Went to the Biltmore today to check up on reported problems. None found.

I'd gotten word that George (No. 7) was missing. He isn't; he was in plain
sight - plainer, in fact, than where I'd originally planted him. Time for a
diet - I heard a child shout "Look! Santa Claus is up there!" - okay, so I
was wearing a red fleece vest - but I am not THAT fat! Nor have I a white
beard.

Old Oak (No. 6) is still there, and frequently visited; this is one several
people have not been able to find....and in each case I ask if they are
trying to do it without a compass...and they do not reply...

The Garden (No. 1) got its log replaced today for the 2nd time, and soggy
contents removed. Forgot the paper towels, though, and had to use my socks
to wipe everything dry.

Now the hint for visitors....

Yes, the entrance fee feels steep, however, especially during the Christmas
season, you can get a much bigger bang for your buck if you plan your visit
over two days. Check the Biltmore website for hours of admission first.
Generally, if you buy your tickets late in the day, you can come back the
next day on the same ticket. I think it's 3pm - but look it up first.
So.....go late in the day - like around 4 or 4:30, when all the day visitors
are heading for supper or wherever they go. Not only do you get to park
closer to the house, because those parking lots are emptying....you also
will - relatively speaking - have the house to yourself, and it will be lit
up beautifully for the season. You can see more in one hour at that time
than you can during the day, waiting in lines and herded through the house
like cows. (This is especially true for short people: you don't have to
stand on tiptoes, or look for "breaks" between tall people to glimpse the
treasures.) Then come back the next day and find all the boxes while it's
light out.

There will be a couple new boxes at the Biltmore soon.

Lucy (Mountain Scorpia)
P38 F60 X58