Harrisburg resident David Shall, internationally recognized for his origami designs, is offering the last few copies of his book for $16.50, autographed. These designs for folded paper are aimed at an adult craftsman and are anything but "basic" in this craft. This "special interest" volume should provide a nice challenge and can be very rewarding when the folder is able to duplicate the item . . . Received our new shipment of crystal-laden earrings from Christine Keller of Buckhannon, West Virginia, today. These original designs combine sterling silver, vintage glass beads and crystals for a dressy bling; sure to please and just $26 . . . bargain hunters should remember to check out our "flea market" shelves in the center room. We are keeping these restocked as items are carried off . . .

Rain finally arrived and so did the colder weather. Certainly killed business today . . . Rick May and Kevins Sheets and Hancock heard gun shots at Green and Forster last night. Two young blacks were seen fleeing down the street but seemed to be pulling a prank rather than threatening anyone. The police department says it has added patrols to the Midtown area to combat the recent muggings and car break-ins . . . Doc says my major complaints are under control with the possible exception of the sinus headaches . . . Big shipment of new Bill Campbell pottery is expected shortly . . .

Another gorgeous day; this cannot last, unfortunately . . . loved Deb Hershey's post that I saw on Facebook this morning: "Every other car within a mile has either a dead deer or a pine tree strapped to its hood." 'Tis the season , I fear . . . Tickets for the Historic Harrisburg Candlelight House Tour have arrived; $15. The tour is quite different from ones that have preceded it so I will be interested to see your reaction. There are only a few houses but for the most part they are clustered in the vicinity of Green and Peffer Streets. You will be able to walk to most venues once you park the car. (John Harris Mansion is an exception.) . . . It appears that someone is opening a new eatery at North Second and Harris where so many other restaurants have gone before. Cannot get any reliable info just yet . . . Off to the doctor tomorrow morning; maybe another chapter in this on-going saga. Boring . . . Do not be alarmed if you pass by and notice that the sign is no longer in place. Our neighbor is refurbishing it for us; we are still at the same old spot 39 years later . . . We owe a "thank you" to TheBurg. The crew promoted last Saturday's Shop Small Business national campaign on their web page and used the "funky" Bare Wall as a local venue that deserves support. The item was illustrated with a picture of Bob and me that appeared in the paper a couple of years ago. (So don't come looking for those items pictured since they may not be available any longer.) . . .

Another beautiful day. It seemed that everyone, Bob included, was outside and working on his holiday display. I can tell right now that several of these will be spectacular when they are finished . . . the Battisti household harvested their Christmas tree today and we had to slip over this evening to take a look at the decorations. JJ showed us the elf high on a shelf in the kitchen who reports directly to Santa if JJ or Cecilia don't behave . . . this was our first Sunday opening of the season; we had some visitors and worked diligently at enhancing our own decorations in the store. Looking better each day . . . Had an e-mail from Alan Peters in Palm Springs. He sent along some pictures of his "winter garden in the desert." The mouth-watering produce will be ready for eating come January . . .

Pleasant day with warm temperatures. This was the day of a national promotion urging people to shop at the small businesses in town. Several of you did and we thank you. Remember that we will be open tomorrow (Sunday) from one until four . . .

Beautiful weather. Normally Black Friday is a slow time at The Bare Wall, but not today. It was exciting to be so busy, to see so many of you. I was especially pleased that so many of our new items found a place on your holiday lists . . . Among all my maladies aforementioned we might add another; I stubbed my toe Monday evening and the damage was painful. I might even have broken it . . . Neighbors are seeking info on the auto parked in the 200 block of Briggs; its back window was broken out in the last day or two . . . Yesterday's picture was a repeat from two years ago but it still commanded a fair amount of response. It was taken in the early '60s in the Shenandoah Valley. My companion, the late Bob Rook, and I had borrowed my dad's car for the trip. Unfortunately, dad did not tell us that the gas gauge was inaccurate and somewhere in the backwoods of West Virginia we ran out of gas. Bob hitched a ride with a large family visiting the area from New York City and while I waited he located a small garage whose owner came to our rescue. It was our favorite memory of the trip despite the Skyline Drive . . .