Jaba, sorry for the loss of your brother. I don't now what I'd do without mine either.
I guess I missed the 2nd questionaire, but here's some answers:
buttons - not really
zippers - nope
coffee, tea, soda - coffee, unsweetened ice tea or hot tea in winter. Prefer water to soda
put up Christmas tree - yep
Ornaments - love handmade ones. I keep a tree up all year with them in my studio from the exchanges
Grandkids - yep! none near by
I don't like gray! I looked at it for too many years!
Still no more info on my Santaee. Guess they'll get what they asked for only.