I am sorry to hear about your cool cow weather vane getting stolen. It is amazing what people will steal! It's one of those things you'd think would be safe but I guess even thieves have different tastes. I do love the new turbine though. Is it able to turn in the wind? Because that would be very neat. I like your natural colored one but I also like the others in the pictures you posted. Doodys, I have no idea what your thing was in a past life but I sure like it where it is now! You're right, it does look like a crown. I agree with jiju, it looks great just the way it is.

Thanks for posting this link. I spent a long while gazing at the cottage paintings and saving some of them to my computer. I love these, so calming. Then I reached the Chihuly pond art! Wild! I wasn't familiar with his art. He surely brings that pond to life in a vibrant, rivetting way! And then the airplane/gnome sculpture! What a hoot! I agree with you though, it's a bit scarey!

Hi Doris: Sorry you could not make it to the trade. I did not stay long but it was truly inspiring to see everyone else carrying trades back and forth in the mist of rain, hail, and snowflakes. I meant to thank you at the trade for the obelisk you said you were bringing for me. Sorry you could not make it. Maybe you could e-mail me and we could meet somewhere or maybe I could stop by to pick it up. Maybe at that time I could tell you of some plants that might interest you, what do you think? Thanks again

-TJ, that gold mugo (I presume?) is gorgeous. Is that one that only gets that color in winter? I have to say I am kind of with Natalie, less is sometimes more. But that is just because I can't stand too much clutter in general. I might be just a wee bit of a 'garden art snob' too. That's not to say I don't like the rustic decor and collections in other peoples yards (because I do), but it just doesn't reflect my own personal style/taste much. I tend to go for art that sort of looks as if it had some sort of past or interesting story. Things that might have come from some other country or great estate (like I said, 'snob', LOL ;-) I got two of these terra cotta "Artichokes" a couple years ago and love em'! I also have a collection of terra cotta pots that I think is rather decorative. They are bears to lug inside for winter though, so I don't think I will be buying any more! A lantern that I love. Here is an armillary stake- currently residing in the middle of my 'Bean Bed'. The hummingbirds like to perch on it, which is pretty adorable! On the shed there is a sort of scroll-y metal wall art piece. Another plaque with scroll-y metal, blue tiles, and a carved wood center (that I painted) is on the house. I've got a couple homemade items as well. Here is a "Living" Wreath I made out of an old hanging basket, wire, chicken wire, moss, and twigs. I'm not sure I can say it is living though, since most everything I planted in it (succulents) has up and died, LOL! The branch/twig obelisk I made this year (which I am kind of proud of... especially since I have so little woodworking skills, lol!!) Hope I didn't go overboard on the pics... CMK