Once again we thank you for allowing us to enter your home and chat with you. Thanks to all of you we had another nice increase in the number of satisfied clients, and the mailing list increases once again.

Back in 1992 when we purchased this small business, the previous owners were charging $23.50 per wreath. That price has not changed to this day and we are proud of that. Shipping, however, is another matter. We have no control over that and have always been a year or two behind in keeping up with it. The raise to $8.50 this year is no exception and we hate to do it.

Last year we introduced the “Moosely Maine Giftpack” in celebration of the famous Maine moose. The wildlife folks tell us that close to 30,000 of these magnificent animals live here, most of them in the northern half of the state. The giftpack was very popular and this year is being upgraded a bit with a new bow made with ribbon featuring moose and evergreen trees. The little moose ornament can be saved and used on the Christmas tree in future years.

We have had questions from time to time about where we obtain the greenery for the wreaths and garland we make. Most people assume they come from the Christmas trees. Not so. We purchase them from folks who go out into the Maine woods and with permission, pick the tips from the branches of wild balsam fir trees. The trees respond well to this pruning, just like any other plant, and will produce about twice as many tips for another harvest three years later.

Some of our customers call in their order every year and both Norma and I enjoy chatting with them. We don’t want that to end. However if you have a way to fax or e-mail your order it does save a lot of time on both ends and may also be more mistake proof. Just remember if you e-mail, call on the phone with your credit card number. And of course we still get a lot of orders the old fashioned way, with a check in an envelope in the mail box.

From our house to yours, best wishes for a peaceful and meaningful holiday season.