Two of my friends brave the subzero weather and blowing snow to come out to my town and have lunch and exchange Christmas presents. The visit would have been more than enough but I now have 4 skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn (enough for 2 pairs of socks) in Irving Park (purple and pinks) and Tahoe (blues and purples) plus a fun leaf shaped tea scoop and cool square shaped mug.

Oh dear, dear Secret Santa-- THANK YOU! I'm sitting here absolutely weak with laughter over my Cabana Boy Starter Kit! I can't stop giggling flipping through the calendar. And the drink accoutrements are to DIE for. I need to take pictures. Seriously.

THANK YOU!

Yeah, there's apparently still more crap to come, so I'm going to save real venting about the hell of 2008 until it is well and truly gone.

I've got a package from Israel!

Holy shit is this a Pashmina scarf?

I got Shir's Christmas present cherry! (I know you're all jealous) I'm spreading it out over multiple posts to prolong the awesome experience.

Here are two beautiful ceramic dishes which go shockingly well with my favorite little bowl.

Here's a delicate fabric and metal box containing three delicious soaps, cucumber, peach and french vanilla.

We demand pictures! Preferably with you holding them and beaming.

And finally, a box of pure dark chocolate thins by "the bald man, Max Brenner" which comes with the following warnings:

Attention! Cocoa substances can contribute to your well-being- Chocolate addiction is fun

Attention! Cocoa substances may contribute to mood enhancement- get addicted be happy

Shir thank-you so much for the wonderful gifts. I'm wearing the scarf and eating the chocolate right now... AIFG!

We demand pictures! Preferably with you holding them and beaming.

Alright, here's what I came up with on my own. The scarf has paisleys!

edit: I added my chipped little bowl to the photo so you can see the similarity.