While we were away in Florida, my post office box was filling up with lovely surprises. People were clearly looking at my wishlist this year and sent some really fantastic goodies. There was a gift basket from Cafe Du Monde, a dvd about knitting socks in the Lithuanian style, the companion book to the 365 Free Motion quilting designs website (much easier to browse the book), the Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs (highly recommend this one), and a fabulous vintage Simplicity tin from my wonderful Pen Pal Tami (filled with stationery items, of course). In addition, the ever thoughtful Sara, gifted me the Kissing Koi pattern I have been wistfully admiring for ages. I suppose I will have to make time to actually knit some mittens for myself for a change. It’s wonderful to have such a bounty of thoughtful friends and family! There were some money gifts as well which have gone to purchase a kindle paperwhite. I’ve been on the fence about it for ages because I have an ipad and don’t mind reading books on that but I think the kindle will be easier on my wrist in the long run. Thanks everyone!
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and 
. Suffice to say that I will never use the phrases “I’m freezing!” or “I’m starving!” casually ever again. Actually, all three books are worth reading, but, as Kris said, they should come with a side of 
and it is — hands down– my favorite book of 2013 so far. This book is full of gorgeous photography and illustrations and is wonderfully written. If you only order one coffee table book about a color this year, make it this one.
. This book is the most readable of the Scottish history books I’ve picked up and it’s fun! Highly recommended, even if you are an arm-chair traveler.
Also because of Scotland, I picked up the first of the Inspector Rebus series by Ian Rankin today,
. My friend Jen is a big fan, and we are total reading twins (see Indigo above) so I’m sure I’ll love it. Plus, from what I’ve heard, Edinburgh is practically a character in the books.
