Everyone Cam

I used to build houses for a custom builder in my area during the summers when I was in college. I started building the village years ago when I became an accountant because I still enjoy doing things with my hands (shut up Eric)and to also have something to pass on to my kids as a holiday tradition.

Many of the things in the village are named after my kids...e.g. a train station called Kelsey Station, a grocery/food stand called Jon's Country Store, an old fashion grist mill called Brian's Pro Shop, etc. Building this stuff is kinda therapeutic for me and my family enjoys the unique qualities of the village. The most recent addition is a lighthouse with a stone base and a working beacon light.

Anyhow, hope you all like the pic. Merry Christmas everyone!

You're the man, Haywood. That's some cool stuff.

I love the nice touch with the Rice Krispies truck, too :) I had that years ago. Gave it to Goodwill along with several other toys.

Thanks Jeff.

The vehicles are very hard to find, especially in the scale I use. Every now and then, Hot Wheels will break one out and I grab it. I've been fortunate enough to find old style trucks with the Coca Cola and Hershey's Chocolate logos in addition to the Rice Krispies one you mentioned.

Unfortunately, "Haywood's Christmas Village" is short a couple houses from the original setup. My dog attacked one when he was a puppy and reduced it to sawdust. I also had another victorian style house that I don't display anymore. We used to call it the "Dorothy House." That's because years ago, one of my kids stepped on it when they were little. It ended up looking like a tornado hit it...thus the name. I guess it kinda took away alot of the Christmas charm, but I thought it was funny.

We're not in Kansas anymore.

Very nice haywood. You know I am some what a master with my hands, you will see on dec. 17th. hehehhe

BTW Happy BE-Be-lated birthday ferland.

Good Stuff Haywood! I'm impressed. As you can see by his picture on the CAM, Eric is pretty crafty as well.

Thanks Ray. Yes...Eric is very creative.

As a matter of fact, when my friends and family check out The Rabbit, they always notice Eric's CAM. I usually get asked, "What's up with that Eric guy? Maybe he should find a really good doctor to help him deal with his issues." His CAM shot even traumatized one of my friends little kids who still believes in Santa.

I just tell them that Eric is the poster boy for really bad graffiti art. His CAM looks like one of those rapid transit cars you see in NYC.

Very cool Haywood! I'm impressed! I barely finished my Christmas cards this year and still haven't put up the tree or finished shopping and you've got this amazing village! I'm pathetic.

Thanks Dee!

It really doesn't take much work to set up the village, unless I do the Dickens street lights. Those are a real pain to set up because I try to hide all the wires. I passed on it this year since I set the village up here at work.

I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping though, and I'm gonna try to tackle Christmas cards Sunday after I get back from Michigan... if I have any brain cells left.

Dee, don't feel bad. I swore I'd put up my tree yesterday and make bows for my outdoor wreaths --but watched the snow fall instead. (And spent 3 hours at a job fair with over 600 other people just to find out there were only a handful of positions!)

Haywood -- I was in aawh when my Grandpa built me the Waltons doll house and a stable -- your city is truly incredible. What are you doing at the paper? Go for Thomas Kindkaid's job!

Ho Ho Ho -- Have fun and be careful tomorrow Santas :)

Thanks Jodi. Friends and family tell me the same thing all the time. They say, "Haywood, you should get out of the newspaper business, start a craft business and sell them." My boss even told me the same thing the other day. I hope he's not trying to tell me something. hehehe.

It usually takes me only about a week to ten days to build one of the houses. The lighthouse took about three weeks because I made the base out of tiny stones, built a three level stairway and then had to figure out a way to wire it for lighting. It turned out pretty good though.

I'd love to see your dollhouse sometime if you still have it.