Hi all ~
I received my Christmas gift early!
I got a metal hummingbird wall hanging from creekmom and a packet of seeds in a pretty Christmas card.
Thank you, it's lovely.

Blessings, Tina

Hello! Is everyone hiding? Come out, come out where ever you are..........

Wow, creekmom is way ahead of me. I'm up to my eyeballs in the garden still- so cold and damp. I will strive to get my box out by mid month. Susie, you sure run a good swap; right on top of things. It's much appreciated.

Alrighty then, let's revise that to say "mid to late month!" My Christmas pal shall not be forgotten!

I'm packing the box tonight as soon as I find Carol's great fudge recipe. I shoulda planned on pretzel M&M smudges... I can do that without a recipe. AHHHHHhaaa 'tis the thought that counts. Never fear, the fudge will be in the box. I won't just "think about it". LOL

Hey gals
Almost time to get the boxes in the mail hope everyone is haven fun with it :))
Fudges OH my Haven't started mine yet :(( My Kitchen Is all tore up , Hope to Have my new cupboards in next week If I get lucky :))) & they arrive on time .

PLEASE DON"T FORGET TO POST
When Your Box Arrives
susie

maybe i missed something....just saw this post

did we all get names?

sue..........who am i sending to?
what were the rules for this one.

please forgive me, i've been out of it for so long, taking care of other things. just now trying to get back into the swing of GW.

H E L P !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks,
earthly

good to have you back earthly :)) have missed you .
sent you your secret pal :))
susie

My package, including the fudge left today for somewhere in PA.
Confirmation# is0305 1720 0000 0617 8341 Surprise???!!???

Mailed mine Tuesday. Should arrive today or tomorrow.

Just mailed my today!

I'm trying so hard to mail today!

I want to let my Secret Birthday Christmas Elf know that a box tried to be delivered yesterday, but a low down, scum-suckin' cement truck was blocking our driveway so hubby is going to pick it up in town today, hopefully. I'll post later.

I did it: I mailed! Beat the deadline by 25 minutes : )

And my huge reward came home with the husband as postman.

I am nearly speechless over how festive my Secret Santa made my evening. There was everything for Christmas included: cute decorated wooden spoon for above my utensil basket, little plant pot tree ornaments- so cute! Bright stuffed dog ornaments with floppy ears!! A reindeer who plays Jingle Bells! (Played it once too many times for hubby's taste LOL- but it's so cute...) A perfect little tool tote bag and tools that will immediately swing into action for all the bulbs I have to plant. Scented mist and body lotion- never can have enough- my skin is a sieve these days. A wonderful little grapevine wreath with Christmassy Welcome sign. A Garden planning CD- THAT will keep me busy all winter~ and for work and outings, a flashing holiday pin.

Secret Birthday club Santa you are just top dog with me! Thank you so much for your very wonderful gifts. It was a beautiful box and much appreciated! Will get me into the Holiday spirit for sure.
Pooch

My box will go out on Monday, I need to run into town today to finish it off.

Sorry been MIA for awhile, got a job promo at work & don't have much computer time.

Sue, box went out today UPS. Thanks!

My package came this morning with the most wonderful goodies. There was a little wooden birdhouse that plugs into the mini light on the Xmas tree! Really cute. There were 2 Tealberry jar candles, smells great! Indelible pen and pencil. Plastic plant tags, a set of pointsettia coasters, "Garden Dweller" note pad, the wings, eyes, flower petals,leaves and twigs were created into the floral pictures on the notes. Really lovely! A scented candle in a red metal box with white wax candle inside with raised wax holly leaves and red berries. Quite unique. A tube of Healing Garden intensive hand cream. Really need this badly. A tin of Jackson and Perkins hand balm, a bag of Moonsock Trail mix, plus dahlia bulbs already prepared to slumber through the winter! There was also my first Christmas card of the season to be hung up! Thank you so very much, Poochella. You really made my day! Doris.
PS, I inadvertantly posted my first thank you to you on Sues Christmas robin, so you will probably find it in that thread also. Forgive me, I was rather giddy with all the loot and put it in the wrong place!

Glad you liked your loot DJM! The pencil is the No Blot Ink in a Pencil widely used for marking damp dahlia tubers.
The markers can be cut in half or quarters for use and these are what I use with twist ties to label all the dahlias/stakes using a Sharpie to write on them. I would have sent you more tubers, but they are all tucked away and I couldn't bear to unwrap them again! More next Spring, if you wish. Consider these your Poochella Tickets being cashed in.
Thanks again for my wonderful box from you.

These tubers will be fine since I am new with them. Still wrapping my own tubers, rather messily. I am glad you liked what I sent. The little tools are good for houseplants. Yes, I noticed the strange pencil, so that is what it can be used for. That will come in handy as will the tags. The ones you stick in the ground always seem to disappear, especially when other people "help" rake the garden, so this will be ideal! I guess we got each other in the robin! I was delighted! Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone, Doris

Hi Sue
Great job on your Christmas exchange!! Looks like everybody had a lot of fun! Yippie!! That is what it is all about!!
When you have the time can you update this exchange ?? Who is for Dec.? I am sorry I know a couple of people dropped out and I want to send to the right person!!

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!

A big thank you goes out to Plant LAdy Jan for my christmas package. I got a nice set of Hot mits and potholder with big happy sunflowers on them. Perfect for Holiday baking and for my yellow kitchen. There was also a very fancy pair of socks with silver trimmed snowmen and trees. they will be fun to wear and I'm goint to try to sneak them in to work under the uniform. They are so cute and sure to generate some smiles
Jan sent a nice holiday pin with snowflakes and angels too. A couple of my favorite things here sunflowers, snowmen and angels way to go Jan. Big smiles and thanks again.
BB

((((Beth)))) Have you seen Santa or the reindeer up there yet? I think of you up there everytime I see frost on the roof! STay warm...

Jan and all; I still have Creekmom showing for our December Birthday, but perhaps that's changed. We'll let Sue get over her flu and she can forge ahead as fearless, ever-organized leader. Even with a kleenex in her hand! Sue will not be stopped!
Everyone have a terrific Thanksgiving- travel safely.

Thanks Pooch and Sue for letting me know about Dec. Birthday girl! I appreciate it very much! Sue so glad to see you feeling better. Take care.

Poochella and all, I went to Santa's house last week and found he was too bust in the shop supervising the evles to accept visitors that morning. I did see some of the reindeer but have decided that I prefer Moose. They are just so much cuter and more personable. I wish Santa had chosen Moose to pull that sleigh but the Reindeer keeper says Moose are not as aerodynamicly stable as reindeer. Perhaps he is prejiduced. Is there some discrimination here against my friend the moose?
I think I need to write a story in defense of Chris Moose. He is a great guy.

Beth you are too funny. I hope you share your story with all of us!
My pals box is leaving Friday morning. Sorry so late! Hectic month, more than expected. But then again, when is anything hectic ever expected, LoL.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Blessings, Tina

Hey Tina, that would be fun! I'd need a great illustrator who could capture the north country winter in all the beautiful shifting, blending pastels we enjoy here. It is awesome to look out at all the blues, pinks lavendars and greys. Throw in a bit of black with the spruces and birch bark and it is like a fairy tale. Writing it would be the easy part. Really wish I could paint or at least draw.

Hi Beth
Funny thing about Chris Moose! The local mall closed a few years back and there was an auction and I got Chris Moose! He is huge!!! Back 20 years ago he costs $30,000! Yep thats right! The story gets better the guy I was dating at the time was the person inside the moose!! He needs a little bit of repair work so he can be ready to go!! People ask me all the time how is Chris Moose?! Ever since that day I have been collecting Moose and you are so right they are so cute just adorable. I haven't seen a real moose but an island up north in MI does have them. I really want to go!!
Someday when Chris is ready I would love to set him up at a children's hospital. I think that would be so much fun!! My friend remembers how everything works and has offered to help me with it. Chris Moose has eyes that open and close and sometimes at the mall they would put a sign out that said Chris is napping and his eyes would be closed and a tape of snoring would be played. Thanks for bringing up the subject you just made my day just thinking about it! He is so large that he even has a fan unit inside to keep it cool because otherwise the person couldn't stay insideit. Ok enough about the Moose Happy Turkey Day!! Just yesterday I had a flock of about 25 turkeys out in the back woods. They can hide there because I am not a hunter!! I think they know that! LOL

jan
have you got chris moose in your front yard :)))
would love to see a picture of him :))))

I "m really beat tonight long day putting in cupboard
then the delivery guys forgot some of my counter top
& back board they said they were going to find someone to bring them up to me today but here it is almost 6pm
Don't think I'll get them tonight :(((
My body has got to lay back . so will try to get back with you all tomorrow or friday .
yipppy yippy the rest of my countertop in just a few miles away :))) got to go turn on the porch light . :))
no rest for the wicked :)))
good night all

susie

Hi Susie
Did your kit. get done in time for Turkey day?! I hope so I bet you will be glad to have that project done.
NO Chris Moose is not in my front yard. Chris is animated, all kinds of electronic equipment and he is furry. He is for inside use only. I'll check to see if I have a picture of him. When I got him it was on the news and front page of the paper. I didn't realize that was going to take place!
I hope everyone had a great day! Mine was interesting..it started out by having my car frozen shut so after a struggle I was able to get the trunk opened and climb in it and got the car started and then after 20 mins. I got the door opened. We are having lake effect snow so driving is bad. I did make it to dinner on time!! LOL When I returned home I was surprised to find my door to the house was frozen shut!! What a day! I did have a nice day with my family. It is strange when you are used to a mate and than no mate and the holidays come and it leaves me with a strange feeling! Oh well tis the season. LOL

Susie did you get a gift from this exchange? I know mine is coming late but I haven't seen you post yet!

GOOD EVening ALL I'm so tired tonight but my cupboards are up & filled :)) & Just in time For
Our Family Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow I'm hopping my brother from texas can get here by tomorrow
in time :))
well I still have lots to do have a great weekend to all
earthly if your out there please email me ok :)))
susie

Wow Jan sounds like you had quite an adventuresome day, Doors locks and everything else used to freeze shut from the wind and ice in Kodiak. Here is gets much colder but no wind and I find it much easier to deal with. Do you use "block heaters" and plug in your cars there in MI?
I worked for the Park Service with a large Smokey the Baer costume too, years ago. It was very hot and heavy even with the extra ventilation. A fun thing to do but sure not easy. The idea of a nap with fake snoring is quite appealing.
Glad to hear that Chris has found a good home there with you. I have wondered about him off and on over the years.

i am a little late in sending mine out and i do want to apologize. i did send an e-mail to the host and my pal explaining.

i received my box and i want to thank beth for sending such a wonderful one.

beth, what a box! thanks. there was some delicious fudge that won't last long. every time my son walks by the table, he grabs another piece. i just loved the basket that contained a bag of "holiday cider" potpourri (smells great)and two of the cutest tree ornaments. i wish i had a digital camera to show you. they are alaskan bears in fishing baskets -- complete with fish! also, a cute bear ornament that says "alaska". a wonderful christmas mug with a lid - i never saw one like that - i think i could also use it as a hard candy container. a box of alaska's only polar bear hot chocolate mix (which i am drinking now in my new mug) and a bar of alaskan body care soap and berry alaskan lip balm.

Beth, what a neat concept and such a great box. thanks so much and please forgive my delay in posting. i'm just now getting it after being away for the last week+.

regards,
earthly

Fudge! Yummy. It is very cold (25)and breezy here for the NW and a perfect day to light a fire and make some fudge of my own. Then begin Christmas decorating.

Jan, I would love to see the creature named Chris Moose- he sounds so fun. Email me a photo if you have one and I'll post it. I've had car doors freeze shut, but never the house! Was it blowing ice/rain? Sheesh, Mother Nature can be so cruel.

Beth you will never believe this, unless I posted somewhere else, but one of my most fun jobs yet was one summer in college for the Dept of Natural Resources in MN. Heavy on the labor: building and maintaining hiking trails, cutting down huge walnut trees, constructing fishing ramps etc. One of my less laborious duties that summer was to don the gigantic Smokey Bear costume and parade around the county fairgrounds meeting and greeting the visitors. I think the waist on his jeans was about 90 inches! HOT inside, but very fun. What a small world (except for Smokey's waist and gigantic bear head.)

Wow! Not one but two Smokey Bear gals in our group!! This is such a great group here! Thanks to all of you as I have enjoyed reading the many posts over the past few months.
I will try to come up with a picture Pooch!
Beth no we don't have the warmers for cars but all the semi trucks do use them. It was just that kind of a day..during the night we had rain hail sleet snow and whatever else could of been in the mix was!
Sue how is the work in the kitchen area coming along? I bet you will be so happy to have it all finished!! What a project to take on!! Enjoy it!!
Haven't heard from some of the others for a while??? Post when you get a chance!!
Good to see Earthly back!! Where did you go for the week?

what a Mixed Up Day this Has been :)))
Our Power has been off since 6 a.m & didn't come Back
on til 1:45 P.M .
Talk About withdrawls wow What Is there to do without Power let me TELL YA :))) I Got caught up on some SLEEP.
I Then Heard Daddy say the ups truck was Here so I went out
& here is this big box how big is the box :))) ???
well here is the box taken over by a neighbors cat
who think she is mine now .
{{gwi:1312289}}

NOW What was in the Box Was this huge santa gift bag
filled with all these GOODIES .

{{gwi:1312290}}

I feel as if I have been to the chocolate factory
Movie :))) I love it .
The 1st thing I did was to Fix Daddy & I A Cup of
Hot Coco made out of the MOCTEZUMA CHOCOLATE OH IS it ever yummy The heat has been off & this Hot coco has helpped warm us up.
also in the box was
miracle gro plant spikes
2006 Floral Classic Calendar love it
santa stocking with 2 xmas tree cooky cutters
swiss chocolate mix :))
Irish Breakfast TEA Daddy wants to try it for his tea in the morning :))
chocolate Covered Cherries MMM
New Coffee Mug with Candies
Champaine Class with a candle
Xmas Bells For my door knob Really Nice
2 Wounderfull Smelling CEDAR BLOCKS for my closets
A Raindeer BAsket Holding Dutch Irises, Daffodills &
the following seeds sweet williams, Wildflowers Zinnia,
Bachelor;s Button , Clarkia, & Alyssum

LAST & MAYBE THE BEST SMELLING IS A BAR OF HOMEMADE
SOAP :)))) I Can"t STOP SNIFFING IT :))
it is strong of a vanilla or almond hard to tell
but I just love it & think I will put it in My Pillow .

My Day HAs Been Really refreshed with this box :)))
sunnysurprise /aka shellbyraymom thank you
For all the wounderfull SMELLS & All the wounderfull chocolates .
Most of all thank you for being apart of my robins
& sharing your garden wisdom & plants with all of us .

I have a great goup in this robin thank you all for playing .
susie

Oh good! Glad it made it. This box took over a week to get there. I was getting worried, LOL.

Glad you liked everything. It was fun shopping for it.
My kids kept saying, oh, your friend needs this, oh your friend needs that....

All from the 99 cent store. Hope you don't mind.

And Sue, thank you so much for being the best host! Your robin has been one of the best I have ever joined!

Happy holidays everyone!
Tammy

Tammy
I find that it is not the cost of the box but the time you all take picking out the special gifts to put in the box . I Love the smell when opening the box :))
our $1.oo stores have not had the special gifts you sent to me the soap & the cedar blocks or the coco
we are enjoying the tea this morning & it is really very good .
wish I had it yesterday Morning when it was so cold in here :))) we now have heat and lights back agin :))
will have a great day to all
susie

From what I can tell here are the boxes that have arrived right ???

Jan -- Hummingbirddaisy __------ recieved from creekmom
Feb--- Sunnysurprise/shelbyraymom------ ?????? Mellen
Mar --- poochella ---------- recieved djm906
April--- Mellen------------- ??????? eartly delight
may--- Earthly delight ------recieved beth_b_kodiak
June-- Plantladyjan ------???? hummingbirdaisy
July---- skohler --------- Recieved sunnysurprise
Aug--- Djm906 --------------recieved poochella
Sept--- beth_b_kodiak --------recieved plantladyjan
Oct ---- free month
Nov---- Xmas robin
Dec---- creekmom ???????? skohler

Please let me know if you have not recieved your boxes yet . hope everyone has a happy holiday .
susie

Hi Sue
I haven't received yet but I was told something had been mailed.

sue/mellen

mine went out on saturday

regards,
earthly

Sue, I sent my packages--2 of them stuffed full--to shelbyraymom. I used delivery confirmation which shows that both packages arrived last Saturday. I have not heard from her nor has she posted that she has received them. Hmm...don't understand. Busy? Hope all is okay with her and her family. Mellen

Hey guys, I was out sick on Monday, so they were at my desk Tuesday morning. Don't know why it says they arrived on Saturday, we are not open on Saturday. Crazy mail people.

Anyway, I am swamped with work from being sick. I loved my BOXES (yay! 2 boxes!). I will have to report back later on everything.

Thanks to everyone! This is a wonderful robin & great group of gals.

Tammy

WHAT !!!!!! DO WE HAVE GUY"S IN HERE ??????

OH MY Can hardly wait to hear what you recieved .

susie

HUMMINGBIRDDaISY YOOOO- HOOOO WHERE ARE YOU ?????

Posted to the wrong thread.

*blushing*
Tina

Posted by: hummingbirddaisy 5a (My Page) on Sat, Dec 10, 05 at 16:41

I am here for you all to kick my hindend for being so late.
I have a box ready and waitng for my special pal, but certain curcumstances has kept me from mailing. I am going to be able to send Monday 12/12/05.
I would have posted sooner, but we ended up with another terrible virus that came from our internet provider. They was hacked into apparently, and everyone who goes through them got hit. It completely wiped out our hard drive, grrrrrr. Fortunately, I had all but 4 seed trade printed out, so I should be able to get re-organized fairly quickly.

Sue, I love your new kitchen girl. Very nice.
I have a set of 6 Duncan Phife dining chairs like that one sitting next to your cabinets to the left of the picture. I just love them. The fabric on yours looks almost identicul to what I recovered ours in, smiles.

Merry Christmas Ladies.
Tina

yooo hoooo - wondering if mellen received my package.
according to the post office it was delivered on the 12th.

please let me know.

WOW ~ What a crazy month. Finally got time to sit at the computer.

My 2 lovely boxes from Mellen contained.

A really cool (and big) red sequence decorated box. FULL of wonderful Hersheys kisses. And not just regular kisses. Almond kisses, cherry kisses, carmel kisses, peanut butter kisses. I keep it up high on the shelf. And share with the kids when I want. LOL

5 really cute Xmas mugs, complete with a packet of hot chocolate in each cup.

A box of Jolly Rancher candy canes. I love them.

3 Hyacinth bulbs, another of my favs.

Some very beautiful wire ornaments. They are purple with lots of glitter, 1 big star, 2 bells & 4 snowflakes. Purple is my favorite color.

A beautiful, ceramic box. I am using it as a ring box. It is very tiny & delicate. The lid has purple & yellow flowers on it. The inside has a script that reads, "The beautiful miracles of nature fill our hearts with peace."

A tin wall hanging basket with maroon & white flowers in it. I really can't describe it well. It is lovely.

And my favorite is a figurine. It is a Demadaco, Willow Tree. The name of it is Angel of Winter. She is very plain, carrying a wreath. Her wings are made of wire. Her face is blank & she has long dark hair. Her left hand is outstreched in a manner that says, come to me. She is truely beautiful.

I hope I didn't forget something.

Mellen, I thank you so much for your gifts. They are wonderful. I think of you everytime I use one of them. My wonderful friend that I have never met.

All of you ladies are special. We are a blessed group.

Tammy ~ SunnySurprise

Earthly, I will check with my hubby and son. Mellen

Just wanted to post Yesterday I received a box from hummingbirdDaisy. Thank you for the lovely gifts. Included in the box was some tulips, bath gel, and a cute wooden snowman 4inch plant holder. I hope everything is going well for you Tina! Happy Holidays to all!

EarthLy, The box has been FOUND!!! "Dear" son had picked it up with the rest of the mail earlier in the week on the way to his babysitting job. Since he picks up three boys after school, he had put everything in the trunk of the car so there would be room for the boys. Thank you for saying something.

What wonderful surprises you sent, too, my friend. First of all I do love the Hershey's chocolates that you sent. But my gosh!!! What a HUGE chocolate covered caramel candy bar you sent. I've never seen one so big. Gotta love it! Did you make the zuchinni relish? I opened it up right away and tried a little bit on a teaspoon. It is sooo good. Thank you for sharing! I will be taking the hot chocolate mix to school to have on my break. It always tastes so good in the wintertime with a little piece of candycane in it. Such a cute little bag you put it in, too. :) I am just thrilled with the purple sensation allium and double narcissus bulbs that you sent! I don't have either one of them. Even though we have snow, hubby says the ground is still soft so I can still go put them out. The ceramic Christmas candles are absolutely darling, too. They are so cute! One with a Santa, another with a gingerbread boy, and the other with a snowman. Then on the other side of them one says Happy Holidays, another says Seasons Greetings, and the third says Merry Christmas. I have already put them out on display in the front sitting room. Lastly, I just adore the sunflower sharing bottle. It is way cool! To me it is a very meaningful gift from you to me that I will always treasure and have for a memory of you. Maryanne, you are a gift and a treasure to me and to others on GW. I think others would agree with me. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and sharing. Mellen