My Secret Pal is the greatest!

Am I the only one who just can't wait to open a package when it comes? I always see people who have pictures posted of the wonderful, scrumptious wrapping and then oh so slowly reveal what is inside. Do I do that? No. Not me. Nope. I just can't seem to control my anticipation. I get that package and I have to dive right in.

So, this week, when a beeeeutiful package arrived from my beloved pal, did I stop and get the camera. No. Not me. Nope. I couldn't help myself, again. But, in this package was quite a few goodies. Oh me, oh my.

There was the Book "Knit Fix" by Lisa Kartus, a handmade lavender sachet (gosh, I am such a sucker for that scent), candles, gourmet hot chocolate, Ghiradelli chocolates, and a tea bag cozy. The one that I am the most intrigued about was the most adorable little bag. The label said that is was handcrafted in Indonesia. It was imported by HandCrafing Justice that is part of a fair trade initiative to empower women in the developing world. It is so heartwarming that my pal supports such a wonderful program.

Thanks Pal, again. You always brighten my day with your thoughtfulness.

Christmas gifts and felted clogs and other ramblings...

My entire family will be descending upon the beach house for Christmas. This includes all my children, their appropriate others, my sisters and brothers, their spouses and their children, Grandma and an Aunt. There is no way my home will hold all of the bodies, so we also rented another 4 br house for overflow.

Most of the children are young adults. So, what do you get them? I made clogs. Well, as a matter of fact, I am still making them. If I make my goal, I would have made a total of 15 pairs. That's 30 clogs and 60 soles! If anyone has ever made these know that you dread the soles. It is so tediously boring.

I have 6 pairs done and they are currently in the washer, hopefully "doing what they are supposed to do". Felt dammit! Felt!

Secret Pal 9 Updates
In other news, I did receive a wonderful package from my Secret Pal 9. She is just the most thoughtful thing. This one included Interweave Knits, Fall 2006. It was an issue that I was secretly coveting. She also had some wonderful Evelyn & Crabtree hand cream and some lip balm for my gawd awful chapped lips.

I still have to send my final package to my recipient. I will be giving the Swallowtail Shawl (pictured below) that I have just completed and some other comfort things. So, keep your eye out for a package. It just might be heading in your direction. Do you feel lucky?