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BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
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Subject: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: alison Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:45 AM well I couldn't wait for Christmas....... and I needed cheering up so I opened mine a few weeks back..... is there another thread for this yet? ... my secret santa was tig, (& badger, & firecat) anyway this box arrived on my doorstep, filled with little individually wrapped parcels, and I only meant to open one..... honest!!!! there was a tape of some wonderful songs & tunes, my own personalised mudcat badge, a pair of tiger eye ear rings, a box of reiki energy (which is being well used) a beautiful labradorite sphere a Terry Pratchett book a superb "green man" made by Mouldy and I got my cabin cruiser.... woohoo!!!!!!!!!!! thank you all of you, you cheered me up no end...... so who else out there couldn't wait? I know there are bits and pieces scattered in other threads... thought it might help to put them all in one place.... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mudlark Date: 10 Dec 02 - 02:27 AM Alison...thanks for starting this thread. I ripped into mine the minute I got it...the first an exotic package of shells and rocks gathered from the shores of Singapore and the Phillipines. In the process of making a suitable display for these treasures (and the fantastic stamps on the outside), I got yet another present, an envelope...this time from Thailand, with shells, coral and little chips of some exotic bright blue bits, to add to the first. Just getting these missiles, in my rural mailbox, has been a delight, and has probably upped my rep with the mail lady no end. My SS is holding out on me...I've been combing the Mudcat at odd hours trying to piece together clues with info, so far to no avail. But it has made this season fun and exciting... |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Firecat Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:35 PM I couldn't wait! Dad picked it up from the Post Office, but I had been ordered not to open it till Mum got home. Three quarters of hour's wait was long enough for me! I didn't want to wait 15 days!!!! Thanks Helen! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: greg stephens Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:37 PM You should all be ashamed of youselves. Mine is sitting in the present cupboard. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs.Duck Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:37 PM Me I did and got a great t shirt and tape from Wilco. Feeling very festive now may have to have a drink. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sorcha Date: 10 Dec 02 - 12:49 PM I did, from Micca. Lots of candy,mostly chocolate, ginger biscuts, a Dransfield CD, and, Will D. Beeste! Fun, fun. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Amos Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:01 PM I am disciplined and do the right thing. My pressie is sitting on the mantel piece waiting for Xmas, right next to my row of virtual Cow Chips from the many Song Challenges over the years. I am disciplined and I am NOT going to tear it open when I get home....led into temptation by Allison once again!!! LOL!! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SharonA Date: 10 Dec 02 - 01:37 PM Oh ho, so Helen is Firecat's SS? Guess the package I got with Australia stamps all over it wasn't from her, then. Must be someone else in NSW (that narrows the field a bit! *G*)... unless, as I speculated on the Hints thread, my sneaky SS had someone else send the package from Oz... But I'm being good, too, and keeping my pressie in my Christmas stocking till Christmas morning. Can't afford to have the real Santa catch me being naughty and opening it early, now can I? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Tig Date: 10 Dec 02 - 02:47 PM It's not fair, Firecat's got hers :-((((( Santa - where are you?????? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: JenEllen Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:24 PM Mine came in from all the way over from Australia. I had every intention of waiting, I really did, but when I opened the big envelope and took the wrapped prezzies out? Well, one of them felt like a book..... The torture was too great. And once that one was opened, well the other one would've felt lonely, so.... (turned out to be a FANTASTIC book of Aussie Bush verse--I've been driving everyone crazy with "Oh, listen to this one!-- and a piece of aboriginal art with animals all over it that is currently being loaned to the Christmas Tavern, but in 3d lives right above my bedroom fireplace) Thank you SantaAlison!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:27 PM I fully intend to open mine when it gets here...after all my SS did mention something about vegetarian chili keeping in freezer bags...**BG** |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SharonA Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:32 PM Aha! Well, now, Jen's revelation that Alison is her SS, coupled with Firecat's revelation that Helen is her SS, tells me that my package from Australia almost certainly came from Sandra in Sydney. There aren't any other SS's from Australia this year, are there? So, as said before, unless my SS did something sneaky with the mailing and the return address and all those "Australia" stamps to throw me off the trail, I'd have to guess that, in my case, SS stands for Sandra from Sydney! Am I right? Meow? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 10 Dec 02 - 03:39 PM I got one and I'm not even in the scheme!!! It was a lovely pair of earrings.... sitting on my desk here awaiting the right occasion. Christmas party at work tomorrow, so probably then. Thank you... you know who you are... and so totally unexpected... burning with shame and guilt that I haven't returned the sentiment. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: alison Date: 10 Dec 02 - 05:44 PM glad you liked it JenEllen..... that book of poems has always been one of my favs...... and I jsut happened to find another one for you... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Micca Date: 10 Dec 02 - 06:58 PM No sign of mine yet, I should have told my Santa to try Wildebeestes instead of reindeer, I have a sort of idea who MY SS is garnered from the various postcards and clues, but await confirmation with bated breath!!!!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bat Goddess Date: 10 Dec 02 - 07:23 PM I intend to rip mine right open. Patience is a virtue in CATS, but I sure don't have any. Last year I had to wait for a while after Christmas before I received mine, so I hope I can , uh, make up for it this year by getting it early. (Hint, hint.) Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SINSULL Date: 10 Dec 02 - 07:32 PM So...Firecat is my SS; I am Helen's SS; and Helen is Firecat's SS. I have been almost good. Only opened one little package. It is a tiny tea set with little yellow sunflowers on cobalt blue. I love it. Now I am eying the others and trying to rationalize why I shouldn't open them now. Only two weeks until Christmas. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Kim C Date: 11 Dec 02 - 11:56 AM I got mine! I got mine! My SS is Nikki, and I got a CD, a baseball card, some perfume, and a little bag of fabulous beads!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!!!! :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 11 Dec 02 - 02:34 PM My package arrived from the UK and is resting comfortably on my hearth beside the Christmas stockings (not hung with care, we don't want to put holes in the beautiful mantle, we'll get some of those over the top thingies to hang them from). Anyway, it's as much fun to let the kids speculate as it is to anticipate opening it myself. Since we bought the house this year there's less cash for gifts, so we'll save this to get the most bang on Christmas morning! I'll have to backtrack on the hints--there are lots of Mudcatters in London area, aren't there? Or I could look inside to see who sent it--but that avenue leads to peeking further. . . I'll be patient. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Tig Date: 11 Dec 02 - 06:41 PM Sinsull, If you get really tempted the big flat one is more of a re-homing than a SS, so if needs be you could open that one. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Gloredhel Date: 11 Dec 02 - 07:31 PM 2 CD's came all the way from...San Diego. Amos has good taste in music, but then, we knew that already. I'm listening to the Touchwood CD right now--I especially love the song Walzing with Bears. It's delightfully silly. I need a little silliness to get me through exams! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mark Cohen Date: 12 Dec 02 - 12:19 AM Since mine came during Hanukkah, I had no qualms at all about opening it. Lots of fun music and MORE MAPLE SYRUP FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE! And I just discovered that maple syrup is just the thing for sweetening poi. (What the heck is poi?) Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: artbrooks Date: 12 Dec 02 - 09:46 AM Sent mine off 3 or 4 days ago, not going across the ocean, so should be there in time...but do I really have a Secret Santa? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Jeri Date: 12 Dec 02 - 10:00 AM Mark, what? No pancake party at your practice? You know, you're going to be come addicted and require a steady supply. I was allowed to open one on my birthday and did. A lovely CD of the Shellback Chorus which is now in my car. (The CD, not the chorus - not enough seat belts for everyone.) It gives me a taste of what these folks and all those combined voices must sound like live! I'm being good about the other gifts. I guess I'm not really feeling Christmassy yet or I would have opened them all and then apologised later. I expect I'm going to love the rest. There's a sort of local feel and an aura of care - all that from feeling up the wrapping! THANK YOU SNUFFY! (More later) |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Fibula Mattock Date: 13 Dec 02 - 10:33 AM I got mine! I got mine! Two fantastic CDs from my SS - Stephen L. Rich. One is an amazing collection of songs by great women singers, "Voices of Celtic Women". The other is Stephen's own CD, "Facing Monday" - fantastic songs, brilliantly sung, on there. I'm delighted! Thanks so much. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bat Goddess Date: 13 Dec 02 - 12:44 PM Poi pancakes, Jeri! We'll have to go together on ordering the poi -- don't know if I can use 2 lbs., although I've always wanted to taste it (and any number of other things; I have a very adventurous palate). As I said in another thread, my prezzie was to be opened in celebration of the midwinter festival of choice, not tied to the December 25th date of a single tradition. Me? I try to celebrate all December and January, too (sort of ending with Robert Burns' birthday). Those of us in northern climes especially need a holiday to bring back the sun. Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Micca Date: 13 Dec 02 - 01:18 PM Linn, poi is MUCH nicer to eat than grits!!!!!!!!!, the stuff i remember was a pale lilac colour!!1 mahalo nui Mark for the reminder, now all I need is some kalua pig and I am in Paradise!! with fresh papaya and lime!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Edain Date: 13 Dec 02 - 07:45 PM Okay I admit it, I got home from Uni and Wednesday and there was a parcel waiting for me from Hawaii, what else is a girl supposed to do? Haven't listened to the CD yet but the nuts keep vanishing (usually when my mum is in the room) and the calander was admired by all (especially the volcano.....) Thanks Mark! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Helen Date: 14 Dec 02 - 01:13 AM Well, I was trying to be good and patient but it didn't last long. SINSULL sent me: * 2 lighthouse frig magnets * a silk eye mask for relaxing * a badge which says "Maine squeeze" * a magazine and a local newspaper from Maine * a beautiful purple necklace stone set around with a snake design * three beautiful folk art Christmas ornaments * some beautiful sea-theme pushpins (I'll have to dust off and re-decorate my noticeboard to do them justice) * a CD by Kendall which he signed for me (Wow! I love it! Thanks Kendall, now I know why your talents and humour are held in such high esteem around here!) (Have I forgotten anything?] * And - ta-da! - the best witch doll I have ever seen, all dressed in lovely purple shimmery colours and when I press a button she cackles like a mad-woman and her eyes flash red. (Is SINSULL trying to tell me something?) Thank you, SINSULL, I love all of them, but I especially love her! Helen |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Micca Date: 16 Dec 02 - 04:17 AM ITS HERE!!! and Under instructions from my SS I have opened, Inside was!!! an Card signed Santa! a Real Nice T shirt with Embroidered Native American symbols and the Word "Albquerque"on it a beautiful Brightly painted owl, (that has taken up residence on the mantle with the bears and loons and seems very at home) Luckily I had sorta worked out who My SS is, from some of the postcard clues so Thank You Artbrooks, My SS(And Jen)and seasons greetings from London, Oh! and thanks for the cards and the fun guessing, The "Phoenix,AZ" one was particularly confusing, as My 1st Ex wife lives there!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Catherine Jayne Date: 16 Dec 02 - 12:41 PM I got another pressie!!! Thank you Artbrooks for the gorgeous pair of silver earings!!!! Cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: artbrooks Date: 16 Dec 02 - 12:58 PM I admit nothing. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: katlaughing Date: 16 Dec 02 - 05:45 PM LOL.... What wonderful and thoughtful gifts, egg-zack-el-lee what I have been wanting!! Read 'em and weep, udder Mudders, not one, not two, but THREE wonderful books, one I've been wanting for ages, ever since reading about it here, Ireland a Bicycle and a Tin Whistle (I KNOW I WILL LOVE IT!!); and, a lovely vintage 1960 paperback of a 1931 book by Stephen Leacock Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town which says the little town "is recognizable as Orillia, Ontario." Yes! Orillia of Little Hawk fame, etc.! AND, a beautiful book called Fresh Tracks: Writing the Western Landscape just the kind of thing I love to write and I really look forward to reading the essays and poems in this one, esp. the coyboy poetry of an 86 year old! AND, on top of all of that, my very generous Santa Bardford also sent a "special reissue for katlaughing" CD of his band, The Bow City Reelers and we've not taken it off the player since I opened it. Wow! Sorcha, you would love the fiddling! I love all of it, esp. Bardford's tastefully beaten bodhran. **BG** Well-done, Bardford, Charlie, Currie, and Graham!! Beautiful songs and the musicianship is spot on! Thank yew, thank yew, thank yew!! Merry, Merry!! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 16 Dec 02 - 10:00 PM Wow, these descriptions are making it awfully tempting to go open mine now! I have to go back and read the few clues first, but I have a suspicion about my SS--some quality research time is called for! Micca, I hope that shirt says "Albuquerque" on it (though we've gotten misspelled t-shirts there. And the town was originally named for a Duke of Alburquerque, and was at one time spelled with the extra "r"). Sounds like a beautiful shirt! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mark Cohen Date: 16 Dec 02 - 11:08 PM So is "querque" a fancy variant of "kirk"? Never thought of that, until you mentioned it was a Duke's name. (A librarian's daughter ought to be able to come up with an answer to that one, right, Maggie?) Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: artbrooks Date: 17 Dec 02 - 06:11 PM I did! And got an absolutely ghastly book (i.e., a book about ghosts) for CapriUni!!!! Super mega virtual hugs!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 18 Dec 02 - 07:07 AM Hello, Sharon eek!!, I missed your postings on this thread with all the troubles I've been having over internet access. When I get back on after missing a night, I read all I can find. Seasonable greetings & I hope you enjoy all the meows (if that's what they are). I'm still waiting for my pressie. There was a card in my post office box tonight & as my green-fingered neighbour (who now shares the box) is waiting for a parcel of precious & very valuable seeds from China, he offered to collect the waiting parcel. I am so noble!! (but then I am supposed to be meeting friends for brekkie tomorrow morning). We are both waiting for 2 items & if one of mine turn up he'll drop it in tomorrow night. bye for now |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs.Duck Date: 18 Dec 02 - 12:51 PM Would just like confirmation that mine actually arrived at its destination! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: MMario Date: 18 Dec 02 - 08:57 PM My package arrived today - marked "Do Not open Until Christmas" - or so I am told - as it was whisked out of my hands and hidden. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 19 Dec 02 - 12:03 PM Well, secret Santa, your package arrived yesterday (Just pulled it out of the box a few minutes ago). I did note the message on the edge, just above the tape: "Do not open until appropriate date." So I'll be good, and wait until Sunday... The anticipation is half the fun, anyway! (Remember when you were a little kid, staring at the packages under the tree, and perhaps shaking them, and feeling the edges to see which ones were the books, and looking at the "from:" labels?) Only I don't get that last bit!! I know it's from somewhere still linked to Queen Elizabeth II, since that fine lady is on all the stamps (But I'd already deduced that from when you admitted having Daleks in the basement). But there is no return address! Is that little gem of information also tucked inside, waiting to be revealed with the rest of the treasures? I hope so.... I have a hunch as to who you are, but you could've had friends throw me red herrings, and I'd like to see if my hunch is right or not... Meanwhile, here is a little rhyme, from my friend Mother Goose, just for you: A man in the wilderness, he asked me: "How many strawberries grow in the sea?" I answered him (as I thought good): "As many red herrings as swim in the wood." |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: RangerSteve Date: 19 Dec 02 - 12:31 PM I opened mine today, it's from Mudlark. a cookbook from Provence, a fold-out postcard of Spanish missions in California, a framed artistic photo of her farm, a card with another artistic photo (probably the same farm?), a bag of California pistacchios, and a Chilean reed flute and occarina. I'm very pleased. Thanks, Mudlark. Trevor, your present goes out in the mail tomorrow, Dec.20. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Dec 02 - 12:57 PM Mark, Sorry I didn't see your musings until today. I've fiddled with the words "Alburquerque" and "Albuquerque" and can't get more than a couple of small components in Spanish. I wondered if it might be a word with a Moorish influence (the "Al" beginning leads me down that deadend path). I don't think "querque" and "kirk" correlate. Reminds me more of something in French. The Spanish around here for church is iglesia (isn't there always a loop back to music?). As in Julio. Maybe (ah ha! what a thought!) Julio Iglesia is a long lost ancestor of James Kirk!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 19 Dec 02 - 01:32 PM LOL, SRS! ;-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: wilco Date: 19 Dec 02 - 01:54 PM What a great idea this exchange of gifts!!! Got a great little box of stuff today, and I opened it right away. Thanks to Thomas in Wales (I think)!!!! I even enjoyed the newspaper that ws used as stuffing. I can't read it, but I get the gist of it (sex, TV stars, sports). The Cd is wonderful, as is the tape. My grandchildren absconded with the candy and my son has the book in the restroom!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bat Goddess Date: 20 Dec 02 - 12:07 PM Hey, Catspaw! -- Envelope arrived yesterday with "trick" Folk-Legacy (I know, I know) label. And I managed to rip the wrapping off before Curmudgeon gave me his usual "don't open til Christmas" look and/or lecture. (So I compromised -- package from my sister also arrived yesterday and those prezzies get saved til Wednesday morning while under the influence of brandy alexanders.) So I'm currently trying to listen to BOTH Rick Fielding CDs simultaneously (hey, I've got 2 ears . . .) which is a pretty neat trick if ya can do it. (I don't think I can -- I'll go back to listening to them in rotation.) Thanks sooooo much! I've been wanting them for some time, but unfortunately been suffering from a bad case of "St. Frances' Distemper." (Otherwise known as the freelance blues.) And there's something ELSE coming in June-ish?!? Wow! Well, I've certainly got some good listening to keep me occupied til then and beyond. Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Giac Date: 20 Dec 02 - 01:36 PM KimC -- Had a parcel notice in my mailbox last night (it was pouring rain, so the postwoman [bless her!!] didn't leave my package). I was at the post office when it opened this morning. Had to just sit there an laugh to see a Nashville return address. I'd been trying all this time to figure out from where on Earth my pressie would travel -- and it came from a neighboring state 200 miles west. **LOL** (For those not familiar, the "different states" thing is a Tennessee joke. KimC and Nashville are in Middle Tennessee, while I'm in East Tennessee. The areas are really as different landwise and culturally, as being in separate states. There is a third Tennessee "state," of course -- that being the western third. Geez!! You hit it right on the nose. Of course I have no self control and opened the package immediately, in the post office parking lot. The tea is amazing. A box of individual tea bags, each in its own little "matchbox." Exotic names; even one called Always Mary. A third of the bags contain tea with caffeine, a third with low caffeine and a third with no caffeine. However, I am intrigued by one called Ground Control. The little sticker says, "Nasty to the help again? Might have slipped you the caffeine. This decaf is so good, you'll never know." The tea is distributed by Steep, and their website is a kick too, by the way. But for all my struggle to decide which to sample first, in my new large and lovely mug, I gave in to the one labeled Up Chai Down, with "honey hemp Chai" tea. It's brewing right now and I can't wait. But even better than the tea and mug was the third surprise: a cassette tape done by Kim and her husband, and called "Stonewall Of The West." Lovely stuff! I've listened to it twice through and am on the third time. Kim wrote all the songs on the B side. I'd have a really hard time saying which is my favorite. Because of the content, I'm leaning toward the title song, but, lordy, I love them all. Thank you so very much, Santa, the gifts are great. May you and Paul have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Love ya, Mary |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Kim C Date: 20 Dec 02 - 01:52 PM Mary, I am glad you are enjoying your Christmas box! :-) It was great fun putting it together. Thanks for your very nice comments about our tape. :-) :-) :-) If anyone wonders why the Tennessee state flag has three stars, it's because of the Three Regions. Personally, I think the drive east is much nicer than the drive west... Merry Christmas, y'all. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: catspaw49 Date: 20 Dec 02 - 02:02 PM Glad you got them on time Linn........And you can spend some time thinking about the other....... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Kim C Date: 20 Dec 02 - 02:18 PM Spaw, you didn't send your Santee a 10-lb sack of beans with a possum hidden inside? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mudlark Date: 20 Dec 02 - 02:28 PM You're welcome, Steve... |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bat Goddess Date: 20 Dec 02 - 02:34 PM Geez, possums?!? I've already got grey squirrels, flying squirrels and bats! Maybe I can get a grant as a wild life refuge? Linn |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bardford Date: 20 Dec 02 - 03:21 PM katlaughing - I'm happy that my gifts found such a welcome reception! There were a couple of books that you mentioned that I was unable to find locally - although I saw the Louis Hemon book in French. Tu parles francais, peutetre? If you like the "Ireland...Tin Whistle" book, you'll also enjoy "Last Night's Fun", by Ciaran Carson. Thanks for the kind words about the CD. Those guys I have the pleasure of playing with are damn fine musicians; I just kinda tag along. I'll pass along your wonderful review to the boys. If you find yourself in Calgary in March, we're doing a St. Patrick's Day gig at The Ship and Anchor Pub. (Located on 17th Ave. SW. Ask anybody - they'll point you there.) I'll understand if you can't make it, though. "BG" Happy holidays to you and yours, Bardford |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Nathan in Texas Date: 21 Dec 02 - 12:31 AM Bells are ringing. . . My package arrived today from Gloredhel! And the bell clues were about the present rather than the Santa (unless there's something about bells in the name - my Tolkein knowledge is smallish and mostly forgotten.) Bells, and more bells. Thanks and more thanks. My favorite (I think) is the red jinglebell wreath, but they're all nice. I like the brass bell, too; and the silver bells; and the blue bell, and the white bell. I also like the leopard-skin packing paper. I was at a Christmas carol picking & singing party tonight and we did several bell songs, and then I came home and found the package. Now I can jingle all the way to Christmas. Thanks again. Nathan |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GutBucketeer Date: 21 Dec 02 - 11:21 PM Mine Came! Mine Came! Mine Came! and boy it sure helped brighten up my day. Mick, Thank You! You went way beyond the call of duty. First, I listened to your band's (Conklin Ceili Band)CD (Over The Water Fall)this afternoon. You guy's are great! Who'd a thunk that all that talent is up in Grand Rapids. It must be all that practicing you do during the winter months instead of deer hunting. And, then to get the video, "The High Lonesome Sound" is icing on the cake. I've seen pieces of it, but never the whole thing. AND Then, to have you spend all that money to get to me before Christmas is pretty incredable. Now, is that an irish Bouzouki your holding in the picture on the back cover? Thanks again, and I owe you a good beer at the next gathering. JAB P.S. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Amergin Date: 22 Dec 02 - 01:05 AM well i just got mine, from the very lovely Sorcha! Home made sweet and sour spice pickles, home made elderberry jam....mmmmmmmmm....handmade goatsmilk soap, and zippy lemon chapstick...and a lovely journal book. Thank you, Scorch! I love it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Big Mick Date: 22 Dec 02 - 02:15 AM OK..........OK......I admit it..........I got mine a little over a week ago, from my Mudcat comrade in arms Ranger Roger, and immediately opened it. That sucker............leave it to a damn grunt......got me two lime green thongs, and two of the finest Idaho Spuds you have ever seen. The spuds are big and the thongs are small...........I laughed so hard and the 10 year old just didn't get it.........."Da, you don't wear these, DO YOU????". Oh, yeah, there was also a great book about a vet who returns to Vietnam. I have read that and really enjoyed it. I ate the spuds, as they would have gotten lost behind ...............you know...........bad, Mick, very bad.........and someone has appropriated the thongs Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza........whatever it is you do to celebrate the gift of being, Happy that to all. Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs.Duck Date: 22 Dec 02 - 12:51 PM OK getting seriously worried now. Not only has my santee not confirmed that he has received my package he has not posted to the forum at all since October! Please let me know you're OK. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 22 Dec 02 - 06:25 PM Okay... so I was good, and waited not only until the eastern sky began to lighten, but until the streetlamps on the western side of my house went out, and I'd had my breakfast, before attacking the package from my Secret Santa. Inside, I found a handwritten note, from which I quote: "...I have followed the Secret Santa Spirit to the letter, deleting my name wherever I could find it." And: "You will of course find no diffeculty in doing a small bit of detective work and working out my name -- Then you can let me know that this has got to you." The first place I looked for clues was the package itself. First, I pulled out a slim volume of stories and history of the Lake District. But the name of the author was not blacked out. So that didn't offer any direct clues. Then there was a little "braiding tool" labeled as an "Ancient Lucet", for making bracelets and headbands and chatelaines and the like out of yarn. This, no doubt, I will find quite useful, once I master the technique of it without having my creations unravel on me... It also made me chortle, because the gift from my father was an annotated anthology of fairytales, that touched on the connections between literal "yarnspinning" and literary "yarnspinning"... Synchronicity abounds! But I didn't catch any clues from my SS on Mudcat that s/he was a spinner or weaver, so if there were clues in that part of the package, I didn't see them. Next, were two homemade cassette tapes of seasonal programs from 1978 (?) on BBC Radio. The handwritten liner notes on these gave the credits as SS and Crookfinger Jack, and Secret Santa and Crookfinger Jack. When I listened to one tape (dedicated to Bonfire Night and Christmas -- the one dedicated to New Year's and Welsh music I haven't got to yet), the bit where the announcer gave the names of the performers had bed censored... I could only assume the bits cut out were my SS's name... Then there was a cassette tape of an author reading from excerpts from a memoir: "Even More Muck" by Joyce Wilson... but since that name wasn't blacked out, that wasn't my SS, either.... Then, wrapped up in a scrap of local paper was a wee blue and white bivalve shell (mussel? Cockle? Periwinkle? Will have to get out my field guide and have a look see) -- lovely shades of blue... may have a neighbor drill a tiny hole in't so I can thread it onto my chatelaine when I get it made -- and an English penny. The scrap of local paper had a map of the region with the weather report, and the names of cities on it, but since I didn't know my SS's Mudcat name, I couldn't search the member profiles by location... But finally, there was a CD of music made in 2001 -- a Souvenir Edition from the 1st Dudden Valley Folk Festival -- and the liner notes in the jewel case had names (or at least a name) blacked out all over the place! (Including the guitar/banjo/ accordian/percussion-ist and -- this is important -- "All tunes trad. arr. Aha! here was my musical Rossetta Stone! So I went onto Google, and typed in the keywords in the Title of the CD (Full Title = "A Trip to the Lakes") and the band's name (The Boat Band)... If the band had a homepage, I could check the names of band members against those in the Secret Santa Sign-Up thread. I got a lot of hits for Lake District tourism, but none for a folk band with banjo and accordian... So I decided to do a Mudcat search -- surely someone would have announced the festival in the forum, or given a review, or something, and in that thread would have praised the talents of the mudcat member who was member of the band... But a Forum search was as fruitless as the Google one. "Well," said I to myself, "at least you can listen to the cd while you're searching for info about it." And there, on the face of the CD, was the following credit: "All tunes trad. arr. G. Stephens (c) 2001 except King's Polka No.2 (trad. arr. Lakeland fiddlers)". And the wording was too similiar to a censored bit to be coincidence -- this must be the same name as had been excised everywhere else. A look on the Secret Santa Sign-up revealed that yes, indeed, a certain greg stephens had joined in the game.... Mystery solved (though, as I suspect is often the case, the solving of it came more through a slip [?] of the culprit rather than the cleverness of the slueth)! Thanks for a wonderful package, Greg, and a very nice morning! I haven't listened to or read everything, yet... I want to make this gift last a while.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 22 Dec 02 - 09:23 PM Boo hooo I know just how "the little boy Santa forgot" felt. Am I the only santee who has'nt got a prezzie yet ? My SS mailed it about 20 November but its not got to me yet. You can't get the staff now a days ! :-( Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 22 Dec 02 - 10:23 PM Awww... Mrs. C. I'm adding my wishes to yours, I hope your pressie arrives soon! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 23 Dec 02 - 11:46 AM Thank you CapriUni. seasons greetings to you and yours. 23rd and still no pressie Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: greg stephens Date: 23 Dec 02 - 11:58 AM Yes I admit it, I was indeed CapriUni's secret santa. And I went to so much trouble deleting my name off the liner notes, but fogot to look at the CD! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,RolyH Date: 23 Dec 02 - 02:51 PM Boo Hoo too. No prezzie here either! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Fortunato Date: 23 Dec 02 - 03:06 PM Well, it is nearly the 11th hour and I haven't heard from my giftee. I mailed the prezzie ahead of the deadline for Europe, I do hope it arrives in time for Christmas. And so far no presents have shown up for poor, poor, old Fortunato, but hope springs eternal in the guitar player's chest. "Some day, my present will come..." Happy ho ho ho. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: katlaughing Date: 23 Dec 02 - 04:01 PM My Santee hasn't posted since mid-Nov. and had not posted any hints prior to that. My package to them should have arrived a couple of weeks ago and still no word. I hope they are okay. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's anxious Santa Date: 23 Dec 02 - 07:19 PM Nothing yet? The package was mailed Nov. 15. Guess we'll just keep our fingers crossed. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 23 Dec 02 - 09:19 PM ~:~:~:sending wishes that everyone's Santa, Santee, and package are safe:~:~:~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Dec 02 - 11:07 PM I'm glad to report to catsPHiddle that my segment of the loop she contrived is all in order. I recieved a box from my S. Santa (haven't opened it and few clues posted to figure out who), I sent a box, and it has been received. Wonderful job all around! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mudlark Date: 24 Dec 02 - 02:52 AM Nathan! Nathan from Texas!!! What a wonderful revalation, after all this time....and what a wonderful final gift to receive: 3 CD's, one made for me expressly. I am truly overwhelmed. I'm listening to it now, grinning like an idiot...my very own CD! I'm sure I can learn a couple of these to wow my Okie cowboy song singing neighbor. And am looking forward more than I can say to the other 2 CDs...your own compilation with the great title of Homemade Jam, and the Barb. Dane/Lightnight Hopkins...a pairing I didn't even know existed. And Denton! I know it well, went thru it many times on our way to and from one art fair or another from our home in NW Arkansas...our nearest neighbors, the Riddles, were from Denton. You have made this a wonderful Christmas, Nathan...I feel blessed and lucky to have had you as a Secret Santa. You are well named. The only thing better would be to be able to sing with you myself. But I have a lot of music here to keep me company. I also have to say that I would have been happy with this package if it contained only the letter from you. It was a delight and I am so happy to make your acquaintance...I bet your 1st graders LOVE you! I do have one question, however...how in the world did you manage the global acquisition of all that wonderful beach paraphernalia? I thought for sure you would reveal all...but not a word. I'll write again when I've listened to all the CD's. Thank you so much for being such a terrific Secret Santa, tho I did think your "clues" were a tad on the obscure side! The Texas postcard arrived in the same post as the package, otherwise I might...might have guessed. Your grateful and admiring Santee, Nancy PS...I'm listening to Dreadful Wind and Rain right now...just great! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 24 Dec 02 - 05:56 AM Hello, Santa No parcel yet - perhaps you needed to send it by eagle rather than elf & penguin!! Fortunately several colleagues gave me bears, so the collection grows. Bear collections can grow at any time (assuming the box really does contain bear/s) But I did receive 2 parcels today. One was a Stan Rogers CD I had ordered several weeks ago (& I'm listening to it now). The other was my 50th birthday present from my very slack brother. I guessed it would come wth my Christmas pressy (10 months late!!) - not the first time, AND the card & envelope were in my sister-in-law's writing (not the first time). sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Morticia Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:02 AM well, my parcel didn't show up in time for the big day but isn't that great, now I'll have something else to look forward to? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's Santa Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:04 AM Humpf! The USPS (Unreliable Santa Parcel Service) swears your pressie should have arrived last Friday. They likely wern't taking into account drunken elves and highly agitated bears, not to mention reindeer unaccustomed to the heat. All we can do is keep fingers crossed, I guess. Happy Christmas anyhow. I will pursue this on Thursday. Sorry it didn't make it there yet. Blasted elves! Your Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Pushkin Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:08 AM My pressie hasn't arrived either:-(((((( My santa has posted it but the elves must be on strike!!!! Never mind, it'll be something to cheer me up in the New Year when I have to go back to work. Hope you all have a great Christmas. Pushkin |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SharonA Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:49 AM Okay, I confess: the temptation was too great for me to resist. The real Santa will be leaving coal in my stocking for my naughtiness. I opened my SS pressie from SS (Secret Santa pressie from Sandra in Sydney!) last week. And WOW, what a bunch of stuff!! Hope I remember it all, since I'm not at home right now and I didn't bring along the list of things in the package: Homemade wrapping paper with laser-printed kittycat clip-art and borders carefully collected by Sandra Christmas card with a wombat on the front Little needlepoint pillow made by Sandra herself, featuring a cat and mouse with the message "Meow-y Christmas"! Lanyard-style necklace with glass cat charm and metal beads Two cat ornaments Mousepad with various road signs typically seen in Australia (such as "kangaroo crossing", "sharks – swim at your own risk", "last outhouse for yo-many kilometers", etc.!) Australia-souvenir mechanical pencil with koala on top Postcards from Sydney with important landmarks noted (namely, Sandra's home and workplace!) Photos of Sandra's collections of bears and cats and such 12 digital pictures of her friend's cats (enough pics for a calendar, conveniently enough, so I'll put 'em in one of those calendars with inserts for photos) Hamlet's soliloquy rewritten from a cat's point of view (I'll reprint it here later) ...multitudes of cats... and more! Yay!! Sandra, thank you so much for all the pressies, and for taking the time to put so much of yourself into them! You've certainly made my holiday season merrier!! Hope yours is happy as well, and I hope your Secret Santa's package is unearthed by the postal service soon. Take care, Sharon |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: katlaughing Date: 24 Dec 02 - 10:38 AM For those who have not received your presents, yet, don't forget that the twelve days of Christmas start on the 25th, so there is still time for them to get to you for that. Small comfort, perhaps?*BG* |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 24 Dec 02 - 11:07 AM Well as you say Morty we will have something to look forward to at new year, if the post elves get a move on. Seasons greetings to all Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Fortunato Date: 24 Dec 02 - 11:08 AM All I know is it came from Delaware. (What did Della wear, boys?) And that's remarkable since my Secret Santa last year lives in Delaware. But there was no name on the parcel and the instructions said not to open the card until I'd opened the presents and I can't open the presents until Christmas morning so I don't know who or what but I do know when and where. More later. But it's great receiving lots of neat little packages. Thanks whoever you are in Delaware and Merry Christmas. I'll talk to you tomorrow! cheers, Fortunato |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Dec 02 - 11:23 AM I feel like such a slacker! I didn't think of all of these little tricks people had of delivering local color to their secret santees--newspapers, postcards, local souvenirs. My package was fairly spartan in comparison. Familiarity breeds contempt, as they say--none of the local stuff looked remarkable, just typical. But next year I'll know better! This is a truly amazing group, the lengths santas went to to delight their recipients! It has been as much fun reading people's reactions as to read the clues (and it has taken some verbal gynmastics to plant some of these clues--for my santee in particular!). My santee doesn't have any music in th package I sent because the music that is distinctive from my household would be that of my father singing. I have lots of cassettes, but am only now to the stage of installing the new burner software and cables to begin transferring from cassette to CD. Then there will be a retro-active CD, once I get the right mix of stuff. Just so they know. I didn't even know myself when I sent the package, 'cause I hadn't picked up the software yet. And when I get ready to do this, I'm sure I'll be searching out previous threads where people have already discussed this kind of task, and will post my own questions. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SharonA Date: 24 Dec 02 - 11:25 AM Well, Fortunato, if I'm fortunate enough to be your Secret Santa next year, I'll be sure to drive down to Delaware to send my package so it'll have the proper postmark, just to be consistent... maybe I can even use my Delaware friend's return address... (heh heh heh!) What did Della wear? Why, she wore her New Jersey, of course! Merry Christmas, Sharon |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Nathan in Texas Date: 24 Dec 02 - 05:56 PM Mudlark, Didn't mean to be less than forthcoming about my international sands,just got in a hurry trying to get the package out so you'd get it by Christmas. Somewhere in the recesses of my memory I have an "old Chinese proverb" that says, "To catch a tiger, one must enlist the aid of his brothers," or words to that effect. I have a brother living in Bangkok, another living in Jerusalem, and a sister living in Singapore, so I made the occasion a family affair. The better to keep you guessing, my dear. Nathan |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mudlark Date: 24 Dec 02 - 06:16 PM Dear Nathan... I have no international siblings, but I do have a friend visiting from London who has enjoyed this whole scenario almost as much as I have. It has been great fun and you are a stellar SS! I have now listened to the Homemade Jam CD (just a great name for a group) and love it too. You must not be promoting this fine album enough if you still have some left over--lovely selection of tunes, great musicianship and excellent recording. Will now go put on B. Dane and "Lightnight" (I have one word for me--proofread!) Hopkins...and then will play all 3 over again. Say hello to Denton for me....and have a wonderful holiday. nancy |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SINSULL Date: 24 Dec 02 - 07:56 PM It's Christmas Eve so I opened mine. Along with the previously described mini tea set is a miniature violin and bow, a Mudcat pin, a teeny tiny box of colored yarns on spindles(to encourage my crocheting), tiny red rose with red crystal earrings, a stunning tea towel for my new home, AND an ancient copy of "Sailor Songs and Chanties" from Firecat's family library. I was speechles and teary. Thank you. I will take good care of it and post the unusual lyrics to "Shallow Brown" on the appropriate thread. Merry Christmas, all. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: SINSULL Date: 24 Dec 02 - 08:25 PM That's speechless. Told you so. Thank you, Firecat, Tig and the Badger. Merry Christmas! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Pseudolus Date: 24 Dec 02 - 09:15 PM I have been sadly remiss in thanking my secret Santa.....the marvelous Mrs. Duck!!!! I got some candies, a good luck charm Duck, a home made CD or Mrs. Duck herself singing to me AND a Mrs. Duck original.....it's a beautiful vest decorated with musical notes and I absolutely LOVE it!!!!! Everything is awesome!! This is really a lot of fun, I will definitely do it again next year. Merry Christmas to all of you, especially Mrs. Duck!!!! Frank |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: rangeroger Date: 25 Dec 02 - 01:50 AM Waaahh. I can't get my present . I got home from work yesterday to find a notice in my PO box that I had a parcel awaiting me. Of, course this was at 6:00pm when the desk closed at 5:00. So today I get off early reach the Post Office at 2;00 to find they had closed at 1:00. Not open tommorrow, and I won't get home until after 5:00 on Thurs. and Fri. Guess it'll have to be Saturday morning. rr BTW, no home mail delivery in beautiful downtown Smelterville. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Dec 02 - 12:32 PM As I tried to write last night before the elves started dancing in the DSL box, I opened my package and find that the name on the package ISN'T code (we thought "Messenger" was a way to confuse us--which it did--is it the real name? I don't find it at Mudcat in the usual places). It's Morticia! There is now a pretty little rabbit dancing on my tree (I would have written that it escaped from the drunken scene at the virtual bar, except that was a duck having such a hard time). There are also very elegant candles and holders for my dining table, and some shortbread to munch on as I sit in my recliner and look over at the rabbit in the tree and the candles on the table. The novelty, of course, is the wrapping. The newspaper stuffed in as filler--my children are now reading about health clubs and trips to Spain--and the wrap by the numbers goft paper from the package. Very interesting--I've never seen that before! Thank you very much Morticia--a very entertaining ensemble! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: MMario Date: 25 Dec 02 - 01:34 PM Stilly River Sage - the package was fantastic - I would say a home made lap robe was sufficiently personalized! Plus reading material and hot drinks, and a lovely chatty little letter. Thank you so much; give yourself a pat on tha back - you have admirably fulfilled your duties as a Secret Santa. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mudlark Date: 25 Dec 02 - 02:26 PM Merry Christmas to all Santas and Santees...this has been a great experience! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Dec 02 - 02:42 PM Mmario--a CD will follow, one of these weeks, when I get the bugs out and start burning CD's from cassettes. Wash that comforter a few times (on gentle) and the corduroy gets real soft. --SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Morticia Date: 26 Dec 02 - 12:25 PM Glad you liked them,SRS. I'm just sorry I couldn't send music this year but my X2B got custody of the cd burner. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Amos Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:21 PM I got the most wonderful CD of Scots tunes, and a fine little lapel pin celebrating Scotland. But the Secret Santa left no clue as to his identity!! P'raps he didn't want to waste ink? I dunno. But I hope whoever it was will reveal him/herself so I can thank her/him properly! (I hate writing with double pronouns lie that!) Regards, A |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 26 Dec 02 - 09:26 PM Hello, Sharon I'm glad you liked your pressie. Even tho I'm a bear collector I do like cats & have a few (few compared to 800 bears!). If I had thought of it in time I could have asked my colleague with access to the map printer to print out the clip art - it's even cuter when in color. Hope you & your feline (& family of course!) all had a great christas sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's SS Date: 26 Dec 02 - 10:49 PM Nothin' yet, I guess, huh, Sandra? I am so sorry. If you haven't gotten the package by the first of the year, I'll try again. Some things can be easily duplicated, some can't. But you WILL NOT go presentless. Freakin', besotted elves. Probably thought they were going on holiday and got lost, or got drunk and were rolled in a bar. #%&*@$%^$&!!!! Keep the faith, Your alternately sad and mad Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 27 Dec 02 - 06:45 AM Hello, Santa No worries, mate!! The Post Office re-opens on Monday & other santees are also waiting for pressies. It sounds intriguing - must be more than one thing in the parcel. Sometime soon I'll meet a friend for a present swap as we couldn't get together last week, and my Nigerian-based sister never sends pressies cos the mail bag system used by the company only allows letters or cards. She'll be here in late Jan or Feb when I'll get several pressies. seasonable greetings sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: PageOfCups Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:10 PM Susan From California thank you SO much for your present!! The doggie is adorable (and came with his very own bad pun: "Buddy Hollyday"). The santa mug makes me smile every time I look at it, and the wreath mug is so pretty I'll use it year 'round. And the cats played hide and seek with the bag, so it was a hit, too. Thanks again, Secret Santa Susan! PoC |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:42 PM ..and yet again the postman did'nt call. Boo Hoo Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Firecat Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:59 PM I'm glad you liked your things, SINSULL. Merry Chrimble and Happy New Year!! xoxoxox |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: RolyH Date: 27 Dec 02 - 03:57 PM No prezzies here yet.......... |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Genie Date: 28 Dec 02 - 03:14 PM Just got in from San Diego this morning, and there was a package waiting for me. A few years ago I participated in a personal growth organization retreat with the theme of "The Tao of Pooh." It was a delightful and productive weekend. So what was inside my package from my SS? Yup, that very same book. Funny that dear Santa Gutbucketeer should connect with me so well on that present without the aid of clues! I now also have four, count 'em, FOUR CDs of old time music to listen to after I get back grom a jam session this afternoon. I love that group's name: Dead And Gone Singers! Thankee sooooo much, Tim! (I hope all the unwrapped CDs and the book are used ones, 'cause you couldn't have kept it anywhere near $20 otherwise.) My cup runneth over! Jeanene |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Tig Date: 28 Dec 02 - 05:18 PM I'm still trying to be good Santa. I'm not sure how much longer it will last though! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Peter Kasin Date: 28 Dec 02 - 10:19 PM Thank you, my secret Santa in Bristol, UK! I was sent a packet of materials: some local Bristol maritime history, some postcards and other sundry items, and a satirical newspaper showing a photo of Prince Charles next to a photo of Dobby (from Harry Potter), claiming them to be twins separated at birth! Thanks for the virtual tour of Bristol and some of its history.The bridge pictured, I would guess, is an I.K. Brunel? All the best to you for the new year! I was late getting my gift out to my Santee, but it should arrive any day now. Chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Genie Date: 28 Dec 02 - 10:27 PM Gutbucketeer, I'm listening to the Dead Singers' CDs now, and they're great! Not only for listening enjoyment, but for learning some neat old songs. Thanks again! Genie ¤:-D |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GutBucketeer Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:59 PM Genie: I'm glad you like them. I tried to pick some of my favorites that also seemed to match what you would like. Several have their lyrics and chords posted here on Mudcat (I just added the chords to Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore). I hope they give you many hours of enjoyment on those cold winter nights in the hottub ;-) Happy New Year! JAB |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Genie Date: 29 Dec 02 - 12:22 AM Gotta be careful playing CDs in the hot tub, JAB.* Electrocution and all that. ;-D I'm listening to Woodchuck's Revenge right now. Good music, that. Next comes "Come Into My Parlor" (complete with that terribly risquŽ French post card photo on the cover!). Grazie, e felice anno nuovo! Genie *I take it you are "Jim, " not "Tim?" |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST Date: 31 Dec 02 - 06:59 AM Arn't you lot lucky I havn't recieved one, my santee hasn't recived thier's as far as I know, I'm fed up Guest |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:08 AM Same here...haven't received yet and no news from Santee... (:>( |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 31 Dec 02 - 03:34 PM Santa finally made it to the Bluegrass. I guess he was waiting for all this rain to turn to snow. It looks like there will be several surprises from Cape Cod. (That looks like your brother in the restaurant, MM!) I'm already anxious to travel there...maybe someday. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 01 Jan 03 - 08:10 AM Well, well, well...it looks like it was Night Owl all along. (sneaky little devil) I managed to accuse just about every Mudcatter far and wide and managed to learn a lot about several of them. ;-) I just didn't know Night Owl lived in Cape Cod. (Who are all those people in the tape? I'm still reading about Cape Cod and antiques and music, and really hope to visit there someday. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 01 Jan 03 - 09:52 AM still no pressie ... or even coal :-( Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Bardford Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:23 PM I received ONE OUT OF MANY perfect presents yesterday when the postal elves delivered the MUDCAT STRAWBERRY Record direct from the CAMSCO workshop. I've yet to listen to it, but I'm looking forward to hearing all you folks, including my very GENEROUS Secret Santa, who is on the disc. I also received a secret PM from my SS via catsPHiddle in which I am told to expect a BOOKSTORE GIFT CERTIFICATE, and that my Secret Santa has ALSO made a donation on my behalf to the PEACE GARDENS IN BOSNIA. And, if that wasn't enough, my Santa was going to write a Christmas song, especially for me! Surprise family visitors put the kybosh on that, apparently, but jeez, I am humbled and amazed. Thank you Santa! You've warmed my heart. This here ragtag muddy feline community of virtual strangers has produced, to borrow a quote from the Peace Gardens site, "a bountiful crop of good will." Peace and good health, Bardford |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:42 AM I got back from Canada on New Year's Eve to find my Christmas Box had arrived in my absence! I thought I'd leave it for New Year's Morn - which may not have been my best idea. A champagne hang-over on top of a 25 hour trip was not condusive to getting all that danged TAPE off! (Hint: SS has shares in 3M or like.) My SS has sent me a fantastic wooden ornament - an owl swooping low over a tree branch, hand carved - which I shall treasure. But very very few hints as to my SS's identity. There's a suggestion that I might be in for a further treat when SS's CD is ready ... so SS is a performer. And the parcel was posted this side of The POnd. Hmmmm. I shall have to think about this. Any hints, SS? In the meantime, big big hugs and many many thanks. And, wilco, glad to hear that your parcel arrived. I couldn't find a Welsh-language Barney tape but glad that the other was OK! Glad the whole clan got into the act (and that the kids didn't get all the candy!) Belated Christmas best wishes to all - and many thanks to all Santas, Elves and Admin. support! sian, west wales |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sian's Secretive Santa Date: 02 Jan 03 - 08:35 AM Dear Sian, I'm so glad it arrived safely and that you liked it! More hints? Hmmm? Yes you're right ...I am a performer but have been a mainly gigging musician (but mainly these days for fun although several bands). I now play in many styles but grew up in one particular musical tradition. I was warmly welcomed several years ago to the Mudcat by a rather well-known 'Catter with whom I have a couple of tenuous but not so obvious links and common interests but whom I have not yet met. I have probably met about 50 or 60 'Catters in person though, unfortunately, not your good self yet....something I look forward to very much one day! What else? Hmmm? According to Catspaw I do rather strange things during my holidays! I sometimes play with a musical plumber and have shared a bear with jOhn9 from Hull! I can play nearly as fast as Sam Pirt but not necessarily using the same or even correct notes and on different instruments! I have a counterpart in Greek mythology. Surely you must be able to guess me from this! Your Secret Santa! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 02 Jan 03 - 10:29 AM 'Ell's teeth. Even jet-lagged and hung-over, I might have been willing to wrap my mind around all that, but when you claimed to, "have shared a bear with jOhn9 from Hull", I kinda froze. MORE INFORMATION THAN I NEED! DO NOT GO THERE!!!!!!!!! Yikes. I know that Hull can do strange things to people but ... ick! Well, at least I know who you're NOT ... sian, mulling things over in west wales |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: RolyH Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:17 PM Nuffink.... :>( |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sian's Santa trying hard to reveal him/herse Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:39 PM Dear Sian, Well ...two separate bears, one each, during an informal one and only brief meeting actually (and not in Hull9)! (I feel it important to clarify such matters in case one should cause concern or worry!). In fact I have never ever visited the fair city of Hull9, so am not affected too drastically in any particular way...(as almost all Mudcatters are from Hull9 this should make it easy for you to identify me!) Oh yes...and several well-known 'Catters have slept in my bed on separate occasions (I was not in it myself on any of those times I hasten to add in order to avoid giving the wrong impression!). And I have successfully intervened and arbitrated in small dispute between two Mudcatters over the ownership and use of a goatskin jockstrap! What else? One of my best instruments was purchased from another Mudcatter, I myself have introduced several new members to the 'Cat and a Mudcatter I am sure is known to you has promised to kick a well-known guitar virtuoso "up the bottom" for me as a special favour! What other clues can I provide? Wood! Ah yes....wood! I do frequently get carried away with wood...! And I recall physically hugging at least seven 'Catters of whom three are female and of whom one is from Hull (but not jOhn9) (and all done in the best possible taste and with the correct sense of decorum of course!). A Mudcat musical highlight? There are very many, but hearing Barry Finn sing the fine song he composed for his son in Boston one evening must rank as a notable one... Another was having several Mudcatters present to help me celebrate an important anniversary with music and song. Ah yes...and Alison is expecting something special from me but not until the cooler Australian winter (please do not tell Big Mick!). This must surely now unlock the mystery dear Sian. By the way I have sometimes passed through your fair land of West Wales with fondest memories... Your secret Celtic Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,(:>( Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:42 PM ...still waiting hopefully (:>( |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 03 Jan 03 - 08:40 AM Oh b*gger. I must start paying more attention to the more 'social' threads. What do I know about goatskin jockstraps, wood and who's-in-whose bed???? BUT (big mistake, cariad) you have renewed an old interest in handwriting analysis. Give me a couple of days - I may not know who you are but I'll know a lot more about WHO you are. (You have my address - my silence can be purchased ...) BTW - I agree about your assessment of 'our' owl being wise and knowledgable, but there's also a look of grim determination on its face. Another indispensable trait for 2003? sian, working on it in w.w. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: greg stephens Date: 03 Jan 03 - 12:59 PM Well I've opened mine from Burke in Utica,NY, USA. She had got my tastes off to a T, the main item being a big book about the New York State Barge Canal, highly approriate as I spent Chrsitmas and New Year boating on the Trent and mersey and Caldon cals. A wonderful read, and now Ive got to go and see it..or rather boat on it. Also included were some local treats, maple sugar candy (excellent), a log made out of chocolate, sugar and nuts(excellent) and some strange roasted sweet corn (well, the squirrels love it). And a map of New York State which will enable me to plan my visit. It was inriguing to discover that it is quite near Toronto where I have a brother who Ive been contemplating visiting since he moved there(20 years ago). In factit was all very intriguing, as (in common with most Brits I expect) I had sort of imgined New York was big town, Apparently there is a lot more to it than that, with some very exciting blankish looking bits on the map with lakes and mountains, called Adirondacks. Looks my sort of country. I'll be over soon. Thanks a lot, Burke, your efforts are hugely appreciated. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:56 AM OOOOH! it was so worth waitting for. My peressie arrived today (after being detained in HM's custom house for 2 weeks+), from Oroville, California. I guessed California but not the sender, who turned out to be 'open mike'. I have 'The Old Farmers Almanac 2203' which will keep me right with the world. Laurel sent me some wonderful wool yarn from her home state of Nebraska and she found two Californian bred ewes, Audrey and Mazie who gave up their coats for me to spin..how cool is that knowing the name of the sheep who's wool you are spinning !! Thank you so much 'open mike' for this wonderful SS pressie. Happy New Tear to you Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Mrs Cobble Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:59 AM That should be Happy New YEAR :-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:02 AM well done Mrs C i'm still waiting to hear from MY Santee and My Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:12 AM Well, I'm still working on my SS's identity. I've sunk to handwriting analysis in my desparate attempt to put a name to gift. I wish I hadn't. I think said santa may originally be British/Irish but there are some distinct Germanic influences on certain letters ("s" in particular). An upright individual (definitely male), capable of a certain formality when required, but possibly a bit quirky within his 'envelope'. May, for instance, enjoy playing the guitar naked in the privacy of his own home. OK - so none of that is a problem. But his 'descenders'!!!!!! (Those are the dangly bits to those not au fait with handwriting analysis.) His descenders are DEFINITELY worrying! I know that Mudcat represents a wide church of interest but ... there are things which simply cannot be discussed in an open forum. Maybe I should just forget about trying to identify you any further, dear secret santa. Thanks for the owl! And now, let sleeping dogs lie. I mean that: please let them, and all other small household pets, alone! sian, west wales |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sian's Amused Secret Santa Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:50 AM Dear Sian, Well I AM impressed! You have my basics to a T! Germanic influences? Perhaps that also! I am indeed quite capable of formality sometimes am pressed unwillingly into it but, as you quite rightly say, there is quite definitely a quirky and "left field" person lurking inside and, yes, last time I looked I was definitely male! As for those dangly bits...don't worry! It could definitely be a problem but supreme mental effort and discipline has it more or less under control and the various feline forms and other mammals that permit me to share their home have had no cause for concern! Likewise at work where I am a paragon of virtue! I expect catsPHiddle will reveal identities soon but, in the meantime just a couple more clues to ponder upon. I am quite famous for my big chopper (by which I mean my large Harley-style motorcycle of course!) which has been used to transport a bit of "Mudcat history". I am a biologist by profession and, in this capacity, have had some strange and exciting adventures and a few "spats" on the 'Cat on certain topics! I now work in the medical sector. There are several VERY unflattering and one "very happy" photos of me concealed withing the Mudcat photo archives! I quite agree with you that, while being free and wise, the owl looks rather determined and that this will represent a quality we may all need this year. All the very best, Your Secret Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: katlaughing Date: 06 Jan 03 - 10:30 AM Wondering if my pressie ever made it to my Santee...no customs to get hung up in...ah, well, hope all is well. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 06 Jan 03 - 12:10 PM Dagnabbit, SS - I forgot to discuss you ascenders. I was gonna say that I reckoned you were a scientific type ... but you're gonna think I'm just being wise after the fact now! OK - I thought it would be something that might involve producing technical drawings and draughtsmanship but still in the field of science. I also would have thought you'd work from home, at least part of the time, but I guess you must be lab-based. Also, I'll hazard a guess that you wear a lot of earth colours - greens 'n' browns? (So much for the Coca-cola Santa.) You are more a 'string' person than woodwind or percussion, and I'll bet that you have more than one string to your bow, i.e. multiple instruments (you collect as many as your family will allow?) Hmmmmm .... you read: probably more philosophical stuff than Zane Grey westerns. I think you've given something up in the past (smoking? booze?) but I couldn't say if you've succeeded. If you go in for sports, I'll bet it's less likely to be a team thing than ... hmmmm .... dunno.... not golf, but something brainy as opposed to sweaty. And I still see you naked. No, let me rephrase that ... sian |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Your HIGHLY IMPRESSED Secret Santa! Date: 06 Jan 03 - 01:24 PM Dear Sian, Marvellous stuff there! I used to be lab-based for many years (as a forensic biologist) but am now a desk-based "analyst"! Yes I wear a lot of green. Also maroon and black. Yes...I'm a strings specialist and have suffered from Multiple Instrument Acquisition Syndrome in the past although I still have a few different types of stringed instrument. I also play Latin percussion. Reading? Almost all philosophical and ethical stuff these days! I used to drink but don't any more and have never smoked. You're right on sport too...in my case it's Olympic-style archery! Is this lady clever or what!!!! Your Secret Santa |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:42 AM Gee. I must be on a roll. Let me think ... Ummm.... you're probably quite chivalrous. i.e. If some damsel was being threatened, you might (at least in your own mind) leap to her defence declaring, "Decease, Varlet. Put away thy 4 pound hammer and threaten not said damsel nor any goods, chattel or percussion instruments belonging herto." And I bet you have a good memory - like: you can remember music 'n' stuff so you don't have to use a music stand. Music: maybe a real range including modern (probably not traditional) jazz, Chas and Dave (?), anything containing the word "Bonzo". It would be just like you to teach music as well. Geography: I discount the UK or Ireland and probably nothing so 'mainstream' as Germany. Maybe Belgium? I wouldn't be surprised if you had a fairly conventional Christian name. Dunno ... something like, Robert or Richard? How am I doing? sian, west wales |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Sian's Sussed Santa! Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:53 AM Dear Sian, I do believe you have me rumbled! Clever work eh Dr Watson! Your not so secret Santa anymore |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: sian, west wales Date: 07 Jan 03 - 07:10 AM mooman, Gotcha! sian p.s. thanks, catsPHiddle! (my partner in crime) p.p.s. But some of it really WAS handwriting analysis ... st |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:16 AM catsPHiddle, are you going to reveal the list soon? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Catherine Jayne Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:55 AM I was going to reveal the list in a couple of weeks. Some people haven't recieved their pressie yet. If you would like me to post the list earlier let me know. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: mooman Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:02 AM Dear catsPHiddle, Haven't received my pressie yet (:>( (wretched Belgian post office again probably!) but I do know who my Santa is.... moo |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Catherine Jayne Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:04 AM I know that some packages form the USA to the UK and Europe are taking up to 8 weeks if sent by surface mail!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:26 AM I havn't recieved mine nor have knowledge of my santee recieving the gift that I sent earlier to America.Thanks for the hard work catsPHiddle its a shame so many let you down. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:37 AM 8 weeks - that's good to know, Santa says my pressie was posted 15th Nov. I'm accustomed for waiting for pressies, it makes the event continue - my brother is the greatest slacko in the world - my 50th birthday pressie came with my Christmas chq & card - 10 MONTHS LATE!! In Feb will I get my 51st birthday pressie on time (huh!) or will it come with 2003 cristmas stuff? As my sister lives in Nigeria she doesn't send a present in the company mail, but delivers one in person when she comes back for her annual leave, which is not a sign of slackness. So my birthday continues. This morning my mailbox was still lacking a parcel card from my Secret Santa- but tomorrow is another day, and then there's Friday!! sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: GUEST,Blackcatter's S-s-s-secret S-s-s-santa Date: 08 Jan 03 - 08:03 AM I knows ya got it...ya ever opin it? |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Morticia Date: 08 Jan 03 - 12:28 PM I got mine today from Page of Cups.A wonderful decoupage box filled with the most delicious sweeties ( candy)and a card with a beautiful owl on it ( how did you know I had a thing for owls?).Thank you so much PoC, I loved it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 08 Jan 03 - 01:17 PM catsPHiddle posted santas/santees here. |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: selby Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:57 PM Yipee my Prezzie arived am I the Last? Keith |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 10 Mar 03 - 08:03 PM Talk about waiting for the other shoe to drop! |
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Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else? From: CapriUni Date: 12 Mar 03 - 03:04 PM Well, don't keep us hanging, Kieth! Whatcha get? And whodya get it from (or hasn't your Secret Santa revealed her/imself, yet)? |