Friday, November 28, 2014

This year we had two events on Friday November 28th, the Christmas Tree Lighting and the Devil' Thumb Brewfest and Chili Cook Off, which is sponsored by the Ski Club.

  Each event deserves it's own post, but the events complimented each other so well, I had to post them together.  It was COLD outside this year.  My truck temperature gauge read 19 F.  Last year it was cool and rainy and the year before that it was snowy.  No matter the weather, the Sons of Norway provides a warm drink for everyone.  The high school band plays Christmas music and lots and lots of families participate in the candle parade.  I was able to snap some great photos of the happy participants.  

The Tree Lighting

Our tree gets more and more beautiful every year, thanks to Matt Bryner and the support of local businesses and families.  Thank you all!!

Devil' Thumb Brewfest and Chili Cook Off, which is sponsored by the Ski Club.

After the tree was lit, we wandered down to the Sons Of Norway for a little stew(Chili) and brew, and to warm our frozen toes.  There were lots and lots of yummy treats to sample and good drinks too.  It was hard to figure out where to put my 8 beans because everything I tasted was just too good.  (Maybe next year I will bring my own beans so I can give one to everybody;-).  Everyone who shared their food and drink deserved a first place ribbon!

The Stew

The Brew

The Crew

Thank you for letting me take your picture.  If I took your picture and it isn't here, it's because it didn't turn out or wan't complimentary.  

Petersburg Post Office

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to start thinking about getting those packages ready to send to friends and family.  It's also time to think about the crew who make sure our packages get a good start on their journey.  I have come to really appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Post Office crew, Post Master Theresa, Nels, Karin, Kim, and Kathy.

I am happy to say that in the year and a half that I have had my Etsy shop, Christmas Jul, I have sent over 1000 packages to customers around the world right from our post office.  During this time I have learned a lot about shipping packages.  Here are some things to think about as you prepare your packages.

1.  Make sure you use sturdy boxes.
2.  Be sure your packages are well taped.
3.  Be sure your address is clear and accurate on the box.
4.  If the box contents are breakable, be sure to insulate them well and write FRAGILE on the box.
5.  MAIL EARLY

USPS.com offers a Click and Ship option, which allows you to purchase shipping labels on-line.  Labels purchased on-line are less expensive than the labels purchased at the post office counter, They include tracking, and you don't have to stand in line at the post office.

On the USPS website, page, scroll down to the "Click. Print. Ship. icon on the blue menu bar.  You can also set up an account on this page if you don't already have one.

Type your name and address at the top of this form.

Type the name and address of the person you are sending your package to in the next section of the first form.

BE SURE TO SELECT THE DATE YOU WILL BE BRINGING THE PACKAGE TO THE POST OFFICE ON THE DATE MENU.

The next step is to select your service type.  

The blue button will direct you to this page.  You will also select your service on this page.  You can compare the cost of shipping your item via regular package vs/ flat rate box.  If you have a flat item that is less than 4 pounds, you can choose a flat rate envelope.

There are many steps to the Click and Ship form but the directions on the form make it easy to follow.   If you haven't tried it, do, it's fun to walk past the long line at the window and set your package on the counter and leave.  I think it makes life lots easier for the person behind the counter too.

There is a form for international packages that is very similar to the domestic package form, but it has a customs form to fill out.

It is VERY, VERY, VERY important to mail your packages early.  Things really slow down during the last two weeks before Christmas.  Mail goes out at about 9:15 AM.  The weather can make it impossible for planes to fly, so figure that into your shipping timeline.

My customers leave comments on my shop's web site.  The most common comment is 'very fast shipping.'  These accolades are due to the hard work and dedication of the staff at our post office.  I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the hard work they all do.  This holiday season you might want let them know just how much you appreciate the hard work they do by getting your packages in early with a pre-printed label.

Thank you Theresa,  Nels, Karin, Kim, and Kathy and Happy Holidays!!!

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