Well, today I had a message saying that there was a parcel waiting for me and that it was from the USA... I consequently spent my entire day in a state of excitement before heading home. I really love these gift exchanges.

When I got home, after stopping to give my dogs a treat and a tummy rub I got down to the serious business of opening the parcel. Now first thing to say here is that my Santa on this occasion has an affinity with tape that I will never have. Not only did they have all entry routes taped up, they somehow managed to get all the tape flat so there was nowhere to get a fingernail under to begin undoing the parcel. Off to fetch my trusty scalpel I go.

I get back and manage to carefully open the parcel (terrified I would scratch something else inside) and in so doing realise the postage cost. Since when was robbery legalised? Bloody hell USPS!

Inside the box I find several gifts from my truly wonderful Santa. Firstly, there are two Pridebites toys, which both squeak and float and can be machine washed. They are also durable (which is definitely good in my house). Most of the toys here become the property of Bliss, my golden retriever, who is the most gentle mouthed of all dogs and treasures her toys. However, every month or so the old yellow lab, Rossi, gets himself into a loopy phase and plays with them too. He can be slightly harder mouthed. My black lab, Finn, is not at all interested in toys bless him.

Next there is a box which was, mercifully, not wrapped in any tape (thank you Santa :P) and reads "keep calm and chill with a Labrador Retriever". I absolutely love the mug and it sums up the British attitude perfectly.

Heavily bubblewrapped (and thankfully so) were a set of coasters with labradors on them. They are absolutely beautiful and, (here I feel a slight sense of shame) given the number of drinks stains on my table caused by a lack of coasters, they are most welcome. I promise that they will take pride of place on the table!

I also, to my slight bewilderment, found samples of French's condiments which, I must confess, I will likely end up saving until Heinz runs out (though that happens often enough that I see the samples being used in emergencies.

Thank you so much Santa... You are an amazing person and I love the things you chose! I genuinely wish I could rate higher than 10!

PS: Finn (black lab) is staying overnight at a friend's so he was not here to take photos with. I will include a photo of him for you as well though.