Yesterday and today my friendly UPS man left me presents. My friend in San Francisco sent The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges and the Japanese novel by Soseki Natsume, I Am A Cat.

And then Leah sent Winter Morning Walks : 100 Postcards to Jim Harrison by Ted Kooser (love his poetry) and The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges.

It looks as though my brain and hands will be busy in the coming months. Thank you!

And then I received a sweet letter from a total stranger. I participated in a Swap-Bot Swap called A Letter for Me?. I was assigned someone to write to, and I received her URL so I could explore and get to know her a bit. And then I wrote a friendly letter describing myself, finding connections (there were many), and writing her blessings for the new year. Likewise, someone received my name and wrote (by hand) a three-page letter about who she is, where she lives (Polk City, Iowa), and what she enjoys doing to pass the time. You might wonder why anyone would do this. But think: when was the last time you received a personal, handwritten letter containing interesting and uplifting thoughts? It’s a neat way to meet pen pals.

One more package is on its way to me, and I look forward to it. I signed up for Blogging by Mail. Again, each person was assigned someone and the task was to put together a care package of foodie stuff and other goodies (this is a culinary-based group). My recipient, Heather, was tickled by the package I sent her. I’ll post about mine when it arrives.

And this is just the beginning! There are still the gifts from family and other friends to come. Speaking of which, I have a tote bag full of presents to get to the post office. And Shirl, I need your new snail mail address! You moved to that beautiful farm house and Santa needs to know where it is.