Riddle: Instead of 2.5 custom bikes

[newfsmith]

Dan & I recently made a purchase that meant I would not be getting even 1 custom bike in my lifetime. It is our combined 38th anniversary, and birthday presents (60 & 61). It is completely non-customized to us, was created perhaps before we were married, and we hope will be a thing of beauty and pleasure throughout our retirement. In a sense it is a gift to the neighborhood as well as us. It is bigger than a bread box and should arrive Tuesday.

Anyone that correctly guesses our present to ourselves gets a small ($20) gift certificate for a TE purchase. Answers must be posted before I post the correct answer Wednesday evening. Meantime, I will answer 19 "yes or no" questions (I already told you it was bigger than a breadbox). Jean

[withm]

This is a very intriguing puzzle. All I can think of is a tree? A very LARGE tree being transplanted to your yard or a nearby common area?

Martha

[Starfish]

Is it alive?

[mimitabby]

how many wheels does it have?

[DebW]

Will this object reside in one spot on your property?

[Zen]

Does it have any historical significance to the neighborhood?

[singletrackmind]

A tandem?

[KnottedYet]

an antique car?

a gazebo? Band shell? Sculpture?

(not yes-no questions, just guesses! Don't count these against our 20-questions totals! don't answer them!)

[Zen]

yep, bet its a tandem. But I didn't guess first.

[newfsmith]

I am really impressed Martha, you will be getting the gift certificate soon. Photos of the tree, & planting to follow Wednesday.

[withm]

Dan & I recently made a purchase that meant I would not be getting even 1 custom bike in my lifetime. It is our combined 38th anniversary, and birthday presents (60 & 61). It is completely non-customized to us, was created perhaps before we were married, and we hope will be a thing of beauty and pleasure throughout our retirement. In a sense it is a gift to the neighborhood as well as us. It is bigger than a bread box and should arrive Tuesday.

Anyone that correctly guesses our present to ourselves gets a small ($20) gift certificate for a TE purchase. Answers must be posted before I post the correct answer Wednesday evening. Meantime, I will answer 19 "yes or no" questions (I already told you it was bigger than a breadbox). Jean

OH MY!!!! Why thank you! I can hardly believe it.

Well you hinted that it was more $ than 2 custom bikes, so I was thinking a car, but then a thing of beauty really didn't fit, nor the part about a gift to the neighborhood. Jewelry? no neighborhood factor (unless you go for daily walks using your diamond studded tiara to light the way). So I thought, what could a gift to the neighborhood be, and be a thing of beauty, and of course bigger than a breadbox. A garden? A playground? Well, you said it was being delivered... so I thought that ruled out garden. Pets didn't really fit the description either. So about all that was left that seemed to meet all the clues was a tree.

Oh dear, I hope I don't have to guess what kind! (But I'm thinking a mighty oak or maple?)

I hope that tree becomes the site of many wonderful events - a grandchild's fort, a tea party, countless picnics or block parties, someone's first kiss, an engagement, or just a quiet spot to sit and read a book and talk to a close friend.

Happy Anniversary, and happy birthday to both of you. May you enjoy many, many years of pleasure and comfort with such a thoughtful contribution to the neighborhood.

Martha

[maillotpois]

what a fantastic gift. we have to see pictures!!!

[DrBee]

I can't wait to see pictures! What a meaningul gift that will last!

[newfsmith]

Hope this works, I don't have photoshop on my new computer, so I might not have gotten these small enough. "Winter King" Hawthorn arriving, planting, & in place.

[jobob]

Wow!