Mike, you were a hard guy to shop for. You already had everything I had and more, lol. I did some snooping on your other posts and your want list. I laugh every time I see the Xena cutting you sent me. I kept the original tag (best I could do) I know you went out of your way to send me that and I appreciated it so much. You asked for the socks, lol. I had made the post what kind of datura do you grow since I knew you had a bunch and was trying to figure out what you didn't have, lol. I am glad you enjoyed your gift. I sent a few more things out to others but my main secret santa came first. I hope the others get their small gifts and know that I was at least thinking about them. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Email me if you have any questions about anything Mike.

This is kinda different from the beautiful surprises you all mentioned. But it was unexpected. My next door neighbor brought our family a popcorn popper and popcorn for it yesterday afternoon. It a Whirly.. something, goes on the stove top. It's very cute, and fun to use, we tried it out already LOL. This man moved in next door to us a few months ago, lives alone, in his 60s, his kids are grown and he's divorced. I know almost nothing about him, except he's diabetic (so I cannot return the favor with a plate of homemade cookies). I know about that b/c he ordered cookie dough from DD's fundraiser, then when we delivered the product he turned around and gave it back to US to use, explaining he can't eat them but wanted to help out DD's team anyway! OMG! He just continues his acts of kindness to us, though we still barely seem to know each other. I don't know what to make of this! He's gone today, or I would have him over for dinner. Meanwhile, I'm wracking my brain trying to think of just the right favor or gift to give back to him. Oh, we've taken his trash can back and held deliveries for him when he's out of town, but I want to think of something special. Stephanie, who totally lucked out on neighbors all the way around.

Framing would be a great idea except that it is a letter written on both sides of the paper. My mom is getting him a clear sleeve to slide it into. That way he can pull it out easily whenever he wants to hold it, and yet it will still be protected. It is in really good shape for being 33 years old, we figure probably because it was stored in an envelope in the attic and away from any direct light which kept it from fading or getting damaged. My brother was really happy, I guess that's the only way I can describe it. He just kept holding it and reading it over and over saying "This is really neat". And he kept smiling. I told him "It's like Dad gave us a present this year" and he smiled and said "Yep!"

That's great, a gift he will enjoy for many years! I like that, not many kids can remember what they got last year. He will remember this Christmas forever! When our kids quit believing in Santa we would ask them if they wanted regular Christmas or a trip. They are 27 and 32 now and still remember the trips. Now, we are starting that with the little grandsons.