I can't believe I almost missed this. I would like to be included also. I love the theme and rules. I have issues with setting limits so this is great.

Thanks Again Ann!!

Tracey

Please include me, too, Ann! Thank you for organizing!

I can abide by the limits, but just want to check this out. As people have been mentioning favorite cookbooks and magazines, I've begun thinking of which ones might be nice to include in a swap. But then I realized - the cookbook/magazine/DVD has to have a Fall Theme, too. Am I right about that?

Thanks for the clarification. I will listen. I will obey.

Lynn.

Lynn, yes it is a Fall Theme but you can interrupt that anyway you see fit. The only thing that you can't interrupt is the number of items.

Ann

Oh goodie I'm so glad I'm not the only one confused ('Discussions for Conversations' on potpies' Part Deux thread). Now Ann is switching 'interrupt' and 'interpret'.

Yeah, my toolbox has lots of toys, but there is still room for more! Vroom, vroom....

OOPs, and I did it twice too. LOL!

This is officially the biggest swap yet. We are now up to 56 participants

List Update:

1. Terri
2. Diana
3. Debbie814
4. Karen (Riverrat)
5. Janet (Chancesmom)
6. Sherry
7. Stacie (girlsingardens)
8. Teresa
9. Jessica

10. Robin
11. Sue (Goldgirl)
12. Janet(Granjan)
13. Bizzo
14. Ellen
15. Diane
16. Adele
17. Brenda
18. Catherine
19. Dolores(Finally)
20. Katie
21. Phyllis
22. Iris (Blueiris)
23. Deanna
24. James (Jimtex)
25. Wendy (Weed)
26. Alison
27. Cathy
28. Nancy
29. Pam (dedtired)
30. May
31. Shaun
32. Deanna (Dgkritch)
33. Sally
34. Stacy
35. Barb (Coronabarb)
36. Maria
37. Linda (Lindainct)
38. David
39. Deb (Momto4kids)
40. Linda (doucanoe)
41. Lori316
42. Gellchom
43. Gail (arrandygail)
44. Lynn (Lynnalexandra)
45. Msrevise
46. Yasou
47. Lee
48. Netla
49. Tricia
50. Elizabeth (Bizzo)
51. Maggie (Maggie2094)
52. Lars
53. Gina
54. Tracey
55. Carol
56. Ann

Uncle! I'm in ; )

Sharon

Is this a record?

I would love to participate! Ann, I will email you my information.

Ann! you've got me listed twice :) Luck number 13 and fabulous 50. I'm guessing I'm not really allowed to sign up twice!!

"This is officially the biggest swap yet."

I think this is a great example of 'Bigger is not always Better'! :-)

Barb

Thanks Bizzo. I'm assuming you don't want two partners. LOL!

Barb, I'm assuming that you mean that in the best of ways. It could be taken the wrong way. LOL!

The highest number of participants we have had in the past was 54.

1. Terri
2. Diana
3. Debbie814
4. Karen (Riverrat)
5. Janet (Chancesmom)
6. Sherry
7. Stacie (girlsingardens)
8. Teresa
9. Jessica

10. Robin
11. Sue (Goldgirl)
12. Janet(Granjan)
13. Bizzo
14. Ellen
15. Diane
16. Adele
17. Brenda
18. Catherine
19. Dolores(Finally)
20. Katie
21. Phyllis
22. Iris (Blueiris)
23. Deanna
24. James (Jimtex)
25. Wendy (Weed)
26. Alison
27. Cathy
28. Nancy
29. Pam (dedtired)
30. May
31. Shaun
32. Deanna (Dgkritch)
33. Sally
34. Stacy
35. Barb (Coronabarb)
36. Maria
37. Linda (Lindainct)
38. David
39. Deb (Momto4kids)
40. Linda (doucanoe)
41. Lori316
42. Gellchom
43. Gail (arrandygail)
44. Lynn (Lynnalexandra)
45. Msrevise
46. Yasou
47. Lee
48. Netla
49. Tricia
50. Maggie (Maggie2094)
51. Lars
52. Gina
53. Tracey
54. Carol
55. Sharon
56. Andi
57. Ann

Wow, this is a huge swap! I can't wait to find out who my partner is. This is going to be a lot of fun, I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone post as they receive their three items.

How does it work if we end up with an odd number?

Catherine, Because we don't pair partners it doesn't matter if we have an odd number.

ie... One sends to two, two to three, three to four, and four to five and five to one.

Ann

Am I too late? I love fall & haven't participated in a swap for 2 years - maybe more! Thanks, Ann.

Hey - I'm going to try to do this. Count me in please.

Oh, so THAT's how it works. I was wondering how partners were chosen. So, since you've numbered us, we just look at the next number, and that's who we sent the items to?

Another question, about the pictures. Do we post pictures of what we're going to send, or post pics of what we've received, or both? I'm not set up with any photo hosting place yet. I tried once, but my pics never loaded, and I gave up, so that's not one of my talents.

Sally

No Sally, that isn't how it works. LOL! I just numbered so you could see how many were participating.

I guess I should clarify for those that have not participated in one of our swaps before. All of our swaps are "Secret Partner Swaps". You only know who you are sending to. You do not know who you are receiving from. So once you have the name of your partner please keep it to yourself and don't mention it on line.

Pictures are posted of the gift that you receive from your partner. The only reason I asked that you take pictures of the gift that you are sending is so that in the event that your partner doesn't have a digital camera or can't post pictures for some other reason then you will be able to post.

Anyone that has trouble posting photos or does not have an account on a photo hosting site, I will be more than happy to post them for you. Just email them to me.

Also, it should probably be mentioned that once a swap box is received the recipient is expected to post a detailed description of what they received. And they should post as soon as possible. If for some reason there will be a delay in posting, then please email your partner and let him/her know that the box has been received so they can stop worrying.

Ann

Hey Sally, I know the first time I participated in a swap I was concerned about knowing all the ins and outs of swapping. What helped me was to read all the other threads on this, the Exchange forum, so I would know what to do.

Have I gotten in under the wire?? I'd like to participate this time! I think I can manage the 3-item limit. And the minimum. And the shipping (anywhere).

Thanks, Ann!

Lori

Ann,

I will be away til sometime Saturday evening, if you do get names out to us on Friday or Saturday, I may not respond til Sunday.

Also, our camera is experiencing technical difficulties so I may NOT be able to post a pic.....Dave is on a mission this weekend to figure it out!

janet

Ann, I sent you an email a few days ago with my new address. Did you get it?

(I hope so, I want my goodies! ;)

Okay I think I figured this out. I want in too!!! Sounds like fun!!! Diana55

Wendy, yes, I did get your email thank you.
I can't start matching up names until I have everyone's full name and address. So if you haven't played before or you have moved recently, please email me with the information. And please include phone numbers.

Thanks,

Ann

Final List

1. Terri
2. Diana
3. Debbie814
4. Karen (Riverrat)
5. Janet (Chancesmom)
6. Sherry
7. Stacie (girlsingardens)
8. Teresa
9. Jessica

10. Robin
11. Sue (Goldgirl)
12. Janet(Granjan)
13. Bizzo
14. Ellen
15. Diane
16. Adele
17. Brenda
18. Catherine
19. Dolores(Finally)
20. Katie
21. Phyllis
22. Iris (Blueiris)
23. Deanna
24. James (Jimtex)
25. Wendy (Weed)
26. Alison
27. Cathy
28. Nancy
29. Pam (dedtired)
30. May
31. Shaun
32. Deanna (Dgkritch)
33. Sally
34. Stacy
35. Barb (Coronabarb)
36. Maria
37. Linda (Lindainct)
38. David
39. Deb (Momto4kids)
40. Linda (doucanoe)
41. Lori316
42. Gellchom
43. Gail (arrandygail)
44. Lynn (Lynnalexandra)
45. Msrevise
46. Yasou
47. Lee
48. Netla
49. Tricia
50. Maggie (Maggie2094)
51. Lars
52. Gina
53. Tracey
54. Carol
55. Sharon
56. Andi
57. Virginia
58. Marcia (Colo Lady)
59. Lori
60. Ann

Diana, we must have been posting at the same time.
I've added you to the list.

Ann

1. Terri
2. Diana
3. Debbie814
4. Karen (Riverrat)
5. Janet (Chancesmom)
6. Sherry
7. Stacie (girlsingardens)
8. Teresa
9. Jessica

10. Robin
11. Sue (Goldgirl)
12. Janet(Granjan)
13. Bizzo
14. Ellen
15. Diane
16. Adele
17. Brenda
18. Catherine
19. Dolores(Finally)
20. Katie
21. Phyllis
22. Iris (Blueiris)
23. Deanna
24. James (Jimtex)
25. Wendy (Weed)
26. Alison
27. Cathy
28. Nancy
29. Pam (dedtired)
30. May
31. Shaun
32. Deanna (Dgkritch)
33. Sally
34. Stacy
35. Barb (Coronabarb)
36. Maria
37. Linda (Lindainct)
38. David
39. Deb (Momto4kids)
40. Linda (doucanoe)
41. Lori316
42. Gellchom
43. Gail (arrandygail)
44. Lynn (Lynnalexandra)
45. Msrevise
46. Yasou
47. Lee
48. Netla
49. Tricia
50. Maggie (Maggie2094)
51. Lars
52. Gina
53. Tracey
54. Carol
55. Sharon
56. Andi
57. Virginia
58. Marcia (Colo Lady)
59. Lori
60. Diana55
61. Ann

This is huge! Ann, do you need help managing it?

Ann, yes, I meant in the best way. ;-))) Sending out a smaller package (rather than a huge package) has resulted in more people participating. :-))) It is going to be challenging keeping up with all the package arrival posts.

Is it to late to join, if it is that will be fine. I will just wait until the next swap.

This is getting to be a really busy time for me, but I like having a number of items to send. I always think my partner gets shorted and I get the best package ever.

The homemade category got me, I don't want to send one little jar of jelly, salsa or relish, but I could probably come up with something.

Karen, no it isn't too late. Before I can start matching up names I first have to update the data base. There are a number of first time participants this time. So I have added you to the list. Karen did you notice that if you decide to send homemade canned items you can send up to one quart?

Ellen, thanks for the offer but there isn't much anyone can do to help.

Fall Swap September 2006

1. Terri
2. Diana
3. Debbie814
4. Karen (Riverrat)
5. Janet (Chancesmom)
6. Sherry
7. Stacie (girlsingardens)
8. Teresa
9. Jessica

10. Robin

11. Sue (Goldgirl)

12. Janet(Granjan)

13. Bizzo

14. Ellen

15. Diane

16. Adele

17. Brenda

18. Catherine

19. Dolores(Finally)

20. Katie

21. Phyllis

22. Iris (Blueiris)

23. Deanna

24. James (Jimtex)

25. Wendy (Weed)

26. Alison

27. Cathy

28. Nancy

29. Pam (dedtired)

30. May

31. Shaun

32. Deanna (Dgkritch)

33. Sally

34. Stacy

35. Barb (Coronabarb)

36. Maria

37. Linda (Lindainct)

38. David

39. Deb (Momto4kids)

40. Linda (doucanoe)

41. Lori316

42. Gellchom

43. Gail (arrandygail)

44. Lynn (Lynnalexandra)

45. Msrevise

46. Yasou

47. Lee

48. Netla

49. Tricia

50. Maggie (Maggie2094)

51. Lars

52. Gina

53. Tracey

54. Carol

55. Sharon

56. Andi

57. Virginia

58. Marcia (Colo Lady)

59. Lori

60. Diana55

61. Karen (TrixieTx)

62. Ann

Holey moley - 62 participants. This is a big swap. I'm sorry I can't participate this time, but will be checking in to see all the goodies being received.

Ya'll have fun!

Ellen, let's help by praying that all 62 packages arrive safe and sound!

Amen, Gina!

Count me in too, I hope i'm not too late!!! Diana55

Ann - just curious. When you pair partners, how do you do it? Do you pick randomly (like putting names in a hat), or are you actually looking over each person and making deliberate partner selections? I'm kind of assuming it's random and didn't want to ask a stupid question, but I decided I really did want to know for sure so I'd risk sounding silly.

Either way, I sure do appreciate all your hard work. It's very generous of you.

Lynn.

If it is not random can we sway your decision? LOL Actually I wondered this as well

-Robin

Well for one she has to go back through her files of other swaps, to make sure that she's not giving someone the same person they had before......

It's alot of work for her...And with 62 people...WOW!

Ann you are the BESTEST coordinator of swaps I've ever been in..Even when I was a coordinator at the KT years past.
LOL

Lynn, Terri has it right. I try to make sure that no one sends to anyone in their own state and that they don't send to someone that they have sent to before.

This is the 11th swap that I have been involved with. The first couple of swaps I did actually pull names out of a hat. But even then I had to do a little adjusting so that no one sent to someone in their own state. After the third swap the name pulling didn't work.

Now I take the list of names amd start matching everyone with someone outside of their own state. And then if I end up with someone sending to someone they have sent to before I do some switching around. Sometimes it just doesn't come together easily and other times like tonight it came together without having to play with it too much.

The last swap I played around with it a bit more so that some of the members that were participating in the canning camp got to send to other campers.

Also, you don't send to the same person that you are receiving from. Remember that this is a secret partner swap. You will only have the name of the person that you are sending too. You won't know until your swap box arrives who your partner is.

The last email has gone out and I think I will head to bed.

Ann

PS. thanks Terri.

Ann

Got it! This is so exciting. Now I can start researching and shopping. Lynn.

Another question to clarify. I'm assuming we can send our packages any time we're ready, but no later than Nov. 4. Is that right or should I try to ship close to the 4th, so that everyone is receiving packages near the same time?

Ship whenever you are ready. It's actually helpful to have 'earlybirds' - if all 62 arrive shortly after the 4th, there will be a LOT of reading and 'ooh ahh' posting to do all at once!

WOW, how great that there are so many many of us this time around. It's going to be wonderful to hear about and look at all the fun things.

It's always fun to see what the gifts are that send us out shopping for ourselves after we see them here.

Lee

Shoot...I knew that I would miss out on something! We tore the roof off and things have been very hectic the past 2 weeks and I've not had time to check in.

If it's not too late, please let me know if I can sign up, if not that's okay too.

Michelle

Hello, I'm too new to participate yet, but can you tell me where I should look to see the pictures and descriptions of past exchanges? How often do they come around?

Michelle, I'm sorry you missed the swap this time. The sign-up for it closed yesterday and all of the participants have been assigned partners. I hope you will participate in the next one.

Floury, you are in the right place to read about past swaps. There are 8 pages dating back to last fall.

Ann

Ann, I know we have a 3 item limit. But, does it have to arrive in one box? My partner's going to receive more than one? Is that a problem???

Tricia

Tricia, there is no problem with sending each item in a separate box. It has been done in the past.

Ann

Ann,

OH that's okay. I am so busy with the house and the Fall Swap would have been a nice distraction. I just knew I was going to miss out when I did not check in last week.

Looking forward to the Winter Swap,

Michelle

Is it okay to have a company send a package instead of us wrapping and sending it? Something I'm thinking of sending could present problems if I tried to ship it (I don't want to go into detail because I don't want to give too much away) but the company that sells it does mail order. I know it would be more impersonal, and that bothers me, but I don't think I know how to ship this item.

Sally

Sally, there is no problem sending something by mail order. It has been done before in other swaps.

Ann

Thanks.

Sally