Some ideas work and some ideas don’t work. That’s how Connie and I managed our business for over 40 years and I am here to tell you my big idea of the birthday club IS NOT A GOOD IDEA! I didn’t think about the cost of all that postage and it’s going up again plus lots of cards are like buying a gift. Just too expensive and I’m sorry I didn’t think this through before I talked.
NO BIRTHDAY CARD CLUB!
No birthday card club is just fine, Mary. I have so many birthdays and anniversaries already–and there are more marriages and births happening all the time in this family! I appreciate the online greetings, both sending and receiving. You’re right: the cost of cards is ridiculous!
I agree, Mary. It was a great idea in theory, but it would be very expensive. It’s hard to keep up with just my family. I love your blog and look forward to it every day.
Good decision. We’re friends here and that works great!
Just finding tasteful cards is a struggle these days. Good idea to have the club, better idea to cancel that idea. I love the blog just as it is with no additions.
I have gotten a chuckle out of this… been many times that I have come up with “great ideas” before thinking them through. Then I can’t get out of them fast enough….lol.
Too bad every day living has become so costly. I remember when i I was little at Christmas time the postman would deliver cards twice a day. A huge stack each delivery. A stamp cost 3 cents and a box of cards cost maybe $2.95.
You are right that it is not practical, but both posts made me smile!
Fiona – well, good! At least it was worth a smile to somebody!! Haha!
Good call, Mary! I meant to comment before about the thought of the Birthday Card Club. Been there, done that. Some are enthusiastic participants and others? They get theirs and drop out especially if they are in the “early group.”
Glad you canceled, I wouldn’t be able to participate, just to expensive. I like the blog just as it is.
You’re good, Mary! It was a sweet idea! I have pretty much quit buying cards except for my immediate family & special occasions (graduations, weddings of extended family and close friends).
It was a sweet idea — I do like how you think.
The birthday card club idea was a good thought, but you’re right, it would/could get expensive. I find that. I will be having a hip replacement late summer or early fall. Helpful household tips and tips for recovery would be appreciated from all who have gone though it. Thanks!
Marilyn – oh, do I have a list for you!,
Hi Marilyn, My husband has had more surgeries than he has body parts!🙀 Here is a list. Shower chair—some can pass over a tub and the part in the tub is the chair. Grabber to pick up stuff off the floor. A bell by the bed. Crutches and/or walker depending on what your doctor says. Ask what kind of walker, too. There are different kinds. He had the compression machine that keeps blood flowing. They cost $, but are so much easier than compression stockings. A wedge pillow if your doctor wants your leg above your head. Cane.
ASK, ASK, ASK questions before the surgery. Get the PA’s number to call if necessary. Help from the county if you need assistance in and out of bed and/ or in the shower. Ice packs—there are various kinds. Check with the Dr.or PA. Good luck, Marilyn. My husband did fine😃
Mary, I liked the card idea, but also realized it could be hard to keep up.
I was worried about posting full addresses and birthdays online, with all the scammers and identity thieves out there.
You could do something like a once-a-month birthday post, asking readers to comment on that particular post only if they’re having a birthday that month (without listing a specific day or year). And then do a followup post with birthday wishes in the comments, naming all those readers. So only the birthday month is public; that ought to be safe.
I’m wishing all of you a Happy Birthday, whenever it is!
I grew up sending and receiving many wonderful cards. It was especially important to send a thank-you card or note when given a gift or shown a favor. Both of these practices have become almost extinct. But as you noted cards have become more and more expensive . Sad.
I am happy with your decision to cancel. I was kind of riding and hiding about doing it, thinking of the expense and all. Plus, I was never too good about sending cards when it wasn’t costly to do it. Except for my grandkids. I was always good about theirs, with money in it. Their mama said they stood by the mailbox at birthday time, waiting for their letter and money. I miss those days. They are all grown now with kids of their own. Opps…I digress.
Also, not a good idea to have our personal address posted in public places
Sometimes the nicest ideas get shot down!! More than birthday cards, I really miss the Christmas cards and letters. It was such a nice thing to hear from everybody and what they had been doing. But, time marches on and times do change and they are really changing! Not sure I’m keeping up with the changes. Families are so busy these days and don’t have the time to do the little extras. My mother and I wrote letters every week for at least 60 years. I asked for a Watts line and my husband said I couldn’t talk enough to pay for it. My reply was “I would like to try.”
Making coffee is a good sign. As recovery progresses, the pain will get better along with everything else.
Doing the stuff you used to do will be fun again.
In the meantime, we have your blog. We enjoy the good and share the sadness. Seems like the death of young people really effects a whole family/town. That isn’t supposed to happen.
Take care, everybody. Betty in Rapid City
Well, I haven’t read all the comments, but here’s what I do every week, we belong to a large congregation and every week I send card to the birthday people (75 and older) new babies, the sick and also the sympathy cards. The reason I started this is because our grandson was born early and was in the nicu for almost 3 weeks. They received zero cards! I decided someone need to so some love! Some weeks it’s a couple, some weeks it’s 10! But, who’s counting!? Not me!
Ok I’m off my box!
Joy – I also send quite a few cards – I keep a birthday book on my island next to my calendar and I look at it every single day. Sometimes if I’m organized I get the cards addressed early and ready to mail with a post-it on which day to put it in the mail.
Oh Darn! I thought it was a cute idea. I send birthday cards to many friends and family throughout the year. I buy my cards discounted, and yes, postage is going up, but it’s worth it to me to send a greeting in the mail. It can make a person’s day even more special.
Moe, I’d love to send you cards throughout the year cause I too buy discount cards, look for clever ones when I am at craft fairs which are usually fund raisers for an organization selling homemade cards. My address is in the last post and if you want to send me one with your address, I would love that. And how can I forget a Halloween card in honor of all your quilts! I saved the ladies addresses from the last post so a card sent out now and then isn’t going to break me and it’s something I know from experience makes you feel like someone thought of you.
Kathy,
Your message to Moe is so sweet. It brightened my day.
Thank you.
Thank you Lynn. It is nice of you and I do love to send a card to anyone as my dearest pen pal from 45 years ago started with a card.
Kathy – what an excellent memory you have to remember that Moe is the one who makes all those Halloween quilts!!! I have her address and I can email it to you.
Thanks Mary. I appreciate it. We have one remaining hallmark store half hour from me that I can combine several stores together for twice a head shopping at and I use a coupon they send me to buy a box of assorted cards which have come in so handy for church folks. It came to less than a dollar a card so I hope they do seasonal ones too. If not, I have an idea for Moe’s Halloween card.
I so agree, Moe, and I am working on your card project tonight! My big idea got shot down however and I have to respect the majority’s decision.
Moe – I agree! I have another “card” post to write tonight.
Hi Mary, Kathy, etc… you all make me feel so good. Kathy I’ve got your address and will send a card. I love a good pen pal and have a few around the world. When I was 11 my family moved, the only way to keep my friends was by writing to them, we have all kept in touch these past 50+ years. I learned to love writing a letter, send a card, or a post card at a young age. I’m amazed some of you remember my Halloween Quilts, I counted the other day…25 so far. I’m still finishing my UFOs, other than Halloween, it’s so much fun! I plan to send Mary a few photos of my finishes soon.
The birthday card exchange sounded like fun, but you’re right it’s probably not a good idea! It could get complicated and pricey.
Like Marilyn I too am supposed to have hip surgery. I’m going in to see the surgeon for a follow-up appointment and and hopefully, after X-rays, I can postpone until 2024. We’ll see what he recommends.
I have to get through a crown replacement this month and cataract surgery in September.
Mary I loved your idea of cards but I cringe when I look at the prices of the cards. I didn’t realize the price of stamps went so high. I remember 3 and 5 cent stamps. We lived in the country and just put money in the mailbox and the mailman would leave stamps. Now we don’t even put mail in the box to go out because it doesn’t always get mailed.
Cleaned up some of the spent flowers yesterday and today. Stopped to see my brother down the road and wished him happy 80th birthday.
We had a deer on camera that pulled tomatoes from the plant and ate them. Sprayed around the base of the plant with deer repellent hopefully to deter them. We’ll see. Will keep you posted.
I would like the book tell me one more time, did you want a self addressed stamped envelope? If so, a 5×7? Thx, Roberta
Roberta – all I want is $20 and an address label so I don’t have to hand write all the envelopes – thanks so much!
i agree with cancelling the birthday card club. yes, it’s wonderful to get cards in the mail – instead of constant bills. it could get cost prohibitive very quickly. thanks for offering tips for recovery time after hip surgery. i am supposed to have that in september – if my lung doctor will agree to let me be put under. i’ll know in another couple months. am collecting tips in the meantime. i should find out next week if i passed the tests to qualify for lung surgery (zephyr valve – you can google it). if not, i’m sure i’ll have a battle to have the hip surgery. the stress is doing a number on my mood. the pain doesn’t help either. i find myself snapping at people. i’ve dealt with the c.o.p.d. since 2003 and have managed to keep a good attitude. but the last couple weeks have been extremely hard. if you are the praying type, i would appreciate prayers for strength and peace. thank you all. patti in florida
Patti, Sorry to hear you are struggling with so many health problems. It’s hard to stay positive when you have health problems. Even one problem wears you down much less multiple health issues. Hang in there. You sound like a determined person. I will definitely pray for you. Take care.
Patti, I will be praying for you to have good health again soon. I agree with Connie R. It’s hard to stay positive when we feel bad. Good luck to you.
Patti – oh, we’re all so sorry to hear that you’re struggling! I m the praying type – and will.
Oh Patti, I hope and will pray that you qualify for the zephyr valve. I’m sure the heat and humidity isn’t helping your copd or your mood. I know it isn’t helping my mood! I feel like a wet dishrag and sit in the house with fans going and turning on the a/c more than usual. Needing hip surgery on top of that – no wonder you snap at people! Keep us posted on your progress. Jan in MA
Patti – when I asked Rick what tips he’d have for someone contemplating hip surgery, he said (without a blink) “go to a care center for two weeks”. He knows how hard this has been for me – I would say slip on shoes, loose pull on pants , a little basket hooked on the front of your walker – like a little wire bike basket. I know I’ve had one in the past but cannot find it and it would be sooooo helpful. A high kitchen stool. If you sit in an easy chair build up the seat with a piece of plywood and several foam cushions so you can easily stand up. You cannot bend!!! If there’s any way to put a hook in your ceiling with a grab rope it would be helpful but I know that’s extreme. Think of how many times a day you bend at the waist! All the bending over to help with shoes, compression socks, pants, etc is very hard on my lower back. But I’ll live!!