My first wish is for a wonderful, loving and safe holiday season for everyone. This is a first for me and it sounds like so much fun. My thanks to all who participate and especially to the Secret Santa Swap hostess, Kym, who obviously donates many hours to make this all happen. Here is my wish list and I thank everyone who takes the time to read it. Happy gardening next spring and a very Merry Christmas to all ... Mary Nepeta fassennii - 'Walker's Low' Catmint Rosemary - Rosmarinus angustifolia 'Pine Scented' Eupatorium dubium 'Little Joe' - Joe Pye Weed Rudbeckia triloba - Three-lobed Coneflower Orlaya grandiflora - White Lace Flower Clasping Coneflower Artemisia Pentas Heuchera / Coral Bells Silene laciniata- Jack Flash Silene virginica - Fire Pink Forget-me-not Chasmanthium latifolium - 'Northern Sea Oats' ornamental grass Dutchman's pipe vine Wooly thyme Bacopa Alyssum - Basket of Gold (perennial) Bee Balm / Monarda - Jacob Cline Phlox Mexican Hat Daisy - Crazy Daisy Lettuce - Oakleaf or looseleaf variety Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'

Micyrey and Yotetrapper - did you receive my card and seeds? I might have missed your thank you's. Please let me know. In the past couple days, I got 4 cards! Holy COW! Smitties sent Yellow Primrose and Scabiosa Butterfly Blue. Flowergirl34 sent Pink/Purple Cleome, Amaranthus Autumn's Touch, Chinese Houses Lavender, centaurea rose pink and farewell to spring. Pumkingal sent Easter egg plant, amaranthus hot biscuits Pinky Winky Hydrangea and Amaranthus Princes Feather. Nottougly sent mixed pink hibiscus seeds with a nice glitter NOEL card. WOW I can't thank you all enough. I can't wait to look up all of these seeds. It sounds like you sent me a lot of interesting ones, which I like. Thank you all for being so generous this Christmas season.

Was gonna post this last night,...-sigh-...but,...once again I fell asleep at the keyboard. Sometimes this dang chair really is just way too comfortable. LOL! - Anywayyyyy,...sorry. Ahem,...now, to continue. Okay, so two days ago I received two more fantastic seed laden Christmas cards,... From tbbgardens (Trudy): A really nice, snowy card with a pair of Cardinal birds (my MIL's feathery fave), and YEAH,...Back Pearl Pepper seeds (another Wishlist BIGGIE!!), also Scarlet Creeper Vine (We have lots of chainlink fence here at our new place just begging for vines of all kinds, plus we also have an arbor out back), Hoya (Pretty! Flower stars!) and Anise Hyssop (From what I've read, this is one heckuva perennial herb! Great looks, great scent, and leaves for tea)! Never tried any of these, but now I'm sure gonna!! Thank you so very much Trudy, for the beautiful card and seeds, and for all the helpful information! :) From ruthz (Ruth, of course): A cool "Let it snow" card with a plastic window featuring simulated snow and a view of a jolly snowman, and no less than three more selections from my Wishlist!! Lemon Drop Pepper (Yessss!), more Black Pearl Pepper (Lovin' it!) and Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ (Tallish, with purple-bronze leaves and white flower clusters - Niiice!! Thank you soooooo much, Ruth!! :) Cards and seeds received yesterday... From wishdesign (Jean): A cute "Share the joy of the season" card with a plush-toyish-looking reindeer offering symbols of the season as gifts. Now,...for the seeds (O Boy, O Boy, O Boy!!), first off, more Lemon Drop Pepper (Genetic diversity rocks,...who wants inbred peppers?! The more the merrier!!), Goji Berry (Majorly doing the Happy Dance!! Yeah baby!! Definitely a SUPER BIG TIME want from my Wishlist!!) and Indian Ginseng (Aswagandha - A medicinal herb for folks with insomnia, and the berries can be used as a substitute for Rennet in cheese making...totally rippin' cool!!). Thanks bunches, Jean!! Oh,...and the little red zippies, uber nice touch!! :) From missmojo (Lisa): A cool, handmade Christmas card, stamped with an image of holly and "Happy Holidays!", with purple Balloon Flower seeds (Yip-yip YES! My SIL only has blue,...guess who's gonna be wanting whose seeds now!! He-he!) Thanks a bunch, Lisa! :) Today's card... From dirtdaddy (David): How totally cool! An Elvis card! Could easily be the cover-art for The King's Blue Christmas single (if there ever was such)! - Ahhhh, now for the seeds! Man-O-man! More Black Pearl Pepper (Enough is never enough!!), more Lemon Drop Pepper (Like I said for Black Pearl), Thai Red Hot Pepper (Yeah! It's cold outside, stoke the fire!), Dr. Wyche's Yellow tomato (From the late Dr. John Wyche - Oooo, a real good one, to be sure!!), Jimmy Nardello Pepper (Sweet and light when eaten raw, classic Italian frying pepper, a favorite non-hot. - Hmmm, methinks a bit o' culinary experimentation is definitely in order), Bush Moon Flower (White Datura? We have Moon Flower vine, Morning Glory type.) Thanks loads, David!! :)

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS By the magical light of a small Christmas candle A little old man tries to carefully handle The small porcelain manger which serves as a bed For the wee Baby Jesus to lay down His head. In wonder he brings the manger up to his view, Smiles at the baby and whispers, "I love you! I love you for bringing this season of joy, I love you for growing to a man from a boy; For being our light and leading the way, For being the spirit which makes Christmas Day! You?ve been my mentor, my model, my hero and guide, Please continue to help me and stay by my side. I?ve tried to follow your teachings and give as you gave, Reminding all to be kind and that it?s wise to behave. Help me to serve others and bring them your light, Especially the children, please bless them tonight! Some have so very little, scarce food for their table, You know how it feels - you were born in a stable! Bless all their mothers and fathers with a knowledge that?s sure, The best gift they can give is their love, strong and pure. That?s the Spirit of Christmas when all?s said and done, God?s gift of love, that came as His Son!" Then back to His mother the child is returned The Nativity glows as the candle is burned. In a wink the little old man slips quietly away Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh. Whatever the case, His mission is clear - Give unto others, bringing love and good cheer. He flies into the night and bids us adieu Doing for others what Jesus would do! Greg Olsen - 2009 Candy, I couldn't help but post your poem so everyone can enjoy. I've read it before and it's touching. Your room is beautiful! The new picture looks wonderful hanging in there. So many neat things and all so nicely placed. Sounds like you will be 'Rockin Around The Christmas Tree' and kitchen tomorrow. Nothing better than fun times at Grandmas. Have fun and enjoy. Punk