Congratulations to the winner, runners up, and the rest of the top ten. A heartfelt thank you for Molly for organizing this competition and to everyone who dared write and submit a story for publication in the competition. Spread the word; competitions can be fun. Fun to write, fun to read, and fun to speculate. Looking forward to the next competition, Molly.

Paint, wallpaper is tacky IMHO.

(Sorry, Mendalla)

Condo or Single-Family Home?

I have a natural alarm clock and have been up just before 4:30 AM every morning. Lest, I think I'll stay in bed cuddling with my husband, our daughters and and our dog will both make sure we know its time for their breakfast (and, in the case of the dog, his backyard potty break) even if we want to stretch it out for us.

6, 7 2 8

Mendalla, you do realize that heaven is infinitely far away and, at the same time, infinitely close to us.

We're somewhat tired after spending roughly 12 hours driving in the Virginia countryside. Beautiful scenic highways and old churches abound.

CD collections simply because that's what I started out with.

Writing an actual letter or email?

Tea, always tea. Unless not available, then coffee. But very strong preference for tea.

Desert always part of dinner or optional?

6, 7 2 6

Both are awesome when viewed from a night sky untainted by light pollution. The view from the deck of a ship away from land at night is incredible. However, a telescope, even a small one, greatly increases what you can see. Far more than the naked eye even realizes is there.

Pumpkin pie or Pecan pie?

Hmmm.....

In the past, neither. Preferred to walk even if it took more time. Otherwise, taxi if downtown. Ride share in suburbs.

Zoo or nature preserve?

I am happy and contented being able to see our daughters grow and become more independent.

Sports event. Like music, particularly classical or bluegrass, but, in general, not a fan of modern pop concerts although some of its music resonates with me.

Drive yourself or take public transportation going to/from work?

I am waiting for a call to pick up our 4-Runner after its safety inspection. I hate waiting when the waiting is uncertain as to the time.

6 , 7 2 3

Spaniel. Had one as a kid. Broke its neck chasing rabbits at parents farm.

Clubbing or romantic candlelight dinner?

Oh, sorry Molly. I thought it ended at the beginning of 1 August. My bad!

Comp ended a midnight last night, didn't it? That's why the badges appeared on everyone's profile.

Ha. Neither. In the beginning, there is simply 'I am.' 'I am who I am.' 'Tell them 'I am' sent [you]'

Long hair or short hair cat?

Looking to ride our motorcycles into Pennsylvania tomorrow.

Egad! My 'Contestant' badge shows 6 instead of the correct 3 competitions that I have entered and to make it even worse, the 'Competition' badge section shows FIVE, count them, FIVE (!) 'Summer Love' badges. Hopefully, one day, the techs will get everything tuned-up correctly so that the correct numbers and badges show for people.

Congrats. We had ours lengthened and widened a few years back.

I am looking forward to getting dressed up for our weekly date night. Tonight dinner will be at Olive Garden. Look forward to Church on Sunday and date nights as it allows me wear a nice dress, high heels, and garter belt/hose. Something I don't to much since stepping back from work to be a full-time mom.

Dog. Don't mind cats, but never owned one. My dog, Vallon, I've had since a 4-week old puppy. Turned 13 in June. We've shared so much together.

Tabby or Siamese?

Quote by verbal

Read em all! I too am glad I'm not judging this! Great field.

I wholeheartedly agree, Verbal. Some excellent stories in this competition. With some serious contenders written by writers outside the normal crowd of winners IMHO.

I am waiting for the rain to stop. Tonight is our weekly 'date night.'

Soft.

Bicycle or public transportation to work?

I am waiting for a call from our service station letting me know our cars have passed their safety and emissions inspections.

Pie Ala mode. Saturday had a slice of warm Strawberry Rhubard with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Delicious.

Sledding or tubing?

Buffet. Usually more choices.

Snow skiing or water skiing?

Like both, especially if the restaurant is like an old-fashion 'mom and pop' kind of place. Home cooking is the best IMHO. But cookouts can be more romantic. So cookout.

Sailing on a sailboat or water skiing?

Read it. Exceptional well told. Read it! Guarantee, you won't regret it and will be pleasantly surprised.