Whoa!

I've often been amazed at the generosity of my fellow bloggers and the past 2 days have been no exception.  I've had several transactions with many that read this blog, but Dennis from Too Many Verlanders and I haven't crossed paths all that much.

Sometime in 2011 I won a contest he was holding for a set of football cards.  Very cool I thought.  Time passed and I forgot about it as I was busy chasing other cards.  Then 2 days ago I received a large "brick" in the mail chocked full of Braves and Panthers cards.  Inside was a note apologizing for the delay in getting me the set I won as well as something to the effect of you'll probably like the other package better.  I thought what is he talking about?  This box alone was cool enough as I saw several cards that I didn't already have.

Then yesterday I got a large bubble mailer from Dennis full of more cards.  It still didn't hit me that this was the "other package" he referred to in his note.  I couldn't believe what I saw in the mailer.  Take a look:

Keary Colbert 04 UD Sweet Spot #242/699

Dwayne Jarrett 07 Donruss Gridiron Gear #086/100

2009 Donruss Threads #242/250

Armanti Edwards 10 Panini Crown Royale RC

Cam Newton 11 Topps RC

Cam Newton 11 Topps Chrome Refractor RC

Like I said earlier the first box full of Braves and Panthers was generous enough, but to throw these beauties in too?  I'm speechless.  It's not like we had a trade in the works and he just made the deal sweeter.  He sent these out of the blue.  Of course I am trying to put together a nice package to send in return, but I'm still amazed.  Thank you Dennis.  This is just one of the many reasons that I'm glad I got into the blogging game and continue to keep chugging along.

Something new and something blue

Black and blue that is.  The first 6 weeks have been rough in Carolina for Panthers fans.  I'm not giving up hope though.  Even though the team only has 1 win there have been flashes of greatness on the field.  Heck, at least the team is putting some points on the board!  Other than last week's game against the Falcons (which was closer than the score indicated) the Panthers have been in every game.  They took the defending Super Bowl champs down to the wire and only lost by 3 points.  Same thing when it came to playing the Bears and Saints.  That said I still get excited about acquiring new Panthers cards.  These few I'm sharing today came several weeks ago before things started to change.  I don't anticipate acquiring many more this season, but it's OK.  Outside of Cam Newton fans I don't know many card bloggers that care about the cats.

2011 Panini Rookie & Stars

I love these big jersey swatch cards!

2011 Topps Rising Rookies

Former coach John Fox basically refused to play Armanti Edwards last season.  So far he hasn't been all that successful trying to return the ball.  Verdict is still out on whether they can convert this former college QB into a WR in the NFL.

2010 Panini Patches & Plates

I had high hopes coming into this season for David Gettis.  It's a shape he went down so early with a season ending injury.  The Panthers still lack that #2 receiver to go along with Steve Smith.  I guess if there is anything good about the injury is it seems no one is actively looking for his cards making them el-cheap!

Secret Santa Delivers!

A few weeks ago I noticed that the blog (and fellow Braves fan) A Rookie (baseball) Card Collector was hosting a Secret Santa program.  I've participated in similar programs in past years on the HISS Tank G.I. Joe forums and it was a lot of fun - so I threw my hat in.  Well today I got a little present from my Secret Santa and I couldn't be happier!

To put it mildly I had a traumatic day w/ a family emergency (that turned out well) so not only was I relieved when I got home I was happy to see the large bubble mailer in the mail box.  I did receive a few questions from my Secret Santa regarding what I collect and which teams I follow.  I listed the Braves (of course!) along w/ the Carolina Panthers and a few particular players.  I had no idea what I would get and it really didn't matter.  I may not get any cards for Christmas from my family so it was nice that someone went out of their way to find something I like.  And let me go on record and say my Santa did a FANTASTIC job!  What did I get you may be wondering?

My nephew will be the recipient of this card.  Until he is older to enjoy it I'm sure my brother-in-law will like it.  His parents gave him the middle name of Fenway after all!

I love these National Chicle relic cards.  I picked up the Dale Murphy bat relic earlier this year, but never got around to Chipper.

I was really tempted to pick up one of these boxes @ Target that had this Chrome Refractor RC and another behind it.  Glad I waited now!

The card in that value box of 2010 Topps football that I really wanted.  Now it seems if the Panthers continue their abysmal season without another win Andrew Luck will be the next Panthers QB.  Sorry Clausen - I think you deserve another shot.

Another rookie Panthers QB.  I've picked up several (cheap) Pike autograph RCs, but not many base RCs so this is perfect.  Shiny too!

Yet another Panthers rookie QB - however they are trying to convert him to a WR or a return man.  So far it ain't lookin' pretty, but the guy does have talent.  It's just hard for anyone to stand out on a destined 1-15 team!

...and the crown jewel so the speak of the package!  This dual relic comes from 2010 Panini Absolute (which I haven't bought any of this year) and is numbered 32/50!

I can't think my Secret Santa enough.  He was very gracious w/ his gifts and made excellent choices.  He did reveal himself to me and gave me his e-mail so you can bet he'll be getting an e-mail from me thanking him up and down!

Platinum Panthers and a 1/1?

Well if there is one thing about your team going 0-3 the first few weeks of the NFL season is that it translates into some good deals for football cards.  I think I've paid a combined $8.00 (not including shipping) for these 3 cards:

I don't know what any of these rookies will do for the Panthers this season, but these Platinum inserts are simply beautiful...even if they are sticker autographs.

 

I was late posting this card of Carson Palmer.  It came in the mail last Monday, the day after the Bengals beat the Panthers for their 3rd loss of the season.  It's hard to see in the scan, but the card is serially numbered 001/240.  Not a bad pick up for a buck.