The winner of the salt and pepper basket is Karen Erdman! Karen, please visit www.kathleenfuller.com and send me your snail mail address. Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who entered. My favorite part of this blog is giving away prizes, and they'll be more coming up. Beth's doll is really adorable, isn't it?

Thank you all for your kind words about our books and writing. I know I speak for Amy, Beth and Barbara when I say we appreciate you all very much.

I'd like to answer some of the questions posed by readers this past week.

Fran--I'm not sure if its the same family or not. I can't remember their name, but I'll try to find out. There are lots of Amish making baskets in Holmes county, so I'm thinking the chances are slim that its the same one. But it would be neat if it was!

Karla--you're reasoning for buying more Amish stuff is awesome. I approve.

Cheryl Ann and Lillie and Rhonda--I know this family doesn't take orders over the internet. They sell the baskets out of their home, and since they are Swartzentruber Amish, they're very conservative and wouldn't even sell them in a store. That said, there might be some other less conservative Amish who are selling baskets online. I would do a search and see--if you come across anything, please email me at my website and let me know, I'd definitely like to find out if they do.

Erin--I agree, baskets must have a function. I use baskets for everything, even when I was teaching I had some baskets to hold supplies and paper. They add a nice homey touch while helping to keep clutter under control.

My dear friend Laura (we've been friends for over twenty years, since our college days!)--It was our 16th. I was thinking the other day that yours was coming up and that you've been married for almost twenty. That's amazing! Oh, and remember the dimes? Just think if we'd had cell phones back then.

Linda--I'll send you the address soon. I know you'll enjoy your trip very much!

This past week my sister was visiting from Nashville and we went back down to Holmes County, as her kids had never been to Amish Country. I'll have pictures next week from our visit to the Smucker's Store (the Smuckers Jelly Smuckers), but I wanted to mention that we also went to Heini's Cheese Chalet. I think Lois commented about the chalet being a must--see. The cheese there is so delicious, and you can order from them online at www.heinis.com. I bought some beer cheese for my dad (I couldn't bring myself to buy the Limberger, ugh) and he LOVED it. So much he's dying for some more. So if you like cheese, check out the website.

'Til next time,
Kathleen