I would send her a phalaenopsis, since this is the orchid that is easiest for a newbie to grow and rebloom. They also bloom for a long, long time. Most for at least two months, many for four to 6 months, and some continually. I would download and print up culture notes on phalaenopsis from the Canadian Orchid Congress and from Big Leaf orchids and send them to her so she'll know what to do with it to keep it thriving. I would also buy her the biggest plant I could get -- a 5" or 6" pot. These have more reserves to go thru a trial period and have the strength for a really glorious display of flowers. A really smashing gift. Then I would go to Orchidweb and buy her the Guadalupe Pineda phal because they offer a huge plant, with two spikes and many flowers. That is *fragrant*. The picture of the flowers doesn't do them justice-- they are gold with bright pink lip and "bellina" triangle. Just gorgeous. It reblooms on the same spike, so the spikes should not be cut off. The best plant I've bought this year. Odom's, Orchidacea and Hausermann also offer big, big plants in bloom. Call and tell them it's a gift and you want the biggest, best they have in bloom. Just for example, other beauties being offered in spike at Hausermann's right now, P Nobby's Amy -- a gorgeous blushed-pink multiflora with a zillion flowers on dark red branching stems, very lovely and feminine. P. Queen Beer, another with many flowers on double, branching spikes. An irridescent red/magenta. Gorgeous thing. Phal Orchid World, Phal I-Hsin Purple Jewel, P Brother Spring Dancer are also beautiful. Orchid World is also fragrant. Still, I would go for the Guadalupe. If your friend has a good east window for it, the Guadalupe will bloom for her off and on all year. If not, then the Queen Beer would be my second rec.

I'm going to my second organized scrapbook get-together at a place that sells supplies this weekend. They charge $10 and supply a table, meal, soft drinks and snacks. You can use their equipment like punches, stamps, etc., but have to use your own paper, scissors, stickers etc. Of course, you are free to wander the store and buy more stuff. A friend and I got together at her house last month. We shared our equipment like cutters, etc, but we each had our own paper and supplies. I'd invite everyone over and have a simple snack like cookies and cake and coffee. Ask your friends to brink snacks to share also. Have everyone bring their equipment and personal supplies that they would need. I wouldn't be worried about being to formal or organized about it. Just have fun.

If you have a KMart, check the book section. I found lots of neat books that she can push the big buttons and some tell colors, some tell letters and the books have big, bright pretty colors. My Greats love them. Also they like the toy telephones they can push the buttons and it talks back. Not into dolls yet--just pushing buttons. Love animals especially those when you open the page and you can "feel" something--furry, rough, smooth etc Good luck

I have already ordered some consumables for some friends who are in our supper club. I have ordered homemade shortbread, cookies, and a mixed variety of her biscotti. I plan to make up a mixed bag for each couple and give it to them before Thanksgiving so the can enjoy it now. We have a local leather shop that makes beautiful small leather goods that are hand embossed with monograms if desired. DH and I are going to go check out a couple of small money clips for our guys in the family. I have seen these and they look perfect for a drivers license and credit card with a money clip for cash. I need a 21st birthday gift for our oldest DGD pretty soon. Don’t have a clue yet what to get for her.