I'm so blessed.

I'm fortunate because I have some awesome friends. Some I've never even met in person, only online. My friend Nancy, who lives in Wyoming, sent me this gorgeous Nativity set for Christmas. She ordered it ages ago and had problems with it being shipped late and sent all over the country. I think it was supposed to get to me the week before Christmas, but it arrived yesterday. I know Nancy's been fretting and was really upset with the company. She felt her surprise was ruined because it was taking so long. Well, she was wrong. Nancy -- I LOVE IT! I was totally surprised and had no idea what it was until I opened it. It's absolutely beautiful! Nancy & I were looking at Nativity sets online while talking via IM right before Christmas. She knows I collect them and how much I love unique ones. This is very unique because the figures look like wood and tree bark. Just out of the blue and out of total kindness, Nancy ordered this and had it shipped to me. It was a wonderful surprise. Frankly, I don't mind it being late. I already have my Nativity collection packed away, but this one is going to stay up for the year on a shelf near my front door. So, a special note to Nancy -- thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're a wonderful friend.

It amazes me how people go out of their way for me sometimes. Gale, totally out of the blue, sent me those Trader Joe's chocolate covered cherries along with some other goodies. Anita once sent me her leftover chocolate cherry Diet Dr. Pepper, simply because she knew I liked it. My friend Tania from Australia has sent me more CDs and DVDs than I could list here. It goes on and on, and a lot of these people I've never met in person. Of course, it's not presents I'm really talking about. It's friendship. It's someone doing something totally out of the blue, something unexpected. It's a good feeling to know someone has thought of you, whether they send a gift, card or email just to say hello. It means a lot to me. Rick & I were talking about friends last night. He always makes the comment that he doesn't know anyone here and how all his friends are down in California. I always remind him how many people he does know and how friendships are being formed. His friends in CA are only an email or phone call away. I also remind him that he knows a lot more people than I do. I don't work outside of the home, so he's in contact with a lot more than me. I've really come to rely on friends I've met online, whether it be from my blogs or the message boards I'm on. When you don't get out of the house much, online friends are everything. They keep you sane. They are true blessings. So, to everyone who has sent me anything, emailed me or taken the time to read and/or comment on my blogs, I thank you. I just hope I can be a blessing to you in return.