To my surprise Friday, the mailbox contained a bulging package from Isa. "What's this?", I thought.
When I opened up the package, the first thing I saw was the chocolate bar. Yum! Then I pulled out the two tissue wrapped packages. One said, "Open First.", and the other said, "Open Second."

From the first package, Kate the Cat emerged in all her overwhelming cuteness. Kate's pink skin is made of the softest plush material. I can't stop petting her.
Traveling with Kate is Pipka the Chick who is also made of the same super-soft plush. Kate ,the international traveler, has a purse with the cutest bunny on the flap, a blue polka-dot lining, and two pfennig (pennies) tucked inside. Kate's yellow polka-dot dress snaps in the back and has incredible detailing starting with the placket with one tiny pink button and ending with the ribbon trim. The name tag that Isa made for Kate is adorable, and it's such a great idea!
And then, on top of everything, Kate has her own marvelous quilt. Featuring a bouncing bunny with a necktie and vest in the center, the quilt was made from well-coordinated fabrics, and is backed in green polka-dots. This quilt is a treasure in itself.

Isa's attention to detail and workmanship is incredible. Even the bottoms of Kate's feet have a single flower centered in the circle of fabric! I'm still marveling over all the sweet touches Isa added.
All of that was just the first package! The second package held another incredible gift. Isa reconstructed a calendar into calendar-scrapbook of Wim in Gottingen. Each page is a careful collage of a picture, text, and decorative bits documenting Wim in his new home. The calendar isn't year specific, so I can use it every year. Isa had a great idea, too: I can put my list of birthdays and special dates in it. Kate's birthday, June 11th, is already entered for me. :) September held another surprise: Wim and Kate relaxing in the botanical garden! The rest of the calendar is filled with the adventures of Wim and Kate before she left to live with me. Isa has
more great pictures in her post.
Leibe Isa, your sweet hand-made gifts are very precious to me, and I am so happy to have them. Thank you!
I just noticed that Isa has posted
Tim the Rabbit in her
Etsy Shop. He is cuter than cute and worth every pfennig!