And the Winners Are:

Keep your pants on!  First, thank you to everyone who participated.  There were some intriguing answers.  Surprisingly, or not, I did dabble a bit in oil painting several years ago--let's just say I wasn't very good and leave it at that.  I am still practicing Reiki at level 2.  And, although it is a constant battle, I did clean up my areas and do my ironing before July 1.  Good guesses all!

Now...drum roll please...the first winner is:  Janet!  She was not totally correct, but came the closest with riding as her guess...just not Morgans on this one!  I started riding lessons on July 1.  I have had four lessons so far, two on a Quarter Horse mare named Emmie and two on this Clydesdale/Paint cross gelding named Max.  Yes, that's Max and me on Saturday at my fourth lesson.  This is at Strawberry Fields in Cortland.  Joan and her daughter Kate teach Centered Riding, which is the only way to learn in my estimation.  If you'd like more information about lessons, please call Kate at 607.423.4073.  I can't tell you how excited I am to be doing this!

Question 2:  The correct number of boxers?  3.  Sandy, Ginger, and Lynnie.  Karen and Susan were both correct, but only one prize could be given.  I put both names in a hat and drew out...Susan!

Question 3:  What's growing outside the kitchen window?  Penny was closest with "weeds"--it's a giant thistle!  (Penny, that's why your name wasn't in the hat for question 2.)

Here it is on the outside!  Almost 6 feet tall!  For me that is a record--usually I keep them mowed down.  With the heat, humidity, and rain this year, this one got away from me.  It will be leaving shortly now that the contest is over!

And, because you know I love to do things oddly, I put all the "non-winner" names in a hat and drew out--Kathleen C!  Amy, I did include you in this drawing--thanks for playing!  

Janet, Susan, Penny, and Kathleen C will each receive a gift made especially for them.  I will show you what they get before they are sent.  Janet and Kathleen, do you have a favorite color?  Penny, I already know yours, and, Susan, too bad, I'm choosing for you.  Kathleen, I will need your snail mail address.  Please email answers to all questions to sharon@sharonstroud.com.  This was so much fun!  Many thanks to all who played.  

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson.