As a manager/partner for 30 years at UPS I have never seen a package with tire tracks on it ( if it was an envelope then most likely it was a slide mark) BUT UPS doesn't package your mdse. THOSE stores that do are a franchise store. Notice they also ship using other shippers as well. They take on the responsibility and you pay the added cost for the packaging they offer. The average person takes mdse - puts it in a larger than needed box - stuffs the box with newspapers then uses duct tape ( or some other less than appropiate tape) to put it all together and then wonders why the box got crushed when it was placed in a truck along with a million plus packages per day in the US. I assume they think that each pkg gets its own seat and is driven directly to its destination. Even if it is going cross country. I bought an item on ebay - she assured me that she would pack it accordingly, in a shoebox with tissue covering it. Of course it was broken to pieces. and while I suspect that it may have been broken before it went in the box ( this way she blames UPS and files an insurance claim) she said that she made sure that it was well protected. I've seen the packages that were bought over the internet from warehouses( Best Buy - Walmart - TRU ) that were sent to them by their makers and were damaged on their end of the system, but when your picking up truckloads of boxes we don't go thru them until they hit our sorts. At that point we take responsibility for it - we still deliver them as we don't really know what the condition of the item is until you tell us. I totally understand where you're coming from - I ordered glass christmas bulbs from Bonners. I choose regular ground service, to save money they sent it USPS - they say they delivered it. But with no way to track it they don't know to what address.

Wow Jeanne! I love these pictures of your tree...its Magnificent with the blue lights and all the Lovely Angels. I mentioned in another post to you how I enjoy seeing Mr & Mrs Claus....as a Holiday Tradition here! Love their 'Group of Friends' too. TFS jane

That's gorgeous Victorian decorating. Love how they used all the same colors on the tree, mantel, and bookcase, and the little carraiges are darling too. I'll head over to the albums to see what you've found for us--better find a Kleenex first because I'm sure I'll be "drooling". ;o) Luvs

Well, I've kind of looked at these posts backwards..this being the last...I'm blown away by Everything! I agree with OA - I thought Karen was the Queen of Christmas..but the Two of You must have been seperated at birth! You have so many wonderful decorations. I love that cocoa dispenser and how you have it displayed. What a clever idea using the striped paper as a backing in that shelf unit. It makes everything 'small' in there really stand out. What a fabulous decorating job you've done...I enjoyed it all..and look forward to seeing the rest. jane