Yes I’m talking about the famous “Balik Bayan Box” that comes in at this time of year from the States, Europe or Australia, delivered by many shipping companies but mostly by the LBC folks and right to your door. Upon seeing the truck on your street Heart rates will rise; excitement levels will run amuck little feet will be tapping in anticipation of the opening of the flaps on “The BOX”. It’s just like Christmas morning but early it’s like a party in a box.
The first “BOX” arrived last Wednesday from my Sister-in-law Susan who lives in Holland, and is married to a great guy named Evert and she have a son named Stephen who is one of the coolest little guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, and not just because he calls me Oom Paul (Uncle Paul in Dutch) albeit that does sound so cool. So now after all these years I’m a real “Dutch Uncle” well at least on LiP anyway, and he is my Oomzegger (Nephew).
Within the BOX are goodies from Holland to include some chocolates from the Netherlands that I’m very fond of. But also Christmas presents for the kids. Susan sent a set of roller blades for Colleen (Our Granddaughter) which is far better than Ice Skates for cruising on the Zuiderzee (A River).
But the bottom line is the happiness the “BOX” gives to all the family here in the Philippines, and we miss her, Evert and Stephan very much at this time of year.
Now for Paul’s list of what not to pack prior to bringing the BOX to LBC for shipping to the Philippines.
Spam: There is no shortage of it here.
Instant Coffee: Hey ground coffee would be nice.
Powdered Creamer: Again it’s here.
Spaghetti and Macaroni: Yes we’ve never seen it before.
Ramen or any instant noodles: You are using that as packing material, right, like Styrofoam peanuts?
Costco’s or Sam’s Club #10 size cans of anything, (#10 = Restaurant size) they’re too big even if we throw a large party.
Pringles: We are not living in the stone ages.
Okay, we all understand the packing of “The BOX” and sometimes we just run out of ideas. Now Susan packed a great “BOX” and got it all right. But there is another IN-LAW who resides in the US of A who will send stuff like you’ve never seen, all of the above list and stuff that will surprise even the person who has seen it all. Clothes’ from the thrift store? We have Ukay-Ukay here and they are overflowing now that the typhoons relief supplies are flowing in from around the world. Items that the family relies on me, to tell them what it is and how it’s used (Which quite often is NEVER) Stuff that Mike & Frank (The Pickers) would walk right by. A good rule is; If you don’t know what it is or does, don’t send it.
When I was in the shipping business (Meaning sending LBC Boxes myself), I had a list of ages sizes genders and other information for the family. Then I’d walk into a Store somewhere in the world, find the young Pinay employee (And there always was one) tell her boss that I was going to spend an obscene amount of money, but not if I had to do it by myself. Give the young lady my list and follow behind her and nod approval as she checked off each name. Then I would tip her a few days pay, and tote it all to the nearest LBC using bearers and ship it home, stop for a few cocktails then return to the ship, as my Christmas shopping was now done.
Now Mayang has replaced the girl in the store as my duty shopper and I pull one of my daughters aside, and sneak her some money and have her shop for her mother presents. (I know they discuss it between themselves but I don’t care) But I always shop on my own for that one special gift for Mrs. Thompson; because at least that one must be from me.
To those packing the “BOX” back in the land of the Big Box Stores, to send over to family and friends, remember those 1.75 liter bottles of Rum, Scotch, Bourbon, and oh, well use your imagination are always a welcome Stocking Stuffer, and won’t be sold at the families Sari-sari Store in January. BTW; they still don’t know what to do with those #10 cans of Hormel Chili w/beans Item # 740336 @ $8.13.at Costco’s.
Note from my Grandson to the world, you can keep the stuff in the “THE BOX”” as long as he gets to play with “THE BOX”.
Sorry folks.. there was a technical glitch that made it where you could not comment on this article for the first hour that it was published. I have fixed that and the article is now open for comments. Sorry for the glitch!
Hey Bob;
I think they were better off before you fixed it. (LOL) But Thank You Sir!
Happy to do it, Paul! Not sure how it got like that…. Monday morning glitch, I suppose.
Bob;
I’m a mess on Mondays too. (;LOL)
Do these Balik Bayan Boxes still pass customs?
Agile;
Not that I know of, now I’ve ever seen have been opened.
My wife sent one stuffed with goods! As in brimming!
Victor;
Brimming is what we want, Susan (From Holland) sent four very full boxes this year. Brimming is a good word to use!
Sure, they pass customs, Agile StephenWarren
Bob;
They must pass by the office with no one checking! As I’ve said I have never seen one opened by customs in my time (YET).
Hi Paul,
We had one we sent to family in Mindinao that was opened by the time it got to our family there more than half the contents were gone.
Jay;
I’ve heard of that happening, but thankfully not too often, I’m surprised the sent the rest to the family at all.
Hi Paul,
From what I have understood from my local LBC branch here in New Jersey, inspection, customs, and fees are handled here. The fees being the type of box (size) and total weight, plus LBC’s service charge for said box. The total charge is always a whole lot cheaper than using one of the major carriers like UPS or FEDEX and even the USPS. Plus, there is no need to worry about customs fees when it arrives in the Philippines. To date I have paid between $25 to $35 with the exception of one shipment a couple of years ago. That was because I used a larger box, which meant more weight for more items, that came to $150. It was going to cost me triple that through FEDEX, not including insurance, not to mention the Custom fees still to be charged when it arrived in the Philippines. I have been using LBC for the last 4 year to ship Boxes to Muntinlupa City, Alabang (Metro Manila) and all that is required on my end is to bring the box open so that it gets inspected here to make sure all items I describe that I’m shipping is there and no more. The box then gets sealed with their LBC labled red tape, all around the edges, and both ends that open. Accross where the box would be opened from, top and bottom, a signed tougher paper tape is put perpendicular to how the box opens to let the reciever know it has not been open. You can’t just remove this extra tape without a razor or sharp edge as it will damage the box. It’s just an indicator that the box was not opened to the recipient. Of course if someone really wants the box they will find a way to take it. To date though, everything I’ve shipped has arrived, box unopened, with all of its contents, usually within a week to 12 days after I send it.
On a side note Paul, I love reading your articles, especially as funny as some are. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!
Manny;
It sure sounds like LBC New Jersey knows what they are doing, like you I’ve shipped many boxer by LBC, albeit I’ve heard of some tough times some people have had, but I’ve been satisfied foe over 20 years with their service, their old bank not so much. It is great to hear that you’ve had the same luck as me.
If your explaining something about life in the Philippines I’ve found that using humor makes it sound better than a dry lecture to folks. They both get the message and have a laugh at the same time, what could be wrong with that?
So to you and your family let me wish you a most Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful and Happy New Year.
Spreading a little cheer, huh, Victor Emanuel Nobrega!
Bob;
Victor;
Is brimming with Christmas Cheer, I like that word and have not seen it used in a long time!
OK, I have a friend who paid 500 pesos at EMS customs mail counter here in Manila for a t-shirt and pair of shorts sent from a friend in the USA via regular mail.
Agile:
Regular mail being the key word there!
I have sent packages to The Philippines through US Postal Service and they got to their destination, Iligan City, Philippines without any customs charges and they packages were not opened. If you send something ” Insured ” ( that may not be covered once it leaves the country of origin ) that will set off the bells and whistles at most foreign Customs that there is something of value inside that should be taxed. Additionally sending something to a business address is also an open invitation for Customs to evaluate and tax the contents. There may be a ” package Tax ” that the recipient of the package may have to pay when they receive the package in The Philippines. I am not sure on this but I have heard of it. This is supposedly a charge by Philpost for handling the package.
Bob (NY)
Insure the package, you’re right just paint it red and write “Help Yourself” the outside of the box. I don’t know the truth to this but I’ve heard that the main post office in Manila 30 years ago employed cash sniffing dogs to check all international mail.
That has nothing to do with a Balikbayan box. Balikbayan boxes don’t come through the postal system.
Last time we send Balikbayan boxes, they were delayed a lot.
We called the company and asked why:They told us they were delayed, because our boxes were “taken out” for inspection by costums. Maybe it was a bad excuse, i don’t know. They arrived fine and no problem.
We have send many boxes and there have never been a problem.
Axel:
If you can find out the name of the ship (The shipping point knows) your box it riding on you can track it through the Internet ship arrivals. I’ve had boxes delayed by a change in the schedule and also by the shipper not shipping it to my area until the truck was full.ve heard every excuse, but customs, that’s a new one. But I believe you heard it!
Axel, we have been shipping balikbayan boxes for nearly 30 years. I recently compiled a rather insightful article ( http://retiredinsamar.com/?p=1653 ) pertaining to what you need to know about BB shipping and yes, Customs (U.S. and Philippines) and Homeland Security is very involved in container inspections. Recently there seems to be a difference in inspection levels between west coast and east coast shipping facilities. Especially read the article written by Roland Paez ( http://asianjournalusa.com/frankly-speaking-balikbayan-box-issues-and-discussion-p12418-145.htm ) of the San Diego based Asian Journal for some additional insights.Hope Bob don’t mind me sharing this info.
Randy;
I don’t mind at all it was informative. But Homeland Security US &Philippines Customs, plus the NSA reading this, on our e-mails and the websites we don’t stand a chance. From now on I’m using snail mail; the Post Office doesn’t have the time to deliver that so I know they can’t read it.
Bob;
If they came by mail we’d never see them.
Paul.
I’ll never use Mail again. Send a couple of watches as b-day presents in a padded US Postal envelope, insured it and that was the last I saw or heard from them, never arrived!!! Somebody over there got a nice present!
LBC and ONLY LBC for years now!
ok, lesson learned then
Agile:
When I receive any mail at my house even if mailed locally, it will be a month or two old.
I have never heard of any taxes or duties on a Balikbayan Box, next time might be best to use one of those.
Bob;
I don’t fully understand the law pertaining to the Balik Bayan Box, but when I was building my house I sure did take advantage of the loophole.
Here you go Paul: http://customs.gov.ph/faqs/balikbayan-boxes/#7.7
Randy;
The truth is I didn’t go anywhere, I was already here. But that information explains why you bring the box to LBC still open, so they can inspect it.
Paul, interesting post about BB boxes, doubt I will ever need one, nothing I can’t avail in PH that i would really miss. If I ever did, a quick trip to SG would solve that lol.
I read a few years back that although BB boxes generally were not checked at the PH end they are now randomly scanned/xrayed. It’s the way of the world now.
Over the years I’ve read of many complaints about normal overseas postal letters and small packages not arriving at there PH destination. I have sent many Greetings cards and small packages to Mindanao over the years and never ever had one go missing, delayed yes, but not missing.
Tips; (for newbies)
It’s important that they are addressed correctly and clearly in all “Capitals” so they are easy to read by someone whose English maybe poor. Senders address on the back and Airmail stickers back and front.
Be aware that many areas of the PH will not have a postal delivery service as we know it, and items will need to be collected from the nearest Post Office. Often a re-visit 1 week later or even a 3rd visit may be needed.
From the UK to Mindanao I always allowed 10 to 14days for letters/cards and 3 to 4 weeks for small parcels.
Example:
From the UK it takes max 3 days for normal Airmail post to reach Manila, then, on average, 10days for a letter to get from Manila to Mindanao. That’s why it’s called Snail Mail 🙂
Christmas time is a whole new ball game, letters and small packages need to be sent early October coz once we get into mid November the PH Postal system starts grinding to a halt !
Merry Christmas.
Chas;
It would seem that you have a great working knowledge as to how mail works here. And nothing I could add would improve on your comments. Mail service here is but one more adventure, and I did come seeking adventure. Keep smiling the mail will get there someday
So what kind of booze in the boxes from Holland Paul? When we ship boxes out of Los Vegas we have to fill out a content list. If there is any thing taxable in the PI in the box you pay the tax to the shipper. Being a Grinch we have never had any thing taxable, so I don’t know what would be taxable. Maybe Harley.
I don’t know what you can get little Dude to match the box, Ha Ha. Merry Christmas to all.
Hey Loren;
I filled out the list and forgot the booze was packed, Ooops my bad! I don’t remember packing anything taxable, as no one told me was.
A great snowy Christmas to you and your lovely bride!
Snow is good if you are a penguin. And for those that are irritated about the internet in the PH, My internet here in the Good ole USA has been on and off the past week. Probably working about 50% of the time.
Loren;
I warned you about Smart Bro in Colorado they’ll get better in a year or so. (LOL)
Hi Paul – Your “Do Not Ship” list reads like the shipping contents of our boxes! The rationale behind such logistical prowess is that those items are cheaper in the USA. Of course, the owner of those logistic talents doesn’t care to figure in the cost of shipping, making the cheapness argument moot.
Still, opening a box does smell like America! 😆
Paul;
You can only save so much money on Spam before it sounds like you’re whining about the cost. Do people try to avoid you it the market on the Spam aisle?
A shipmate of mine (MSC) shipped 3 Kaban of Jasmine Thai rice from Singapore to Olongapo, he could have saved half the cost had he just waited and bought it at the Royal store on Subic. He got home and found out that not only did he lose money, (Wait for it!) His wife sold two of them because they were in the way at her house. (No kids and no family in the area) His new nickname throughout the MSC Fleet was from that day hence, “Nate, the Rice Dealer”
It takes a month or more for them to be delivered you can go to local post office in. U S its a smaller size box for $65.00 they have bigger but it gets here in 9 days
Lenny;
That info is a first for me, I absolutely do not trust either Post Office system. The both work for a government. But if it works for you, that’s fantastic!
Have had 3 sent to me and never a problem
Lenny;
We are the blessed ones; I’ve never had a problem either!
Yeah Paul, one cant imagine what an active 4 year old can do with “THE BOX”.
Her excitement for what she got from the box lasted only a day, THE BOX was crayoned, watercolored,taped, doors and windows were cut through even an occasional dinner and naps wrere done in it.
After more than a month, the box was retired. My little girl came to me and asked “Tatay(dad) when is the next box coming? I glanced at my decrepit refrigerator……maybe its about time to buy a new one.
Al Luz;
Refrigerator Box that is the Nirvana in the BOX world, worth the cost of a new Ref. Hmmmm new beer ref. I must find a new source of boxes when this one wears out.
Nice story. When we first moved here to the Philippines, we sent 32 boxes. They cost us $90 each, but we got the bulk of our stuff over here, including my computer.
We have never had a box opened to the best of my knowledge. If they did, they went through a lot of tape that my wife puts on there, like a half a roll of packing tape and a half a roll of scotch tape on each box.. If the got in there, they taped them back up just as good, so I don’t think so.
I like to send myself the Ramen noodles. I like those better than the ones here. I’m going to send pinto beans, some instant soup in envelopes and masa back here on our next stateside trip. I like to use the soup to mix in with the soup I make here. Do you still have the cans of chili?
John;
The Chili mixed with rice and dry dog food fed my dog army for a week, they seemed to like it, send the one without beans next time. I’d like to know which Ramon noodles are different that the states. I thought there was only one cardboard factory in China (LOL)
Yes send the things you like and can’t find here. (Or are cheaper there) PUSSERS!!! One bottle Na Lang! Then why tease me by telling me. (LOL)
Pinto beans are very hard to find, that’s a great idea.
John Jackson — They have Ramen noodles in Royal sometimes.. They do taste a lot better to me than the standard version there. In the USA they cost around 4 pecos, not much more there. Pinto beans were hard to find for us in Olongapo, we had some we had brought a year earlier and they lost a lot of their quality; I guess because of the humidity. Had to wash them down with SMB’s.
Loren;
Pinto Beans washed in SMB’s, I see why we hang around together! (LOL)
Sorry Paul, only got one bottle of Pussers this year not enough to share.
John;
Let the others wonder what we’re talking about with Pussers Rum!
Paul
WE will be sending a few boxes back. Things that you can’t get here or are so much cheaper in the states. Cost is no object. Have a Merry Christmas, we’ll be off to the frozen tundra on Thursday.
Randy;
You and Anne have a safe trip back to the Big PX. Remember what you’ve see on the shelves here before you put it into “The Box”. (lol)
Hi Paul,
I enjoy reading your description of the LBC truck arriving in the neighborhood. It instantly reminded me of a song from the hit Broadway Musical ” The Music Man ” titled ” The Wells Fargo Wagon ” . Unfortunately the original broadway cast version is not available on Youtube but many variations of it are. I still have my copy of the original 33 & 1/3 RPM LP. Now, that was more than ” a few ” decades ago LOL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kfi-DWUYM8
Bob (NY)
Go advice on using the mail service, I don’t use it as it doesn’t arrive ever, or very late. I believe Cliff Craven (From Cheers) is the Postmaster General here.
GREAT Video BTW!!
I sent one way back in early Sept. to make sure it got there by Christmas, as of Friday its still sitting in Manila port. I use Manila Forewarders, (I have read, Bob dosnt like them but not sure why) so far havent had a problem with them though, but not to sure if I would use them for containers when we move there in a few years. The company told me that because of the typhoon relief that is arriving there, most other containers are not being processed, and also told me that the head of customs was fired about a month ago because of problems processing all the relief, but dont know if any of that is actually true or not. I try to send them things that I havent seen there, but because they arnt used to some things I send, they make some rather odd sounding “caseroles”. One was taco shells on the bottom, with stovetop stuffing on top of them, with mushroom soup and vienna sausage on the top, then cover with salsa after it comes out of the oven, they love it. Like you Paul, I often forget some things I put in the BOX, when filling out the packing form.
i used Manila Forwarders twice ,i will never use them again, they charged my wife P200 to pick up the box they don’t deliver in my area and the last box was smashed and a few items missing, i read on a Philippine web site that they were banned from shipping to the Philippines now
John;
I’ve seen many freight door to door companies come and go, and all for the same reason. There will be 3 or 4 new companies this year; it is we that must seek out the relievable ones.
Bill;
Caseroles, all of the ingredients are available here in my area. But with the relief Ukay-Ukay items flowing in I can see where a delay could occur. Susan sent her four boxes from Europe in Sept. also and we received them last week. So who knows the real reason?
Those boxes are duty free. I have a friend that uses loose rice for packing material and lines the box with plastic. So they get to send the packages plus add some food 🙂
Stephen;
That a good idea so long as it’s not Uncle Ben’s Converted rice or Rice-A-Roni, try to get a Pinoy to eat either of those (LOL)
OK – question – What are items that Needs to be sent that is either hard to get or can’t get at all from the U.S.?
As for the relief effort, I’ve been told by 3 people there, that clothes are NOT needed and is starting to stack up – so what is needed most that can be shipped from the U.S.
And, for someone coming to do mission work there for a year or two, what are items that needs to be shipped and/or brought?
Thanks for the comments.
AL;
Paul being serious:
Winter items like coats and sweaters there is really not a large demand for.
Smaller people need small sizes,
All types of children wear, shoes also.
Shorts and t-shirts are the uniform of the day.
Most donations should be pure common sense. A lot of donations of high end clothes will be diverted and sold throughout the country. It’s sad but very true.
Shipping for yourself, once again use common sense, it’s a hot and tropical country. Dress accordingly; ship anything that makes you comfortable (COTTON is number one for comfort). If your Church requires you to dress formally as do the LDS, then ship that also.
Maybe some other readers will have better answers and will chime in with them, check back in a day or so.
Many senders of the balikbayan box hardly think outside the box (couldn’t resist the pun). They tend to send the same run-of-the- mill stuff over and over again, and that gets tiring to the recipients in the provinces, in my opinion. However, if you visit a military surplus store, you’d be surprised at the many things you will find there that can really be useful for people in the provinces who work in the fields, as well as be appreciated for their originality.
Now, I have never in my life packed and sent a balikbayan box to anyone, nor have I received one myself, but here are just some of the items I think I would pack in the box if I were to send a box or boxes to relatives in the Philippines, particularly to a farmer family in Salaza, Palauig, Zambales.
From Walmart –
Folger’s or Maxwell House instant coffee
Nestle coffeemate creamer
Sugar packets
Corned beef
Vienna sausage
Sardines in tomato sauce or oil (small size, rectangle, lift top)
Beef jerky
Canned biscuits/crackers/cheese spread
From Ranger Surplus Store, or, Army-Navy Surplus Store –
Mess gear/water canteen
Cooking stove
Sterno
Waterproof/windproof matches
Water-purifying tablets
Swiss Army multi-purpose knife
Poncho
Sleeping bag/tent/blanket/towels
Fishing kit
Field sewing kit
Assorted ropes
Camouflage cargo pants
Wehrmacht field jacket from Operation Barbarossa
Israeli Defense Force wife beater shirts (sando)
Desert Storm combat boots and hat
Heavy duty flashlight and batteries
Coleman lantern
Compass/pencil/notepads
Field glases/night vision/goggles
Inflatable raft
Pair of walkie talkies
FM 21-76 – if you don’t know what that is, it’s the DoD field manual on survival LOL
MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) one box, 30-day supply, 5 different kinds of entrees with dessert sells for $125 at the Ranger Store in Bethesda, MD
Field ration disposable heater
M16A4 (Optional), it might get you in trouble if customs opens the box
Navy Seal rucksack to pack these all in.
Now, if the above-items packed in a balikbayan box doesn’t put a smile on your farmer relative’s friend, I don’t know what will. 🙂
The last sentence above should read, “…put a smile on your farmer relative’s face.” Not, “friend”.
John;
So we no longer like the Farmers friend? After your Outside the Box comment (Pun) I owed you this.
Paul – Sure, we still like my farmer relative’s friend, but I just wanted to wipe the smile off of his face. Remember he was smiling in my last post? I just didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about the sleeping bag from Ranger’s Surplus that I’d be sending my farmer relative. You know how that goes, two Salaza farmers working the late shift in the boonies, and only and one sleeping bag?
John;
Grinning like a Cheshire cat, If you want an easy way to get into a Sleeping Bag, Wake Her Up!
John;
There were some really great items on your list. The Navy loaded 400 pallets of MRE’s (Meals Rejected by Ethiopians) onboard my ship to deliver to the fleet; every ship has a fully stocked galley so we had no idea what to do with them. We stored them for six months and sailed them back to the supply center in Guam.
Paul – Are MREs that bad to be rejected by Ethiopians? I thought SOS was bad when we had those everyday for breakfast in our mess hall in Germany. We had steak for dinner every Saturday, though.
Ooops, missed that one. MRE – Meals Rejected by Ethiopians, the acronym. Ignore the post above. LOL
John;
I just couldn’t ignore your comment, that would be rude! (LOL)
John;
On ships there would be a riot if there was no SOS, but the fried spam you can keep.
I remember the old C-rations. Ham and MF’s were the worst
Hudson
And which was the best? (LOL)
Yes. Military surplus items are a big hit with folks in our area. I generally buy up any GI surplus hats I see at the flea market. A couple of trips ago I had some MREs with us in our camp at the ranch. A couple of local guys came to visit and we gave one to each of them. I had to demonstrate how to prepare them. The new ones have a water activated heater pouch for the main entree. They seemed to like it. Last trip, I saw one of them using the plastic outer pouch for carrying his betel nut fixin’s.
Many years ago, in a far away galaxy, we were convoying through the desert. We had to stop and overnight at an encampment of engineers who told us the road ahead had not yet been cleared of unexploded ordnance. We were just outside a bombed out Iraqi village. That night, there was a bit of a stir when three Iraqi soldiers came into camp and surrendered. They had been hiding in the village, living off of MREs that had bounced off of passing American trucks. The engineers gave each of the guys an MRE. Two seemed happy. The other one said “Oh, chicken a la king. No, thank you.”
Take care,
Pete
Pete;
He didn’t like the chicken a la king; I’ll bet he hated the Pork Chops! My father-in-law was fascinated with the chemical heating MRE’s but couldn’t figure why the bag didn’t work the second time.
But John’s suggestion of Military Surplus was a great idea, I wish now that I’d sent some trenching tools and stuff like that years ago, he is right the family would love that type of stuff, And anything Camouflage is a monster hit here in the Philippines..
We sent three balikbayan boxes on Oct. 12 to three different addresses in Luzon, using LBC. They have all arrived fine. They contained mostly outgrown clothing from our grandkids that could be used by our nieces and nephews in the PI. We packed them in space bags and labeled them according to who we thought they would fit. A couple of the kids there were pictured wearing these clothes on Facebook after they received them. Our grandkids were happy to see they were being used.
Larry;
That’s the right idea, pass it on. Being number 3 of five sons I’m no stranger to that myself. Or as we used to say at the Thompson house in Boston; “The first one up, will be the best one dressed.”
Susan sent on baby clothes (For Jayden) and other clothes for the rest of the kids too. (Sorry girls) Susan has only one son.
It’s good to hear that the three boxes arrived on time and in good condition. Merry Christmas Larry to you and yours!
A couple of years ago I sent my wifes family a box which included an old fashion percolator coffee pot, and a three pound can of ground coffee. When I went to visit this last April I brought with me a bag of Kona coffee with me because I don’t like instant anything (another story). Anyway, When I got there My mother-in-law still had the coffe pot I had sent her, brand-new, still in the box. Ok, great! But I’m still wondering what happened to the three pound can of ground coffee?
Hudson, it got boiled up “cowboy style” in a normal pot. Just pour a bit of cold water in it after it’s done to settle the grounds to the bottom.
Take care,
Pete
Hudson:
Better you never find out, or Pete is right… (LOL)
I pack the box the SMART WAY! I ask asawa ko what she wants and if I can fit it into the box that’s what I’ll ship, lol!