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?

 

Possum Socks...

They're Finished!

As I write this post, I'm doing a happy dance in my finished socks! I completed my possum blend socks on Sunday (finally!), and immediately put them on.

Before I show me wearing them, I want to clarify something I needed to learn, too, about the critter that contributed to the composition of my yarn.

On the left of the image above is the North American Opossum - the only North American native marsupial. I have watched and fed them on our property since the first winter we owned the farmhouse. These are nocturnal and beneficial, eating up to 5,000 ticks each per season. They rarely carry rabies because of their low body temperature. They carry their babies in pouches, much like kangaroos, and they're docile - even though they look fierce when they're cornered. They'd sooner "play possum" than attempt to harm a dog, cat or human. I love them.

The New Zealand Possum on the right, is "A native of Australia, the southern hemispere possum is an introduced pest to NZ that destroys native wildlife, endangered birds, forests & spreads disease to livestock.  Heavy culling is required to keep possum numbers under control." (The copy in quotes is from the Skeinz website that produced this yarn.) The two skeins I received were a gift from my long-time friend, Marrianne, who lives in New Zealand. 

Now that I've cleared that up, I know you want to see my new socks!

They're A Perfect Fit!

As soon as I completed tucking in the tails from beginning and ending these socks, I slipped them on. They were a perfect fit.

I Love Them!

The yarn is a blend of wool, alpaca, nylon, and possum. The combination makes for a perfect sock yarn. They're so soft and warm...and I love the color.  Can you tell I love them? Squeeeee! I'm also very happy to be finished.

Handsome thought they were nice, too. I thought he'd be asking for a pair of socks, but rather, he asked me to make a warm winter cap for him. I have just the yarn and will share more later this week. For now, I'm going to enjoy this finish.