J-Lynn, you could create one image then print it onto 4 cards instead of creating individual ones. You could probably do that on a home printer or it would be easy to have done at somewhere like Staples to get a good crisp image.

Another option could be a voucher for a drawing or sketch of something of their choice, ensuring it would be small - 8 x 5 or smaller.

Jobs really are two edged swords aren't they? We want them for the money, but don't want them for the hassle sometimes. I would like to be able to devote all my time to art to make it pay for itself - and me! Its a slow road, but I'm heading in that direction.

I'm on my way to being ready for Christmas. I have nearly all the food stuff that I need. The turkeys are going to be processed on Friday and will be back on Sunday, so I'll pop a couple of those in the freezer. They really are good compared to the average frozen commercial birds I must admit. I mailed the packages to my daughters just under the wire so they'll get them in time for Christmas. Then its a few more bits and pieces to buy for others locally, one box to send to my sister on the other side of the island and I'm done.

Of course there are two commissions and a secret santa to do. I'm doing another secret santa on another site too. Yes, I know, glutton for punishment. Its why I was up at 5am drawing this morning!

Wow, Jeanette! You really are a glutton for punishment! I hope you get everything done in time!

BD, I would love a hug from you also. Your idea about a sketch would be great but, to be honest, I'm a lot faster with painting than I am drawing or sketching. If I end up doing the cards, they would have to be painted!

I guess I was trying to think of some subjects for painting that men might enjoy that weren't just for Christmas but would still convey Christmas greetings. I had planned to do them on nice watercolor paper with the card mount that you can buy at some art stores in packages.

Jeanette, I would give a certificate but I'm petrified they would ask for something beyond my capabilities! Well, I hope something comes to mind soon!

Thanks for the input!

Your turkeys and Laura's story reminds me of when we were kids on the farm. My dad had a dairy for years (as well as working an outside job) but sold the dairy cows. Then we kept about 6 steers that us kids had to feed and care for. It was a shock when we found out what happened to them when they "disappeared" after a few months! My grandmother also had no compunction about grabbing a chicken for the Sunday dinner & processing it in front of us kids. I used to gag when forced to eat meat & now that I'm grown, I've become vegetarian.

Funny how some experiences affect some of us and not others. The rest of my siblings had no problem at all accepting where dinner came from!

But I truly feel that eating meat is fine - I just can't do it. We even had beef cows ourselves but I have a rule that we don't eat anything we call by it's first name & naturally, I named the calves as soon as they hit the ground! Fortunately, my husband decided that having cattle and working a full time job too was too much and the cows were all sold.

J

What's your speciality in drawing J-Lynn? I agree, stick with what you do best and go with that. A simple flower would be lovely. I like the idea of a Hellebore or Christmas Rose. I haven't seen those for years, I used to have them in England in the garden.

I think many men do like flowers, they just don't admit it. Can you find out a little more about their personal likes in general conversation one day? Or perhaps a landscape or seascape scene? It wouldn't have to be winter based, any season would do. Or how about a sprig of holly with some berries on it? Mistletoe? hehehe

I think that knowing it is hand made and personal makes a big difference. T

This year I want to bone a turkey, lay stuffing on it, put a ham on top of that, then more stuffing and roll it up and roast it. Sort of like a turducken, only different. lol A turkham?

What I'm looking for is a good recipe for cornbread stuffing as a change. I usually use breadcrumbs for my stuffing base, but wanted to make it different for this one.

Does anyone have a good recipe for cornbread that is tried and tested? Also, how much would I need to make to have enough stuffing to use in the turkey/ham concoction? The turkey will be about 15-17 lbs I anticipate.

Can I presume that the quietness of the forum means everyone is frantically off drawing Christmas cards and Secret Santa gifts?

Ayup!!!...at least I am...hehehehe

Laura

I was sooooooooooo busy shopping yesterday and the day before I have missed two days on the threads!!!! But for the important stuff I am back on track. So I need to get drawing!! Thank GOD I got my Christmas card finished a month ago... Now I am going to start my secret santa project...I hope it turns out good.

I got my card done and I just finished Freaky Froggy (lesson on blending). I'm hopping the lesson will help me with my present. My husband and I are doing a spring cleaning that is about six years past due . I refusued to have any Christmas decorations until its done. I'm a terrible procrastinator, I still am not done shopping. Sorry Jeanette, no cornbread recipe. That turkham sounds interesting, let us know how it turned out. Oh well, back to cleaning.
Paulette

It sure has been quiet round here in the last couple of days.... so maybe you are right Jeanette. I for one have been working on the Secret Santa gift.... still not too happy with what I have achieved so far, but never mind!

The house is relatively ready for Christmas... and this evening my husband and I accomplished our first shopping trip. Again we did not achieve much - we only got a couple of presents - but it was an enjoyable evening in itself... it had been so long since we went shopping in town together and alone. And the temperature round here is still mild enough to allow for a stop for coffee in an open-air cafe right there on the high street - it was like sitting in a theater watching a live performance on the world's stage.

I acquired a new art medium today and am fascinated by it even though I still need to learn to use it properly. I am not at liberty to talk about what it is .. but I'm so thrilled and excited about it!

Rose - Yes, it is very quiet around here. It's all those busy little elves making presents. LOL

I hope your new art medium is colored pencils????? Maybe????? I know you've been wanting them. haha

Well, back to the drawing board, Hubby and I are going to talk to our neighbor tonite about getting our trees all chopped up and cleaned out of our yard. We've had 50 degree weather and the snow and ice are all melted now, so now we have to clean up and get the insurance claim adjuster out here. The insurance company will not pay for the clean up or the loss of the trees.....what a bummer.

well i have been really busy drawing too-- my card is done and posted and the presents are drawn. and off again to do a portrait of my nephew and niece for my sister. hopefully they turn out good.
my house is done as far as christmas is concerned.
rose-- my house could use a good cleaning if you want too!! haha
i am doing some more shopping tonight--not looking forward to it but it should be almost done tonight-- i will have to pick up a couple more small things next weekend then done finally. i really havent even thought about christmas dinner. after thanksgiving i am just not into cooking a big dinner again so soon. i might do like party trays and stuff. the kids will be busy with there things probably all day so maybe i can relax a bit.
looking forward to secret santa though. i am really excited about seeing everyones drawings
Lori

I felt like crying today.... and it wasn't from sadness.

My nine-year-old grandson Ivan has been following my, let's say, sudden interest in art.. even to the point of becoming a member of this site himself. Well mostly he did that so his six-year-old sister who has a passion for drawing could look at the lessons... but I digress - that is not why I felt like crying.

Ivan has heard me say that I don't have colours to draw with. So this afternoon what do I find on my desk? - a brand new box of children's water colours! Ivan spent most of his pocket money to get it for me at the school shop!!... because "poor nanna doesn't have colours to paint with!"

Such a precious, precious boy!

Oh Rose!!! That makes me want to cry to. I agree what a thoughtful precious child.

Rose that is a nice story, and it sort of makes me want to cry, but I am boy.

Rose, what a lovely gesture from your grandson! When a child does something like that, you know he not only has a tender heart but he loves his Nana more than what that money would buy for himself! It also says that someone is raising him right!

I worked today but got finished early so decided to go to Michael's since it's almost halfway there from where I work. Anyway, I got there & they didn't have anything on my list! Maybe I'll brave the traffic & go to Hobby Lobby tomorrow.

I hope the slowness is due to everyone working on their secret santa gifts. I know I am & am pleased with the way it's going. I chose a "challenging" subject for me and spent most of yesterday drawing it. I hope I can finish it this weekend or by Monday at the latest & that it will end up being something the person likes!

I think everything is done except my co-workers, the secret santa & my husband's gift. I know what I want to get him but I don't want to run the risk of him finding it before Christmas. There's a delicate balance here as they might run out of stock before I get it! Hope not.

Hope everyone else is enjoying the holidays & are not stressing out!

J

Oh, Rose, that just touches my heart. That little boy loves his Nana alright. How unselfish of him. Grandchildren can sure get to you in lots of ways. I feel so sorry for the Grandparents who don't get to share in the growing up of their grandchildren.

Rose what a wonderful, thoughtful just great kid. now you know you did something right to raise a kid that raised a kid that does something like that. how proud you must be.
Lori

Olddad ....you are too funny .. its ok to cry when your around a room full of women .. we would never tease you .....to your face lol
Rose that is a reflection of how this boy was brought up ... and I would say he is on the right track

Its turkey day here today, when people come to pick up and pay for their birds. There are 86 of them this year, so its busy.

I'm trying to make a start on some decorating and have some lights in the window and some of my nutcracker soldiers on display and a little ceramic house that lights up.

Now I have to tackle some baking. Mince pies, a cherry cake and some shortbread. I'll be fat as a fool by the time Christmas is over. Either that or worn out and too tired to eat. lol

I fell last week on some ice and landed heavily on one side and it still is bothering me. I hope I didn't crack a rib or something, just what I need for Christmas huh?

Its pouring rain here today and I can't get enough light to get a decent photograph of some drawings. Hopefully it will brighten up tomorrow. I'll try scanning again.

I've experimented a little with drafting film - or at least the version of it that I can get here. I'm using coloured pencil on it and have been following some people using the film in another forum and was dying to try it. I'll post my experiment later if it scans ok.

Now off to make some Christmas goodies!

Cherry cake? That sounds delicious. I'm sorry I don't have a tried & true recipe for cornbread for you but I usually just "eyeball" the ingredients & sometimes it comes out good & once in a while I have a miss. I would think that any cornbread, good or bad recipe, would work for dressing/stuffing though. And I don't think you'll get fat! lol

I can't wait to see your drafting film results! I was reading about someone using the Inktense pencils on it with good results. If you like how it works, maybe I'll order some the next time I need to do a mailorder. The local craft stores don't have it, of course! Last I heard, the Intense pencils won't be available until after the first of the year. I've had the large set on order since November the 1st! But, the small set is ok for now.

Hope your fall doesn't mess up your Christmas holidays! Even bruised ribs are very painful!

It's sunny and nearly 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) today and they say next week will put us close to 80! Seems as if this winter has been pretty mild but when it gets cold, it gets COLD! You all can laugh, but it was 13 degrees one morning & well under freezing overnight for over a week! I know many of you have worse cold than that but it's unusual here.

Have a great day everyone!

J

I had to share this idea with all of the wonderful people here!!! I thought you would all enjoy spreading the Christmas cheer out there in the real world!!! If your able to do this than please do...you can't tell...it'll be our little secret!

This was sent to me via the internet and I plan on surprising a few of my neighbors in the morning!

Merry Christmas Neighbors,
Now as we gather with the ones we love
Showing and sharing the gifts from above
Hustling and bustling with presents to wrap
These thing I wish for you in a snap!

May the Lord be the center of your celebration
May His love guide you into the next generation
May He bless your home and those who enter
Many Christmas blessings to those you send this letter
And most of all to you the sender.

So by tomorrow pick 3 friends that are dear
And leave them all some Christmas cheer
You only have one day to so scurry!
Leave the cheer on the doorstep and flee in a hurry!

Now these are the things you will need to do:
1. Make 3 copies of this letter and the candy cane.
2. Post the candy cane on your door until the end of December. This
is to make sure the blessings go all around the neighborhood.
3. Take the letters, the candy canes and the bag of goodies and leave
on someones doorstep that does not have a candy cane on their door.
4. Enjoy the blessings that go around!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!


P.S.
For those of you with children...this is a phone number for Santa messages...my kids love this.
This is a United States phone number...it is a toll free number here...1-800-972-6242.

Laura thanks for the number for Santa!!!! It works awesome for threatening the kids..LOL. They actually listen now that all of them can read and I told them I have Santa's number on speed dial on my cell phone. See the oldest ( Crystal ) started the thing where she is getting to big to believe in Santa and he's not real type thing cause she knows I go buy presents....but I told her that there are presents that mommy and Daddy buy and there are just to many kids in the world so I have to go and get presents from the elves in Michigan from Santa. Meaning I have to help Santa and pick up their presents because he is old and can't make it to the billions of houses anymore cause the world has just gotten so big. So he has elves that meet parents and give the toys they want from Santa and the parents have to wrap them all for Santa. So even though its a big fib on my part I still have her "believing a while longer" so she doesn't ruin it for the younger ones. So when she finally grows out of believing herself I hope she can keep quiet for Patience's sake being as how Crystal has 7 years on her. If you know what I mean. Now my middle daughter Tuesday for some odd reason thinks I went to the North Pole and Santa's workshop and picked up their presents. I have no clue where she got that from but if her and Crystal ever put their stories together I am in big dodo. LOL whats a mother to do......

Venus,

You're welcome!!! Ayup...gotta love the Santa number!!! Yes, I know exactly what you mean...it's so hard to decide when to let the real world intrude on their innocense. My 10 year old, Danielle, came home last year from school with the Santa question and I told her as long as you believe in Santa and Christmas and giving with your heart than he is real. I still believe... so he is real to me and always will be!!!

Tonight my girls and I baked cookies for the Veterans who live in motels around our area. It's sad to think of our forgotten heros living their remaining days ignored... forgotten and alone. As we baked cookies we talked about what these men had given for their country and that the gift bags they recieved from our local VFW (Veterens of Foriegn Wars) would probably be the only gifts they would get for Christmas this year. It's not enough!!!

Count your blessings ... hug your loved ones and remember our soldiers of the past as well as the present!

Laura

Rose you have a wonderful grandson . Laura such a nice thing you and your children are doing. J-Lynn we tried the number and it was giving a busy signal. Come to find out it is my service providers fault. The old "all circuits are busy" kinda thing. So we are trying it again in the morning EARLY.

Lovely Son asked me again today when my birthday is again . (He is ADHD and tends to let details slip a bit sometimes.) So i reminded him it is Christmas Eve. He then went rumaging around in his room. Being a curious person I HAD to find out why. he he he
He is drawing my birthday present! I didn't ask what of etc. I just politely closed the door and left him to it. Does anyone elses children draw presents for them? I mean aside from what is done through school and such.

HA HA HA HA he also came and ohhh so politely asked if he might borrow my colored pencils. He even promised not to play drums with them again. gotta love when they promise with all their hearts and you know they mean it so sincerely....until they start drawing and you hear tap tap taprap tap tapp and know that it isn't malicious...it's just an active brain thinking and processing..the body is doing it's own thing then. So I am thinking to give him the set I have on hand for Christmas. I know he'll enjoy them and at the same time I am hoping when the lead breaks and falls out as it will if they are used to play Metallica a time or two, that he'll think a wee bit more about what his fingers are doing while his mind is busy. LOL

I may go ahead and actually buy 2 new sets and keep the broken leaded ones for spares or emergency ones. I'd hate for him to get frustrated with drawing or coloring.

Pammy usually when I am drawing then thats when the kids want to draw also and then I end up with the pictures. I can't wait for them to get their art supplies from me for Christmas though. I know they are going to be soooo excited. I WONT buy them good quality though...only the cheapies. I have tried and tried til I am literally blue in the face to try to teach them to take care of stuff soooo until they do and I no longer find it on the floor for their 23 month old sister to find they are only getting cheap WASHABLE art supplies from me...LOL. Anyways is everyone done with shopping and wrapping?

I am done ... thank goodness .. just some stocking stuffer items for me to get .. but the big stuff is bought .. we start early in the year .. we dont use credit cards at all ....kinda wished we did at times .. but later I am glad we dont .

Life has been so crazy that I almost forgot to tell you all that I got the Inktense pencils yesterday! I'd taken off work because the farrier was coming & the mail carrier brought my order! I have NOT had a chance to even give them more than a passing glance though, let alone try them out. Of course, some of the colors are duplicates of the small set I bought some time ago but I don't know what the other colors are like yet. I'll be off work from Friday until at least Tuesday so hope to be able to try them thoroughly then!

The farrier was a little late arriving yesterday so I finally got my horse's tail all brushed out & untangled. She has a mane & tail like an Andalusian & her tail gets twisted and tangled like a tightly braided rope. When it gets real bad, I have to brush it out almost hair by hair. It took nearly an hour to get her tail brushed out & I only got her mane about 3/4 done. The bad part is that it gets all tangled up again just hours after brushing it all out! She'll stand for the tail brushing but she hates having her mane & forelock brushed & she kept walking off while I was trying to do it. I didn't want to put her in the cross-ties as it's just a hassle - usually my horse is good to stand without them so I just don't bother. Maybe during the holidays I can get her totally groomed - right now it's kind of hit and miss!

Anyway, will let you know how I like the Inktense. At least you know they're now in stock!

J

J-Lynn...WOW...sounds like you have your hands full more with your horse than I do with 4 kids. Don't know which is worse.. SO glad you finally got your pencils...will probably order myself some AFTER Christmas...

I was finally not busy last night and tried out my new set of 120 Prismacolors Pencils. They are awesome and very smooth. I love them. I know I recently told people about the auction I got them off of from ebay but need to add the buyers beware. I told Kim shortly after I received them about the great deal and free shipping. I even got bonus sets of pencils added with the whole package deal. Well she told her mom about it and her mom ordered them for her for Christmas same seller same deal...they later found out the seller sent them to the wrong address and and have had problems since and no idea if the pencils will even arrive. I am really upset for her for 1. Because I knew she really loves colored pencils for drawing and such. and 2. For even telling her about the auction.
While even though I received mine from the same seller she doesn't know if she will receive hers.

I even went so far as to leave an not so nice email to the seller. So I just wanted to say SORRY Kim!!! Also to warn others who may have been interested and searching ebay not to buy from any auction with the 120 Prismacolor Pencil set and colored pencil accesories at $62.00 and free shipping or sellers name qurbis. This person is not nice and will more than likely rip you off, or I should say 50/50 chance of being ripped off.

Poor Kim. Thanks for the heads up Venus. I almost ordered them myself. I am so glad I didn't now! Doesn't Ebay stand by their seller agreement? Maybe if Kim used Paypal they can do a refund or something!
HUGS for Kim. I know this has to stink so much bad. I hope ya get them soon Hun.

Hey Kim - I have a set of 72 Derwent Studio color pencils that I am wanting to get rid of. They are like new, barely used at all. If you are interested in them, just let me know. I'm sure we can work out a reasonable price on them. I only want to get rid of them because I have a 120 set of Prismas.

Pammy...Kim and I and my husband who is an awesome ebayer have all went over what could have went wrong and the conclusion we come up with is the woman that sells on there is just wrong and not very reliable let alone trust worthy. A big fat liar. Paypal told Kim's mother that they had to be at fault and refused to refund or something like that. Something about whatever the seller told them??? I just know that Kim's mother and 27 other people in the last year are not going to come up with the same story of no replied from seller and no product. Almost ALL auctions are legit and you have nothing to worry about but some people that are just flat out rude and irresponsible should not be selling. I think ebay needs some higher standards. With sellers like the one Kim had to deal with they shouldn't be on cause it make ebay look bad and I think ebay is quite awesome. But she is not the only one...I have been waiting 2 weeks for a modem we ordered for my computer I ordered off of ebay and the modem was suppost to be sent priority mail which takes 1-3 days and still have not received it. That seller also has alot of bad feedbacks which we didn't read til after we ordered. SO I suggest if anyone orders off of Ebay...

1. First look at prices on ALL auctions for best deal.
2. Check out their shipping prices and delivery options.
3. Look at their ratings as a seller. (You don't want low ratings)
4. CHECK OUT THEIR FEEDBACKS!!!! (Very important!!!! If they have more than 1 or 2 negatives in the past month..DONT BUY...find another auction)
5. Ask the seller questions BEFORE you purchase...if you get a reply about the product before you order it more than likely they will reply if you think it has taken to long to recieve. Or there are any problems with the product you order from them.
6. Try to look for auctions that have sellers name and a phone number for customer service...I think it shows that they are legitimate in their sales. (Not saying that even though there are no phone numbers that they will not send you your product...I just think its safer.)

I think this was a fluke because like I said I ordered my pencils from the same seller and received them within 5 days of ordering them. So I didn't have a problem..So it brought me to the conclusion that because of my husbands ratings and feedbacks that the seller had to be legit because more than likely ebay and paypal would take his side for him being at 100% positive ratings. Whereas if you are new and no feedbacks what so ever a score people that sell can take advantage of the system. So and most know who have delt with Ebay know it is Buyer's Beware!!!

So I hope this helps others from my exsperience with Ebay. Sorry again Kim!!!

Venus no problem .. we thought it was a gooddeal also ....no one fauylt but the sender or seller . we will see if they come .
Lori thank you for the offer but right now is not a good time to buy anything if you know what i mean .. I think these may come still .. but thank you hun for the offer .. i am sure the pencils are worth a great deal even used lol .
I have told my mom everything you guys have said so we will wait and see .

I finally posted a couple drawings in the challenge. OMG then I looked at everyone elses. I think the term :Out of my League" applies. I almost took them down again. Dang it. Now I am spazzing over my Secret Santa drawing............grrrrrrr I hate doubting myself.

Pammy,
If we were all perfect at this no one would be here. We are here to learn, I would assume this even means the teachers. You do such beautiful wood carvings, you should be proud to be trying a new area for yourself. Also I didn't see anything to be ashamed of in your pictures, they were great. Pat your self on the back and get on to the next one. I think I heard something here once "practice, practice, practice" .....nah that must have been somewhere else.
Paulette

Someone here said to practice??? Wow...hehehehe

Thought I'd grab a cup of coffee and hang around the cafe' a bit to wait for Santa! lol

Have to tell you about feeding my horse last evening. We keep the bale we're feeding from in an old bathtub to keep it from getting spread all over the barn. The bale will separate into flakes or sections once the twine is cut and my horse gets a couple of flakes in the morning and in the evening.

Last evening, I used the last of the flakes & was starting to clean out the loose stuff so I could put in a new bale. I was pushing the loose hay to one end so I could get it out & a mouse jumped straight up in the air & frantically tried to climb out of the slick bathtub! I tried to get him out but he was too quick for me. (No, I didn't use my hands but got a shovel & tried to scoop him out!) Anyway, I ended up putting a board in the tub at a slant so he could climb out. I went back to the house & told my husband & he had to go back to the barn to get the mouse out for me. But, the mouse was gone by the time we got there!

I just love life in the country! lol

OK, is Santa Claus here yet????

J

J-Lynn,

Little furry critters jumping out at you...hehehehe...that reminded me of a time many years ago when I was an apartment manager. I was 6 months pregnant with my 10 almost 11 year old (her b-day is Christmas day). Well any way...there was a family who had been evicted and I had waited a couple of days before I went in to assess the damage...unfortunately they weren't the best tenants...I opened the door and this rat sized rodent came running at me...eeek...I screamed like a girl...ran out of the apartment...slammed the door!
After I calmed down I realized that the critter had been to long and thin and graceful to have been a rat...I went back in and discovered a poor hungry friendly little ferret... Then I felt so bad for having waited to go into the unit....poor little guy had been in there for 2 days all by himself. I was so mad!!!! How can a pet owner just abandon an animal like that. Well anyway...I caught the little fellow and found a pet store that could take the little guy!

Gee I wish Santa would get here!!!

Oh, Laura! Leaving a poor animal to fend for itself in that situation is just unthinkable to me! Those people should have been reported to the aspca or something!

Thank heavens it was alive even if it did jump out at you!

J

Awww J-Lynn you aren't seriously afraid of a little country mouse are you??? They are harmless!!! LOL I understand though. Shhh I'll tell you a secret....I am too!!! LMAO

Laura I would have ran out of the apartment screaming too!!!! My parents used to have a ferret. While they are cute and most of them friendly I don't do rodents, snakes, or spiders. My parents ferret was named Merlin cause he always made their cigerette lighters disappear. They love stealing and hiding things. Well when my parents moved to a bigger apartment and moved their entertainment center, low and behold about 25 lighters all snug underneath the cords. It was funny.

Ok I saw Santa and still have no mail???????????????

venus,

That sounds like a Ray Stevens Song...I Don't like spiders and snakes...but that ain't what it takes to love me...hehehehe

My mother had a ferret when I was a teenager..I think they're pretty cool...it just caught me by surprise.!!!

I See one Santa...but where is the other?! Drat!!!

Nah, I'm not afraid of mice really. This one startled me but the main thing is that I don't want them trapped where they can mess in my hay.

I've heard that about ferrets & don't think I'd like to have one for a pet. You said you didn't like snakes or spiders or rodents but I've heard that Norway rats make great pets - I wouldn't want one of those either! We don't kill snakes (unless poisonous) around our farm as they do keep the rodent population in check. We probably had the mouse because the snakes are hibernating or at least aren't very active right now.

J

Hee hee, Laura - we must have been posting at the same time!

Now where is that fat little man in the red suit? (Wonder if that will stir up anything? lol)

I used to love ferrets until I had one latch on to my ear lobe at a pet store. I never really went near my parents ferret. I just hid my lighters well when I went over there.
Snakes hybernating??? Sounds good to me. J-Lynn yes rodents make terrible messes. My old artificial tree a few years ago had to go in the garbage because of mice. We had alot after they tore down some of the fields in the area we live in for new houses. So you can imagine. I guess we were mean because we had so many we had to set traps. There were just to many. I actually cried a few times. The first night the traps were going off every few minutes. Thats where hubby's come in handy. They literally do the dirty work. I felt bad having to kill them but they are just gross and messy and nasty.

Santa's are slow today....

J-Lynn,

You are just bringing up to many memories from my childhood. Snakes and mice...I grew up in the country...remind me to tell you about my snake story another time *shudder*

Laura

Awww come on Laura share!!! Seems we have time.....Santa disappeared it seems..

Do the words "Stupid 9 year old" give you a clue?....

OK here we go....My father had just met his biological mother...she lived in California and had spent the week with us. While she was there she gave Lorrie(my twin) and me little minnow nets...well anyway...there was a creek (pronounced crick if your from Ohio) that ran around 3 sides of our property...we where playing in the back righthand corner of the property in the creek and I spotted a snake in the water...well I warned Lorrie and she ran out of the water. Being brave and stupid I said..."I'm gonna catch it!!!" so I did...it was a baby and squirmed around so much I ended up carrying "Charlie" all the way home by his tail...Well...my dad took one look at it and said, "I think that's a copperhead" He took it next door for a second opinion...you don't want to know what the next door neighbor said *censor*. Dad broght it home...explained to me that yes indeed it was a copperhead...tossed it on the ground and ground "Charlie's" little bitty head into the dirt with the heel of his boot.

Here's the lucky part of the story...for me anyway...when I brought it home dad put it into a clear baggy...it immediately regurgitated the minnow it had just eaten and began stricking the bag...if it hadn't just had lunch I probably would have been bitten..someone was watching out for this dumb kid that day!

Laura

Wow Laura you are lucky!!! I was almost bucked from a horse when I lived in Texas as a child cause we were riding to my house off to the side of the road (it was all country so road and ditches no sidewalks) and had to cross a little shallow river where a bunch of water maccasons had just hatched. Well if anyone knows about them in the south they are also poisonous and horses hate snakes. So you can imagine I was horrified and it was my first time on a horse. Luckily my girlfriend Jill who owned the horse was holding her reins and right there to calm her down. Thats my only bad experience!!!

Where's Santa Laura??? Don't you have some pull?

"Where's Santa Laura??? Don't you have some pull? "

Unfortunately...not this time, sweetpea!!! I'm just one of the restless kids in this little pajama party!!!!

Laura

Dang!!!! Laura its ok...I promise I won't post blame on you. Do you atleast have phone numbers? Lets all just call the Santa's and wake their booties up.

We have a natural habitat for mississauga rattlers behind us. We have never seen one, but apparently the fox snake (which we have tons of in our pool, under our pool, under the hot tub, everywhere), looks like the rattler and acts like the rattler. We live in the land of no poisonuos anything so having the rattler is like having a special guest in southern Ontario.
Santa!

Guess we're gonna have to just be patient dearie...it's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
hard!!!!!

Paulette,
Bet that hot tub is just a snake magnet!!!!

Laura

I saw Santa at the secret Santa site, but Santa wasn't talking. Do you think Santa had too much eggnog?
Yes they love the hot tub keeps them nice and warm! The Fox snakes are protected also. They say we can drop them off at the nature center near us if we have problems. So far its leave me alone I'll leave you alone. I had one scare me once. I was swimming around the pool and came face to face with one. Luckily he was on the ground and I was in the water. I'm not sure who was more startled.