Hope you're not sorry you asked

Gordon, I'm not into gift giving period, whether it's at Christmas or for birthdays. I'll remember my friends' birthdays and wish everyone I know a happy Christmas or happy holiday season, depending on their religion, but I've found the whole idea of gift buying at those special times of the year, far too commercial for my personal taste. I like buying gifts for friends and family, when I'm in the mood. Not when the calendar dictates.

I realize that I'm in the minority on this issue. If/when I do give, especially to a woman, it definitely would not be perfume. I know in some offices and public places (like churches) there are now reminders to remember to not use any perfumes, as a courtesy for people with allergies, hay fever, etc. I've often had to move seats or put a kleenex to my nose if I'm in an enclosed area where someone is wearing a very strong scent. And, by the way, price has nothing to do with it. It's the amount that some women (and men) use, that makes it unbearable for others to breathe.

In fact, I know I'm really being off topic here, but I am finding more men nowadays wearing some very strong fragrances. And I know they think it's real 'cool' or sexy, but it makes others go into a sneezing frenzy!!

Whenever I give, I like to give homemade stuff, like jams, jellies, fruit cakes, caramel popcorn, wrapped in pretty packaging. And because like many who enjoy the fine things in life, I often would love it if someone would give me a real nice bottle of Balsamic Vinegar or Extra Virgin Olive Oil. And, we're not talking the cheap stuff from the regular grocery store. You can pay in the range of $5-$200 for a bottle of Balsamic Vinegar and probably the same for the extra virgin olive oil. These are the kinds of gifts I think would be appreciated by those who are into gourmet cooking.

I like giving items like specialty soaps, lotions, and bath-type products, again, being sensitive to those with strong scents. What I've been doing lately, is trying to find products that are unscented, and giving a bottle of essential oil to allow the receipient to add her own scent.

And finally, I'm getting to your tapes. I think your golf tapes as stocking stuffers would be welcome by many who play golf or who might be thinking of it.

I'm very practical and would welcome just about any cassette tape teaching me anything new. I think a learning type cassette tape, or an abridged novel on cassette, would be welcome by many. It's something I probably won't give away or store in my "what the heck do I do with this box" that I keep and recycle year after year.

How about putting all those wonderful stories of yours on tape. There's a CBC host here in Canada who is a marvelous story teller, just like you, and he's put all his stories on tape, as well as book, and I can only imagine that they're selling well.

So, if you'd like some candlesticks, or a can to hold your extra virgin olive oil, or some vanilla scented floating candles or a terry bag to keep your lettuce fresh, just let me know. If you pay the postage, I'll send them to you. Ha! Ha!

Regards,

Elizabeth