html" target="_blank">ribbon</a>. Tie it around the hurricane? Boring. Wrap it? Not without my glue gun. String it from the... huh? Yeah no, not working.<br /><br />It was about this time that I had to run some errands and being the excellent example and Mom that I am, I of course neatly organized and cleaned up my project before I left. Yeah right. When I came back though, I saw my 'clean up' stuffed in the hurricanes and thought, you know what, that doesn't look half bad. With a little fluff here and there, I ended up with this. (Sometimes a haphazard clean up pays off)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxiUckXrzIcgeyF3F0bYlSLbOdAc-32aHmciUHuZ2i-RWax-XJrP-WmE4tpYFh0SRnVXj3GgAYseE_wU9JyUb51m_h0HVmxDXmmnZV6DGfDxXZLH8QB6SlKKbNAm1cGb_-JgNCUJi_QCS/s1600/PC061701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxiUckXrzIcgeyF3F0bYlSLbOdAc-32aHmciUHuZ2i-RWax-XJrP-WmE4tpYFh0SRnVXj3GgAYseE_wU9JyUb51m_h0HVmxDXmmnZV6DGfDxXZLH8QB6SlKKbNAm1cGb_-JgNCUJi_QCS/s640/PC061701.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We call this casual ribbon placement</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngwd5VFb4vhZSHjLuBjud7npEojhT8wIPIH3S-mwRnLcGvbkUiIMf0SDLIKK8iAH72gYPvTYN0GNGOieGkpU2hsT6_QGOR_lwQIgJvJ2vajl94MOXhChEJeAk4r885Pd5PJTWnVsQFqNy/s1600/PC061709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngwd5VFb4vhZSHjLuBjud7npEojhT8wIPIH3S-mwRnLcGvbkUiIMf0SDLIKK8iAH72gYPvTYN0GNGOieGkpU2hsT6_QGOR_lwQIgJvJ2vajl94MOXhChEJeAk4r885Pd5PJTWnVsQFqNy/s640/PC061709.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For shame - my cord!</td></tr></tbody></table>One piece down. A few more to go.<br /><br />I also wanted a bit of height and greenery. I'm not spending major duckets to pop those mamma jammas in front of my faux hearth. So I went with a scaled down version. And we will plant them in the backyard when we are done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bhGqykDWO89wfZkWCghlABXu2pOdGFgn4MBYPsXjYNp-1RratsN_JFFJjiFAYFfakaKEokpNAZHn4CHiQP3rMCbpQ6r6kCPB7YYeOkmAnlzhP8CRNjJv2hT5hxTH6tVwV_C_EVUFWbKh/s1600/littleblackdoortreemantel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bhGqykDWO89wfZkWCghlABXu2pOdGFgn4MBYPsXjYNp-1RratsN_JFFJjiFAYFfakaKEokpNAZHn4CHiQP3rMCbpQ6r6kCPB7YYeOkmAnlzhP8CRNjJv2hT5hxTH6tVwV_C_EVUFWbKh/s640/littleblackdoortreemantel.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />I was feelin good, feelin pumped.  But that big black hole was sucking all the festiveness out of my progress.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjpkTafFhXsGdEZrmFIYNyBKpS2KpL8stHr11gB494j04v3gee1v4wHcrGDLe5OP7T-igQxIKUxRnMCdsEMn0NTM6I3KasYiytMe6DKLiXY21JNuX8RTbtp6pfJzggFYvFdjcC9zWI-qz/s1600/PC061685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjpkTafFhXsGdEZrmFIYNyBKpS2KpL8stHr11gB494j04v3gee1v4wHcrGDLe5OP7T-igQxIKUxRnMCdsEMn0NTM6I3KasYiytMe6DKLiXY21JNuX8RTbtp6pfJzggFYvFdjcC9zWI-qz/s640/PC061685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietGeE22vsq-LmfTLBvI1b_jhSNNyDGot01gTDIXNQiGd7pB3kNAFAWlwfVag0ludBe-WCactmHD8-tsVdQtzDm2ieAz4IPZBtZqaHjWMBhrju4YNbOUfxdkJKIAq55dhB0JHIb5iGj7kV/s1600/littleblackdoorchristmasmantel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietGeE22vsq-LmfTLBvI1b_jhSNNyDGot01gTDIXNQiGd7pB3kNAFAWlwfVag0ludBe-WCactmHD8-tsVdQtzDm2ieAz4IPZBtZqaHjWMBhrju4YNbOUfxdkJKIAq55dhB0JHIb5iGj7kV/s640/littleblackdoorchristmasmantel.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how <i>DO</i> you take a picture of a mirror without yourself smack in the middle?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I love this idea (if only my fireplace worked I would be all over some red wood).<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Great way to fill in the dead space in my fireplace. http://decorartsnow.com/2011/11/09/november-9-2011-store-tour-c-wonder-ful/" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/6896205649022807_cOFRPMGw_b.jpg" style="height: 241px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="253" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div id="PinActionButtons"><div class="colorlight" id="PinSource">From <a href="http://decorartsnow.com/2011/11/09/november-9-2011-store-tour-c-wonder-ful/" target="_blank">decorartsnow.com</a></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><a class="PinImage ImgLink" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6896205649022807/"> </a><br />So a few snips of wrapping paper and here we are. Thanks Target for making wrapping paper that satisfies my red addiction and my polka dot addiction all in one. And it sparkles too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Z51hBXjfum3XqGbBks2nkgMCd-7wl-w7vM5tpXxIWwnsDGwiaYvTT7rjUNaRCQr7NuOiUkb4NkwL52x4g51Vmmawq3_9-yWfcgch2b9YryGpTyAomPI6QUq5XDMw96oJo-5oZUxWlhU/s1600/littleblackdoorwrappingpapermantel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Z51hBXjfum3XqGbBks2nkgMCd-7wl-w7vM5tpXxIWwnsDGwiaYvTT7rjUNaRCQr7NuOiUkb4NkwL52x4g51Vmmawq3_9-yWfcgch2b9YryGpTyAomPI6QUq5XDMw96oJo-5oZUxWlhU/s640/littleblackdoorwrappingpapermantel.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Ewww. Ahhh. Ohhh.<br /><br />So there you have it. (I'll try to take some more moody night time lights pictures if I can figure out the while balance on my camera.) The mantel is done and I'm ready to move on to the tree. <br /><br />What have you done with your mantel? Do you have trouble getting your stockings to stay in place with little hands around? (we've had to take our down until the big night) Any holiday decorations you are excited about? It can't be just me people. C'mon!<br /><div class="ImgLink" id="PinImage"></div>

tied up with a bow

I took advantage of a morning full of holiday spirt (you gotta feel Christmasy after spending a morning with Santa and his elves) to tackle ...

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~~~A December Birthday Party!!!~~~

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good morning everyone! I thought I would share last night's partay with you! This is a group of friends, we were all former neighbors, raised our kids together and have been friends for 35 years! What a great group of ladies!!!! I love them all! Last night we celebrated 2 of their birthdays. We have snacks and drinks first and TALK and catch up, then gifts from their "Secret Pal" then Cake and coffee.  So, here are a few pictures; This is a Thomas Kincaid tree that sits on the bar. It has miniature scenes all over it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiON-ZBoBqNzCiMzGyZv500RLr6IpDmMiEnCBTpb-Vidrmc3hOh7G-6ZRLwzWK9Ol1vk62KX1fkTWKAhqb415m8TO38nR7nfV6RI-x5rEN0y_THviTYoydT5CfzBRbffqWcoadljmRhFHdF/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiON-ZBoBqNzCiMzGyZv500RLr6IpDmMiEnCBTpb-Vidrmc3hOh7G-6ZRLwzWK9Ol1vk62KX1fkTWKAhqb415m8TO38nR7nfV6RI-x5rEN0y_THviTYoydT5CfzBRbffqWcoadljmRhFHdF/s640/IMG_0060.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Some details of the tree. Those people are TEENY, tiny!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVwkZzrCjDwmxJCV5HzA35kan_R4p3NdNxbZuv25g-WSPZLDyRK-2OXJoFNSdmcxzzcL0cFbwSRBgTbERZ9z4sACgg1bWU1Ft8g4SkFgSNTYCttcxIVdWRQH15l-aZ7YeZxk48K_MR9K1/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVwkZzrCjDwmxJCV5HzA35kan_R4p3NdNxbZuv25g-WSPZLDyRK-2OXJoFNSdmcxzzcL0cFbwSRBgTbERZ9z4sACgg1bWU1Ft8g4SkFgSNTYCttcxIVdWRQH15l-aZ7YeZxk48K_MR9K1/s640/IMG_0061.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBJD5nsco5UahgPWVk-Dx1EKaakAMss0A5lrNTe4Vzh7Xw11pzQDfPFBk0SdrdTc5vlfQyGuif1Jeb0caRqD-SXbqix29DX9xbdkOt1bK_f2NytM9enkCqcnlbDH0clSb1bhzhQlfxr37/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBJD5nsco5UahgPWVk-Dx1EKaakAMss0A5lrNTe4Vzh7Xw11pzQDfPFBk0SdrdTc5vlfQyGuif1Jeb0caRqD-SXbqix29DX9xbdkOt1bK_f2NytM9enkCqcnlbDH0clSb1bhzhQlfxr37/s640/IMG_0062.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Glasses and ice bucket are ready.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyJAwOnw-tn2cF6tbfhmAiC6zXMS5VFuIG4prcQRj4bbo2yaktxo2_yZlwJX2t9Pnwkg0uHciKtkHsmJWt1p5aomWhYYuDWmxHsrKpTtk3hNUOHbD3gqxDaWeAtaXIArHPDIvtky-u7Iz/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyJAwOnw-tn2cF6tbfhmAiC6zXMS5VFuIG4prcQRj4bbo2yaktxo2_yZlwJX2t9Pnwkg0uHciKtkHsmJWt1p5aomWhYYuDWmxHsrKpTtk3hNUOHbD3gqxDaWeAtaXIArHPDIvtky-u7Iz/s640/IMG_0059.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>Appy plates and napkins on the coffee table<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4Y-67M_q9EjKeWDoNlnhZHDgiC2cm5iz_6XnE3gxtdkCSdHjcAjXjl_Zcndkp110s2jD7SuPKkaTuePTRf-bnZY4pWcgIwq94BvLIOR3e4QrlUjh4BWkVK0VbEvjWkFJm5F84jAaIk7X/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4Y-67M_q9EjKeWDoNlnhZHDgiC2cm5iz_6XnE3gxtdkCSdHjcAjXjl_Zcndkp110s2jD7SuPKkaTuePTRf-bnZY4pWcgIwq94BvLIOR3e4QrlUjh4BWkVK0VbEvjWkFJm5F84jAaIk7X/s640/IMG_0063.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> This is my coffee table dressed for Christmas. This is a Fitz and Floyd Santa and reindeer candle holders. They sit on a beaded runner.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7A2ElZMTZlSj9ekU9DcpS9B3NepVAsdXBRkXJOSCUtbmSXpoDfLds-1Qo7lYqu3GTNfpGheeYTvvhPSNHwISJRiCiDsn29eibasj91SIIy9VjfDu8cdtXwjcigPn1hFlnMXi8x7dH7mW/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7A2ElZMTZlSj9ekU9DcpS9B3NepVAsdXBRkXJOSCUtbmSXpoDfLds-1Qo7lYqu3GTNfpGheeYTvvhPSNHwISJRiCiDsn29eibasj91SIIy9VjfDu8cdtXwjcigPn1hFlnMXi8x7dH7mW/s640/IMG_0064.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> The back of the Santa is very detailed too! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMFIKxWywYwJQpRjy3ruSPl4GeoWOMYTC24CwVyuECa04vVUOXaYXrJX31smNni489fgPUQUAUFC5_TbS9k_x4l6qtRISbiuu0hR74T0rJwPvl8j2biIPcbh3CMM_yjac_357TnC6jw3g/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMFIKxWywYwJQpRjy3ruSPl4GeoWOMYTC24CwVyuECa04vVUOXaYXrJX31smNni489fgPUQUAUFC5_TbS9k_x4l6qtRISbiuu0hR74T0rJwPvl8j2biIPcbh3CMM_yjac_357TnC6jw3g/s640/IMG_0065.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> These are my Christmas pillows. I change out the pillows on this sofa MANY times during the year, depending on the holiday or season.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflG6p5OYPhJf0IL9wSVqHXz1IQ87_LHAEGKASTk5kPXcGJy58mF2flEhHuPdskvC5Uq2MH_cx574QvagNrzB2bbB6GmxdBoCGbbCx_t-rEpw1GZGNdp1SLidzT4mjMnEUXrX377bF6hq-/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflG6p5OYPhJf0IL9wSVqHXz1IQ87_LHAEGKASTk5kPXcGJy58mF2flEhHuPdskvC5Uq2MH_cx574QvagNrzB2bbB6GmxdBoCGbbCx_t-rEpw1GZGNdp1SLidzT4mjMnEUXrX377bF6hq-/s640/IMG_0066.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> A partial view of the living room. I will give you a real tour of the whole room in a later post.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJ59FiazjXQ64zsoZ6wLTE8a5aDjM-NrRZ0tRiHKKjnE8EulLWe2zt51JtIE1wtz6F5VbiRz5fE7wKbX5l-Fo4eiP3Oq2dglb-P7xbvZOhDRwy83gU0KC-k4gf_keW_y1iaXJ7-_T49b/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdJ59FiazjXQ64zsoZ6wLTE8a5aDjM-NrRZ0tRiHKKjnE8EulLWe2zt51JtIE1wtz6F5VbiRz5fE7wKbX5l-Fo4eiP3Oq2dglb-P7xbvZOhDRwy83gU0KC-k4gf_keW_y1iaXJ7-_T49b/s640/IMG_0067.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Here we are in the dining room. This is the centerpiece I nade. It is SO easy. I am hoping to do a tutorial soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zNf7HN0A_lRBbTSYam85kc83jmpgWrcpaPb3IwJ7JSeKX7vORovQjEjiPhVrqx1RL-dqPt9Wv7hk1i8PsytXr653Oq8uacKi5qAAjDznWPPsWaOcgFF7mdsOSdaOI4LgeDub8B7QFpC/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1zNf7HN0A_lRBbTSYam85kc83jmpgWrcpaPb3IwJ7JSeKX7vORovQjEjiPhVrqx1RL-dqPt9Wv7hk1i8PsytXr653Oq8uacKi5qAAjDznWPPsWaOcgFF7mdsOSdaOI4LgeDub8B7QFpC/s640/IMG_0069.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> I placed 2 glittery pillars on a flower container  and surrounded them with plain green candle rings. I added the glittery acorns to the rings. These came in a garland and I just cut it apart.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea7ZLjb_ryH0j78ZJbySV2YtFzwqug2u-V_ilzhcU9D0uffhc_AS1tYCewzl71VaRo4gAwE8F_YlWmpEDrHsTqdP9BxZ_MJabKDHw3PcTDXgOi_FrcyNrhcVzMube4acB1ntw0lJ_OQGD/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea7ZLjb_ryH0j78ZJbySV2YtFzwqug2u-V_ilzhcU9D0uffhc_AS1tYCewzl71VaRo4gAwE8F_YlWmpEDrHsTqdP9BxZ_MJabKDHw3PcTDXgOi_FrcyNrhcVzMube4acB1ntw0lJ_OQGD/s640/IMG_0070.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Then 2 gold tree candles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw0KyynwlZAGLOKyP3oH5vfmuGwvlgQPmG6tc96Z87zh7sqa2fkBSw8AHKnQY028P2wmrqboeHwnsvCe2pbaLMSv0xctQm9DYowon4D0qpvVx0kz72n57kNQdTKz1oDZ-HL4h4lphsN8S/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKw0KyynwlZAGLOKyP3oH5vfmuGwvlgQPmG6tc96Z87zh7sqa2fkBSw8AHKnQY028P2wmrqboeHwnsvCe2pbaLMSv0xctQm9DYowon4D0qpvVx0kz72n57kNQdTKz1oDZ-HL4h4lphsN8S/s640/IMG_0071.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> On each side of the centerpiece I have these 2 gold reindeer. They cake from Kirklands a few years ago. I love them!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj16w2RjevWLz34HzVJ0Zh9TPaer8UuOQvv5w-14uvbSYUgt62JrwXgkZtZ1HXNAuC7_Pjd176jlezjvQu6m5DpEaPtimk4aPEdIeerip060GttM2UetA16cViEXachaALIqCrXrao6DX/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj16w2RjevWLz34HzVJ0Zh9TPaer8UuOQvv5w-14uvbSYUgt62JrwXgkZtZ1HXNAuC7_Pjd176jlezjvQu6m5DpEaPtimk4aPEdIeerip060GttM2UetA16cViEXachaALIqCrXrao6DX/s640/IMG_0072.JPG" width="480px" /></a></div> Isn't he pretty!?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1CmglJET03SybD6_vU956KN7799upYgTT0HGpmUlo3XCt5jtEeJyR7CA3kf2aAh3yPssFJIQOO42lizoMzHvBsq4gVvm-bNVHq3XdBQ4GRk8Z9mOI0DN2l385sdIU0YYPEZvI9PbYAK9/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1CmglJET03SybD6_vU956KN7799upYgTT0HGpmUlo3XCt5jtEeJyR7CA3kf2aAh3yPssFJIQOO42lizoMzHvBsq4gVvm-bNVHq3XdBQ4GRk8Z9mOI0DN2l385sdIU0YYPEZvI9PbYAK9/s640/IMG_0073.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa-RCRXB1mnoLMEcCS3h-oQYN0_WTSuYSnx7Sget6-MIFRd8DzA0ZviQtL7YwUGOkzzUTZabIOMyBDX2KQZgxK5TbHKcIjXtCSeFLiSljF-OYbKv5PzS3JuPvr61PsFvSzlvmnlo6gFo0/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa-RCRXB1mnoLMEcCS3h-oQYN0_WTSuYSnx7Sget6-MIFRd8DzA0ZviQtL7YwUGOkzzUTZabIOMyBDX2KQZgxK5TbHKcIjXtCSeFLiSljF-OYbKv5PzS3JuPvr61PsFvSzlvmnlo6gFo0/s640/IMG_0074.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Of course I used my goldware, onnly the best for my friends!!!! I want them to know they are VERY special to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikItwihb9omKTAQMGgaFHuBLRi5aRLxbq1MDQLj7mc5T6KskvfbqTqjuLLltuXuzmzFd-LSa5_Jipt9NpU9qKYrZYyQd2rnnaKi5W9TxYIAx5TF_VPjMPFH7XROLBWBstmh6Uitt-xUYds/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikItwihb9omKTAQMGgaFHuBLRi5aRLxbq1MDQLj7mc5T6KskvfbqTqjuLLltuXuzmzFd-LSa5_Jipt9NpU9qKYrZYyQd2rnnaKi5W9TxYIAx5TF_VPjMPFH7XROLBWBstmh6Uitt-xUYds/s640/IMG_0075.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-wisFr8JeW7Ilm9F5mD_Y6iHuqb0Cb9Go1JvrjmaVUktNNK4RedACfqhiL9g1ib8Hn9usC8pw7jzxIno4IqHN7cGrzCipuAB0JvBvD8YQcPfQJcv0HMfLesDKhy6aATE7el_8sMi3wJx/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-wisFr8JeW7Ilm9F5mD_Y6iHuqb0Cb9Go1JvrjmaVUktNNK4RedACfqhiL9g1ib8Hn9usC8pw7jzxIno4IqHN7cGrzCipuAB0JvBvD8YQcPfQJcv0HMfLesDKhy6aATE7el_8sMi3wJx/s640/IMG_0076.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> A creamy and gold poinsettia in the centerpiece.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_OalrwqhKT0DPm84zaOrDosFvO9KofWmX5Sw1ZFf1L8r16lCbRE5nxsy4xnrBWuORhtkiCkW4corgET2v8HjqVKCUW2XG3EUNAzix1uOPoYeDPiihQaIedNPnjp8E12tISu6QwSN6wkJ/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_OalrwqhKT0DPm84zaOrDosFvO9KofWmX5Sw1ZFf1L8r16lCbRE5nxsy4xnrBWuORhtkiCkW4corgET2v8HjqVKCUW2XG3EUNAzix1uOPoYeDPiihQaIedNPnjp8E12tISu6QwSN6wkJ/s640/IMG_0077.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> some other details.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou9I8uanaA0phsENcTl99m-vptKBp9SLBvylpQcVSz6wWfDWnZfQM4GuhQn9mGr1q28HNWLr5wfrCN_PE3TFLoNwaoXd3I5L_V7IAm34HfruBXU8Ef5TF7gCXvpLlYQiy0q6nTHGD5O2M/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou9I8uanaA0phsENcTl99m-vptKBp9SLBvylpQcVSz6wWfDWnZfQM4GuhQn9mGr1q28HNWLr5wfrCN_PE3TFLoNwaoXd3I5L_V7IAm34HfruBXU8Ef5TF7gCXvpLlYQiy0q6nTHGD5O2M/s640/IMG_0078.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIxczZ_btjmrBuQE7tuQqZWl8uXCisAPTxvl_JPxKd6SMcAG7iwneUKjQainL_e3H8gx2uQYcpsOxWSPflHxfwGbM1R3yuvIV8XUkXl7fynxNAOIUe6fAB3KYSXPM0laR50ZmK2no1nLZ/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIxczZ_btjmrBuQE7tuQqZWl8uXCisAPTxvl_JPxKd6SMcAG7iwneUKjQainL_e3H8gx2uQYcpsOxWSPflHxfwGbM1R3yuvIV8XUkXl7fynxNAOIUe6fAB3KYSXPM0laR50ZmK2no1nLZ/s640/IMG_0079.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>It is all in a pretty gold urn.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkqKtzaA5tL2Dc5MfDysMkuYRfx-GqlIY1V0QebukprpPoPBmtgDtbCA5u6AQJrjewPgWhEw7JpiCFwKHa8Bb-nZmwkIc0XLIg_N2vXJ6kPM7MEphE4cBE-Uvpw-hAJDeioItneEVRLDV/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkqKtzaA5tL2Dc5MfDysMkuYRfx-GqlIY1V0QebukprpPoPBmtgDtbCA5u6AQJrjewPgWhEw7JpiCFwKHa8Bb-nZmwkIc0XLIg_N2vXJ6kPM7MEphE4cBE-Uvpw-hAJDeioItneEVRLDV/s640/IMG_0080.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> This bell plate was my Mother-in-laws. I have always LOVED it. I put some candy KISSES and cookies and chocolate covered pretzels in it. The tablecloth was also my MIL's. It is all hand done and truly a work of art. I THINK it came from Italy too. It has 12 matching napkins too!!!! I real TREASURE! The bell plate<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4JNmYBZju5sNzLJs8Mu-HXDBaRkcC9tWDy32fy-uGec7rlhVAOhZS0KO8vM2H8m5F59G7-Gbf1vpU_zP4nsEznzw9hyt6I8zVn2117KeRJmb-4qsbWeGjD7UzXdo-vPuCz8dRKx_Z1Rs/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4JNmYBZju5sNzLJs8Mu-HXDBaRkcC9tWDy32fy-uGec7rlhVAOhZS0KO8vM2H8m5F59G7-Gbf1vpU_zP4nsEznzw9hyt6I8zVn2117KeRJmb-4qsbWeGjD7UzXdo-vPuCz8dRKx_Z1Rs/s640/IMG_0081.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>is hand painted and came from Italy many years ago. Remember, my FIL was a PILOT!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRL_KnVhLOpg6xaR57TMR2CfYgDiJ2vckpdvbA4qR4KRId8735XXt1XX6M15AqHyG_RZkLnBWBZ2LKg62oqx-naqOGuI-MWm2UYz7pMpSp2Y93rXGQvf8kAFdxHwvs5z6sTlkGR745GqH/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRL_KnVhLOpg6xaR57TMR2CfYgDiJ2vckpdvbA4qR4KRId8735XXt1XX6M15AqHyG_RZkLnBWBZ2LKg62oqx-naqOGuI-MWm2UYz7pMpSp2Y93rXGQvf8kAFdxHwvs5z6sTlkGR745GqH/s640/IMG_0082.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3hLC-RECTdgruHHBfrFmAcG1DsJT1dEklfY5xdenaC5YPPpycaZAES1jeCSPccdwFVJhWUoWRd0etpt4VRGkx9it6Y6rthaTntvd43omNTdy0ichKkTvaTwciK-Jh2NA5glXq04Lj3jk/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3hLC-RECTdgruHHBfrFmAcG1DsJT1dEklfY5xdenaC5YPPpycaZAES1jeCSPccdwFVJhWUoWRd0etpt4VRGkx9it6Y6rthaTntvd43omNTdy0ichKkTvaTwciK-Jh2NA5glXq04Lj3jk/s640/IMG_0083.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> This is my Lenox cookie plate. I surrounded it with a berry wreath for some extra PIZZAZZ:):)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxysdUeGvIYO3wI5ZNycWYX4Oj2bE-4KqA6zxaFoslLyM4VphH7R1HyLdWdWNtXoKV91j2kBuDRsTtZTLsKunZ0Z5dFWmdXGACaJyeBGt6-Lok4upZLJ_MY-q1kH6DoYzZhM7eKSuL4uq/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxysdUeGvIYO3wI5ZNycWYX4Oj2bE-4KqA6zxaFoslLyM4VphH7R1HyLdWdWNtXoKV91j2kBuDRsTtZTLsKunZ0Z5dFWmdXGACaJyeBGt6-Lok4upZLJ_MY-q1kH6DoYzZhM7eKSuL4uq/s640/IMG_0085.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXAnnCUQEJFbme7g3mvDoT6UuECeHc_SUAn77gazOo2i3OyKOxlf_CGgryz0zjnULp1soXQ-XfTO6RLIcPPoptiFCeb2JNAWZgaZ3azSQY6M2LZUdvq_ek7hRZohiFgBs4ZJpXGpv3lbE/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXAnnCUQEJFbme7g3mvDoT6UuECeHc_SUAn77gazOo2i3OyKOxlf_CGgryz0zjnULp1soXQ-XfTO6RLIcPPoptiFCeb2JNAWZgaZ3azSQY6M2LZUdvq_ek7hRZohiFgBs4ZJpXGpv3lbE/s640/IMG_0086.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> And here we have the birthday cake! Happy birthday to Donna and Mary!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdOfH1dNJ8ggm3D5IHufNupYGhu_7nPiGTnOQPasVIPyUoiRRMmL349U93qi5yToFxBxmEj9psTUidVf9ZRpD3GfogYANNhAxM0dWtpKgHvGF58i_NJxBdQjCi85LomsuC7q1BC1dZI7M/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdOfH1dNJ8ggm3D5IHufNupYGhu_7nPiGTnOQPasVIPyUoiRRMmL349U93qi5yToFxBxmEj9psTUidVf9ZRpD3GfogYANNhAxM0dWtpKgHvGF58i_NJxBdQjCi85LomsuC7q1BC1dZI7M/s640/IMG_0087.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmKVvCWW542_i1aC0hyUvGkM7n2EaVnqDLsXpd29YvQ8N1DZFeBvYcl2N0G62bZrNiOgxMwtyo9C-3Vvv7Ty_qN6kn79sqtca7LP12n08u_T6mGcD5LftTMQejNAKJ3YW4JeZ-iIH5Y6A/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmKVvCWW542_i1aC0hyUvGkM7n2EaVnqDLsXpd29YvQ8N1DZFeBvYcl2N0G62bZrNiOgxMwtyo9C-3Vvv7Ty_qN6kn79sqtca7LP12n08u_T6mGcD5LftTMQejNAKJ3YW4JeZ-iIH5Y6A/s640/IMG_0088.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbVEuoMwMPmyZq3SSf6Qde9F1KgVSKpL0bVqGg_6NyYi40VZ8UtHlLz0V7DDQ7ueY0e7JhjqX99VxUNl8JhnR2-4yXvYVMLKnj6C_bKb9D9N7X65c6A-vQHsnqIynQ9pCXE1n8UUtGo0e/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmbVEuoMwMPmyZq3SSf6Qde9F1KgVSKpL0bVqGg_6NyYi40VZ8UtHlLz0V7DDQ7ueY0e7JhjqX99VxUNl8JhnR2-4yXvYVMLKnj6C_bKb9D9N7X65c6A-vQHsnqIynQ9pCXE1n8UUtGo0e/s640/IMG_0089.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> Here is my crazy friend, Marie and Kathy sitting behind her. She is always alot of fun!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgFzUrDKqkMvfQ9qvh0fmJzYJM_u9opHNtM0RTXtG-La5m5fSLRnIwCAQ80Qw2u_wysHWajVwf1CBg_QELofZSX_0oXyvaNrbBpVe-Pn-PJmapTzD66UZh2bxhaGrnmkst4A6sxGe35_1/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgFzUrDKqkMvfQ9qvh0fmJzYJM_u9opHNtM0RTXtG-La5m5fSLRnIwCAQ80Qw2u_wysHWajVwf1CBg_QELofZSX_0oXyvaNrbBpVe-Pn-PJmapTzD66UZh2bxhaGrnmkst4A6sxGe35_1/s640/IMG_0092.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div> So now the party is over, time to blow out the candles. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. I love these women. Do you have a close group of friends? I hope so. Good friends are priceless!!!!!! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu7-AjfyRJ8IF0_rg_Xy1gLPws2C-NHDCl0ShTWgL6UcF9VgbjCH9cjYpzrRo6FiEeEfIeKBG2Znq4kQYMSWOiSCT0T846XEZnZlCS_LjDUN1AMcz5wx5icFutUTDG8UMBtkd3lG9yOMf/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu7-AjfyRJ8IF0_rg_Xy1gLPws2C-NHDCl0ShTWgL6UcF9VgbjCH9cjYpzrRo6FiEeEfIeKBG2Znq4kQYMSWOiSCT0T846XEZnZlCS_LjDUN1AMcz5wx5icFutUTDG8UMBtkd3lG9yOMf/s640/IMG_0093.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div>I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful season. Take some time to relax, sit and look at your tree, have a drink of hot chocolate or wine and let the warmth of the season fill you. It is all over too quickly so try to enjoy it. I will be posting all my rooms and my tree etc. I will be joining these parties too:<br /><div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Metamorphosis Monday at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/" title="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Between Naps on the Porch</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Motivated Monday at <a href="http://becolorful.typepad.com/" title="http://becolorful.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Be Colorful</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Making the World Cuter Monday at <a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/" title="http://makingtheworldcuter.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Making the World Cuter</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">More the Merrier Monday at <a href="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/" title="http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">DIY Home Sweet Home Project</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Savvy Homemade Monday at <a href="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/" title="http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Home Savvy A to Z</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Tabletop Tuesday at <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/" title="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">A Stroll Thru Life</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/" title="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Home Stories A to Z</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wow Us Wednesdays at <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" title="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It's A Party on Thursday at <a href="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" title="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">A Creative Princess</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Show and Share on Thursday at <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" title="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Southern Lovely</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Open House Party Thursday at <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" title="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">No Minimalist Here</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Share Your Creations on Thursday at <a href="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/" title="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Kristen's Creations</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Hookin’ Up on Thursday with <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" title="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">House of Hepworths</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Addicts (not so) Anonymous on Friday at <a href="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/" title="http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Addicted 2 Decorating</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration Friday at <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" title="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">At the Picket Fence</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Saturday Nite Special at <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/" title="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Funky Junk Interiors</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Showcase Party at <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" title="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/"><span style="color: #919d39;">Under the Table and Dreaming</span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div> <a href="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2011/11/share-your-creations-party-14.html" title="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2011/11/share-your-creations-party-14.html"><span style="color: #aa2a75;">Kristen's Creations for Share Your Creations Party,</span></a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2011/12/home-sweet-home-43.html" title="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2011/12/home-sweet-home-43.html"><span style="color: #060606;">The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home</span></a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/12/feathered-nest-friday-holiday.html" title="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2011/12/feathered-nest-friday-holiday.html"><span style="color: #060606;">French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday,</span></a> Please go visit some of these great link parties! XO, Pinky</div></div></div></div>

~~~A December Birthday Party!!!~~~

Good morning everyone! I thought I would share last night's partay with you! This is a group of friends, we were all former neighbors, r...

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