But by experience.

What am I talking about? Last week my grandma died, s'ok, folks the important thing about this post is not personal.

What I want to explain is how I've learned over the past few years how to handle major hurdles of convalescence and end of life finances being her primary contact.

First and foremost, she supremely thought-through arrangements for almost all coming needs. Her choice was to have savings in a trust fund which I used to pay for assisted living, and then nursing home fees. She certainly gave myself, and an alternate person, financial power of attorney while being of sound mind.

When the trust was almost depleted I had to switch to Medicare of course. Yes, I'm sorry that happened, but she stayed with us much longer than she would have wanted.

She also had a fully paid burial policy in place with her specific wishes written in. That policy has been upheld by a mortuary and given me more relief than imagined. They met with me and took care of every last thing. Without any unexpected expense, without any decision needed by me under stress, without an inkling of pressure for 'flowers', 'service', nothing.

It's all good, and I hope some of you out there make it as easy for your family as mine has so far.

in a place that doesn't need a bailout."

That title was a sign inside my credit union yesterday.

"NOT going out of business SALE" ~
That sign was seen by a person in New York who posted it to Twitter.

I notice how much exaggerations are used in the news, because I have kids. Words such as 'crisis', 'emergency', 'worst', etc. Count how many times you hear/see these. Think about that absorbing into a kid.

But hey! Mine are doing fine. We just got through both kids birthdays this month. Each had a grip on the costs because I limited size and scope of the parties and discussed with them why. (They got to invite 3 kids each). They went to the bank and saved 1/2 of total gift card/checks. Try telling a kid they can spend all the $20 ToysRUs card but none of the $25 check from Grandpa. They get it I'm sure.

More good news! We had a very good long weekend mini vacation. Four days in the snow. Who says it doesn't rain in Southern California?



Using one free Holiday Inn night (my husband's frequent stay points), and paying for a second, the four of us had a cross country ski afternoon in winter wonderland. The cost is reasonable; the experience many times over in value to my kids. I love HI, the breakfast buffet is included, the kids swam and jacuzzi'ed.

The next day we went on a treasure hunt for quartz crystals and obsidian, free to the adventurer! The family memories are worth more than any price.

Seven or eight more of a big handful of discards given to me by a lampworker hobbyist friend have been made into a punk-meets-grandma necklace.

WEB-LIKE BLACK & WHITE LOCKET NECKLACE


Starting with the beads in the upper right, I added a few onyx stones, a bit of silverplated chain, and some black leather.

Not for sale (yet).

A friend gave me a bag of glass bead cast offs last December. Just those he made in the process of learning. Gratis.

Creative design, ingenuity and some copper wire later and VOILA -

SPIRAL COPPER LAMPWORK NECKLACE


(...dang, I shoulda took some before and after pictures...)

Hard to let this one go, but it's destined for the art gallery shop, priced at about $40.

Once again, just going to show 'I AM the Frugal Artisan'.

A short series of photos I took 1.19.09 from my weekend property -

(lots of memory, hope they don't take too long to load...)

The host of my website (etsy.com) allowed us to connect visits to Google Analytics starting last Friday.

WOW! First off, in the first 24 hours I had something like 29 visits to my site, half of them new visitors and half of those from google search alone. I even can see the search terms used !! Whee!

Folks are using 'cheap jewelry', and more. I am very impressed to be getting so much traffic with so little effort.

And am dumbfounded with surprise how good Google Analytics is, how easy, and how much info they are giving (FREE!).

Now for the million dollar Q!
How can I turn these visits into sales!?

I need a good, short, sweet to the point, consultation with an expert! A tech savvy marketer! Without spending anything or as little as possible.

Am going to contact the Small Biz Development Center (SBDC) here in town in coming days. They have advisors who will meet with you free (I used upon start up a few years ago). At least to see if there is an internet guru over there.

BTW am working very hard getting ready for a very exclusive home show a week from Saturday. It's in a gated community full of high income folks. I'm helping organize the show and suggested that vendors provide free workshops/demonstrations as an attraction (that doesn't cost sellers extra money).

Not only will the demos be fun and educational (who doesn't want to do a little card making or whatnot?), they should bring in some customers.

I volunteered to run a beaded wine glass workshop, and have finally perfected the technique which most beginner types should be able to accomplish. We'll see! It's harder than it looks - here's an example of what I'll be teaching:



Of course, the person will take home the one they make. And if they want a pair, more will be for sale at my table. What would you pay for one? I set the price at $10 ea.

Want to judge? Here is the best spot of the house decorated.

The bannister is covered with fresh juniper branches (harvested from the country). Alternate post openings show off satin covered balls on gold and red metallic thread. More finery include loops of gold colored and pearl strands. The finishing touch are red velvet bows spaced evenly up the steps.



Our stockings are hung on the wall next to the steps, and on the landing is a collection of snow men, (a wooden deer is on the floor not visible).

We have no mantel so this is where I make it prettiest. We also have an artificial tree therefore, here originates the pine scent.

Joy!

I 'got rid' of 2 cumbersome items from home by posting to my local

www.freecycle.com

1. A queen mattress. Used only a couple dozen times, no box springs, no frame. These are hard to get rid of (or so I thought!). A fee for disposing at refuse facility and the thrifts won't even take them. NOT A PROBLEM, I had a waiting list of 3 that wanted it.

2. A 13" black and white TV. Hoarded this in the closet for several years thinking it could be used by a kid/relation for a dorm room or some starter location. Husband laughs and then reminds me it will be completely obsolete in early 2009 when digital signal only arrives. Oops! Also would cost a fee to dispose at refuse facility.
But someone wants it for those last few months for a little happy surprise gift this year!

The feeling of joy to me is more 'giving material goods extended useful purpose' and 'helping someone in need' and less clutter-freeing my house.

Am I nuts? It cost me nothing but I feel happy and like I contributed 'goodwill toward man'.

If only all my gift giving could be transformed into this kind situation.

the temptation to just complete the TO DO list barring all costs!

Mostly the TO DO list involves completing gift shopping. When time becomes short, I start feeling desperate and blinded!

Daughter-getting interested in American Girl dolls. Is there any way possible to get involved with these at an affordable cost??? Peeked at Ebay, not a pretty sight.

Should I or shouldn't I? that is the question! Spend another $25 (approx) on small starter 14K gold pierced earrings? She is allowed to get her ears pierced this year. Or maybe give her a jewelry box (nice one with drawers)? They are inexpensive at JC Penney. Or wait on the whole thing cause her birthday is in February????

Son. His watch went in the washing machine. Died. It was my old watch and he loved it. Finally wore it everyday to school (5th grade). Go to Target and get him a watch to stuff his stocking???

Husband-haven't stepped in the Patagonia outlet yet (they have an 'unknown' store about 4 blocks from their factory that most folks are unaware). Was thinking to look for a UV protection shirt for him cause he works outside alot at our weekend property. Or maybe a protective hat. Just not time.

Neighbors-YaY! I brought back lots and lots of juniper greens from our ranch! SMELL GOOD! Will craft into swags and wreaths for the good friends on our street (2 or 3 families). Add nice generous ribbon, and few sparkly or rustic touches (already have). Cost?? TIME.

Work-My boss is taking her birthday off! I had bought her a small $10 gift, but won't see her for 3 days later (my day off, then the weekend). Soooooooo, I am going to use the gift instead for the office Christmas party exchange. It is a small artwork nicely framed and good for any person.

Gotta run, anyone with time to sell?

One of my cards was featured in this website today

http://cuteable.com/

Nice to have a little no-cost attention.

The rush is over for craft shows for me. How were sales?

Spotty but profitable. As usual, started off slow and ended in the black. Not enough black to brag about unfortunately, but black enough to continue the schedule next year.

Stronger sales were seen by tchotchke booths (y'know, little pins and decorations, not my style) as well as a soap maker. Larger value items sold slower, ie quilts, glassware, but enough that seemed all of the vendors made enough to cover their fees.

I have one more nice 2-weekend event in December which is an easy set up/take down and don't have to be there to sell. And one more 1/2 day show in December which is a private club boutique.

And DRAT! These were stored in a box and missed the November shows, but will make it into the December events.

3 Cross Stitch Ornament or Gift Tag Set

My in-law family has decided this year to forgo a gift exchange! WHEE! I have always wanted to go this route because they are a fairly big family, and getting bigger every year.

Starting with my husband's parents (there actually are 2 households already: his mom, and his dad and spouse) the count was

- 1st Brother/Wife and 3 Grown Up Kids
- 2nd Brother/Wife and 4 Kids

For an immediate family count of 11 recipients. For the past 6-8 years we all went to my husbands mother's house for a big Christmas Eve family night.

Additional folks would visit including, an aunt on the dad's side (no spouse or kids), a cousin on the mom's side (one spouse and 2 more kids), assorted girlfriends of the brother's teen boys.

Ummmm, I usually tried to bring a few little things for these extended family folks, just happy inexpensive gifts like small bag with hair stuff for the girls, candles for the women, etc.

I was able to be creative and provide for all without straining the bank. But the older folks on retirement were being stressed undoubtedly.

Now most of these kids are all grown up, out of college and a few are married themselves, with little kids!

In fact, the gathering has greatly reduced, only a couple of the grown kids are in state anymore, and (sadly) one of my husbands brother passed away from cancer two years ago.

The party has moved to the oldest brother's house (he is fairly well off and goes all out usually on expenses). He and his wife want to shift the emphasis on a dinner/song singing/boating (he lives on the water) and nix the gifts. YAY! (did I say that already?).

Except for the kids. Now you think, what kids? Well funny, but my kids are the only ones left under age 18 (except the little baby ones not in state).

I'm excited but feel funny that my kids are the only ones going to receive gifts from all these adults! HaHa! Oh well, it's what I've always dreamed of

Who was it lately that mentioned in their blog about the teacher/accountant mentality (of doing things methodically, well planned ahead)?

Add me to that group, though not a teacher nor accountant. It's just a Type A trait.

So my gift list is ready and awaiting...
Now I just need the time to tick things off. Drat the day job.

A page from my purse blank Journal

Shopping To Do:

-ToysRUs; Use $10 gift card for small boy item

-Best Buy; Investigate, compare and snag stereo system for husband's gift if the price is right especially if further coupons/deals are available

-Sports Store; purchase Heely's for daughter, pingpong paddles/balls for family gift

-Dollar Store; purchase 3 bath sponges for teacher gifts (already have goats milk handmade soap)

-LinensThings; Check current percent off due to store closing, if high enough and price is right, purchase one or two sets of full size sheets for new mattress at weekend home

Cannot do any of this Tues (work), Wed (volunteer at art gallery), Thurs/Fri/Sat (devote 90% of time to craft show I'm in).

So do you think I can do it all on Sunday? A perfect time as all the family will be away (except me) to the weekend property. MUST take advantage to hide the gifts then!

Tune in another day for the ... Next page in the Journal

My hubby is a kid at heart, very positive and open minded. Not to mention happily receives birthday and Christmas gifts.

Every so often I splurge on him (like the year he got a fishing trip to Alaska, ok he already had airfare from frequent flier miles, all I added was the room and the guide). Or the year he got an electric guitar (and he remarked, 'if it wasn't for you I wouldn't get any big gifts anymore in my life').

But most years I keep things practical, it's my nature. And this year he was going to get socks!

Except he gave me some ideas:
- a couple area rugs for our new weekend house. I like this idea cause I was going to get something anyway, and now I have authority to go pick them out myself

- a stereo system which the TV can eventually be plugged into.

OK folks, that one is the question. It's been 20+ years since I bought stereo components -- flash back to college when the more watts the BETTER. I still have that system Yamaha amp, tape decks, turntable, and all.

But I assume people don't do this anymore!

So need: A compact system, not really a portable boombox type thing, w/
-receiver
-speakers
-CD/DVD player

I guess I will go to Best Buy? (although Circuit City is closing but then nix on the exchanges or returns if I do it wrong).

Someone educate me in the 21st century!

My shopping list is smiling!

Have been thinking what to give my 8-yo carefree sunny daughter for a big happy gift under the tree this year (especially after she sees the BIG box containing a skateboard ramp for her brother, and nooooo I do not play those 'must give even number of gifts to children' games...)

Short of a live, breathing, soft furry animal pet I come up with Nothing. Not even a big big doll house that wouldn't get used enough and costs too much.

BINGO! She is an accomplished roller and ice skater and wanted Heely's a couple years ago (those shoes with roller skates in the heel). In the past I was unwilling to spend $30 on them. But she's ready! And now I am

Here's the solution - pack them in a BIG BIG box which I have saved from getting a couple bar stools earlier in the year.

HA HA!

Not to mention I am soooooooo bent on sticking to low tech, unplugged, healthy activities for the kids as much as possible. Yes, they have their WebKinz and computer stuff, and yes they can plug in some. But this is the balance.

Perfect! He gets the skateboard ramp, and she can zoom up and down on the roller skates.

Start a gift list now if you haven't already. Write down all the expected - AND UNEXPECTED - persons you want to make happy this holiday and the item you plan to purchase.

Keep this list handy! Consult it in your purse or wallet when you are out and about looking for bargains the next 6 weeks.

I find this system keeps me focussed and reduces spending. No need much for spontaneous purchases.

So here we go:

Daughter
Art Kit (already bought with a coupon)
Daring Book for Girls (already bought)
8-Ball (will use $10 gift card)
Still need one big happy item

Son
Portable Skateboard Ramp (already bought)
Model Airplane (bought with coupon)
Origami Book/paper (need)
Still need one small item

Hubby
Ping Pong Table (for the weekend house)

Brother and Wife
Need one good item (probably from Etsy)
3 Nieces
Book Store Gift Cards this year

Sister and Husband
Big box of hand me down stuff for her 2 yo already packed
Rechargeable Battery Pack & Batts (need)

Parents
2 pr faux or real shearling lined slippers

MIL
husband splitting cost of cable sub for her

My Best Friend
Need something unique from Etsy
her son
Model probably

Teachers
Nice bar of handmade soap and scrubby

only a few additional entries might be made, now the only question is WHERE AM I GOING TO HIDE THE PING PONG TABLE???

A good friend just mailed this to me. A good reminder. Courtesy

http://www.designsbymariejulie.etsy.com
------------------------------------------
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He
then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends
and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.'

My sister visited from afar this past week and brought me some large, unusual drilled turquoise nuggets. Hmmm. Not my normal style.

But I love a design challenge, and the cerebral lightbulb lit up after seeing silverplated tubular pendant hangers in the jewelry supply shop.

Do you think these have universal appeal?
Includes a leather cord to fit any large size person.

BIG NUGGET NECKLACE


Constantly a dilemma to make things that you love or you think will sell. I tend to emphasize the former, using a classic style that means the latter is built in.

One other question. I love cross stitching cards and journal covers. But find they are less universally appealing. Am trying to get noticed by the 'mom' and younger market by using clever unique quips (see below). Any suggestions how to break in (except facebook, myspace)?

DOG DAYS JOURNAL

Our grade school has teamed with a photo studio to offer $20 portraits (a portion goes to the 5th grade camp out fund).

We get one 10x12" photo (3 alternative sittings, but I want the one with the whole family). I'm sure they will try to sell lots of options. But NOPE.

I just want the ONE pic to go with the formal piece on the wall of us 5 years ago when the kids were under ages five.

We're just doing the white shirts and jeans outfits, the background will be gray. WISH ME A GOOD HAIR DAY !! :~)

I don't know about you, but we find great stuff at the thrifts.

Today? 2 nubby long sleeve sweaters for me (one in the boy's section, one in the girl's) $5 for the pair

1 MouseTrap Game $2

1 Intermed. Paint-by-Number $1

2 sweatpants for kid $1.50 for the both

1 supreme frothy dress up for dreaming $2
small price to pay, eh?

Ben and Jerry's is giving away scoops to all who vote Nov 4 from 5-8 pm. Just say you did or bring a receipt.
See here

http://www.benjerry.com/features/i_voted/index.cfm?utm_sourc...

How about goodwill online??
An easy entertainment or pass-time;
looks like the better items at auction.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com

Instead of spending bucks on craft fair displays, then waiting anxiously to recoup that cost, all you need is a little ingenuity!

A spinning rack is really useful for small items like jewelry.

My sister gave me the catalytic idea - A LAZY SUSAN! Of course *slaps forehead*.

I had all of the materials in scraps from my husbands many home projects except the lazy susan itself. My total cost was $12! (The lazy susan only @ $15 minus 20% using a BBB coupon).

Want to make one?
Step-by-Step: How To Make a Spinning Display Rack:

Materials (see photo):

~Segment of plastic pipe-easy to get at the hardware store in white or black
~2 Wood Dowels, painted or colored to match the pipe
~Wood block for pipe base
~Duct Tape
~Lazy Susan (not shown)

1. Drill a pair holes in opposite sides of the pipe by measuring up from the end on each side. Be sure the holes are the size of the dowel, err on the small side if you are not sure what size hole to make! You can always enlarge the hole a tiny bit, not make it smaller though (and your dowel would be too loose). Be sure the height is sufficient for hanging your product.
(see photo)


2. Drill a second pair of holes in opposite sides of the pipe. Make this 2nd pair perpendicular to the first pair of holes. Insert dowels.
(see photo)


3. Attach the pipe to the wood block with duct tape (see photos). The block gives the pipe stability. You could also use a thick piece of plastic or other strong flat material. OPTIONAL: Attach the pipe directly to the lazy susan and forego the wood block. However, I wish to disassemble and store the display easier.



4. Load up with product! I made a little sign for the top. (see photo). Although my lazy susan is not shown in the picture it works great! I'll use a little packing tape to attach the wood block to the lazy susan temporarily each show.

Thanks for watching!

He was my 17 year old cat (my husband thinks he was 16). Over the past summer he had what I think was a kitty stroke, robbed him of some motor skills, some brainpower. We made one vet trip who wanted to do the whole 9 yards (lab work) to tell me it was just old age. That was when I was distraught.

The last week or so he had developed a cough (fluid in the lungs no doubt), been disinterested in water (usually a big drinker), not eating, not moving around much and unsteady on his feet when he was. The writing was on the walls, it was a matter of 48, maybe 72 hours.

I am not distraught now. Because in the summertime time I made a plan how to euthanize him when needed. It was (in hindsight) a simple call to the County shelter who does the service 7 days a week. There is a small fee ($30). It gave me much relief to have the option of taking him there when I felt it right without the trauma of last minute emergency.

Was I callous? Pragmatic? Heavy handed?
I don't really care what others think. I'm glad for not being stressed by paying out a load of money for putting him down. But it's pretty quiet around here without him.

Wish I had a picture of him to post.

Sugar is a golden ret mix, medium 40 lb, all white long haired dog. High energy, fairly needy.

Adopted from the shelter he has helped my kids get to know dogs better and relieve some fear. But he is a little skittish, doesn't like surprise touches in the tail area and beware of getting near his face when he's eating or has a bone.

And sensitive to brushing. Now I could rename my biz to 'Hair of the Dog', but BLEH. I am able to brush him lightly as often as I can, but certainly not as thoroughly as he needs. Can you say 'mats'?

After a number of appointments with the PetCo groomer (who wanted to do the grooming at another store where they could tranquilize him), we moved to a private groomer (who was good but kept increasing the fee because of the work brushing, clipping and drying him, the latter which took over an hour alone).

Finally on to the mobile groomer. OK. So far two appointments. He has advised me:

'Do it more frequently than 9 weeks to make it easier on the dog.'

Cost is currently $55/pop.

I don't even get my OWN hair done that often.

I am punting this to my husband who connected with this pup in the first place. Yes, I have grown to love Sugar, but am not willing to write so many checks.

Makin' a list, checkin' it twice.

If only I had time to scour the thrifts for the following:

1. White turtleneck for mom
2. Zip up or pullover sweatshirt for mom
3. Sweater, button up for kid
4. White stretch or capri pant for kid
5. Lazy susan to make into jewelry rack
6. Dress Pants
7. Couple of nice tops for work

These are just the top priorities. It would be fun to find also:

a. books for kids homework
b. floor rack for hanging purses at shows
c. mug rack for bracelet display

It will happen over some weeks I hope.
In the meantime, here's a new item I'm testing out in the market.

GLOP ART - POP ART WOOD PIN



Big Fun, Little Price
Three to Four inches of color to wear on your shirt or carry on your bag.
Many other colors, all artful, accented, and glazed with sparkle, just ask.

My craft club has a monthly design competition and the topic for September is 'Fall Traditions'.

I made this item to enter. What words would best fit a pumpkin I mused as stitching came near the end. What do you think when you find that perfect candidate for the jack o' lantern?

"Picked" was a good fit, and the rest fell into place. Universal for gift giving as well.

Cross Stitched Greeting Card

Sent by courtesy of my brother the psychologist. Have a good chuckle.

The following list of phrases and their definitions might help us better understand the language used in reporting results from clinical and pre-clinical research.


"It has long been known"... I didn't look up the original reference.

"Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study"... The other results didn't make any sense.

"Typical results are shown"... This is the prettiest graph.

"In my experience"... once

"In case after case"... twice

"In a series of cases"... three times

"It is believed that"... I think.

"It is generally believed that"... A couple of others think so, too.

"Correct within an order of magnitude"... Wrong.

"According to statistical analysis"... Rumour has it.

"A statistically oriented projection of the significance of these findings"... A wild guess

"It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"... I don't understand it.

"After additional study by my colleagues"... They don't understand it either.

"Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions"... Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.

"It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"... I quit.
[And I always thought this meant, "We'll be seeking additional funding soon.]

My husband's birthday is next week. He was raised within 1/2 hour of Disneyland and a birthday trip is ingrained in his conciousness. Every year he wants to take the kids to Disneyland for THEIR birthday. But they don't really care.

It would be a nice gift to give, a fun and simple throwback to childhood times, except:

1. There are NO specials or discounts for single day tickets and haven't been since Aug. except Mickey Trick or Treat dates in Oct on weekdays (selected).

After racking my brain over our family calendar I cannot find a suitable timeslot to go except 1 open Sat to comfortably travel to and fro and spend a day. Weekends are horrorible there.

2. I have to buy 4 tickets. At $70 ea.

3. He is always busier than usual in the fall due to teaching at night at the community college.

4. Instead of spending $200 on tix, he really would rather have a work bench for the new weekend property garage.

So what to do.

Over the weeks I have paid attention to things he needs/wants and will probably shop with the kids for some of the below:

a. Cutting Board for the weekend house kitchen (using a BedBathBeyond coupon).

b. Pizza cutter same as above.

c. One new big fish for his 30-gal aquarium since one of the oldsters died over the summer (a big one with whiskers!). Some aquarium plants too.

d. WEATHER instruments for his new weekend house. Good ones are hard to find and he is way beyond the simple rain gage. A full blown weather station is out of the question though, runs over $100. Time may not be on my side because it most likely would need to be ordered on the web.

e. Pro darts for the yard sale dart board in the weekend house. It came with only one set of darts, but he and the kids have been playing lots already. Need at least one more set of 3. There is a billards/game shop in town that would probably have good ones.

f. Maybe a semi high tech UV protection shirt for all that outdoor work at the ranch. Patagonia has an outlet in town, little known, that sells their year old surplus items and more. Super special deal and quality.

BAKE his favorite chocolate cupcakes with no icing, and make big ice cream sundaes.

What's heavy, sweet, crunchy, tasteful, and elegant for $30?

This is the gift basket I made for the band who have been the hardest workers every Saturday at an art & craft market I have been selling as a vendor.





Contents (if I remember it all):

2 - bottle wine
3 - quarter lb choc bars
1 - box crackers
1 - bag cookies
1 - hard salami
1 - cheese spread
1 - cheese slicer
1 - small cheese tray/cloth napkin
1 - bottle nuts
4 - wine glasses

It was a little more than I wanted to spend (would've been perfect at under $20), but I am very happy with the results.

PLEASE, can I keep it???