It's funny how not-very-valuable inanimate objects can spur ever-more-valuable memories and thoughts! I've had this coffee maker for over twenty years. It was a Christmas gift from my then-mother-in-law for the purpose of making coffee at my then-new job at Michigan State University. I've used it off and on over the years — more on than off — and have found it to be a nice, easy way to prepare coffee from day to day. Aside from its utilitarian value, however, it reminds me of my former in-laws almost every time I make a pot of coffee. (It's been almost twelve years since my divorce.) We got along famously, so I can't help but miss the regular interactions; I can't help but miss them. Every now and then I talk with one of them on the phone or see one of them (one is a waitress, for example, at the Golden Harvest, where I had breakfast last week). Beyond the obvious reasons, divorces can really just suck.

Here is the cute mug rug, travel portfolio, and hanging jar I received from my partner, Wendy T (sorry, I don't know her Flickr name). Love the travel theme and the handmade cards in the travel portfolio are just too cute. The "passport" has sewn in fabric pics of travel destinations, most of which I have visited yet. Something to work for! Thank you Wendy, for a great gift!