Communication is the key to a successful eBay transaction. Winning bidders/buyers and sellers should contact each other within three days of the close of the auction/listing. That way the seller can know the bidder is sincere and the bidder can know the seller has the correct contact information.

Ideally, the bidder pays immediately, but if the bidder does not, the seller still needs to hear from the bidder. Sellers can't read minds, and if more than three days goes by the seller can start to wonder if the bidder intends to pay or if they have "buyer's remorse".

An eBay bid is a contract and the winning bidder/buyer is responsible to pay once they have made a bid. eBay goes much more smoothly for everyone if there is good communication from the start.

Happy eBaying!

Happy New Year to you!

I've been reading the two "Get Fuzzy" comic collection books my son got for Christmas.

I think it is a great comic strip! Very funny :)

Any "Get Fuzzy" fans here?

2006 ends at midnight tomorrow night, and we will all have to get used to writting "2007" on our checks and other paperwork.

Many people will be making lists this weekend...resolutions for the New Year, "to do" lists for the coming year. We have calendars to mark, and if we don't have them yet, then "buy calendars" will be on the "to do" list!

Diets will be started and exercise regimes planned. Some goals we will get achieve, some things we won't, most goals will be adjusted to fit reality. 

Making plans for the New Year and reflecting on the old year...and a nice long weekend to do it!

Happy New Year to you and yours. May your celebrations be happy, your driving safe, and your future bright! 

God's gift to us:

Luke 2

 1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

May the blessings of Christmas be yours.

Thanks to biblegateway.com

May your days be merry and bright...and if your Christmases are white, may the roads be clear!

Our traditional Christmas morning tea ring (it's great with coffee, too!)

Sharla’s Swedish Tea Ring (makes three)

Add together:

2 cups scalded milk

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup margarine

Cool to lukewarm and then add:

3 well beaten eggs

Mix together in small bowl:

1/4 cup warm water

2 envelopes yeast

Add yeast mixture to milk mixture. Then stir in: 10 cups (about) flour. Knead, cover, and set in a warm place to let rise. While dough rises, make filling.

Filling

In large saucepan, combine:

2 1lb cans drained crushed pineapple

1 cup brown sugar

5 teaspoons corn starch

3/4 cup raisins

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

Cook together until thick.

Divide dough into 3 parts. Roll out, one at a time, 1/4” thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 1/3 of the following mixture:

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Spread 1/3 of the fruit filling on the dough.

Roll dough like a jelly-roll. Seal edges. Place, edge down, on greased baking sheet and form into a ring, sealing ends together. Make cuts two thirds of the way through dough 1 1/2” apart. Turn slices sideways. Put something (a large can covered with plastic wrap will do) in the middle of the ring so it will hold its shape while it rises to double. Repeat the above steps with the other sections of dough and filling. Remove center objects and bake rings at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Brush with melted margarine when done. Frost rings with white confectioners sugar glaze and decorate with candied cherries and whole nutmeats.