where is the maple syrup?

It is an Allison tradition, as some of you already know, that Grandma Gert provides certain members of the family with certain items on a regular basis. Chris has, for many years now, received a very yummy pancake mix and good, 'ole-fashioned Vermont maple syrup. This coveted delight arrives for birthdays, Christmases, and sometimes just for no reason at all. We look forward to its arrival with glee.

Now recently, you might remember, it was Christmas. And we got a lot of wonderful packages from our families and friends. And as expected, a box came that contained goodies from Syracuse. There were presents from Elizabeth (thanks!) and the pancake mix and . . . and?!?! . . . a note from the nice folks at customs saying that our real Vermont maple syrup had been impounded because it was, officially, a liquid in a glass container. They just straight up stole our syrup.

To their credit, they did provide us with information regarding how we could, if we chose to, petition them for the release of our maple syrup and where to make an appearance, in person, to attempt to regain custody. However, I'm willing to bet that it had already been liberated and was, even at that moment, gracing the table of some nice customs official.

So now we have no maple syrup. But thanks, Gert! At least you tried!

Update:

Gert has been informed of this tragedy and, needless to say, is furious. First, let the record show that I was at fault for claiming that the missing maple syrup was from Vermont. It was, in fact, from New York and I stand corrected. Having never had the chance to see the syrup in question, I think that this error is understandable.

Gert also insists that the syrup was packaged in tin, not glass, and so further investigations will need to be conducted. Those customs officials better be glad that she's in Syracuse. Her most salient comment about the entire affair was “I hope they choke on it”. As, indeed, do we.

Another Update:

To clarify, the maple syrup was seized by officials in the United States, not here in India. The diplomatic pouch is inspected as it leaves Dulles by our very own folks. It was they who took our syrup. And I guess my calling them customs officials is erroneous, as they are more security types. What a saga this has become . . .

Elementary, my dear Watson!

Well, the truth has finally, quite accidentally, come to light. You see, more than one person sent us maple syrup! Now do you see how such confusion was possible?

OK. Elizabeth sent one Christmas package to us. It contained, among other things, a glass bottle of Vermont maple syrup. This glass bottle of Vermont maple syrup was confiscated. Now, Christopher opened this package at work, so I never saw the box or the return address or any of that important stuff. I assumed that the entire package was from everyone in Syracuse, the maple syrup being from Gramma Gert. This is where the confusion began.

Then, apparently, another package was sent from Syracuse, containing a tin container of New York maple syrup. This package is still missing in action, but at least it was not confiscated.

Now that we have that settled . . .