BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: JennyO
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 04:32 AM

Oh well, it was worth a try - at least you can use it for something, Dave. I guess it's an acquired taste :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 02:07 AM

I actually issued my thanks to my SS in another thread.

But it did arrive safely and I have eated most of the eatable things therein.

Sorry JennyO and our other Aust. friends but I did try the Vegemite and I'm afraid I will be using it for cooking rather than on toast or bickies.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes Santa
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 07:16 AM

Are we allowed to reveal ourselves yet?
I'm sure I sent Tablet, not shortbread, and from Aberdeen not Dundee! Maybe I'm wrong though.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 07 Feb 06 - 09:57 PM

Just got back today, and waiting for me was my pressies - from Dundee!

Real single malt marmalade and tea and coffe and shortbread...

yum!

Thanks - but no name.... :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: MBSLynne
Date: 03 Feb 06 - 09:35 AM

Well RAT-W and I still haven't had our pressies. It must be a postal hold up since both our Santa's have posted the things. I hope they do arrive, not just cos it's nice to get pressies, but also because our Santas must have outlaid time and money on them and it would be a shame if they were lost. Oh well......

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: vectis
Date: 03 Feb 06 - 09:08 AM

I'm glad that Breton Cap's pressie is en route at last. I've still to hear from my santa much less get a pressie.
Even if I don't get anything I'll still join in next year because I enjoy trying to find things my santees will like. Up till now my santas have been very good.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Crane Driver
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 06:01 PM

Well, slap me with a wet haddock! Today there turned up in the Royal Welsh Mail one tube containing a very interesting and colourful map of shipwreck sites off the mouth of the Columbia River, US of A. I have no idea who sent it, the only return address is a bookshop in St Helens, Oregon - and the signature on the customs declaration is a masterpiece of illegibility, but whoever you are, thank you very much indeed. I don't even know if you are my original designated Santa or a late "stand-in" (the parcel was posted 23 January), but either way, the gesture is much appreciated.

Thanks a load.

Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Breton Cap's very belated Santa
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 09:52 AM

A bunch of rather tiring and time consuming family issues, plus a shortage of money have prevented me from getting my act together enough to actually send your pressie until recently, but it's winging it's way towards you from a great distance even as we speak. I hope you get it soon, and I hope you like it (and I hope that customs don't rip it apart looking for WMD's ;-))

Your contrite SS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: mooman
Date: 30 Jan 06 - 10:51 AM

Dear Blackcatter,

I guess it was very remiss of me not to follow up regarding your point B) of 18 January (I hadn't checked this thread till today) and I apologise profusely for that after initially acknowledging receipt of your present before Christmas. I should have posted again after unwrapping it to thank you.

Indeed, I liked the book very much. I very much like things of historical interest like that and the fact that it was local to you and that you contributed to it made it special for me.

I hope you'll forgive me this oversight... I didn't mean to be lacking in manners.

All very best regards,

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 10:57 PM

Sounds to me like the Secret Santa won't miss you...

It's not like you're the only one who's never heard from anyone... Like it matters?

It's just an internet gift exchange... try not to lose any sleep over it...

If ya had a real life, Mudcat wouldn't seem like such a big deal to you

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Blackcatter
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 10:12 PM

That was me posting.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,If you
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 10:11 PM

Main complaint: My secret Santa never fessed up. My Santee never reported that they liked or didn't like what I sent.

So screw it.

Oh and Clinton - fuck you and all the small minded people who do everything they can to fuck with people here at Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:55 PM

What's yer beef now Blackcatter??

The BS section is a necessary evil of the Secret Santa process... So as not to clutter up the MUSIC section

(If this message boards wasn't so FKn stone age, we could have a selection of forums for different broad topics, and the Secret Santa could have it's own section... but....)

So what's the complaint??

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Blackcatter
Date: 29 Jan 06 - 12:34 AM

Well, it looks like this might as well be the last year I tke part in the Secret Santa thing.

Guess I've been unofficially "drummed" out of the Mudcat regulars because I refuse to read and post in the B.S. section.

I regularly read through the non-BS, but rarely make a contribution (which has been my M.O. since I got here in 1999).

I'm not looking for anything, get making a statement "to be read into the record." Good by all.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Blackcatter
Date: 25 Jan 06 - 01:27 AM

I guess never ....................................................................................................................................................................................

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 06:17 AM

Oh yes 200 BTW
G ☺

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 04:22 AM

In keeping with this general rejoicing at the arrival of parcels thought gone astray, I will add my own 10c worth. The parcel of excess baggage that I posted to myself from Beverly Mass on 12th November, finally arrived chez nous on Tuesday. There were even a couple of things in there I'd forgotten, and the Christmas tree baubles I bought at the Corning Museum of Glass have been hung on the deer antlers at the top of the stairs as they are too nice to put away yet.
God bless the USPS; eventually.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Jan 06 - 02:44 AM

Thanks Art :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: artbrooks
Date: 18 Jan 06 - 07:13 PM

Lynne, luv...your Santees think that would be a shame.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Blackcatter
Date: 18 Jan 06 - 05:49 PM

So when do I find out

A) how is my secret Santa?

B) did my santee like the gift?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From:
Date: 18 Jan 06 - 04:02 AM

I am so glad it finally arrive Frank! I was just thinking about sending something else out to you to make up for it not arriving!!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Jan 06 - 03:20 AM

Hmmm....still nothing for either me or RAT-W.

Don't think I'll bother with this next year.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Tinkers almost Secret Santa
Date: 18 Jan 06 - 02:57 AM

You are nearly right!

I do live in Brighton but I'm not actually married to my Partner.

Do you want another clue?

"Navy blue French headgear"

That gives the game away to a number of Catters in my corner of the UK.

Hope you found the gift interesting.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Pseudolus
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 10:14 PM

I can't believe it! Good things really do come to those who wait!! My package arrived today with a reflexology kit complete with massage rollers. I also got a set of Christmas salt and pepper shakers, a little red bean bag toy and enough chocolate to last me the rest of the winter! OK, maybe not the whole winter but there's a lot!! All of this from my gorgeous secret santa, Catsphiddle!!!!!

I'm so glad it came, mostly because I knew how bad you felt since it was sent so long ago. The post mark was from back in November! but it finally got here! thank you for giving me a second Christmas!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 13 Jan 06 - 01:12 AM

I just got home from the wars, pulled up the drawbridge, and lo: a package from afar, containing a delightful and intriguing CD, some organic chocolate (how did you know??!!!!) and news of a VERY generous contribution to the earthquake victims in Kashmir. My cup runneth over.

O best of all Secret Santas, I humbly thank you. Now that I know who you are, if you ever care to reveal what you call yourself in mudcatville, I will be much obliged.

gracias, merci, danke, dhanyavad, and great, glorious gratitude,

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: sian, west wales
Date: 12 Jan 06 - 04:28 AM

Well, you were right about the guessing, Hollowfox! And ... 10 cuts!? They are utterly remarkable!

I've read through ALL the recipe books - great! But who ever thought of Sausage Cake? I might give that one a miss. And I haven't yet got my head into an appropriate gear for that Brain Teaser book - but I'm getting there!

You are such a GOOD Santa!

siân

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Hollowfox
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 05:59 PM

(whew) I was beginning to get worried that the darn package was never going to get there. As for the wooden pliers, they're made with ten cuts, and no wasted wood. they're a signature item from the Warther Museum in Dover, Ohio. Mr. Warther was a master carver, and just the sort of person who'd love the 'Cat, if he were still alive. spaw turned me on to the place. You mentioned on the wishing thread that you loved riddles, so riddles you got.
And I told you that you'd never guess who your SS was this year. *g*

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: sian, west wales
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 03:35 PM

Bog Frogs? Ah - a new Taste Treat Sensation. I reckon I could figure out how to make 'em. I've got a recipe for turtles somewhere and they sound like the same general concept ...

Bookmark this thread for next Christmas baking season!

siân

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Crystal's Secret Santa type person
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 10:14 AM

I bought those Bog frogs ( chocolate covered cashews,carmel and cranberries) while I was back visiting my mother in the Massachusetts where I grew up. I'm pretty sure they are a local specialty. A google search brought up a couple of places Cranberry Bog Frogs can be ordered from, but I couldn't find a UK distributor...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: RangerSteve
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 09:52 AM

Haven't got my present yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: sian, west wales
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 07:08 AM

So ... here I am in a panic trying to get out the door for a two-day round of meetings in N. Wales two days ago when the postie shows up at the door with a Seriously Hefty Box to be signed for.

Says I to him, says I: Oh, I know what this is! Sheesh! Do all Americans send their own weight in parcels?

Ha! Not 'all Americans', but one in particular!

Hollowfox - I feel like I should apologize that you got me two years running but ... I ain't gonna. 'Cause you send such GREAT PARCELS!

In fact - I might even lay claim to this woman. Next year - she's MINE. Hands off, all the rest of yez.

I told myself I'd open it when I got back from the grand tour but THAT didn't happen. I ripped into it - what joy!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups which will be shared with some ex-pat American neighbours.

Lotsa books: I now have recipes for possum and groundhog and squirrel and ilk if anyone needs 'em. Also a Parish Cookbook from a parish which must have had a seriously funny Deacon in 1976; he submitted a recipe for Holy Water which turned out to be the driest of martinis!

And how did you know that I LOVE riddles? I feel the need to start a thread (or resurrect one) in the very near future ...

And that little packet that wasn't a chanter reed after all. It's a little wooden model of a pair of pliers that I suspect has been carved out of a single piece of wood, yet opens and closes. The mind boggles.

And CDs - just the thing for a very long two-day stint in the car! You know I love storytelling! And to finally have a Rick Fielding CD - sigh. He's been on my intenting-to-buy list for years. Balm for the Soul (with just a slight trembling of the bottom lip and tear int he eye in passing).

You are SUCH A GOOD SANTA, woman! Thank you a zillionty times! And have an excellent 2006!

siân

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Crystal
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 06:20 AM

Nope, although I've been racking my brains!
BTW those cranberry bog frogs were DELICIOUS!!!! I'm now frantically trying to find out where I can get some more (we have a little shop which sells sweets and stuff from America etc here!).

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Crystal's Less Secret Santa
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 09:56 AM

Did you get enought clues to figure out who I am??? I'm really relieved that it made it all in one piece and found it's way to you. Next year I'll get to the post office earlier I promise...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 11:44 AM

Limpit's secret Santee parcel was also returned to her rather worse for wear, so there are at least two people who are still awaiting patiently..... We will try again and hopefully this time it will actually get further than Mount Pleasant Sorting office (some 8 miles from the house!).

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 11:07 AM

Sounds like your package came via the postal threshing machine, Rapaire!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 08:58 AM

Santa, thank you. I mentioned that I received the books and now I've read the one on Lewes and fire walking (yeah, I know, but as a friend says, "Someone has to mislead the youth").

The package did arrive damaged, a large chunch was bitten(?) out of a corner and retaped, so if there was more than the books in it it's gone now.

I'm enjoying the books. Thank you!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Crystal
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:39 AM

THANK YOU SANTA!!! I got back to Aberdeen last night to find my pressie waiting for me!
I havn't started the sweeties yet, but the PJ's are great and my rings are already in the trinket box!
I've read half of the book too!

Liz I also returned to find the pressie for my Santee has been returned to me. I'm re-sending it!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Jan 06 - 03:14 PM

SINSULL: if you look a few posts previous to your last one, you'll see that Cllr received his pressies via Cats in Cornwall on Christmas Day.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jan 06 - 08:37 PM

CLLR - please tell me you got yours in time for Christmas or there is a certain bearded man with a new bride who will be singing soprano for a while...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Blackcatter
Date: 07 Jan 06 - 06:43 PM

As far as I know, Candlemas is tied to the ancient celebration of Imbolc, which is a "cross-Quarter" celebration (between a Solstice and an Equinox) in the British Isles. It's date floats around in the beginning of February, but is most often connected to Feb. 2nd. In the U.S., Ground Hog Day is connected with it. Candlemas was the Catholic "interpretation" of Imbolc and was said to be 40 days after the birth of Jesus. That being the traditional time when a woman would be pure enough to re-enter the Jewish temple. (Mary being the woman in question - hence the alternate name of Candlemas - the Repurification of Mary) By the way, if Jesus had been a girl (imagine that!) Mary would have had to wait 80 days to reenter the temple.

That being said, i don't know if my Santee has opened his present yet...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Cats
Date: 07 Jan 06 - 01:01 PM

Cllr still hasn't quite worked out how his secret santa pressies ended up under my Christmas tree in Cornwall on Christmas morning!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Jan 06 - 10:03 AM

MuddleC, you can put your chrissy decorations up any time you want - mine will be staying up to at least July (well, that's how long they stayed up last year).

Some of my chrissy decorations at home & work are permanent features. I have various bears on my bear collection that are supposedly christmas decorations, and at work I have Flat Santa (a formerly inflatable Santa rescued from the builder's skip during the office renovations of 1993) and an old plastic Santa (1960's???) scrounged from unused office decorations a few years ago, and some of my office bears are christmas decorations, too.

Every Day is Christmas Day!!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: MuddleC
Date: 07 Jan 06 - 07:03 AM

Can I put my christmas decorations up yet? -or have I left it too late again

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: SharonA
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 10:55 PM

Many thanks -- and profuse apologies for the tardiness in expressing my thanks -- to my Secret Santa(s), who is/are Firecat, Tig and The Badger! I confess, I couldn't quite wait for Christmas Eve to open my package; as the song says, I needed a little Christmas a little early.

I asked for local lore and I got lots! A picture book of images from Doncaster, plus a larger book from the "Images of England" series highlighting Askern, Campsall and Norton (from the "Lol" Freeman Collection -- but not "LOL" -- LOL!). This will be quite an education for me, as I am not familiar with any of those places. [By the way, on this side of the pond they publish an "Images of America" series with the same graphic design on the cover! (...including a book on my hometown!)]

In addition to these nice pressies, I also received a cute Christmas card, a postcard with cats (love those kitties!) AND my very own personalized Mudcat badge (a.k.a. button) with the Mudcat Cafe logo!!! If I ever show up for a Getaway or one of Susan'w (WYSIWYG's) sings, I'll have my I.D. ready to wear! None of those "Hello, my name is..." stickers for moi!!

It was great fun receiving a package from overseas and guessing who sent it. Thanks again, Firecat et al, for the goodies and the fun! Also thanks to Liz the Squeak for organizing this year's SS program, to SINSULL for the PM's reminding me to assure my Santee that I existed, and to Mudcat and Max for making all this possible!

Happy New Year to all!
Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Joybell
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 05:14 PM

OOOOOH! An outing! I love those. We went on outings when I was a kid. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 03:58 PM

Candlemass is Feb 2nd, when Christmas officially ends.

Merry Old Christmas chaps!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 02:58 PM

Or, alternatively - February 2nd - according to Yahoo search

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 02:55 PM

Twelfth Night - January 6th.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: MuddleC
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 02:38 PM

when's candlemass?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Tinker
Date: 06 Jan 06 - 12:11 PM

I've had time now to wander through the book... and my questions to UK catter's don't appear to be espectially helpful... but I do know my SS is married and from Brighton but there still seems to be a bit of choice involved.... I may be waiting for Liz's revelation on Candlemass....

tinker