Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 13 - 10:16 AM

Has everything arrived everywhere now?

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 13 - 03:12 AM

moi?

I'm pleased you liked the goodies!

love & hugs to you & True-Love

sandra

ps. the notebook was made by a member of the Embroiders Guild

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 06:04 PM

A wonderful present arrived yesterday. It had been all over New South Wales and had Christmas Island stamps on it too. Sandra has just been visiting friends around the state and one of the names on the parcel is a familiar one. Inside are lovely hand-made gifts (a la Sandra. :-) ) A chain of felt hearts with gold angels, a beautiful notebook fabric-covered, a spangled parrot, and a little owl, a callendar, a tea-towel covered in Sandra's trademark -- Teddy bears. The hand-writing on the card! I recognised that too. My friend Sandra thank you so very much. A very clever try at hiding. It did take me a while to work it all out.
Love and hugs, Joy

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 02:02 PM

I got two lovely cds in the mail which I think must be from my SS! Thank you so much!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 06:52 PM

Hurray. Thank you jacqui and thank you Santa. Late is OK. I'll look forward to the arrival.
Thank you for the birthday wishes too, Hil.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 08:05 AM

I just heard from Joybell's Santa - late on parade but a gift is on its way.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jan 13 - 03:56 AM

Hey Joy Dear, anything arrived yet?
When's your Birthday??

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 05:24 PM

Awwww! That's the go. Thank you Sandra.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 01:02 AM

love & hugs to you

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 21 Jan 13 - 03:41 PM

Still no present. Is anyone else still waiting?
Joy

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 03:40 PM

It's my birthday next week. Maybe my present will arrive for that.
Joy

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Upset Santee
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 03:37 PM

Sorry, I wasn't clear - in this case the value of the goods, converted from dollars to pounds, came to just over the 40 sterling. As I said, I had an extremely generous Santa. And then, because the package was sent express delivery, another rule kicked in which meant they could take into account the cost of shipping.
In any case, it's a major kick in the teeth for all sides, and I can't understand how the cost of express delivery (already incredibly expensive) wouldn't automatically include other charges if they know this is the regulation. Which of course they must do - unlike those of us who send very few international packages.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 11:09 AM

Good point, Art. Just the fact that it was a gift should exempt it from this kind of scrutiny.

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 09:00 AM

Another thought might be - did they notice that the sender's value was in $US? If, for example, the sender marked a value of $40, that's less than £25.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 09:00 PM

adding the cost of postage, whatever next!!! definitely Rip-Off Enterprises.

it's a worry, if we send parcels up to the value of 20 pounds or dollars or whatever the local currency, then air mail it it could easily be over 40 pounds.

Maybe everyone needs to make a pressie rather than buy one so it has a nominal value.

good luck, get your MP onto it fast. Contact the media (Scrooge-like govt dept takes money from Santa)

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Upset Santee
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 06:33 PM

I've now checked the HMRC website. These are the rules: when sending a gift from non EU countries to the UK, the value must be less than £36.00, based on rates on their website. That's now. Until the end of 2012 the limit was £40.00. If you declare a limit that's higher than that they can charge you duty - in this case, the value was a matter of pence more than that, so that's why they picked on this package. In addition, because this was sent express delivery, they added the cost of postage to the value being taxed.

Nice of them, huh? And then FedEx add their own charges.

I'm considering what to do. At the moment, writing to my MP comes high on the list, as it seems totally wrong that I can be asked to pay a significant sum for something when I have had no choice whatsoever in what it is or how it's been delivered. It also seems wrong that my generous Santa has already paid a huge sum to ship the package to me in the first place and yet this doesn't encompass any of the essential charges. The legal situation, however, is as I've described above.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 01:44 PM

Guest - that sounds rather bogus to me. I quite often send stuff to the UK and have never had this problem. With the value of the gift sent by your Santa, which, I guess would be well under the limit, no excise duty should be added. I would check the Customs and Excise website to see if there is any info on the top value of packages coming into the UK before tax has to be paid.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 11:23 AM

It does seem bizarre that gifts would be taxed. I'd be willing to bet that some underling has misunderstood the rules of engagement. Refute the charges and see what happens. (My advise only, not a legal recommendation!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 07:46 PM

is it legal for a private American company to ask you for money? Who are they paying the money to?

check with someone, maybe HM Customs?

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Guest, an upset Santee
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 08:45 AM

I'm upset because having received a wonderful selection of goodies from Santa, and having been shocked at how much Santa had paid in shipping charges it appears that I am now being charged a reasonable whack of money because I received the gift! FedEx are asking me to pay, claiming this is import taxes based on the declared value of the goods and shipping.
I'm keeping this anonymous as I don't want my kind Santa to feel guilty or impelled to pay any more monies out on my account, but I thought you should all be aware that if you send stuff to the UK the cash value of what you send is now lower than before and unless you check what to write to describe the items your recipient may face the same trouble.
To give an idea, in this case the amount they want from me is 33% of the value of the goods.
I'm appalled.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 12:17 AM

the roses are beautiful, & the gloves are fantastic, thanks for the link.

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Rapparee
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 10:43 PM

Well, damned few other 'Catters live in Idaho, so I guessed that you'd probable guess straight off.

That pen might be easier to use than you think. I would have sent a Shoshone rose but you can only get them by inheritance or if you're a rich tourist. As for a pair of beaded gloves -- they used to cost as much as $1.50 per pair (brain-tanned elkhide, softer than butter, but I offered to buy my wife a pair recently and she was adverse to my spending better than $500.00 (USD, of course) for gloves she'd never wear.

Enjoy the stuff.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:58 AM

my parcel finally arrived - strangely enough it came from the person I suspected - the person who kept earbashing me! Or maybe he just forgot to log out...

thankyou Raparee for an interesting selection of stuff from your area. A potato cookbook (memo - buy some potatoes), postcards that I'll be able to squash into the area behind my computer along with those sent by Catters & other friends. Beef Jerky is yummy & the Huckleberry lip moisture smells lovely. & I really love the postcard!

I won't try to use the beaded pen as my arthritic finger can't hold thin pens, so I'll display it with my American flag pen & pencil sent by an earlier Santa. I have a collection of beaded embroidery & beaded items & it is my only Native American piece, many thankyous.

And a personal letter from Santa! Wow!!! I'm sure my heirs will be able to sell it for a fortune when they inherit it!

sandra

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 09:46 PM

Greg Stephens, I put that CD in my bedside player last night and heard several songs before I drifted off to sleep. Wonderful! I'll listen to it in another room soon so I can hear the entire album. And I tried that Ardbeg this evening - knock my socks off but that is amazing! It is very smoky, but it takes itself seriously and I could stand this on special occasions. I went back to the Question about Scotch thread to see if you'd participated. I got quite a good education as I read through and participated in that thread - you might enjoy it!

Thanks again! (I gave the small chocolates to my son, who loved them. I don't eat chocolate these days, but these Secret Santa parcels are always a family affair. I have the newspaper here for folks to enjoy - I'm sure Moonglow will hunch over it next time she's down for a visit!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 01:57 PM

You are very welcome Claire
Hope you enjoy and have a great new start in your house when you return

Sarah

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 12:21 PM

Hurray! My gifties arrived this selfsame morning in a package well-nigh bursting with treats.

Thank you, Sarah the Flute -- everything you mentioned in your card sounds wondrous, and I am sure to enjoy each and every one of your gifts very much! But if you don't mind, I am going to wait and open the wrapped gifts when my son and I have our Christmas, which will likely be in March when we are back in our house. I hope you are willing to wait for more specific thanks.

Cheers and Happy Christmas!
Claire

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's Secret Santa
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 10:49 AM

I put it in the post. I saw it loaded about the ship. The ship was of Dutch registry and I even met the captain, a really bony fella named Hendrick Vanderdecken. When I told him what was in the cargo he swore it would arrive "in spite of the Devil and Hell itself."

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jan 13 - 09:59 AM

Well, I just checked the list and it seems that both our Australian Catters have not yet received their packages. I think this may be a problem with the post office in one or the other country or possibly a hold up in customs?

Animaterra's Santa has responded to let her know that a late gift is on the way and I'm waiting for Claire Bear to chime in to confirm that she has been visited by Santa.

Other than that, all gifts have been delivered.

I'll give it a couple of weeks before putting up the list of Santas.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 08:28 PM

Bless you, Santa! I will be patient...

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Animaterra's surreptitious santa
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 05:37 PM

Hello Animaterra,

This surreptitious Santa is also a shame-faced Santa. Things have quite gotten away from me of late -- including your gift, which has gotten lost somewhere in the depths of my demesne. However, I have just arranged to have a replacement shipped to you, and I will just keep the one I have -- once I find it! Look for a small package within a few days.

Apologetically,
Santa

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 05:04 PM

It minty and will drive your blood sugar up to about 1,240 (Richter Scale, not blood sugar scale).

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 01:53 PM

Kendal mint cake was taken to the top of Everest by Edmund Hilary. Whether he actually ate any is an open question. I have consumed plenty on slightly lower peaks, and not suffered anaphylactic shock or nausea or anything. Go on, give it a try.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 12:59 PM

Those "coated nuts" are called "pralines." Not the hardened melted butter and brown sugar puddle with nuts in it that one finds in point-of-purchase racks in southern stores and restaurants, but individually butter and sugar crusted pecans. They looked wonderful and durable enough to ship. :)

And I have a Kendal mint cake to try. After all of the discussions here at Mudcat over the years, I hesitate to open it - what is the general consensus? Are they edible, or simply collectible?

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: greg stephens
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 07:47 AM

That waa funny: having sent Stilly River Sage a parcel 2ith the usual mix of treats, local paper and CD, I get back a parcel with the usual mix of local paper, treats and CD from: Stilly River Sage! That's odd, it's never happened before. Anyway, no reason why it shouldn't happen like that, thanks a million. The coated pecans are very addictive!!!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger's Chanta -- er, Santa...
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 11:57 PM

Glad the package arrived, Chanteyranger, and glad you like the goodies! Have you figured out Santa's identity yet?

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Joybell
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 03:45 PM

Water! Send water! Dehydrated water. Snow melts. Icebergs. Glaciers.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 02:03 PM

Not guilty on that one SRS. Glad your gift arrived, anyway.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 12:04 AM

The package arrived today - and I do believe Jacqui has been chuckling over this one for weeks!

I did track down the arranger of the song in question on YouTube - the same party of the first part who I sent a gift to. Ha!

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 12:47 PM

Wrong box. The Secret Santa parcel destined for this household is still Lost In Space.

SRS

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 12:11 PM

Thank you, Santa! Santa brought me a collection of gifts from Maryland, a couple of samples being a book of Maryland folklore, and The Boarding Party's 3rd and final recording. Great stuff! Thank you!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 08:09 AM

I protest, Sins. Everyone there poked fun at that thing yet I get all the static!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 01:40 AM

Sniffer dogs

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 10:15 PM

Doesn't the Warden or the Governor or somebody have to search parcels being sent to Australia? I mean, convicts and all that....

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 09:13 PM

one day our pressies will arrive!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: jennbrooks
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 08:18 PM

I have a present! It's really even nicer to have a present after all the Christmas excitement has died down. Anne Lister, are you my Santa? I have a lovely Welsh cookbook with some "speckled cakes" in it that I want to try really soon, a CD by that same Anne Lister, which I will hear in the car tomorrow on the way to work, and a lovely little illustrated copy of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" which I will enjoy for a year, and then share with my grandchildren, next Christmas. Thank you very much! Oh, and I do want to come and try the three walks from the brochures!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 07:43 PM

There was a box on my porch when I came in a few minutes ago. I'll check it out in a little while. . .

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Jan 13 - 02:33 PM

It's the eleventh day of Christmas, and still an empty mailbox.
Guess I wasn't a good girl after all...

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: dulcimer42
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 06:58 PM

Kendall, glad you liked Santa's gift. And sorry it was so late. Old Santa's sleigh had to make a couple unexpected trips to Michigan and back and got behind in some of his deliveries to other states!

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 08:38 AM

LOL Rap - thank you.

Subject: RE: Secret Santa - Santee teasers - 2012
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jan 13 - 03:39 AM

Oz Post makes us plaster our names on the parcel too, & also checks our photo ID, but Catters can always ask someone else to post it!

sandra