carol, i would love to see some pix of your wolves. we hear about them, let's see them. you can "swing" a pic or two, can't ya? (laughing at myself)

i don't like dr. phil, so i'm not taking his stinking test.

remy, i'm ready to go when you are. i'll just have to get a new passport, someone stole mine jess's sister, who will graduate 07 asked that her grad gift be italy. not sure that's going to happen, she's not the easiest to travel with, but she would adore the food, she's an aspiring chef.

jeanne, what part are you going to and for how long? a group thing, or on your own?

annie, let's hope janell's just tied up with family/holiday stuff and unable to post. did you use that print it yourself postage? i've noticed that at times, those boxes take longer for some off reason. my sister mailed me a package from michigan on wednesday, it got here today. i mailed her a package (pa) on monday and no sign of it, not even a stinking update on the system. i've noticed lately they don't update that all too much. used to be you could see it leave your post office, do the stop in the next hook up and then make it to the destination. this is the bizarre message i got tracking another swap package i sent - i've never heard of this message. Status: Missent Your item was misrouted. The error has been corrected and every effort is being made to deliver it as soon as possible. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later. i want a postage refund.

hey remy, what was that recipe you were talking about before fugilli or something? what is it? i didn't make pizelles and not sure if my mom did, she hids cookies until christmas. with all the traffic in and out of her house there wouldn't be one left by christmas day if she didn't. i tried a recipe called gaufette - like a french version. the only thing is you are to cook them on a waffle iron. my pizzelle maker only has the designs - no waffle inserts and my waffle maker is a belgian waffle maker and that didn't work well at all. they don't bake up well, so that was out - i was wasting way too many, so i just froze the batter. (by wasting, i mean eating the mistakes).

dizz, i'm glad you like the fudge. one of the candy bags has peanut butter melts in them - they are chocolate covered. i'll let you know as soon as that package gets here.

laura, you are very generous. have you given any thought as to the bloomin bracelet design?

well, i guess i should assess what gifts i have and who they are for, and perhaps wrap a thing or two. two days to go.

so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night
maryanne

Just a quick note about my trip. There is a church choir going from this area and the ability to join in on the trip was posted in our church bulletin so I signed up to go. I cannot sing at all so I defintely will not be singing with the group! Most of the time is in Rome but we will be going to the Vatican and getting an audience with the Pope and there is a side trip to Assisi. I know the sights will be wonderful and apparently in Rome all the Christmas things remain up for quite some time after Christmas so everything will be decorated for Christmas when we are there.
I will be leaving on the 28th and the trip is for a week. (My husband does not like to travel so that is one of the reasons he is not coming along. I certainly would have loved to have him travel with me.) I'll be happy to share some pictures when I get back.
I love to travel to Europe and hope to go to Germany and Poland on my next trip. Anyone want to go? My grandparents on my father's side were from Poland so I really want to visit that country - plus they say it is beautiful!
Night all...

throw a fit, kick and scream. they shoud give you a postal refund, we are paying for a service and there should be some sort of guarantee for paying them to deliver our packages regardless:)

I'm back, lol. I finished the cookies!! Now I just have to make pistachio cake on Christmas Eve and mashed potatoes on Christmas. Oh I do still have to wrap all the presents!

Dizzy,
If I take the lowest correct answers, I score a 32. If I take the highest correct answers, I score a 67. That means I'm crazy, lol! I've got too many answers! Another example of my insanity, on question 3, A through D are correct! So Maryanne may have point of not liking Dr. Phil: )

Carol,
That is so sweet that you and your husband got new rings! very romantic.

Maryanne,
That was one odd tracking message!
The bread is called Fraguni. Pronounced Frah goon. There is only one pic of it on the internet(the clickable link below) and it doesn't look like my grandma's. Hers was more oval less open on top and the cheese filling is not all browned like in the photo. Maybe the oval shape and smaller opening kept that from happening.
Here's another link from Tiriolo, the town my family is from, with a description of foods. The translator works terrible! I understand what it says better in Italian. Anyway, Fraguni is near the bottom.
http://www.regione.calabria.it/comuni/comune/Tiriolo/traga.htm
Have a good night,
Remy

Ladies.. Evening..
Ok so here is the design that I have in mind.. Please understand that I have tried to keep cost in mind for all.

I have included two pictures because it is hard to get an idea because of the scannng process.
So I chose as the center bead an oval that says friends, next are two clear 6mm bi-cones then a silver spacer encompassing a (montana) blue 8mm sqaure, then a 6mm square clear crystal, which is next to a 6mm siam (red) round then a silver spacer cap and then a (donut) 6mm crystal, then an aqua 8mm bi-cone and a silver spacer flower, then an offset crystal square, next to a 6mm crystal bi-cone then a 5mm silver round. On this piece I used a plain lobster clasp (cost-effective) I did show pictures of the other clasps I have one is a sterling heart with an arrow to go thru it, the other is not sterling and is a bit more cost effective if you like the look of a toggle. At the other end of the piece is a heart link chain, that has a pink 8mm bead that has a silver spacer on the top (to represent a flower). This bead could be the color of your choice, I do not carry a lot of yellow, but I can get it. The chain (heart) can only be used with the lobster clasp or the large heart lobster that I have shown on the (other) pink brac.
If you don't like the word friends, I could put your real name or gw name up to 8 letters (otherwise it is to long)
(Letters are pretty $$). I included a picture of one of the may Max brac. that I have made myself. Yeah I know strange but a lot of people order name brac. for loved ones, esp, now. I think that this year I made 60 single strand name brac. 24 doub. stranders and 5 trip. strand.
It's a cool gift esp. for people who's names are not Jill, or John and appear on everything.
I am going to start to pick up to once graduation roles around. Now that Christmas is done, I have a few weeks before Prom and Easter.
If you are wondering why I chose the colors that I did, it is because I used the Logo. I tried to use the colors from the dresses with out making us look like we are a part of the rainbow coalition.
so give me some feedback... Let me know.
Beans
oh yeah , here is the pics

one more pic. I tried this for clarity, color still is not popping

I love it, how much and when can I get mine?hugsCarol

Just had to come by and say hello to you! I still see some oldies but goodies here!!!! =)
Have a Holly Jolly Holiday!!!

Dawn Blake =)

Good morning to all, and Merry Christmas!!
~ I did post Miss Sassy's conf. # on the other thread. I mailed her box out on Monday the 18th, here is the conf# again: 0306 2400 0003 3923 8694
~ I just checked again, and it still has not arrived to her :( I will be heartbroken if it doesnt get there today. I hope there isnt a problem with the box, I sent it priority mail, and it wasnt really going that far from here, so i thought it would arrive by yesterday. Hopefully Sassy it will come today!!
~ Everyone is busy here on the thread, and so chatty too!! I just love reading all the posts, but dont really have the time to respond to them all like i wish i did.
~ My mom went into a nursing home on Monday, It is a blessing for me, and for her mostly but i am sad about it also, It was quite unexpected, the hospice nurse called and said they had a bed open for her, and were picking her up at 10:30 that same day..I have very mixed emotions about her not being here with us. It was alot of hard work for a long time, and i know the nursing home is a good one, but i still miss her alot.
~ Anyway friends, my children are very anxiously waiting for Christmas!! Even though my youngest is 15!! I guess there is really still a kid in all of us!!
~~I love you all, and wih you a blessed holiday to be shared with family and friends. I will be checking the post office confirmation#, for Sassy's package to arrive. Crossing my fingers it will get there today!!
~~ Blue skies to you all
Trish

Maryanne - glad you liked your hostess box! was hoping the little glass tree would make it in one piece!

Anita - DD picked out the Hallmark Pooh ornament! Glad you liked it but didnt mean to make you cry! Glad you liked you box!

Everyone - have a safe and happy holiday! I am off to do some baking!

~Kimberly

dawn, oh my God, you are back. are you staying? please say you are. i've missed you on here! i got the pictures, the girls are GORGEOUS.

laura, i love them all, you are so talented. i vote for the friend one if it is to be attributable to this group and maybe a heart in their somewhere/anywhere. i'm with carol, when and ?$.

trish, i thought you had posted, but everytime i went back to threads, i was going crazy, so thought i'd ask for the number. as for your mom, i know your emotions are mixed. i know how hard it is to care for a deteriorating loved one. i did it up until easter day when i held his hand while God escorted him to heaven. i do hope you find peace in your heart. i'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

remaholic, i did a search for quite some time on that fraguni - the italian certainly does not translate well, does it? have you ever purchased anything in an oriental supermarket and you read the english version, it really makes you sratch your head? it was kind of like that. i'm believing that's a regional thing. it's like cuccinata, that varies place to place, but the premise is the same. so if you have the basic ingredients, i believe it's a sweet dough and then you would fill and shape it. next time i'm up your way, we'll have to experiment!

my soup is done, my italian cream liquere is made my mother's gift/tree is done. nothing else. i have a massive tray of lasagne to make, plan my contribution to christmas eve dinner (i'm considering lobster ravioli with a creamed red pepper sauce), i need to make something for dessert and i have one more gift to buy and i'm still on the fence about a few others, my house is a mess and i don't care.

merry eve of christmas eve
maryanne

Darn,

I was so hoping Janell would post she received the package. Maybe they are out of town for the holiday,and she will get it when she returns home. (sigh)

Laura, It is hard to choose, but my vote is the friendship charm. Of course what-ever is chosen I assure you it will be fine with me.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas.

This is for Anita

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Sorry the Pooh is so big, I don't know how to reduce it, and any help would be much appreciated. Heck! I'm lucky to get the pictures uploaded.

Annie

Trish,

I am so sorry to hear about your mom! I don't know what it is like, to have to go through this but my heart and prayers go out to you.

Annie

Trish - My heart and thoughts are with you.

Laura - I love the one with the friends in it. Beautiful work!

All this talk about food is making me hungry!

Trish,
I'm sorry to hear about your Mom.. My heart goes out to You and your Family at this stressful time.

Laura,
Love the bracelet with the friends logo.

Deb

Trish, so sorry to hear about your mother, at least she will have 24 hour care there, and you will be able to rest, it is hard taking care of someone that needs constant care plus you can visit any time you want too, hospice is fantastic! they were the whole reason my Uncle got to go home (he loved his girls, the nurses) instead of spending the remander of his time at the hospital, which he hated.
My kids made cards for the residents and helped make cookies for the nurses, my mom is taking the kids and they are handing them out today:) I just noticed the other day that they have a giant cage lining one wall with cockatiels in it up at the nursing home, one of the nurses was talking about how much the residents like to sit and watch those birds. sure is different from the nursing home my grandma was in, wouldn't allow any animals of any kind.
everyone have a Merry Christmas!!!

Trish, I'm so sorry about your Mom too. Just know we're here for you sweetie!

I'm also sorry to say that I just left the post office and no box. Guess it will have to be after Christmas. Please do NOT feel bad about it, I'm a big girl, I can handle it, lol. Just look at it this way, Santa Clause will still come & I'll have more suprises after Christmas!

Laura love it girl, I'm with Carol & Maryanne just let me know $....

Later girls, gotta get back to cooking

Sassy

Trish,So sorry to hear about your Mom.My Heartfelt Prayers are going out to you and your family sweetie. Hugs,Nancy

Hi ladies..
So tonight was Christmas with my parents and Mark's son Spencer, my stepson. It was nice. The kids got way to much.
My mother got me a super cool external hard drive that I have been wanting.. Super easy way to back up those all important pictures.. I learned that the hard way..
I cooked.. I made beautiful cornish hens (I have never cooked them before, but they turned out great). I surprised myself.. I even made a strawberry pie. Thought I was nesting for a day. Ha.
I am glad that everyone liked the bracelet. I tried to think of everyone, as well as how kind and funny everyone is. I realize that I am new, but I am very greatful for you all.. You all brighten my days, besides Max and my family, well you all are like family now.. But I mean you all are the last thing that I read and the first thing in the morning over a BIG OLE starbucks coffee..
So I guess I tried to think of everyone. I am not sure on cost yet, I just need to add up the crystal and see what the charms cost and clasps, it all depends on what clasps people want, and they can be individual. If anyone has bad hands I rec. the lobster or a magnet, sometimes those toggles can be buggers..
Well everone, I am off to bed, Santa comes for Spencer and Partially for Max tomorrow and I am hitting the sack.
I really do love you all, you are super special to me and you all have given me a very special gift this season. You.

Special hugs out to my big sis Maryanne, Thanks for lending an ear and not making me feel like a butt, when I was a butt.. Thanks for teaching me about condoms.. When you come visit your real sis, you'll have to come visit me too, and we can chat and you can load the car with some plants.. Thanks so much for taking me in.

Laura

Ok I must have missed something when did Maryanne start giving a class on condoms why wasn't I notified so I could sign up grandaughter. Maryanne hope you didn't get any gifts for the bad ones in your family. let them miss the gifts Trish bear hugs to you. hugs to all Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.

Earthly... I'm so glad you like your hostess gifts! When I saw the mini chiminea I knew it would look nice in a garden somewhere in the summer. Just glad it arrived safely. :)

Merry Christmas Eve to all!
~~A big thank you to everyone for the well wishes to me and my mom, you are all so near and dear to me, a very special group of very special friends, and i thank you all again.
~~Sassy, i am so sorry and dissapointed your box did not arrive yesterday, but you are right about it just being a little extra Christmas, after Christmas!! Although in the back of my mind, i cannot help but worry alittle bit that it may be lost somewhere, i just cross my fingers that does not happen!
~~Have some cleaning and cooking prep to do for dinner tonight, nothing major, just me and DH and 2 of the kids, making Shrimp Scampi, and salad, have ice cream cake for dessert, i try to keep Christmas eve a simple as possible.
~~Maryanne, sorry i have not sent out your hostess gift yet. I have it all boxed up and ready to go, just couldnt get to the post office these past few days, will send it next week, and post DC here when i do. (You have been such a super hostess for this swap!! Thank you for everything!!)
Blue Skies!
Trish

MERRY CHRISTMAS & GOD BLESS

Good Christmas Eve Morning all!
Lots of stuff posted since I last posted!

Trish,
I understand totally your mixed emotions. I know it is for the best. You can only do so much. Is the home close to your home? I hope so, then it is easy to just pop over there.

Sandlapper,
Sounds like it is going to be a great trip. It will be extra special all decorated for Christmas!
My mother's mother went to Poland and just loved it. I have a gorgeous hand-cut crystal vase that is very heavy from that trip. I don't know how she got all the souvenirs home, lol!

Laura,
The bracelet is gorgeous!
Sounds like you had a very nice early Christmas celebration!

Michelle,
Glad to see the kids are doing something nice for Christmas!

Maryanne,
Why do I feel I know the name Dawn Blake? What was her old GW name?
"Remaholic" lol!
Thanks for searching about Fraguni. The translator is like at a Chinese store, lol. I think my grandma made it so subtly sweet and that made it very addictive. People would down whole loaves like nothing!
What is this about Condoms!!!

Carol,
Lol! as usual! you are too funny.

Hope everyone has a nice Christmas Eve.
Remy

Ok so I am posting early, because after we eat, I have to be an elf and get out all the presents.. So..
Merry Christmas to all.
Trish I will be praying for you and your family. Although no one wants to put a loved one in a nursing home, sometimes it is for the better, not saying that you and your couldn't do it, but there are days when I am at work and I don't think I can take care of one more person. Hospice nurses are the BEST in my book. I worked Peds oncology for a very short time and could not handle it. Hospice nurses were the best, they are so insightful and they have hearts as big as the USA.
If that is not what was supposed to be, it would not have happened. There is a Master plan.

I hope that everyone gets everything plus on their wish list.. Just remember, he knows if you have been good..
Looks like Sassy looses.
Hey Remy, did you live in Italy? My dream vacation in Greece, and 6 years ago my friend and I had a plan to go for 14 days. We were flying into Turkey, and leaving for an Island Tour for 10 days with Crete being our main stay, and then to Italy for 2 days but we extended our trip becuase Emily has family somewhere in Italy. My g-pa ending up passing so we transfered the ticket to her sister and they had a blast.
I'd love to go, DH has no desire, but said that he would send me and my mother for my 40th.. Ahh 6 more years..

Anyway...
Merry Christmas everyone, sorry no fancy graphics, don't know how to do it...
Love
Laura

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!

From 1876 Harpers Weekly

"Twas The Night Before Christmas"

{{gwi:1315958}}

Hi all,
Just got back from my half brother's mother's family party. It is always a great time! Gary as usual had too much to drink! But that's ok, I still love him: )
I came home to an email from my sis-in-law with this pic in it. It is from their visit just recently.

Laura,
No I didn't live in Italy. I never been to Europe! I just dream of going: )

Dizzy,
Over on another web site, there was a post and it had a GOOD personality test: ) I came out as a teacher personality(ENFJ)! Now that fits me.
The link is below.

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Remy

Holy cow Remy! That one is really right on! Even about things I don't really like to admit.

Big hugs Trish, Remy handsome husband, weird hatMerry christmas to all.We went to daughters tonight, she was a manager at outback steakhouse and still has acess to their meant so she served prime rib, it was excellent, she also gave us our gifts, cozy down throws, one for each of us, slipper socks 3 different kinds and a pink bath wrap, box cutters and a book on how to survive in the woods for dh, tells how to fight a bear for food, hope we never need that one hugs to all

Annie~ Your wonderful package did arrive safely on Friday. Thank you so much!

I haven't been online much the last few days as DD is sick. Looks like the poor kid will be really sick for Christmas... :o( She spent the day sleeping with a fever that peaked at 104..... When a 5 year old actually wants to spend the day in bed, you know she's not feeling well.... Hopefully, no one else catches it especially not 1 year old DD.

I will post later with a description and picture of the wonderful things Annie sent me.

I hope everyone has a great holiday!

Jenell

Merry Christmas All My Blooming Friends!!!!

Trish, so sorry about your mom,hope you can get some rest and take care of yourself...

Jenell that is too bad about the little one being sick, my daughter still does that, goes to bed when she is truly sick, hope your baby is better Christmas Day poor thing.

Laura, we lived 3yrs in Spain, 3yrs in Italy....don't wait till you are 40! Take the mother, take Max, (you can take a child almost anywhere in Europe people are very accomodating)but go! p.s. to all Bloomin Friends, I am available as au pair, baggage handler, tour guide in exchange for airline ticket to anywhere in Europe...just in case, ya know... not in August though. Europe is on vacation in August, hard to get anything done.

Remy I love those colors in your painting...wow the little boys look revved up! The big boys too, lol

Carol, nice gifts...uh, whats with the box cutters? Explain please.

I am with Maryanne re: Dr. Phil. The wife, son, probably the dog, and the flea on the dog have cashed in ...tired of the man.

re: the Christmas Eve menu, we do seafood too traditionally, think it is because it is what we learned to do in Spain and Italy for xmas eve...Spouse made quattro formaggio ravioli, scallops and shrimp, fresh broccoli (parboiled, sauteed in garlic and oil and spices)

Well actually only up now cause we got in from Midnight mass, very pretty it was, been going every year since my 20year old was a newborn....husband pooped out this year he will have to church it up in the a.m. He says he is too old to stay up that late...well I am off to fill stockings and hit the sack. Everybody please report back on incoming loot, and possible candidates for the fruitcake swap,lol, or is that supposed to be a secret?
falalalalalalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Merry Christmas To All,

Janell! You have no idea how happy I am to hear you received the package. I'm so sorry to hear that your DD is sick, and I do hope she is feeling better today. The candy that I was to send did not get put in the package, and DH said it was good! LOL

Shirley, Happy belated birthday!

klickitat, I love that picture of the night before Christmas. The black and white pictures are so awesome. When color came out we thought the black and white were boring. Isnt it funny how time reverses itself?

I am having a quiet day today, just have to go this morning for an hour to help new staff use the lift van. The poor girl called me all distressed, and I told her I would be there around 8 to help her.

Wow, some of you have such adventures. I am not much of a traveler, and I've only been to Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconson, and Missouri.

I've always said, "I don't have to venture any futher than my back yard."

Everyone have a great day!
LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

Merry Christmas all!
Gifts have all been opened, everyone is happy!! Very weird thing though, DH got me "something" It is jewelry of some kind, came in a little silver box, and inside was a black velvet box, and inside was....NOTHING!! yep, it was empty! DH is very upset! They wrapped it at the jewelers, so now he has to go back and make his case for an empty box! Hope they dont think he is trying to pull a fast one on them! Tooooo strange for me!!

~~SASSY! I checked the post office DC # and here is the message i got:

Merry Christmas girls! Off to step-sons for breakfast, will catch up on posts alittle later. Trish, hadn't crossed my mind it would come in yesterday on Sunday. But I'll run later when I get back, if the box wasn't too big they probably just put it in a lock box for me. I'll check it out!

Sassy

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope Santa Made It To Everyones House Ok : )
P.S Thanks for the Cute Graphic Sassy : )
Nancy

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Baby D gave me his bug for Christmas, so I won't be doing anything today:(Anita

Merry Christmas to each and everyone. Seems like forever since I have posted.

Annie-Thanks for the Happy Birthday...Yes another one has come and gone. Annie when you are in photobucket and looking at your picture there, click edit and it will let you re-size the picture. Be sure you choose the right size because it won't let you go back to the orignal size.

Trish-Sorry to hear about your Mom, I know it is a difficult decision but one we have to make. My Dad is not far from being placed in one. I find my Mom crying and the whole bit. She says he drives her crazy and she just can't take it anymore. Yesterday he lost his hearing and had the TV blasting and still couldn't hear it. Of course it's deafing to her.

Sandlapper-I want to go to Rome.....I love to travel...Lucky you. I have gone on several Diamond Travel Tours with Family and Friends and I just love it. I had just gone to New Orleans before the disaster hit, I was glad I went there. I have a brother who lives in Piedmont, SC how far do you live from there?

Remy-Sure enjoyed seeing the picture of your family. I have a half-brother and he and I are closer than my two brothers that I grew up with. I did alot of detective work and found him 5 years ago. He was living in SC, and of course I live in NC, so he was not that far from me. Thanks for the Christmas card.

Nancy-Merry Christmas to you..Yes Santa did make it to my house.

Maryanne-You were a great hostess this month and the swap was so much fun. Thanks for everything.

Carol-Yes we are looking forward to pictures of your wolf
collection.

Susie-Hope you are doing great on this Christmas morning. Wishing good health to you in 2007.

Jenell-Hope your DD gets to feeling better. Alot of the kids at our family get together were sick. They would not even play just sat on their parents lap and watched. You know they are sick when they do that.

Tina-Hope you're feeling better today.

Anita-Merry Christmas to you and your family. I bet little David is enjoying all this. We had a ball with Dawson last night. He would go from one gift to the other, he did not know what he wanted to play with. Dawson and Brittney are the only grandkids on three sides so they have it made with the gifts.

Micke-Remember the PO is not to blame. I don't know who is but its not them. That's what they told me. Does that stink or what?

Laura-Love the bracelets. Great job there.

Need to get this mess cleaned up.

Shirley

{{gwi:1311075}}

A short and to the point message... Merry Christmas, everyone!

Jeanne

Gosh. I just realized that Susie's box contained live plants. I hope they're ok sitting in the box for so many days. :(

Hey ladies

Klick I receive the box & everything is wounderful :))
The plant leaves were in need of water but the roots were fine :))) can you tell me the type of plant ??? Looks like a herb of sorts haven't done many Herbs so
anything you can tell me about it would help :))

the venus flytrap is very cute & I hope to keep it alive for we don't have any flies this so far anyway
winter :)) would it like field mice ??

Also in thids huge box was a Book called
who moved my cheese:)) Now maybe I can get the answer:)
Bet it was the field mice out in the shed :(

there was xmas Decoration the one I really like is hard to discribe but looks like gifts wraps & with ribbon, then there was 3 bells red blue & green , a tree & a snowflake tree ornaments,

The sugar cookies & cutter will really be enjoyed
in just a little whule when I make the Hot Coco
daddy & margaret will enjoy the afternoon snack.

as for the Soup I Just love ceddar & Brocoli & I Have Never have had the Onion Sesame Bread So I Now Have our New years Dinner All Planned Thank you :))

It Was well worth the wait for all the seeds make it worth it : thank you for sharing .
HOLLYHOCK-- WATCHMAN nEVER HEARD OF IT:))
SIGNET MARIGOLD--- LEMON GEM
BUTTERFLY WEED--- OSCAR NEW TO ME
AMARANTH---LL'S BLEEBING
CORNCOCKLE---- OCEAN PEARL
KISS ME OVER THE GARDEN GATE
NIGELLA---- CRAMERS PLUM
CALENDULA -- ANTARES "FLASH BACK"
& FORGET-ME-NOT "BOBO BLUE

BELIEVE ME I will Never forget you :)) & I Hope I've Not forgotten anything in the box thank you for your thoughfulness. this group is trully a very thoughtful group with all that we give .
thank you all . & Trully looking for a New year ahead with all of you.

Well MarryAnn I think this swap in over :)) thank you for hosing .

Trish All will work out for you the key is to trust & believe :))

Welcome back shirley :)

Off to Make a cup of HOT COCO :)) So I can
enjoy the other forums today :)))

susie

HI Again
Klick I so sorry I should have turned the plant around & I would have seen the name so sorry : Big Goof Here :))

the plant is a ANDROMEDA POLLFOLLA "BLUE BOG" I HAVE TO GO GET MORE POTTING SOIL FOR IT :))

& I DIDNT KNOW BUT THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER PLANT CALLED
ANNE GREENWAY SPOTTED NETTLE :) THANK YOU

SO NOW I HAVE TO GO TO TOWN THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A GREAT BOX :))
SUSIE

hi everyone, sure hope you all had a wonderful christmas and enjoyed family, friends, food and festivities. i haven't ventured out doors, other than to put trash out, but in a few days, i'll check out the leftover sales. nothing, thank God, has to be returned. i don't think i ever do that anyway.

we had christmas at my mother's. i dressed for christmas as did other family members, but then as some came tought the door, it was green, green and more green - that of eagles jerseys. no one told me the dress code for the day my brother set televisions up everywhere and there was so much hooping and hollaring while the eagles kicked the cowboys butts. i'm not much of a football fan, but it the win sure helped and kept everyone was in a great mood! LOL it was really neat when everyone was around the cake singing happy birthday to Jesus seeing all the green. my mother has a cake every year in celebration of Jesus's birth. we had a wonderful smorgasboard of food and the best part of all there was not one fight, disagreement, brawl or other unfortunate holiday moments LMAO - believe me, sometimes those things happen. i think my mother was really worried, especially considering that my son's witch has done all that she can to alienate herself from the family and cause mucho trouble, but she didn't show up anyway and rather just my son and the baby came. she looked so cute in her pretty christmas dress. she was eating the furry collar and loving it!

the box i sent to my sister last monday finally got there today. so much for priority mail.

as soon as sassy receives her box, we can close out this swap. perhaps it will get delivered today.

be back in a little bit, the mailman just dropped off a box for me and it's from dizzy/sue.

maryanne

Ok, Trish I finally was able to get it, couldn't get it yesterday, it was too big to fit in a lock box, so had to wait till today.

Ok opening box! (I so excited!) Oh my, a pretty christmas card with seeds, Tithonia Fiesta Del Sol, Portulaca Sundial Peppermint, & Blue Shrimp Plant, wow I love these Trish, thank you soooooo much! I've been wanting blue shimp plant for a long time, and I love the others! I'm happy and I haven't gotten started yet, lol!

A box of Russell Stover chocolates, oooh yummy! A wooden decoration with a cute Santa bear on the front that hangs, soooo cute Trish! I forgot to say, everything individually wrapped in such pretty paper! A cute snowman which counts down the days till Christmas, will enjoy this next year with the little one! Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix, oh wow can't wait to bake these, I bet they are great!

2 elegant glass ornaments, they're birds, love them girl, will try to get pics posted later, I'm not stashing these until christmas next year, I'll be using these in my new bedroom:))) Love the Santa veggie tray! Oh my goodness!
The most beautiful stained glass suncatcher! Oh Trish, I LOVE it soooooooo much! Thank you thank you! (Someone's been looking a my page! lol) A package of Lindor Truffles! Girl....have you seen how wide my behind is? Well since you sent them, it just wouldn't be fitting not to eat them:))))

Girls....I'm not finished! lol A cute, cute, cute little windchime, it has a car at the top, looks like a little voltswagon bug, and its painted like the beach, i'll have to get a pic, so cute! A Santa Beanie Baby, I love him, he's sitting here watching me type, 1st time Sassy sees him, I'll be lost him, that dogs love teddy bears! Oh goody, I needed a calendar for the new year, and what pretty pics of Country Bouquets, love it. I usually pick me one up during Christmas shopping, but forgot this year, so I'm glad to get this.

My goodness Trish! 3 Narcissi 'Ziva' bulbs and 1 Amaryllis 'Apple Blossom' I love them so much! Another cutie pie beanie baby, ok....Trish, you've got me started on a beanie baby collection for little Kenzie, Sassy will NOT be getting these! And last but not least, the most adorable looking pair of sweater socks!

Trish, I just don't know what to say, I love every single thing! My goodness I can not get over how much you had packed in that box, thanks for the good box too, lol, I need it for packing! I just can't thank you enough!
What a special bloomin' friend you are! Hugs & more Hugs!
Just know I'm one happy cookie!

Sassy

Oh my goodness girl, are you crazy? I was only the hostess, not your swap partner. WHAT A BOX!!!!!!!!!!!! Boy oh boy, did you jam pack this box and spoil me rotten!

I received gold candy coins; an assortment of cocoa mixes; jelly belly Christmas mix; chocolate nut fudge; some mini candy canes and a Christmas pencil. There was also a package of pet greens - wheat seed and a dearly depotted (for the serial plant killer), this is too cool, I have never seen anything like this at all. Okay, this should have been enough, but theres more. A wall calendar; a set of Christmas tile coasters in a holder (these are excellent); a snowman candle and the cutest little bear that counts off the days until Christmas (there are 370 days until Christmas -- ARE YOU READY LOL); and the neatest candy stirrers another something I have never seen before; a magnetic santa notepad; two heresy chocolate bars and a set of candy cane lip gloss (which will feed my chapstick addiction). A wonderful keychain with a beautiful biblical verse on the reverse; a little mini game called "lot to love" (and its NOT a weight thang!); a charm bracelet; an issue of birds and blooms magazine; and the most magnificient smelling mason jar candle in the honeysuckle scent. I love it, its burning now - its smell is just so excellent. Im sitting upstairs and its lit sitting on the dining room table and the scent is just permeating the house. Honeysuckle takes me back to my youth and when I opened the jar, I had some fond, fond memories! I also appreciate the mini swiss army type knife that can go on a keychain. I had something very similar to this that broke off maybe not even a month ago and Im lost without it. This is GREAT!!!!!

Wow Susann, you outdid yourself. The rules were "a little token to the host". You really put that over the top. This certainly qualifies as a swap box.

I must say each and every one of my bloomin friends has been so kind, generous and giving to me as hostess. I feel so blessed and thank God for each of you. I enjoy our conversations and friendships, whether it is online, through mail or by telephone; and I certainly enjoy getting to know each and everyone of you a little more each and every day. You are all very special ladies, with such loving personalities and traits that rank very high in my book, with hearts of gold and green thumbs.
It has certainly been my pleasure hosting this months swap but more so for the love, support and friendship you bring to this group.

Ive been spoiled rotten by all the wonderful hostess goodies that I have already enjoyed or will enjoy soon or will treasure for a long time to come. Since everyone has received their swap box from their respective partner, THIS SWAP IS OFFICIAL CLOSED. Onward to fruitier things.take it away klick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with gratitude,
maryanne

Nah, Earthly, not crazy, just a little "dizzy" at times. LOL!
You were supposed to get it before Christmas, but with the PO being how it is, I guess we can extend Christmas for another day or two, right? And your bear friend can count all year - LOL! Glad you liked your goodies. I know I sure liked the box of wonders you sent to me! ;) Just finished the last of the PB fudge for lunch. ha! DH didn't get NONE!

Get this though - I had found and been saving a special walnut (my fav) fruitcake for Christmas Day - chick full of walnuts! Soooooo yesterday morning, I went to get it out of the cabinet.... it was GONE!! (DH has always said he doesn't care for fruitcake) Turns out, he ate a full pound of fruitcake over the past TWO days! Says he does like the ones with walnuts, just not the pecan ones. So, I didn't have ANY fruitcake for Christmas. :( Not one slice, or a crumb, or even the wrapper to sniff. I was astounded. How does one person eat that much fruitcake in 2 days & not explode? He doesn't get a taste for sweets often, but when he does, nothing is safe!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all.

my thought is how can anyone actually eat fruitcake !!! lol

anyway, please forgive me, i forgot to mention the wonderful assortment of seeds you sent together with picture and planting information; the gift certificate for a plant and the gorgeous bag everything was sent in.

it was like christmas all over again!

thanks again susann, it was over the T O P!
maryanne

Wonderful job on your first swap Maryanne, you were a pro miss tangerine. a wonderful person like you inspires us to be our best. glad your christmas was a happy, no daughter-in-law one. thankyou for this swap. big hugsCarol

Yes Maryanne, this swap was a lot of fun, and thanks again to everyone for giving me the opportunity to be part of this great group.

LIFE IS GOOD,
Annie

thanks carol appreciate that vote of confidence. and annie it certainly is a pleasure having you be a part of this group.

maryanne