We Wish You a Christmas Pudding

And the very merriest, happiest day possible.  Mine has gotten off to a bang with the arrival in today's post of my best Christmas gift ever:  a Never Say Goodbye necklace, featuring Betty Keira's mock-up of a From Poland with Love alternative cover, a ship and a gray pearl.  SSKKEEEEE!  Plus a charmingly droll note from Betty Debbie.  Thank you, Founding Bettys!

Serendipitously, I'd been mulling over a gift list for all of you who join in the fun on The Uncrushable Jersey Dress.  I've carefully chosen everything needed for my friends and family, but get so caught up in the spirit I can barely stay my hand as I walk through the grocery store:  "You know who'd like a pomegranate?  Me neither, but surely someone would like a pomegranate.  I'll get one!"  I raucously applaud Sadie and Oliver's several shopping trips for Christmas, and Georgina's many walks to the village for more paper, glue, sequins or whatever.

So you can imagine how quickly Betty JoDee's image vaulted into my brain when I walked through the bookstore recently and saw this calendar.  Yes, indeedy.  For Betty Magdalen, I'm keeping my eye out for a parasol she can bring to Georgia for 2013's Romance Writers of America conference.  My fingers are crossed that a mousy but unflappable peahen wanders into Betty Mickie's backyard this spring.  I suspect Betty Keira doesn't need a copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I wish her only good surprises in the process from here on out, and a trained nanny -- or untrained but so able sister -- to help out at home.  Betty Debbie gets a re-gift:  the fancy cream my brother-in-law gave me that's designed to stave off the encroaching years.  Snerk.

Betty Barbara, may your medical needs be few, your recuperations easy and swift, and your doctors handsome, capable and possessed of charming bedside manners.  Betty Cindy, may you find the time to check in with us more often.  Betty Mary, an umbrella to equip you for frequent visits to Ireland.  For Betty Anonymous, if I may, I wish another skating session in Amsterdam, with a very minor injury that leads to a meaningful encounter in Casualty.  Or maybe just a tender strapping-up and confidence-inspiring reassurances by the side of the canal.  For Betty Carla, a freak sprinkling of snow in the southern hemisphere on Christmas Day, which I guess it already is there.  For Betty AnoninTX, a carry-on's worth of uncrushable jersey for her next mega-trip encompassing dozens of parks and multiple countries.  Betty von Susie, the entire "Love & Laughter" series Harlequin published back in the day -- for I believe you "dearly love a laugh."

Army Betty, Betty Adrienne, Betty Kylene and Mrs. Betty Fife, may you discover a new form of needle-work on which to test your considerable talents.  Except Army Betty -- may your knitting skills improve with each day of the bright new year.  And to Betty Kathy and all the lurkers, I wish you innumerable giggles and many moments of connection -- and maybe the gleeful foolhardiness to chime in from time to time.

Let's see...who else...  Betty ANHK?  You out there?  Anyway, the non-lurkers will need to remind me, as my BIL's cream doesn't fend off the encroaching memory fade.

And to all a very good night, and the best imaginable new year.