I have spent a couple days trying to process the amazing batch of gifts I received from my Abilene, Texas Hometown Exhange Santa. I still can't believe my luck! I got an amazing 12 gifts, each wrapped in local newspaper and introduced with a note. You did so well painting a picture of your town using these gifts. This is why the Hometown exchange is my very favorite!

I received a Texas Church Supper cookbook. You didn't know, but I collect these types of cookbooks, I have them from my mother's collection, the Greek Festival cookbook in my local area, a couple cookbooks that have my own personal recipes including one from our County Fair with my 1st prize winning bread and butter pickles!

Next I got food goodies, Duplex Cremes made in Abilene, Peach pecan jam, Sugar sticks, Pecan Pralines, and Sizzling Steak seasoning.

I received cultural items such as postcards, information about Abilene being the storybook capital (and a bookmark and a decal), brochures on the sculpture garden and a walking tour, 4 postcards, Wildcat sunglasses to wear on my walk, and a Red Thread Movement bracelet.

To bring a little Texas to California, I have a packet of Texas Bluebonnet seeds, though I don't think they will grow here.

Last but not least, a plastic bank shaped like Texas filled with an Abilene pin and two Children's Literature Museum pins AND an Abilene Zoo squishy penny because I told them I collected them!! Wow, right???

Honestly, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness! Thank you sooooo much for all my thoughtful gifts! I'll never forget this exchange!