Ward Buckingham, a retired internist from Spokane, Washington has always loved outdoor winter sports. Cone Head Hats began in 2006 as a response to other winter sports enthusiasts' rave comments about the 'ski hats' he wears. These handmade winter hats are all conical in shape with the unique 'helicopter top' opening which not only serves as a hot air vent but also makes some of these hats reversible if you desire. Hats come in assorted colors and materials including suede Sherpa, solid Sherpa, bonded denim,anti-pill fleece and faux fur.

Ward speaks enthusiastically about his hats, "This redirect of my obsessive compulsive personality from tending to human bodies to making hats has been most welcome. Unlike delivering health care to human beings, I can always make a hat better even if I have to take it apart and start over. I enjoy watching customer's reactions to trying on my hats, whether it be joyful exhilaration or embarrassed self consciousness. In fact, the latter helped lead me to creating my 'aerodynamic' style which is more streamlined and less tall that the original 'tall' or classic style."

"It is fun to see the look of wonder on children's faces as they ask me what is under my hat. I tell them it is hot air helping to give me more lift so I can ski faster! I really don't know whether that is a fact or just my wishful thinking. No matter - whether I'm engaged in making these hats (not exactly a macho male activity) or dodging alpine ski race gates or windsurfing on salt water or playing with one of my seven grandchildren or backpacking with my wife, life is exciting and fulfilling."

It is our natural inclination to surround ourselves with things we love; things we feel are beautiful, keepsakes from friends and relatives, items from trips to name a few. The challenge is often how to display them so that instead of cluttering our homes they bring us joy.

Most collections, whether rocks from hikes, antique purses or miniature paintings look best kept together. Though each piece individually tells a story when displayed together they assume a presence and importance that is missed when they are displayed randomly.

Hang jewelry, photographs and, dare I say it, baseball caps as a group on the wall. Look for an attractive corner cabinet or shelves for china or glass. Several individual shelves made from railroad ties might be perfect for antique trains.

Consider adding impact by lighting your collection with art lights or track lights. Concealed lighting can be added to cabinets very easily. Whether found in the hallway to the garage, on a stairway or in your living room, collections creatively displayed will add an artistic touch to your home.

The burial service for the elderly woman climaxed with a massive clap of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightning, accompanied by even more thunder. "Well," said her husband to the shaken pastor when it ended, "She's there."