Thursday, June 11, 2009

Hometown Swap!
















Some weeks back, I signed up for my very first swap with Shannon over at Welcome to the Nuthouse. The theme was Hometown Swap and gals (and I suppose guys) from all over the country were exchanging goodies that represent their area. I requested the Pacific Northwest and lucky for me, I got matched up with Eve of Tranquility and Turmoil, from the great state of Washington.
















According to Eve, Washington is the state of cherries, berries and rodeo. Who knew that the rodeo was so big there? Not me. My fabulous package included a variety of local sweet treats, three postcards (including one featuring The Gorge amphitheater which looks absolutely amazing!), a map and guide book for Grant County (Grant County was founded on my birthday, February 24 in 1909, is that fate or what?) and a fun HOWDY! sign.

First off, I LOVE cherries. They are my all time favorite fruit. As a kid, I only ever ate cherry pie. If you even think about forgetting the cherry on top of my sundae, there might be bloodshed. A well mixed Shirley Temple? Yes, please! And don't even get me started on my summertime bing cherry habit. So when I opened up my package and saw not one but two cherry treats, I was over the moon.

I am a confirmed dried cherry addict. There is almost always a bag of the goodies in my pantry, so I was super excited to sample some of Washington's finest. There was also a bag of cherry taffy. It took me all of about four seconds to rip that bag open and start chowing down. It is so very tasty.

















She also included a local treat, Aplets and Cotlets, a fruit confection made with apples or apricots and walnuts. I haven't dug into them yet, but they look delish!

Another treat was a huckleberry chocolate bar. Remember that line from Tombstone? "I'm your huckleberry." Well, it seems that the term huckleberry in olden slang meant the right guy for the job. Interestingly, huckleberries grow primarily in the Northwest. I haven't ever had one, so I am very interested to see how they are in a chocolate bar. I have to pace myself on the sweets, though. Don't want to undo all my hard work.

Thanks Eve for all of the wonderful goodies and thanks Shannon for getting this swap together!

To see what I sent to my partner, go here.

21 comments:

  1. I'm SO SOOO jealous of the HOWDY sign! I've been looking for one to replace the one I lost for years and NADA. Lucky dog. ;)

    And oooh, cherry taffy! How fun!!

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  2. You got some good stuff! Thanks for participating... glad you've had fun :)


    I have fond memories of eating frozen black cherries as a kid. And now, my kids love 'em!

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  3. My partner was from Washington, too!

    I love cherries. But right now they are $6.99 a pound at the store. And I am having to abstain...

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  4. How fun! I'm still waiting for my package, but I can't wait to see where it comes from! =)

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  5. cherry taffi? Are you freaking kidding me? Where can I get some? Cherries are my favorite fruit too.

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  6. Aplets & Cotlets!!! Aaaack! I haven't seen those in FOREVER!! I grew up in MT, so it must be a regional thing.

    Trust me, you will LOVE the huckleberry. They grow wild all over MT and are delicious!

    Enjoy your package!!

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  7. I love taffy...and that cherry taffy looks so good!!

    swaps are so fun;)

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  8. Love it! How fun! Mmm... cherries... are the best! And I love that Howdy sign!

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  9. Looks like you got some good stuff!!!

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  10. Wow! This is such a great idea for a swap. Looks like you have a wonderful package there. The taffy looks delish!

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  11. I'm so glad you enjoyed the package!

    Washington has so much to offer and while these are items that are most specific to Eastern Washington, there is just so much more variety to be had on the Western side of the state (salmon, whale watching, the Space Needle, islands & ferries, COFFEE & Starbucks, and Seattle - of course). I had a difficult time deciding whether to send you "Pacific Northwest" items, or to narrow it down to the often under-appreciated, but still gorgeous, Eastern Washington area.

    I highly recommend a visit to Washington, especially if you've never been here! I'd be more than happy to be your tour guide! ;)

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  12. Oh, very, VERY cool! LOVE LOVE LOVE the howdy sign! Sweet!
    That sure sounds like a very cool swap!

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  13. Swaps are soooo much fun. It sounds like you got some really good treats. I love huckleberries.

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  14. What a fun idea!

    Enjoy your yummy treats.
    Love the ones you sent out as well!

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  15. Ok, cherry taffy? I am so jealous!
    Jen

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  16. Hey Just saw a commemt the other day about this and went to her page to sign up for the next one how funny is that! looks awsome.. hopeing to get in on the next one. looks like you got a fab. box!!

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  17. I don't like cherries. But do you like the chocolate covered ones from Harry & David? My sister-in-law is nuts for 'em...so I put them in her stocking each Christmas.

    Is this not the most random comment ever?
    Don't judge.

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  18. You got some SWEET stuff! {pun intended}

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  19. Awesome! I love cherries too. I am going to grab some at the store today!

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  20. That looks like a great package and I want in the next go around. I love exchanges like that.

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Give me some sugar, baby!