That Mrs. HB. She sure loves me.
Not only did she send me a care package last week that blew my socks off, the contents were carefully secured with bits of recycled air pockets. She’s so funny.
My old neighbor Mrs. HB LOVES to decorate her porch, and would pretty much give my neighbor Carole a run for her money if there was ever a front door decorating contest.
Sensing my front door decorations weren’t up to snuff, Mrs. HB took time out of her busy schedule to create a one of a kind, handmade wreath for my front door so I’d have something appropriate for Halloween {one of her favorite holidays}. And let me tell you Bob, it looks a million and seven times better than the pumpkin cut out I had in mind. 😉
Lucy was especially fond of the eyeballs and tried to run off with one.
Darrrrling, what do you think? Didn’t she do a great job?
She also sent me a bunch of candy she brought back from her recent trip to Japan. And some tea bags she probably looted from the hotel lobby. I haven’t tried the Emperor Sencha or Chamomile tea yet but the Earl Grey was wonderful.
She sent us mint flavored chalk candy too {or at least that’s what it tasted like} but none of us know exactly what it was for sure. Anyone speak Japanese? Our favorite treat was the orange flavored hard candy.
And last but not least, a box of my favorite Fisher Scone Mix. Costco’s in the PNW only stock it once a year and lucky for me, I’ve got a connection. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Care packages, they’re not just for summer camp and college kids, us old ladies love them as well. It’s like getting a hug in the mail from your BFF.
Happy Tuesday everyone, may your day be filled with unexpected surprises.
~Mavis
Wendy Clark says
This post made me so happy for you!
Lana says
My dear friend and I live on opposite coasts and we have a long standing joke with Blow Pops. AT any given time a Blow Pop could show up in either of our mailboxes. We often go a year or more between which makes it all the more of a surprise. I do know it makes this old lady smile for days after sending or receiving one. I think it is time for a surprise in her CA mailbox!
Lissa says
Sweet friend you have!! I looked on line and the scones are available at a variety of stores and of course, Amazon!
Jenny Young says
I need to do this!
Mary says
On the chalk candy, the green one is matcha (green tea), orange is Japanese citrus- yuzu. The bag is upside down in the picture, so a bit hard to read. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Oh that’s funny. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Nancy Sadewater says
Ms. HB did an awesome job on the wreath, I love it. Enjoy the Japanese treats my daughter will order a box of snacks from Japan every so often and loves them.
Patti says
Mrs. HB did a wonderful job on the wreath and care package! What an awesome friend.
Karen says
FANTASTIC wreath!!! GREAT job Mrs HB!!!
tia in boise says
the wreath is awesome–i want one!
Mary Neathway says
My daughter and son in law went to Japan and we too were indulged with treats. One was a tomato flavoured candy… my husband liked it and I was kind enough to let him eat it all…. There was also a kit kat chocolate bar, that wasn’t like what we buy here in Canada and a fox for the Christmas tree (good luck, she tells me) and a bamboo bookmark…. such fun unwrapping everything.
Kippy says
I love it when friends bring me gifts from their travels! Fisher scone and now Fisher crepe mix are available at most grocery stores here and at Bartells. It feels odd buying some groceries at what used to be known as just a drugstore but wow, Bartells has some good deals!
Frau Rosen says
My husband is an employee at Bartell Drugs, so I know they pride themselves on bringing in special foods, local products, and excellent deals. I’m glad you like it!! (Bartell Drugs is a Seattle area-only chain, owned and operated by the same family since 1890—I think they are the oldest independent drugstore chain in the country.)
Andrea says
So much fun!! She did a great job on that Halloween wreath. Looks so nice on your door. I have a friend in Michigan that sends me the best care packages at Christmas. Best part of the holiday. She makes the best wreaths and decorations. I treasure them.
Linda says
I’ve missed yours & Ms. H. B.’s banter!!! Great care package & wreath!!
Vicki in Birmingham says
That sweet friend Mrs. HB is one nice friend. I am sure she misses you like crazy! I am sure you miss her too. She did a good job on your wreath and your goodies. I am sure it made your heart happy!
PD says
Hi Mavis- A friend of mine here in the states works for a Japanese candy company, so I sent him your post 🙂 Here’s what he had to offer in response:
Fun inquiry! The chalk candies are chewable mint lozenges, like the ones that come in various flavors and colors in the U.S., in a sort of miniature hockey-puck shape, about the size and shape of four quarters stacked on top of each other. The hard candies with orange colors on the packaging are quince-flavored cough drops. I think the commenter from today at 12:26 pm is incorrect to mention yuzu. The lollipop types are labeled with a term that translates to “Windmills.” Huh, good word for those! I’ve never thought about what I would call them in English.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you!!
Linda says
BFF Hugs are the best!