In semi-related news, I did make a co-worker cry.

She'd admired my key ring - rather than the usual split-ring deal, it's a u-shaped metal tube with a knob on each end, one of which screws off - much easier to get keys off and on. So I found one at Michaels that had a loop to attach a dangle on one knob, and I did one for her with a bead in her favorite color and a little key. For some reason this made her get all sniffly.

What? you think I was mean enough to make someone in the office cry? (If I did, I'd neve tell.)

Toddson, damn. That is some serious Grinch action, right there.

Okay! Here we go. Just an hour or so after I got to my parents' house yesterday, a UPS helper dashed up and left a biggish box on the doorstep. I was going to wait... and then I didn't. I opened the box to find a wrapped box nestled in bubble wrap. The paper has all kind of Christmas-y owls on it. OWLS. Owls under the mistletoe, tucked into a stocking, holding an ornament, on a bough... I'm totally going to be saving it for crafty purposes.

Inside I found a lovely and funny woodcut-style card saying, "Preserve Peace; Can the Holidays" which made me laugh. And then the prezzies, all wrapped in sky blue tissue paper! Coffee in a holiday blend, darjeeling loose tea with teabags; lotion and body wash I can't wait to try; salted caramels (already shared with the fam - DELISH), dark chocolate with pecans and bacon pecan brittle (not sharing, the precioussss); and presents for Frankie! dog cookies and a new poop bag dispenser (which I needed).

And the coolest for last... a beautiful book of illustrations, really two books in one. All kinds of different artists' representations of kickass women, both real and fictional. You can see examples here: [link]

Which would be more than enough, but apparently there's another bit coming after Christmas. So thank you, Anne W!! A wonderful and thoughtful assortment of delights, and so much fun to open.

Ugh, Toddson, that work thing is Teh Suck. But you're such a nice coworker!

Feel better, quester!

bonny, I'm so glad you liked everything! I did some snooping, and had some inspiration. And I'm glad Cagney liked the bone!

Well, my gift package has been mailed! Secret Santee, there will be one more piece to come.

And, I picked up a box from my tricksy Secret Santa! it had my address for both the mailing and returning address, and there is no note that I can find that tells me who my Santa is!

The box was full of TJ goodies: Sea Salt and Pepper Rice crisps, Lindor truffles, a Revolution tea sampler, ginger peach Longevity tea bags and a Godiva dark chocolate and sea salt giant bar! Plus, a gluten free brownie mix!

Thank you, Still Secret Santa!

people who requested cards should start getting them soon.

eeeeeee! I got my secret santa present today, from Suzi! Or should I say the rest of my present? A couple of days ago, I got the bubble calendar ita! linked to a while back [link] but Suzi pretended it was part of the thank you for the TJs stuff I sent (which also netted me two bottles of nice Colorado wine). Today, I got a box FULL of neat stuff, most of which was made in Colorado, like a few different kinds of candy, and an Almond Honey drenched sponge, plus some roller girl candy cigarettes.

WHEEEEEE

Yay! I'm glad the box got there in time, smonster! Isn't that wrapping paper adorable? I'm wishing I had bought a second roll while I had the chance. The dog cookies are made by a local baker, and the only grain in them is oats. As for the candy, that's from a local confectioner I discovered when some friends of mine had a chocolate tasting party there. So, so good...

I got secret santa'd! THANK YOU! I love the Gertrude Stein book and the kimchi paste is awesome. Also, the pistachio crack? Can't stop eating it.

Secret Santa is amazing!

Thank you, Secret Santa, for the gorgeous scarf, delicious candy, and amazing looking coffee! Three of my favorite things! The scarf has such a lovely pattern on the ends, and it'll go with everything I wear in the winter.

Yay! The scarf is all non-wool and washable (cold water). The candy is from a local institution in my home town.

I got my card and (first) gift from my Secret Santa. I have not tried the chocolate orange candy yet, but they look delicious and the journal is full of pretty fiber art pictures (and some patterns that I definitely want to try) Thank you!