Those are adorable.. I start the week before Christmas of the previous year..ie..I started last year when they reduce the merchandise. Pottery Barn/WS has some great buys even before Cmas, so I buy and put away for the next year. Of course, I never remember what I bought, so it is always a surprise! I also shop on line..don't like crowds. If you do shop on line don't forget to link to Mrrebates.com..free, and you get extra discounts. I have been using it for years.

Thx gals-- Sorry to remind you Annie but when you have a family the size of mine you have to start Early ! OK Monique-- here's the recipe from "The Complete Book of Small Batch Preserving" 2nd edition Ellie Todd & Margaret Howard Sweet Onion & Fennel Relish 1 lrg sweet onion, such as Spanish or Vidalia ( about 8 oz/250g) 1 fennel bulb ( about 10 oz/275g) 1 sweet red pepper, sliced into thin strips 2 1/2 tsp pickling salt , divided ( 12mL ) 1 1/2 c. white wine vinegar ( 375 mL ) 1/2 c water ( 125 mL ) 1/4 c granulated sugar ( 50 mL ) 2 bay leaves 8 black peppercorns Slice onion in half lengthwise, then in very thin slices crosswise to form half circles. Cut fennel bulb in half lengthwise & remove core; thinly slice crosswise to form half circles. Place fennel, onion & red pepper in a non-reactive bowl and sprinkle with 2 tsp salt. Toss & let stand for 4 hrs. Rinse twice and drain thoroughly. Combine vinegar, water, sugar and 1/2 tsp salt in lrg stainless or enamel saucepan Bring to a boil over high heat. Add vegetables & return just to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Remove vegetables from liquid with a slotted spoon & pack into hot jars. Pour liquid over vegetables, leaving 1/2 head space. Add bay leaves & peppercorns. Process ( WBC) 10 min for 1/2 pts, 15 min for pts. makes 4 c. ( 1 L )

JessieCarole..... As a former seller I don't think 3 weeks is too long to wait. I would think you were being exceptionally nice. After a month (auction end) you can file a complaint with eBay too. Sellers should be held accountable. You should get your return shipping amount reimbursed and a great feedback. Obviously, it wasn't your fault. eBay doesn't want buyers discouraged (No buyers = No eBay and sellers cannot continue with a lot of negatives. Save all your email too. As a buyer (250++) I've had few problems. Much less than with the big box stores. I almost always pay with Paypal, ALWAYS get shipping quote in advance and wouldn't to hesitate to leave a Negative. Check the eBay community boards too. Last I knew you can't post the seller's name but the auction number is ok. Also try a web search, "eBay seller sent wrong item" and it will help your sifting through the boards. I will purchase my last Christmas item from the web...only because no one has one listed on eBay. :P Wing Here's a great (non eBay) link for both sellers and buyers. Here is a link that might be useful: Hobbits eBay Help Page

I have our two grandsons finished, and their birthdays too. The younger one will be 2 tomorrow, and his gifts are wrapped for the trip up there tomorrow. His brother's birthday is Christmas Day, so some presents for him have Christmas wrapping, and others will have birthday wrapping paper. I have bought a few things for other family members, but the big shopping rush will start once Thanksgiving dinner is done, the kitchen is clean, and the good dishes put away. I find I buy more gifts online every year, but I do try to support our local merchants. I have learned to shop late and that way I avoid crowds. I head out to the mall about 9pm and take advantage of the holiday shopping hours.