amyth!!! I love my gifts! Thank you so much!

I think the package may have arrived yesterday or possibly even the day before, but we've been getting so many packages all this past couple of weeks* that I didn't even look closely at the return address until I happened to see it on top of the stack in our bedroom this morning as I was getting dressed -- and I saw it was from you! And I opened it right away and found the warmest, most gorgeous scarf, plus a pair of awesomely fierce black-cat socks, AND a lovely, heartfelt card from you. I love it all. I'm wearing the scarf and the socks right now, AIFG! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

*We're hosting my parents, my brother, and my aunt for Christmas, all of whom have sent numerous packages ahead of their arrival, and I've also ordered several things online, and there's nowhere to put it all except the floor of our small bedroom. So basically the bedroom is a life-size version of a Jenga game at the moment.

I got part A (per the label) of my gift actually last week (things have been very hectic around here) but no indication of who my Santa might be! Regardless of identity, Santa had perfectly picked the two things I was really hoping for and slightly disappointed not to get - Everfair by Nisi Shawl and a beginner's acrylic paint kit (pink because for some reason the pink one was cheaper) - well done Santa!

I have sent off three different little pieces for my receiver, all sort of random and strange, because that's the kind of year I've had, but I think they may all get there by Christmas!

Hmm was hoping my Santee's gift would have arrived already.

My package is being taken to the post office by my girl elf, but I don't expect it to start traveling until Tuesday.

I don't think of it as late, it is extending the glow of Christmas.

1st package sent but might not arrive until after New Year's.

I got a package from a Santa Laura! or rather Laura Clause!! The RGB Workout book, which I was unaware of, but is awesome. It's an actual workout book by her personal trainer with a forward by RGB and bits of wisdom throughout. I've read through the stretching section already and plan to start using this in between gym visits. THANK YOU!

Notorious msbelle!

Honestly 2017 is hard to nail down.

Pix and I sign paperwork on our house tomorrow morning, the funds will clear later that day, and on Wednesday we will officially be home owners. The huge thing is that it really is a dream home. I'm still in shock that it's really going to be ours.

On other sides this is the year we lost BC. He was a member of this community, but he was also a close personal friend of mine and had been for a lot time. We were the same age, in the same career. There are still so many echoes of him in places where I teach and work.

Two of my employees lost their fathers this year and my heart aches for both of them.

On the work front, my little business keeps growing. We opened attractions in China, Taiwan, and Russia this year, as well as projects here on the home front. I still have to stop and look at what my little company has become. Many of you remember me when I was living in an apartment with two roommates barely making ends meet. I still stunned that I have gotten here

So yeah there' a lot to unpack, and as usually I have a very difficult time saying this year is good or bad. It's been a year, and the next one is almost here.

I do know that I'm so glad to have all of you and so thankful that everything this community has meant to me for so many years. I have lifelong friends because of this place. Pix and I met and got married because of this place. I really cannot understate what it has meant, and continues to mean, for me.

Congrats on the house, ND and Pix. Very happy for you.

And yeah, BC. Weren't that close, especially is the 3-4 last years, but the world feels emptier without him. I am very sorry that he is gone, yet I can't help but to smile and feel hopeful when I think of him. He was that kind of a person. And writing "was" still feels weird. (And now Ouise.)

Gifts report: I sent some of the gifts, and others will be sent later this week.

I have not yet received anything, but no worries, Santa. Israel Post does not have the best reputation, and it can take a while (usually three weeks from the West, up to two months from the East. I see the 10 days shipment estimations on various sites and laugh and cry and laugh).

I hope that I will get to post a reflection of 2017 here sometime soon.

So I was a good and patient girl and waited to open my packages from Anne until yesterday. Granted, I did sniff them several times and could not pin down the source of the delightful aromas. The nose joy originated from several sources! First a bag of Mexico Sicobi coffee which claims to have a semisweet chocolate body, with a malty sweetness, and a raisin acidity. I will be brewing this tomorrow because I already had prepared my pot this morning before I was awake enough to remember I had those beans awaiting me. Also, a slew of mesh produce sacks, which I will use the heck out of, and have already for that matter. They were responsible for none of the aromas emitting from the packages. That would be the box of soaps including Peppermint, Vanilla Bean, and Cinnamon Spice.

I am well spoiled and grateful! Thank you Anne!!