Thank you all so much!
I riffed off Beagles’ suggestion and included many others:
I found a basket at HomeGoods
that can eventually hold towels, toilet paper, magazines, etc.
Lined it with four nice
kitchen towels (including one that says “Meals and Memories are made here”).
Purchased a nice frame and
included the following poem printed on parchment:
Bread that your cupboards will always be full, (Gift Certificate to Ulele – ML that was an amazing
suggestion – and likely one they wouldn’t find on their own any time soon)
Candle that your home will always have light, (Voluspa ‘Maison Blanc – Saijo Persimmon’ Candle)
Coin that you may dwell in good fortune, ($200 Home Depot Gift Card – they already have a lawn mower,
but will need a weed eater once we help them install a fence for their dogs)
Honey and Salt that life shall always have sweetness and flavor, (Orange Blossom Honey from Florida – if they like it that
will make a terrific and inexpensive gift for them to send to family members at
Christmas; also found some smoked sea salt and pepper & garlic seasoned sea
salt that sounded useful and interesting)
Wine that joy and prosperity may reign forever. (bottle of pinot
grigio – I had to google wine that beer drinkers would like since they have yet
to acquire a wine drinker’s palate!)
Although married over 30 years, DH and I do well remember
those first days of needing SO much.
However, DS/DDIL have been married for three years (first lived in an
apartment and then military quarters at previous assignments) so have most of the staples and furniture
already. This is their first home
purchase – driven mostly by the fact that it’s cheaper to buy in Tampa than
rent and the waiting list for military quarters is 10 months’ long. I don’t think this will be their forever home
but – you never know! We definitely plan
to purchase and plant a tree during our first visit – and now I know to bring a
new broom as well!
OT @runningplace: my stepfather recently
passed away after a very unexpected, painful, violent, and unnecessary illness
(he and mom were married for 47 years)… you have given me clarification on how
my DH can craft boxes for all of DSF’s (12!) grandchildren with the rough milled
wood we brought home from his shop milled from a cherry tree in their front yard. Coordinates – perfect!
Thanks again, everyone – you are truly awesome!
My best,
Michele
Q
Small brass welcoming plaque see pic
Q