"We've only just begun"

You may remember a song by the Carpenter's by that title.  It felt like that was the perfect description of the start of our little visit with Caroline.  Her plane was about 20 minutes late but we found each other easily - waiting at the top of the escalators - we couldn't miss.

We saved the Welcome sign from our trip in 2011.

Caro said that her suitcase was full.  She wasn't kidding.

She brought lots and lots of things from several different folks.  We are so lucky and spoiled.  A package of English tea from Emma.

My favorite white chocolates and some dark chocolate for Elaine.  Placemats from Caro's mother and dad

Vlieseline, which I ordered from Willemijn.  It is the greatest for a backing any sort of stitchery.  Her business is called Happy Stitches - an Etsy shop.

The latest issue of the Albert Heijn monthly magazine.  You have to be able to read Dutch but their recipes are great!

A jig-saw puzzle (leg puzzel) for Elaine.  It is of a picture by Anton Pieck - one of our favorite Dutch [contemporary] painters.

Roomboter Babbelaars (similar to Butterscotch)

Dieuwke made us two doves from wonderful den Haan fabrics

And to decorate the house for Thanksgiving, from Caro

And last but not least, Joke made a lovely shawl that she knit for me.

Isn't it gorgeous?

No - it isn't Christmas yet, but we are being royally spoiled.