Today's surprise in the mail

Today my mother collected this package from the local Postshop. When she phoned me she sounded really excited - the mail brought this package all the way from Siberia. Olya told me she had mailed this in February and I secretly thought it might have got lost - but no this wonderful package took the long route to New Zealand.

Olya, my mother says you have beautiful handwriting! I have whited out some parts to maintain privacy.

And when the string was cut and the oiled paper unfolded inside was this - in all the rich jewel colours I always associate with Russia.

After peeling off another a shiny rainbow of threads, braids, beads, colourful fabric, a small keyring kit were revealed.

And some chocolate too. Inside the glittery gold drawstring bag was hiding this wonderful hanging. This hanging is a design of Olya's and I suspect the beads might be handmade too. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you so very much Olya. You are so very kind and I wish I could write thankyou in Russian.