Let The Celebrating Commence!...

 

Even though my actual Birthday isn't until December, if you've been visiting for a while, you'll know that I have mastered the Art of the Extended Birthday. I begin my celebrating with the first card or gift, and continue until the last card or gift arrives. 

 

My first gift arrived yesterday, so the celebrating officially commences! This package arrived from my dear, long-time Kiwi friend, Marrianne.

 

 

This book is what inspired the gift. Marrianne had shared a recipe she'd made from this cookbook on one of her Facebook posts. As a person who loves cookbooks, and her dish looked delicious, I commented on it. One of the interesting things about this cookbook in particular is that the recipes are small yield dishes...something you prepare for one or two people.

I searched online for Nici's cookbook only to find that it's only available in New Zealand. I may have mentioned that to Marrianne, and she offered to get a copy for me. Never in a million years did I solicit a gift, but she told me she didn't want compensation for the book.

I've already paged through and earmarked about a half dozen recipes, and I can't wait to try them. There are a few localized ingredients that are unfamiliar to me, but when I get to making the recipes, I'll research those items for comparables. I really can't wait to dig in!

 

Also included in my package was a beautiful, cross stitched acorn bookmark. It's something that was very special to her (I'll keep the details between us), but it now means as much to me, and will be treasured by me. When I use it, it will remind me of Marrianne and the significance of this gift.

 

 

Finally, she knows how much I love these confections. Pineapple lumps are a tasty treat specific to New Zealand, and I hoard them to myself whenever they arrive. Yum!

 

So, in conclusion, I've begun the official celebration, thanks to my dear friend. I'm also going to come up with something special for her to thank her for her generosity. Of course, I won't be able to show you what it is (once I come up with it) until after I know she's received it. 

 

Thank you, Marrianne. I'm so grateful for this gift, but more so for the gift of your enduring friendship. We've been separated by thousands of miles, but always so near in our hearts. We've been friends through many heartbreaking moments, as well as many joyful events. You mean the world to me, and I love you, friend. Perhaps some day, we'll meet in person. A girl can hope, right?