Christchurch Quake

Only a few of you know I have many cousins in New Zealand.   Even fewer know that several of them live in Christchurch.   While it’s a terrible situation, my family is alive and accounted for, even if I did have to stay up past midnight to get the confirmation.

Gotta’ love technology.  One darlin’ cousin had both internet AND power after the quake, and she was dear enough to head straight to Facebook and begin posting updates as she heard from our relations.  There were broken household items and windows, but all the people were okay and had somewhere safe to hang a hat.   Not all of Christchurch can say that, and there are still likely to be aftershocks, right?

Sorry... couldn't get a better photo for all of the help!

Luckily, I have a happy parcel to blog from Friday.  Many of you know and love Piddleloop bags, I’m delighted that one of the sisters behind the seams is a good friend.  When I started the basset hound group on Ravelry, it wasn’t long before I needed technical support, and Jen immediately came to my rescue.  Over the years, she’s become a treasured friend, so when she suggested a little swap for something I had and wasn’t using and some Piddleloop loot, I jumped!

In addition to some sweet new bags, I also scored my first Jennie the Potter item!  Honestly, Jennie is the vendor reason I’d go to Maryland Sheep & Wool.  Big festivals don’t hold much attraction for me, but that’s the only event even remotely in driving distance that she attends.

I’d give two of these mugs as gifts, so I squeed when I unwrapped it.  Thanks SO MUCH, Jen!   I’d gone back to my local Starbucks looking for one for me, but they were sold out.   Don’t you love it when a friend finds something she didn’t even know you had been looking for?

Then there were cute, handstamped cards.  Yes, I stamp.  No, I haven’t in forever and a day, but I’m inspired.  I love the simplicity.  I have a tendency to over-think things, so I might have to do some fresh, clean cards for spring!

There was also mint tea (yum!), peanut M&Ms (a weakness of mine… I’m grateful for the Knight’s help in making them disappear a little faster), and this most awesome pencil.  It’s made from recycled newspapers and is incredibly fragrant.  I’ve had to store it far away from Sissy’s reach.

Thanks so very, very much, Jen!  I love it all.  There was much, much more too, but my camera battery went dead, and this post is long enough.