BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Megan L
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:48 PM

1. What is your age range? to near 50 for comfort :)

2. Gender? well i was female the last time i could see a mirror


3. Do you have a favorite color? anything Autumn

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? books about places most of my fav fiction writers i am up to date with their books.

5. What books have you really been wanting? any local history
6. What type of music do you like? Traditional, harp dulcimer
7. What CDs have you really been wanting?
8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view?
Don't watch TV or films much

9. What is your t-shirt size?       XL for comfort, and to make me feel slim

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? Thimbles and fridge magnets
11. What are some of your other hobbies? writing (I love using a fountain pen) reading almost anything i can get my hands on but not to thick a bokk these days :)

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? silver
13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like.

I like anything someone has made

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Megan L
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:52 PM

Just read ss message so heres a few answers

1 I like green stones my birth stone is emerald

2

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Megan L
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 03:01 PM

dont ask how i managed that i dinny ken:)

2 I love poetry my all time favourite is Robert Service but i enjoy reading other peoples work.

3 I used to be a first aid instructor but i had to retire through ill health

4 Mostly cards now but i used to do leather work and glass engraving

5 no alergies except cigarette smoke

6 no real favourite foods but most of the time i prefer savoury to sweet (Most of the time :))

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 03:07 PM

Correction to Snuffy's list...

14.Negative Hints? - I have no food allergies, but am not particularly fond of chocolate: you can buy me some and eat it yourself if you like!

That should read: you can buy me some and send it to Liz if you like!



Worth a try.... :]

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 03:09 PM

Dip me in chocolate and throw me into the girls shower.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 06:44 PM

1. What is your age range? 50s .. but don't tell anyone

2. Gender? female

3. Do you have a favorite color? purple, but anything rich and not wishy washy is good too

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? Dorothy Dunnett - history, or historical fiction written well

5. What books have you really been wanting? Terry Jones on Chaucer, books on Shakespeare, books of folk tales

6. What type of music do you like? eclectic ... folk, AOR, early music.

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? too many to list!

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view? not sure really about wanting ... any region to view

9. What is your t-shirt size? XXL

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? nope

11. What are some of your other hobbies? theatre, history, walking

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? both!

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like. Really open to whatever ...like to be surprised and intrigued!

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: cryptoanubis
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 07:51 PM

H,mmm North America perhaps?

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: GUEST,The well-hidden SS of jennbrooks
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 02:07 AM

Oh goody!goody!goody!goody!goody!goody! So glad to have you as my Santee.
Off to search out dark green beaded armadillos and a crate for shipping. And books - "101 Ways to Cook Dark Green Beaded Armadillos"? "The Mystery of the Dark Green Beaded Armadillo"? Hmmmmmmmm. "Knit youself a Dark Green Beaded Armadillo"? OOH this is going to be fun!
Happiness from jenn's-very-own-SS.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 03:44 AM

I looked at that list and decided to ignore it, just like last year...

I have provided some hints (modified slightly from last year) to help and and all future Secret Santas, listed in more or less, but not necessarily, descending order of preference. Just go down the list till you reach a point at which you are comfortable, and remember, it's not the value of the gift, but the thought that counts. Of course, monetary value to a degree will offset rudeness and ill feeling, so you can insult me as much as you want, provided it is in balance...

Gold Bullion bars. For ease of accounting, please supply in complete dump truck loads - if you are not a Bruce Willis Fan, I expect this one will go completely over your head... :-)

Ditto, Silver bullion...

Jewellery, Gold (with stone settings if desired) of sufficient value that merits not melting it down. For ease of accounting please supply in complete container loads ...

Ditto, Silver...

Jewellery, Gold (with stone settings if desired) of sufficiently lesser value that merits melting it down. For ease of accounting please supply in complete container loads ...

Ditto Silver...

Precious Stones. For ease of accounting please supply in complete pallet loads ...

Ditto, Semiprecious Stones...

Negotiable Bearer Bonds. For ease of accounting please supply in complete pallet loads ...

Music, your personal CDs - single copies...

Music, your personal CDs - multiple copies...

Non-Australian food or sweets or biscuits that will definitely be unavailable in Australia - be careful though as some things such as meats etc, will definitely be seized by Customs. No 'diet stuff' though as I can't stand the taste of artificial sweeteners, and yes I CAN taste most of them, apart from some of them giving me the runs etc. I'm a tea and coffee fan, and I prefer dark chocolate - the best I have found so far is the Lindt 85%.

Sheet Music (I can read anything up to full orchestral/band/choral scores - no wuckers mate!), or books new or secondhand, almost any topic. I don't have 'Rise Up Singing'... but anything old that you pick up secondhand will be appreciated. My tastes are eclectic and wide ranging, so those weird and wonderful old books from the turn of the century (I often collect them just for the tunes therein) that show you how to learn any instrument, I also like many old Oak (Music) Publications, or attempt to explain the theory of flight in the 1920's, or First Aid in WWI, or 'etiquette for young maids' etc, or anything that you think "Who the hell would want this?"... I am a 'Renaissance Man', and interested in things technical as well as artistic. Some thing like a programming manual for a Univac, or a magnetic memory core plane, for instance... I play anything keyboard (piano, harpsichord, pipe & reed organs, piano accordions), whistles, Symphonie (hurdiegurdy), hammered dulcimer, Appalachian dulcimer, autoharp, misc percussion, but also I have some old 'folk music for guitar/banjo/etc' books. I am concentrating on my collecting these days in the music field, but that is not essential - if you see something that screams 'Weird Shit Man'...'

BTW, I have the full set of Mudcat CDs.... Weird Shit Man...

I am into humour too BTW. If you want to learn something about me, see my profile, or visit http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~rhayes/vfoolshm.htm - my personal page is off that.... Weird Shit Man...

If you want to send me a T-shirt - I am about 6 ft tall and nearly 200 lbs. at least XL - 110cm + chest size - cotton ones shrink, you know. XXL or larger - I like to wear the really large ones as night shirts. I don't yet have a Mudcat one. I like Royal/Navy blue.

Things don't have to be brand new - see the bit on old books, music, etc above. Old or unusual instruments - they don't have to be big or expensive.

Favourite author - Robert Aspirin - don't have his last one, and they won't bring them into Australia. for some stupid reason.

Spme previous year's "hits":
Some real Maple Syrup, in a cute bottle! Yum!
Special Booze!
A whole bunch of different Jokers from playing Card decks.
Some various old books, including music.
A cute little Commedia-del-arte style 'fool'


Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:47 PM

1. What is your age range? Sixty four

2. Gender?          Male

3. Do you have a favorite color?   Not Really
4. Favorite authors/ type of book?       Fantasy and S F probably

5. What books have you really been wanting?   Nothing in particular

6. What type of music do you like? Folk Jazz and Acoustic Blues

7. What CDs have you really been wanting?   Only ones with stuff on thats worth stealing !!

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view?    Not really into movies or DVD !

9. What is your t-shirt size?    And I dont wear T Shirts !

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what?    Miniature Drinks , Banjos and money !

11. What are some of your other hobbies?   Too busy with all the instruments and playing music to have hobbies as such

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry?   Only Jewelry I use are cufflinks and scarf rings !

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like.    Cant really add anything ! And I am sure I put all this on another thread this year !!

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: GUEST,fools paradise
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 07:02 PM

Unbidden guests are often welcomest when they are gone

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 07:31 PM

Age:- over the hill

Female

Books:- anything about your area

Favorite colour:- green

Music:- folk and jazz

Hobbies:- knitting, cross stitch, showing my dogs, and collecting crystals

Interested in anything hand made, folk stories and legends from your local

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:08 AM

Showing your dogs what Mrs Cobble??

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 12:09 AM

Come on boy... back to the top you go!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: RangerSteve
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 02:15 PM

Somehow my posting got transferred to the "Silly Santa" thread, so I'm posting here again.

I'm male, 56 years old.
No jewelry or T-shirts, please.

I collect cookbooks, especially regional ones, or the kind put out as fund-raisers by schools, fire departments, etc.

Ocarinas or whistles in unusual shapes.

Old postcards, especially the large-letter "Greetings From" kind.

Traditional music from any country in Europe or the Americas. Mudcatter traditional music is always welcome.

Books concerning the local history of your area. (Not New Jersey, as I live here and I've got everything that's been written).
ALso picture books from your area of the world.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: GUEST,Tig's Befuddled SS
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 07:29 PM

There once was a Catter named Tig
Who's wish list was not very big!
To be consistent
It was non-existant!
So maybe I'll get her a wig!
Which makes me a be-fuddled pig!
Too busy? Please, help me out, Tig!

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: maeve
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 04:57 PM

1. What is your age range? In my first half century

2. Gender? Female

3. Do you have a favorite color? periwinkle... I love colors.

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? Dorothy Dunnett, CS Lewis, Madeline L'Engle... poetry with pattern, form, and meaning

5. What books have you really been wanting? Dorothy Dunnett's compendium (I forget the title), beautiful children's books from other countries

6. type of music: Music with beautiful or interesting melodies/words/instruments. Archie Fisher, Cindy Kallet, Gordon Bok, Lizzie Higgins, Orealis, Chris Smither, Jane Turret, Dave Goulder, Helen Schneyer (don't have any of hers!), Itzhak Perlman, Kendall Morse, Jean Ritchie, Margaret MacArthur, guitar, flute, whistle, fiddle, cello, mtn.dulcimer, vocal, Hebridian, Gaelic, acapella, trad., folk, singer-songwriter, blues...

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? I'm behind with the newer releases of the last five or so years.

8. movies: What region DVDs can you view? I'd love to have the new dvd of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or the classic The African Queen (Hepburn). I don't know what region DVDs- I'm in Maine

9. t-shirt size: L-XL

10. I collect: craft tools, lace, old handwork, carved wood, beautiful rocks and shells, carpentry tools, Native American handwork, old children's toys, knitted mittens, recipes, flower and veggie seeds, acoustic instruments, whistles of all kinds, neat things from other cultures, handmade anything...

11. other hobbies: gardening, watercolor, carving, pottery, quilting, beading, cooking, singing, messing about in boats, camping, basketry, weaving, making things from birchbark, hooked rugs...

12. gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry: Either.

13. anything else: I like languages, lullabies, and laughter. Christmas shines for me as the celebration of Christ's birth. I teach middle school math and science and try to get real learning in there along with the state and national requirements. My hair is red, my eyes are green. I love to travel and am homesick for my friends in Scotland, England, and Italy. I love good, dark chocolate. I especially love my husband and have been known to share with him.

14. Thank you for whatever you find for me. I hope you have fun! Has this list helped you, Santa dear?

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Tinker
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 04:24 PM

1. What is your age range?
   Just before Christmas I'll hit half a Century

2. Gender? Female

3. Do you have a favorite color?
   Burgundy, and shades of red,rose,autumn tones, but no bright    oranges or greens

4. Favorite authors/ type of book?
   Mysticism, Celtic Spirituality, Science Fiction/fantasy,Mysteries

5. What books have you really been wanting?
   I buy a lot -- some used book stores have a smaller collection
   perhaps something regional

6. What type of music do you like?
Old Blues (20's and 30's-especially lesser known women) Folk, Humorous, Classical.. Yours...

7. What cds have you really been wanting?
   English Music Hall, Gordon Bok, something humerous

8. What movies have you been wanting? --Tend to get the ones we want

9. What is your t-shirt size?
Women's Medium

10. Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Bud Vases, Picture Frames, way too many books, Scarves in interesting textures and colors, Cats , Lions, Ravens and Dragons in small sizes, Earrings

11. What are some of your other hobbies?
Learning to play guitar, gardening, house repair

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry?
Gold and I love funky earrings, pierced please

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret Santa know what you would like...No allergies and anything regional would be wonderful. Wines and Liqueurs are also appriciated. But surprises are wonderful.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 07:37 PM

THE LIST

1. What is your age range?
Getting pretty close to 60

2. Gender?
Female

3. Do you have a favorite color?
I love cerulean blue the best

4. Favorite authors/ type of book?
Somehow I never read anymore. I read the newspaper on the subway, and tend to watch way too much TV. I used to like to read novels set in the past or science fiction. I should start!

5. What books have you really been wanting?
I'd love to read something by Sheila Kay Adams, or a book my Secret Santa especially likes.

6. What type of music do you like?
Folk music (any kind), and Brahms and Stravinsky are my favorite classical composers. I've been singing in classical choirs for over 40 years, so any choral music is good, too.

7. What CDs have you really been wanting?
Haven't been pining for anything particular

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view?
Not so interested in owning any movie

9. What is your t-shirt size?
Medium

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what?
Clutter!! (Don't need any help there!)

11. What are some of your other hobbies?
Contra dancing, International folk dancing and origami

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry?
I'm a silver-tone person

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like
Something local and representative of the Secret Santa's area would be lovely :^)

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: maeve
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 06:55 AM

refresh!

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Hollowfox
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 07:48 PM

1. What is your age range? 57

2. Gender? Female

3. Do you have a favorite color?
My mother says that my taste in colors came out of a crayon box. Otherwise, I tend toward blues and greens.

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? Folktales, folklore, traditional stories, storytelling.

5. What books have you really been wanting? See #4. I've been looking into a lot of far eastern and middle-eastern tales. If you run across anything by Post Wheeler, especially Tales From The Japanese Storytellers (paperback is fine), I'll take it, whatever the condition, with bliss and gratitude (I gave my copy away to a Japanese storyteller)

6. What type of music do you like? Traditional, ballads, music hall songs and recitations, novelty songs, storytelling, field recordings, some local band, group or singer I've never heard of (I really like this sort of thing)...if you like it, I'll probably like it as well. Mudcatters have excellent taste.

7. What CDs have you really been wanting?
If you're in the British Isles. I'd really like Taffy Thomas's "Take These Chains From My Heart". Otherwise see #6.

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view?
Region 1 (US and North America). If you're in Canada, I'd love to have a copy of the Arrogant Worms concert with the Edmonton Symphony. Unless it's too expensive. Then talk to me after Christmas and I'll send you a check.

9. What is your t-shirt size? Alas, extra large.

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what?
I don't collect things so much as accumulate them.

11. What are some of your other hobbies? Fancywork (cross-stitch and embroidery, mostly), cooking and baking, medieval recreation (Society for Creative Anachronism, but don't break your neck trying to find something medieval)

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry?
Silver, but I like anything pretty. I do not have pierced ears, though

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like.
Used and found things are wonderful, unless we're talking food. Then I'd rather be the first in line to use it.
If you're on the 'Cat, I trust your taste.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 12:07 PM

I haven't heard anything from my Santa yet :-( Maybe posting my hints might bring him/her to light?

1. What is your age range? 61-61

2. Gender? grrrl.

3. Do you have a favorite color? I like rich "jewel" colours - purples, rich reds and golds, hot pink, burgundy, copper, and sunset colours, dark green and black.

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? Pagan, witches, weird humour, Terry Pratchett (but I've already read a number of them), Douglas Adams, Roald Dahl, science fiction, books on gardening.

5. What books have you really been wanting? Maybe one of the Dune series, or the latest Harry Potter?

6. What type of music do you like? Folk, harmony singing, sea shanties and chorus songs, music with unusual instruments in - hurdy gurdies, all sorts of pipes, uillean pipes, appalachian dulcimers etc, high energy Irish music and slow airs with a low whistle, world music, good classical music when I am in the right mood, blues, trad jazz, movie soundtracks.

7. What cds have you really been wanting? The soundtrack from "Amelie", one of yours if you have one, mudcat CD's, anything that fits what I described in No. 6.

8. What movies (vhs is in the price range) have you been wanting? I'm getting away from VHS now, and my collection of DVD's is very small so far, so if yours are compatible with Oz ones, I like comedy, like anything with Peter Sellers, or along the same lines as my favourite types of books - such as science fiction, or any Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, or the TV version of the Hitchhikers Guide. Is "Tales of the Unexpected" on DVD?

9. What is your t-shirt size? Think large - Goddess size - if you have any that represent you or your area, that would be good, otherwise, I have masses of t-shirts already.

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? I have a collection of tiny houses but I like all miniatures, mobiles, things made of copper, iron, brass or glass, essential oils, soaps, candles and anything else that smells nice, things that appeal to my sense of touch - satin, velvet, soft and cuddly things, shells, unusual crystals and rocks, hand-made things - anything from your area would be great.

11. What are some of your other hobbies? Gardening - particularly herbs and vegetables, camping, photography, pottering around markets, writing silly poems and limericks, trying new and interesting recipes, running my folk club, having a few friends round for a BBQ and session, and I enjoy a good red wine and interesting cheeses too. My favourite drink of all time is an aperitif from France called "Pineau de Charentes". I'm also partial to a guinness or a good single-malt whisky. I like watching and photographing sunsets.

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? Usually silver or pink gold or copper, and I prefer fine and delicate to large and chunky, although something medieval or dramatic or Pagan themed would be interesting. I like red, purple and green stones and moonstones too. I have pierced ears.

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like I like witchy and Pagan things. I like things that appeal to my senses. I especially like handmade stuff and old stuff - things that are unique. Anything that reflects you, your personality, your music, your interests, your lifestyle or where you live would be greatly valued. Like SRS mentioned, wrapping my pressie in the local paper or similar would be fun.

14. Remember that "negative hints" such as allergies might also be helpful. Nothing that anyone here is likely to send me, I hope!

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 03:33 PM

1. age - 57-ish (well, it still keeps changing every year!)

2. gender? Fine upstanding double breasted woman

3. favorite color? Blues, greens and blue greens (and purples) I don't care for the color orange unless it's on oranges or certain flowers.

4. favorite authors/ type of book? way too many to list; collect Richard Halliburton, the explorer/adventurer; always looking for new additions to my gravestone/stonecutting library, local (to you) history

5. what books have you really been wanting? I indulge myself, so I really have everything I can afford and even people who know me very very well (like my husband) tend to avoid getting me books because they don't know what I already have.

6. what type of music do you like? Traditional English, Scots, sea music, English Music Hall, jazz, blues, kazoos, early music, Scarlatti harpsichord, bawdy women's songs, Louis Prima, flute and whistle, polkas, especially "punk polka" like The Black Holes.

7. CDs? Again, I have a huge collection. But -- something local (to the giver) , something they fell I should know about.

8. movies - We have probably one of the larger personal collections of films in New Hampshire, Curmudgeon and I being film freaks. The more off the wall the better, favorite directors being Peter Greenaway, John Waters, David Lynch, Luis Bunuel, etc. Looking for a copy (legit or copied) of "The Last Polka" with John Candy, ours went missing along with "Montenegro" alas.

9. t-shirt size? Big, really big, I like them loose -- 3X (goddess-sized)

10. do you collect anything? if so, what? Oh, my gawd! I collect collections! Rubber (or non-edible) squid, printing paraphenalia and rubberstamps, bats, flamingoes, small mammal and bird skulls (identified), gravestone rubbings and photographs, globes & maps, gargoyles and green men, hands, kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes, goddess figures, rocks, shells . . .

11. other hobbies? gravestone rubbing, chasing history, gardening, needlepoint, petting cats

12. do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? Silver

13. anything else - Interested in things that are local/regional to the giver that I would find unusual or interesting or tasty. I'm a sucker for bath stuff and prefer "sea breeze" type scents. I'm allergic to blue mussels (I think that's my only food allergy), carnations and some perfume ingredients, benzol peroxide and most antibiotics.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 06:28 PM

Linda Goodman is approaching 60????? Am I the only one who assumed she was 40 something? Can I have some of her local water as part of my SS gift?
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 08:19 PM

Linda is a delight and I really do find it hard to believe she's approaching 60. I, too, would have expected her to be in her 40s.

She and I have clutter and, I fear, many other things in common.

Linda, what's your secret? Do you have a painting in your attic?!?

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 23 Oct 06 - 06:21 PM

You guys,.. thanks!.... My family all looks very young - both sides. Nobody could ever believe my dad's age, even when he had lost most of his hair.

A couple of years ago I ventured into a Washington DC club that played Brazilian music on Thursday evenings. The crowd is mostly 30's or younger, but I love that kind of music. The light in the entrance was fairly dim, and the bouncer asked me for ID. (You must look 30 or older not to be proofed). I hadn't been asked for proof of age for years and it took me by surprise, so I fumbled around in my things for my driver's licence. The bouncer was getting impatient, so he bent down to take a closer look at me scrambling through my wallet, and just as I finally came up with the elusive licence, he said "Oh! Never mind!"

My grandmother on my mother's side looked especially young for her age. It wasn't until she was in her 70's that her hair turned even a little grey. I always assumed that's how it really was, but recently going through some family things, I discovered a "roast"-type poem by a relative referring to her liking for the Tintex bottle. So now I wonder.

My son, when he was 16, and not quite five feet tall, went to the Motor Vehicle Dept to take the test for his Learner's Permit. The receptionist who gives you the paperwork to take to someone who actually checks your documentation, refused to believe his age. She said, "You're kidding!!!" We had to show HER the birth certificate before she would even hand him the application. Then she literally shouted across the room to some colleague, "Hey, would you guess this boy is 16!?!" Didn't seem to faze my son, but I got pretty mad.

Actually I'm only 58 1/3 (I remember when I was 33 1/3) I said "close to 60" as I was trying to be generic since the specs said "Age Range".

I'm preparing to attend my 40th High School reunion this weekend, and getting all reminiscent-y. I HATED high school, but the reunion still sounds like fun.

Unfortunately my KNEES know my true age.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: vectis
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 04:21 PM

Dear Santa,
Here are some hints that I hope will help you. I have been good this year.... Honest:-)

1. What is your age range? 54

2. Gender? Female

3. Do you have a favourite colour? Blue but any will do fine

4. Favourite authors/ type of book? Local song books in English if you have any

5. What books have you really been wanting? Doerflinger's songs of Sailors and Lumberjacks

6. What type of music do you like? Folk, salty songs and shanties, comic songs and parodies or folk n blues

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? Any Dave Rogers tapes of his earlier stuff. C/o Banner Theatre near Birmingham UK

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view? None

9. What is your T-shirt size? Large I like a 40" chest for baggy comfort but can cope with a 38"

10. Do you collect anything? If so, what? Dragons without people or crystals

11. What are some of your other hobbies? Counted Cross-Stitch

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewellery? Don't really wear it much nowadays

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret Santa know what you would like. Local stuff or your stuff is always very welcome. I rarely eat chocolate, nuts or sweet things but enjoy the occasional piece of indulgence with something really special. No known allergies.

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Tig
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 10:06 AM

here you go Santa - there's not much change since last year really

1. what is your age range? - 55 (but getting younger by the day)

2. gender? - Female

3. Do you have a favorite color? - Royal blue, strong colours rather than wishy washy ones, not pink

4. favorite authors/ type of book? - old herbals and cookbooks, sci-fantasy (we have all the Anne McCaffery and Pratchett),'interesting' books about most anything

5. what books have you really been wanting? nothing really at the moment

6. what type of music do you like? - I have a fairly eclectic taste in music although I'm not into rap

7. what cds have you really been wanting? - Nothing special

8. What movies (vhs is in the price range) have you been wanting? - Rarely watch movies due to not having mastered the technology of the video player

9. what is your t-shirt size? - XL.(large in the USA)

10. do you collect anything? if so, what? - Dragons, oil lamps, unusual earrings, old wooden boxes

11. what are some of your other hobbies? - Aromatherapy (I am a qualified practitioner), herbs, working with crystals

12. do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? - definitely silver. I have pierced ears

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like. - I am Type 2 diabetic so no sweet stuff please. I like surprises, so feel free to send me anything you like. I have also made the decision to 'Grow old disgracefully' :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Pseudolus
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 01:40 PM

1. what is your age range? 48
2. gender? Male
3. Do you have a favorite color? Not really
4. favorite authors/ type of book? John Grisham - but I already have most of his.
5. what books have you really been wanting? See Above
6. what type of music do you like? Anything especially if it involves an accoustic guitar or multipart harmonies! Something performed by my secret santa would be nice.
7. what cds have you really been wanting? Something by a Catter would be nice.
8. What movies (vhs is in the price range) have you been wanting? None really
9. what is your t-shirt size? XXL
10. do you collect anything? if so, what? Dust occasionally
11. what are some of your other hobbies? Coaching my kids!! Chasing the twins
12. do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? Gold
13. please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like.   As always I would actually like something that will remind me of who gave me the gift. It could remind me of where they live, a hobby they have or a common interest we have like folk music or whatever..... I'm easy!!!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: SharonA
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 04:25 PM

My SS, you're a poet,
I gather from your Clues.
So here's my list; I know it
Will be of help to youse.

I'm sorry, but I had to
Write out my Hints in prose.
If they rhymed, I'd be glad to,
But that's the way it goes.


1. What is your age range? I don't know my range's age. My age is Immature (actually, it's 50 -- wahhh!). The first person who gives me a Red Hat is gonna git a whuppin'.

2. Gender? Female.

3. Do you have a favorite color? Blue hues, especially turquoise and aqua (not navy blue). I also like lavender, indigo, purple, purple-red, black. I don't usually wear brown and orange.

4. Favorite authors/type of book? I'm not much of a reader of novels. I'm fascinated by books researching early Christianity, the Gnostics and other early sects, and the politics behind the choices of material included in and banned from the Bible. Fave author is Elaine Pagels (see number 5, below, for a book of hers that I do not yet own). Books on songwriting would be nice (I have Steve Gillette's already), especially on writing humorous songs or writing songs for theatrical shows.

5. What books have you really been wanting? Elaine Pagels's book "The Johannine Gospel in Gnostic Exegesis: Heracleon's Commentary on John" (dry reading, I know). Lillian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell". Any book in the "Weird USA" series, including "Weird USA" itself but especially "Weird Pennsylvania" or the "Weird" series' book about your state!

6. What type of music do you like? Humor, humor, humor -- the punny, the lyrically clever, the offbeat, the darkly strange (but not the profane). To give you a sample of my tastes, I already have the complete collection of Tom Lehrer songs, all of Lou and Peter Berryman's CDs, a CD of songs from Monty Python, and the "My Son the Box" collection of Allan Sherman songs. I'm not a big fan of modern jazz, rap or New Age music -- I'm more of an "Old Age" type (Irving Berlin and Gershwin and Cole Porter show tunes, bluegrass, Appalachian/Carter Family). Sea chanties are great, too. I would be interested in acoustic-music CDs by singer/songwriters who are from your area and/or who you really like.

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? Anything by Grant Baynham. Allan Sherman's "Peter and the Commissar". Any Spike Jones collection (except the Christmas CD). Anything by Stan Freberg (except "Stan Freberg presents the History of America, Volumes 1 and 2"). A CD of your own songs, if you have it.

8a. What movies have you been wanting? I'm not much of a movie watcher. I would like to have a copy of "The Producers", though. There's also a DVD entitled "Recording the Producers: A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks" that sounds like fun.

8b. What region DVDs can you view? I don't even know what that means. You know where I live, if that helps.

9. What is your t-shirt size? Large. Please, no designs with flowers. I used to work for a seed company, and I've OD'd on pictures of flowers.

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? Anything that has anything to do with cats! Currently I own -- or more accurately am caregiver to -- a brown torbie (tortoiseshell tabby, i.e. brown with dark stripes and orange patches & flecks), so I'm always on the lookout for cat stuff of that color (figurines, pins, Christmas ornaments, etc.). I'm also seeking small, unusual rhythm instruments. Aside from those, I'm trying to curb my "collecting habit" -- my place is stuffed with stuff!!!

11. What are some of your other hobbies? Ummmm... I've played guitar for some 30 years but right now I'm learning to play more proficiently on mandolin, bass and dumbek. I'm trying to improve my songwriting skills. I can't think of any "hobbies" as such. Gee, I'm really boring! *grin*

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? Either is fine, beads too, but I don't wear jewelry often. BTW, my ears are not pierced.

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your Secret Santa know what you would like. I have a lot of dietary restrictions, so no food, please. I have a respiratory condition that is aggravated by fragrances, so no perfumes, colognes, incense, aromatherapy or candles, please. My lungs are super-sensitive to newspaper-printing inks, too, so please don't wrap anything in newspaper. As others have said, it would be nice to receive something from or about your area!


Please send a gift, kind Santa.
At my P.O. [Post Office], I'll seek it.
On Christmas Day, I wanta
Know your ID. Please leak it!

Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 27 Oct 06 - 03:14 PM

I guess it's about time to do this -- sorry to be so slow, Santa, but I've been busy planning the FSGW Getaway. And my Santee hasn't posted, either, so I'm sympathetic to your strained patience. There won't be many changes from previous years, but here goes:

1. What is your age range? Old enough to know better, i.e., 64.

2. Gender? F

3. Do you have a favorite color? Love purple, earth tones other than orange.

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? I enjoy thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction.

5. What books have you really been wanting? I work at the public library, so can get pretty much any books I want -- let's skip this.

6. What type of music do you like? Just about any folk, particularly anything with good harmonies.

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? Nothing in particular on my list. Do YOU have a CD, Santa? If so, that'd be great!

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view? Think I'll pass on the movies, thanks.

9. What is your t-shirt size? Let's pass on the T-shirts, too.

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? Other than dust bunnies and clutter, you mean? Hmmm -- jigsaw puzzles, songbooks

11. What are some of your other hobbies? Needlework, gardening, cooking

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? Gold-tone works best, but I ain't fussy.

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like. I'd be grateful for anything that arrives, particularly if it tells me a bit about you and your little corner of the world...

THANKS!

Subject: RE: BS: Hints for your Secret Santa--2006
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 28 Oct 06 - 02:21 PM

3. Favorite colors: ** purples, reds, golds, earth tones

4. Favorite authors/ type of book? ** Just about anything except for sci-fi and pop-psych motivational self-improvement.

5. What books have you really been wanting? **Histories/bios of folk, blues and rock music and musicians

6. What type of music do you like? **R & B, soul, rock before heavy metal era, jazz, folk, blues, interesting singer-songwriters

7. What CDs have you really been wanting? **Stuff with Michael Bloomfield: Super Session, Butterfield Blues Band, Two Jew's Blues—whatever's out there. Otherwise, I'd appreciate some early Dylan—anything other than "Highway 61 Revisited," which I already have on CD.

8. What movies have you been wanting? What region DVDs can you view? **Music documentaries & concerts. "No Direction Home" would be terrific.

9. What is your t-shirt size? **Don't wear 'em.

10. Do you collect anything? if so, what? **My bills tend to pile up. Please don't send any more.

11. What are some of your other hobbies? **Gift certificate to an art supply mail order store, such as Daniel Smith (www.danielsmith.com), would be very appreciated.

12. Do you prefer gold-tone or silver-tone jewelry? **Fergeddaboutit.

13. Please include anything else you feel is important that would help your secret santa know what you would like. **In lieu of all the above, I'd be very happy with a hand made gift, or an item or card that expresses something about the region in which you live.