A palindromic age

Today is my 33rd birthday. Somehow I think that 33 must be an auspicious age, although I don't have a rational explanation for why I feel that way. Birthdays that are also palindromes just seem special. Good things are bound to happen. After all, I met the Professor when I was 22, and as it happens, he met me when he was 33. See what I mean? Good things. (Those of you who really know me may be wondering where this optimism is coming from. Again, I can't explain it.)

Anyway, I have always been of the opinion that it is far more fun to give than to receive, so I have some birthday gifts for you all—three birthday gifts, to be exact. Apropos, no? And since I believe in giving 'til it hurts, I have chosen three extra-special gifts.

First up is a skein of my handspun 3 ply fingering weight yarn. The fiber is Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino in the "Crocodile Walk" colorway. The skein weighs 118 grams (4.125 oz.) and is 420 yards. I hope the shades of green and russet will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Next is a brand new (unused, that is) Japanese stitch dictionary. This one contains 500 different stitch patterns. If you've never perused a Japanese stitch book, you're in for a treat. There's lots of scope for the imagination in this between these pages. The book is in Japanese, but every stitch pattern is charted, so knitters of all linguistic bacgrounds should be able to use it.

Last, and certainly not least, is a skein of Wollmeise 100% superwash merino sock yarn in "Veilchen" (the strong/dark version). Yes, I'm breaking into my precious but neglected stash of Wollmeise. (Let it not be said that I won't sacrifice for all of you!) You can't really tell from the photo, but there's a rich, vibrant purple in addition to the deep blue.

That's it—three prizes for three winners. Now, I really can't decide what should be first, second, and third prize, so I'm leaving it up to you. To enter, just leave a comment on this post listing your first, second, and third choice for prizes. I'll randomly select three entries. The first winner selected will get his or her first choice of prize. The second winner selected will receive the highest remaining prize in her/his ranking. The third winner will get, well, whatever is left; however, the last prize may well be that person's first or second ranking.

Got it? I'll leave the contest open until midnight (Central Standard Time) next Monday, November 24, and I'll announce the winners shortly thereafter. Anyone with a mailing address on Planet Earth is welcome to enter. Oh, but only one entry per person, please. Thanks, everyone! I'm off in search of birthday cake...