I hope she likes it...!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually got it yesterday & despite its ginormousosity I almost missed it because it was hidden amongst the great pile of cardboard and paper sitting on my porch waiting to be taking the curb for recycle pickup today.

When Kristin told the Great Shrinkwrap Adventure of 2004 story I had a premonition that it might be my present (actually I kind of skimmed the story because I didn't want to get spoiled for my present, der). And what a beautiful bounty of shrinkwrapped goodness she sent. Amongst other things (cuz I know i'll forget something):

• It's a Chick Thing book about women's friendships that has an essay by Dolly Parton in it so I know it must be good stuff.

• A buttload of most fancy and wonderful chocolates--Lindt truffles, a toblerone bar, a dark chocolate with hazlenuts and currants (speaking of...) that I must wait to eat until I really deserve a treat that exceptional.

• Some clementines and a grapefruit. yay Winter Citrus traditions!

• Grapefruit and bergamot lotion. so yummy.

• Grapefruit and thyme linen spray that I sprayed right on the dishtowel by my sink. Perfect!

• a pear candle that I think will also go in the kitchen.

So so very nice. I feel so fortunate to be on the receiving end of such thoughtful generosity. Mwah!!!

(oh also enclosed was a Christmas card with the cutest picture of Kristin's very furry family. The Puppy!!! It's ear's all floppy!!!!)

SQUEEE!!!!! Nonian!!! I got it!!!

After many misadventures trying to connect with the UPS driver, I finally got my hands on a sent package from Amaranth. I opened it up, and the prettiest stained glass window I've ever seen was enclosed - The Notre Dame Rose. Wow. I'm going to have a lot of fun figuring out the best window to hang this in. Thank you!!!!!

I'm so glad you got it! And like it! I was starting to get worried and I stupidly erased their confirmation e-mail last last week.

I had actually picked out something else, but then we were talking about stained glass and I love their stuff.

Happy Holidays!

My secret santa gift is going to be delayed going out because Kara stole part of it yesterday and I have yet to find it.

just went to post office and it is not so much like hell as i thought it would be. SO my santee should have something soon. I'm guessing by Monday.

Happy Solstice, everyone! (Okay, so I'm a day late, so what else is new lately?)

we were talking about stained glass and I love their stuff.

Is soooooo pretty. Thank you! Yay!

I love the new post office machines. They are wonderful and efficient and mine is actually in the post office, so it gets emptied often. (The USPS rep who was out there helping people navigate the machine said that he's emptying it an average of 5 times per 8-hour shift.) Given that I have to go to the P.O. every single day for work, I appreciate any streamlining of the process.

My secret santa gift is going to be delayed going out because Kara stole part of it yesterday and I have yet to find it.

Giggle. You will probably be able to use this excuse for years to come.

My dear Santee - I forgot to enclose a note, but you will know it is from me from the return address, duh. You will get the package tomorrow if FedEx doesn't lie.

It was so much fun to shop for you. With many of my relatives and friends I have no clue what to give, but I had to restrain myself because there were so many things I saw that I thought you would enjoy. It was indeed my pleasure.

Now you will have to scroll back when you get your package!

Man, that link? Anytime I feel cranky, I look at the Rose du Monde. That has to be the most beautiful stained glass window on earth.

I'm partial to this one: [link] [link]