Gifts in the Mail...

You know I've been in a Strawberry Pincushion Swap, right?  (If not, just scroll down and see the previous post.)   Yesterday was the deadline for mailing out our packages.  So, I am thinking that I could possibly receive a package from my partner in today's mail. 

LO and BEHOLD!  I received a package!  Have I mentioned before that I absolutely LOVE receiving gifts in the mail?  Yeah.  So, anyway, I opened it and this is what I found...

  
It went through my mind that this was not quite what I expected from the swap.  But, who am I to question, right?  So, the first thing I opened was the little gift on the left.  It was a mulled cider votive candle...yummy!  But, I thought...mulled cider...strawberry pincushion swap...what?  Shrugged my shoulders and opened the card.  Well, duh.  It was from Dog Trot Farm's Julie!  I guess I was so excited that I didn't check out the return address.  Had I done that, I would have known. 

Anyway.  Turns out that it's a thank you gift for the tractor bag I made/sent for Julie's grandson, Travis Lloyd.    Here is everything she sent (oops, I must have covered up the feather)...

A bit of Fall decor for my kitchen!  A towel and potholder.  And, see the too cute little sign?  And, there's the mulled cider candle (which now makes total sense...~grin~)

And, the feather.  I feel very ignorant on this subject.  I know that to receive a feather is very special.  That it's a symbol.  That it can mean different things, depending on what kind of bird it's from.  So, I will ask Julie and let you know what she says.    

edited to add:  Julie tells me the feather comes from her Bantam rooster, Don Juan...and that it is a symbol of friendship.  Thank you!

Here's a closer look at the potholder.  Darling, isn't it?  Cutest scarecrow!

 

Thank you so very much, Julie!  Your gift, though totally unnecessary, is much appreciated.  I love it all!  I feel very honored to know you.

I must say that I have met the nicest women through my blog!  Women I will probably never meet in person, but who feel like close friends.  Women who share my interests, who cheer me on, who share their lives, who care about my life.   Women I care  about...think about...pray for...and whose words I read with love in my heart.     

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Tag is feeling better.  Eating rice eagerly...will get back on his regular food tomorrow.  Today is all about ensuring that his stomach is settled.  He is pretty much back to his normal self...looking for food...and not lethargic.  I am relieved.  Thank you for your well-wishes. 

 
 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11