>Bob-
>Right. Label's don't get focus. The reason we put accelerator keys on labels is because when the keystroke fires, since the label can't get focus, the next control in the tab order receives the focus. -

Now thats something I didnt know. and the key to my solution.

That was what I was looking for. ! I put a little code in the container which held the shape and label) so when the container gotfocus() it shot off the embedded label.click. Works great.

Take a look at this screen shot.
http://www.1amsoftware.com/Clipboardmenu.jpg

the other suggestion of working with the command buttons, sort of worked, but I am unable to keep my UI the way I wanted usin command buttons, (even with hot tracking)

The mneu on the left, is what I am working on... you cant see it here, but there is a shape control, and a container contol arround the menu options. So when the mouse moves over the words - selections on the left, they get lighter. sort of like a web app rollover. it all works great,

Thanks again. !
Bob Lee