i believe i have sovled the mystery of the source and extend a gracious thank you. i shall not open til reveal day for this swap.

I posted mine out on Saturday - I hope the recipient likes what I have put together! I normally enjoy taking part in these and in monthly swaps and am happy to pay the postage from UK to USA. However, I had a nasty shock when I went this time (haven't played for about 6-8 weeks). The postal system has created a new 'world zone' just for the US- no one else is in it and the cost is almost double what I paid previously!! It is cheaper for me to send something to Australia or the outer reaches of Timbuktu than it is anywhere in America.

Unless I can source a cheaper method by one of the private courier companies this may be my last US swap :(

Hi RJLinkletter. I'll enquire about that from Australia but so far nothing has changed for me posting to America.but I believe Australia is not receiving from Spain so who really knows?

You never know what can happen.
It's the magic of Christmas!!!

Postal rates have gone up for everyone. It's ridiculous! I try my very best to get everyone a person that they want/need and also to respect their wishes for mailing to US/out of country. I did one year, have those in Europe sending to Europe addresses and the same with Canadians. I can only do that every once in a while or there will be people sending to the same people all the time.

I really do try my best to make sure it's not the same people sending overseas/Canada all the time. It's not fair that those are the only ones enduring the horrible postage. I do understand that money is tight for some, but maybe if we start putting a couple dollars a month in a jar for "Secret Santa" mailing, that might work out. You know...the same way we shop all year for goodies for the boxes. Maybe a special piggy bank for it. I dunno..........

roseirish, how exciting!! I do believe our hostess has been kind enough to include you in the festivities. Lucky you!

My package is winging its way to my Santee... going to a state I've never visited... is it going to you?

lucky me--absolutely! but our hostess had nothing to do with this package. i have deduced who sent it and have sent a PM with one great big thank you. it was above and beyond any call of obligation. I havent opened it yet--i ill wait til opening day ofthis swap.

We are all lucky, just to be here , if nothing else https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png !!!
My package was mailed this morning to my Secret Santa to another country and the postage was about what I had expected, so no surprises for me. I'm just hoping when (see how optimistic I am..that it WILL get there lol ) that she likes at least one thing, then I'll be skippy happy https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png,
Really I have soooooo much to be Thankful and Grateful for after the year I've had , even if she didn't like any of it, I think I would really be ok with that. But ever the polly anna over here, I'm sure she will be ok with the package.
Now off to to clean and get ready for my second cataract surgery tomorrow.
Everyone have a great week.

Sending up a prayer for you tomorrow Marietta. Hope all goes well with your eye op. My 2020 was not too bad till Sept, safely cocooned from the virus here in WA but the Suns still shining and good things still happening and we can all count our blessings for Christmas