But I did have two girlfriends in the neighborhood who had Strawberry Shortcake, so we used to play with our dolls together. I remember my one friend, Erin, and I even started coming up with ideas for our own dolls. We drew a doll called Cherry Pie and sent the picture with a letter to American Greetings. We never heard back from them, but a few years later they made Cherry Cuddler.

My other friend, Atena, is two years younger than I am. She was the right age when the dolls were first released, so she was interested in the dolls longer than I was. Because of this, her doll collection was more extensive than mine. She was even lucky enough to have the big strawberry storage case.

In the meantime, Atena and I had both grown up and gone our separate ways. About four or five years ago, I was waxing nostalgic about my dolls. I searched everywhere I could think of to find them again. No luck. I told my mom that I was wondering if they were in the attic at Atena's childhood home. My mom mentioned this in passing to Atena's mom, who then told Atena. And the next time I visited my parents, there on the dining room table was Atena's strawberry case, filled with her dolls. She couldn't find my dolls, but gave me her entire collection instead! Wasn't that nice? I still think that was so great. I'm taking good care of them for her.

Here's Atena's dolls. In excellent condition, although a few bits of clothes are missing. And what's strange about this photo, which was taken a few years ago so I don't know why it happened, but Lemon Meringue is missing from the picture. Her hat and shoes are there, however.

The new Strawberry Shortcake dolls are out on the shelves now (released Holiday 2002), but they do require some hunting down. For many they have become a quest! I'd like to try to find some for my daughter's third birthday the end of January. It's time she got interested in them!

I have one new Strawberry Shortcake doll (the one with the jeans) and the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Cute Girl. Those are the only ones I've found anywhere so far. And I mean only ones - they were the last of their kind on the shelf!