I got a wonderful box of gifts from Dani (who happened to be the recipient of the first Sekrit Santa gift I ever sent!). There's a calendar with knitting patterns--it's one I've actually thought about buying a few times, so excellent choice! There's a jar of lime marmalade, some sinful looking cookies, and an adorable little blank book.

Thank you so much!

It was I, Kristin. I inadvertently compounded the mystery to save on shipping. Yes, it's a conspiracy. I thought there were not many Navajos in CT, though, so it would be unique for you.

My Sekrit Santa gift arrived--chocolate, a ship's wheel keychain, and an awesome scholarly anthology on the Age of Sail from Tom Scola. Thanks, Tom! The book is perfect.

(My third novel, which is still in the early planning stages while I write the second one, is going to be set in the Royal Navy circa 1800. So I'm starting to accumulate a collection.)

Yay! It arrived exactly when the machine told me it would!

Yay! It arrived exactly when the machine told me it would!

It seems like this needs a t /Zoidberg after it.

Today was a pretty damn good day. Slightly stressful but still good.

I feel like I've reached another milestone in my life today. We had a retirement party, I was told Friday afternoon to collect money and plan it. I baked for this. I decorated, picked out the cake, got the food, harassed people for money, etc. There were hitches but everyone was happy.

When the hitches came I was calm..okay a tiny bit frazzled, but mostly calm. I didn't fret over every little thing or melt down. I didn't just tell myself "well, it will be okay" I honestly believed it.

Now, earlier this year at this same place we had another party and things did not go smoothly and I went into meltdown.

For most of my life it seems I was just treading water, trying to keep my head above and what little ground I gained I lost (sorry for mixing my metaphors). How I feel now, what my life is like, was something I hoped for. Well, maybe not the living at home part, but the emotional part. I kept taking all these teeny baby steps, sometimes holding on to the furniture to keep from falling -- now I've got this walking thing down.

And y'all have been a huge, huge part of that!

Also! When I checked the mail--- Ginger cake! And my seekrit santa package!

The return address reads:

Buffista Seekrit Santa

123 Foamy Street

Buffistaville, USA

I'm trying to decide if I should open the package or wait until Xmas to open the whole thing.

It was I, Kristin. I inadvertently compounded the mystery to save on shipping. Yes, it's a conspiracy. I thought there were not many Navajos in CT, though, so it would be unique for you.

Thank you thank you, erika! I love it! And yes, not too many Navajos in these parts.

I'm trying to decide if I should open the package or wait until Xmas to open the whole thing.

askye, OPEN IT!

It's the Solstice. I think if you don't open it, you will be discriminating against the less popular holidays.

t /tongue-in-cheek

Happy Solstice!!!

After opening the box with my trusty Highlander katana letter knife I find--

Counting Sheep gift set!!! Score! (I've been out of waving not drowning for a bit).

I've never tried Dreamtime even though I've wanted to and Waving not Drowning is my favorite bomb!

AND...

a beautiful red box tied with ribbon (that doesn't want to come off!!) holding chocolates. Knipschildt Chocolatier -- the chocolates are Vivienne, Elanor, Julianne, and Martina.

The Chocolates have girls names! And I'd tell you what they look like but the ribbon won't come off!

I can see that sometime after the holidays I'm going to have to indulge with a bath and some chocolate.

Happy Solstice!!!

Why thank you!

I shall actually be posting my reflection on this year some time later tonight in the spirit of the light returning.

ETA:

Waving not Drowning is my favorite bomb!

Mine too!