Blogging Christmas Cheer

This past week I made out the dreaded Christmas cards. I use to love this task, but this year, with all the anticipation of the arrival of our first granddaughter, it just seemed to be one more thing I needed to get done but no time to do. You see, I am one of those over-achiever card givers who does the yearly update letter for those family and friends whom I never see or talk to. I would stop writing this letter, except when I do meet up with these people, they will comment about loving my update letters. I've always wondered if these people were being nice or do they really like my updates?

I mean my dad's companion sends an update letter with her Christmas cards and we love her letter but it's because we can't believe how she can write two pages about herself and no one else and make fun of what she wrote.

At least my letter is about each member of the family and it does take some thought, planning and time to write the damn thing news about the family.

But I regress about making out Christmas cards. This year I wrote the letter and started the task of signing each card by hand and addressing each envelope, thinking that some day I need to do a data base of this information so that I can let the printer do all the work for me when hubby came by and offered to help. Not one to refuse the help, I had him use our address stamper on each and every envelope.

Yes I'm funny about that, I don't send ANY mail without my return address on it. 

As I was handing the envelopes to hubby, he would look at the name and address. If he knew them, he would comment about it being a niece or nephew, uncle or aunt, neighbor from long ago, etc. If he didn't know them, he would question who they were. With the exception of a college roommate, they were all friends from blogging. People I've never met, but know as well as I know my close friends. Some of them have stopped blogging, but I've kept up with them thanks to facebook.
One in particular Jason, has been sending me a card for the past couple of years. Last year he sent me one of his wonderful 5X7 professional photos instead of a card. It was a beauty:

I had it framed and placed it where everyone would notice it, on the dry bar:

This year, he's giving out 100 of his 5X7 photos to the first 100 people who respond and link back to his site.
I just had to do this because his photos are that great.
I, in return, have sent him a Christmas card minus the family news letter because, you know, he reads about my life here on my blog for the past few years. Hubby saw his name and address and question who he was.
I explained how he was a blogging buddy who happen to be a facebook friend that I've never met.
Hubby rolled his eyes at me and gave me that 'only you' look.
Somehow I don't think he understands this friends without meeting thing.
But hey, if you want a photo of Jason's just go here and read all about it. It will be worth your time.
Jason is a nice guy even if I've never met him, and he tells many a funny stories about his life in the classroom.
Oh and if you want a card from me, send me your address viva an email located on the left hand side.
I just might include my family update letter for you to read.