I have received wonderful international gifts from Brenda's world travels! There was a pretty gift bag bursting with bright colorful tissue paper on my hotel bed when I arrived at the Hotel Monaco, containing many treats: risotto from Amalfi, lemon cookies from er, um, someplace cool (I'm not at home! they're packed away in my car!), a huge bath bomb, a Greek olive masque, and I hope I'm not forgetting something (see above, not at home). We almost made the risotto in our campsite on the camp stove last night but then elected something easier/quicker to cook, all the better for more for me when I get home. I think I will use the cookies as a crust for an ice cream cake. They look to be perfect. Thank you very much, Brenda (who, I might add, looks really great).

I am ungifted. Hmm, I think I was supposed to get gifted at the F2F, but forgot all about it in the excitment. Ha!

I did hear a rumour to that effect, Vortex.

Thanks, Baltimore Sekrit Santa!(Was it LisaH?) Part one, a very cool shirt like one on "The Wire" got here today.

Not last year, but the year before, as part of my SS package, I got sourdough starter powder. I finally felt able to keep it fed and whatnot (it's like a pet!), so I started it last night. I need not have worried that it was dead, as it was bubbling like crazy this morning, so I decided to go ahead and make a loaf before I put the starter in the fridge. It is currently rising, but looks good. I'll report back on the loaf when it finishes.

Vortex, your slackerist of slacker Santas reports that s/he has your gift and just needs to mail it. This person is very sorry for the delay.

No problem. I'm looking forward to it!

I kind of hope it doesn't get mailed until Halloween. It has to be some sort of record!

I think I've been forgotten.

I haven't gotten mine either.