BS: My pressie's arrived!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 May 08 - 11:08 AM

oops, I wasn't reading what you wrote, Stilly.

Here in sunny Oz we often celebrate Christmas in July cos July is colder & the right time of th year for heavy hot chrissy food.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 May 08 - 11:26 PM

Mine did arrive, back in about February, if I remember correctly. It was the Maine event here that evening, so to speak.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 May 08 - 08:56 PM

Now, look...Christmas in July is an OLD cowboy/western tradition....the Weather often prevented any gatherings in December so they moved Christmas to July 4th.....2 birds with one stone.

I PERSONALLY have celebrated Christmas in July at the Lake...decorated tree and all! LOL

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 May 08 - 08:37 PM

Santas exist to please Santees, Ranger1

hugs to you, Stilly & fingers crossed that your pressie is almost with you.

sandra (who always puts her chrissie decorations away in July!)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 08 - 10:45 PM

We seem to be perilously close to the cliche "Christmas in July."

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 14 May 08 - 10:21 PM

Thank you, Rescue Santa Sandra From Sydney! I love all my goodies!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 06:58 AM

Of course you can, Maggie! Come one, come all.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 02:20 AM

My gift got here, but if I bring my own glass of red wine, can I hang out on that couch also? Sounds useful--I have to do my taxes, so can easily sit and feel sorry for myself!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 06:07 PM

Hmm... Tabster, Joybell, Sarah: I think it is time to start our own support group thread. I'm too tired and sore from shoveling and chopping ice and falling on my butt right now to do it. Maybe tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 07:31 AM

Sarah, come and sit over here on a comfy sofa and we'll have a port and brandy and feel sorry for ourselves ....

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 03:19 AM

Prezzie Part TWO????!!!!!!!
HOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWLLLLLLLL
I havn't even seen part one yet!...and there was only a hint of Part 2...but that also is suffering non arrival

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: vectis
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:58 PM

I got a wonderful surprise today when I got a prezzie part 2.
I wasn't expecting that one. Thank you , thank you , thank you.

I reckon I know who you are now as there are very few people who would know I needed those particular items.
Thank you again Santa.
I'm being good for next year already.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 11:31 AM

That calendar is perfect, it's the one hanging on my wall next to the computer. Thank you so much! (The chocolate is long gone. . . )

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 07:51 AM

Nailed it in one, Maggie.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 12:06 AM

As for the ranger bit, I'm a ranger for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and have been for 18 years. I'm currently at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Freeport.

Tami. Yes?

I finally took some time to poke around in my PM file.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes SS
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 02:45 PM

*Sniff* I fear that the raindeer may have dropped my sanees pressie in the ocean!
On the other hand I havn't seen him around the 'Cat for a while...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 06:43 PM

I know what you mean Anne. Me too. Lately I've been the long round trip to the post office for several false-hope, boring packages.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eye Lander to SS
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 05:44 PM

Was I at that Mudgather, was it the ne at Banbury. If it was there were loads of peeps there!

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 12:24 PM

Me, too, I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 05:13 AM

Still me, I'm afraid. Every time the postie comes I get excited - this week it's been tough because we've had some packages from Amazon, Waterstones and some new cartridges for the printer. *sigh*

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 01:21 AM

The ranks of the presentless are dwindling. So it's you and me Sarah? and Tabster?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 02:59 AM

Sniff sniff Pirate Santa said they would send something in the New Year as part 2 of the missing parcel but alas that too appears to have gone AWOL and the pirate ship sunk without trace.... all part of the dangers of piracy I guess

a sad Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 12:39 AM

I've just been really busy, sorry. When I first opened the box and looked at maps akin to those I handled in parks and forests around the country, I remember having the thought that "wouldn't it be funny if Liz had park rangers exchanging gifts. . ."

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Stilly's secret santa
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 07:27 PM

Hello Maggie,
So, have you figured it out yet? If not, would you like another clue or shall I out myself?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 03:30 AM

Mmario & his Santa - my first pressie took about the same time to arrive. It left east coast of USA early Nov & drifted into Sydney early Feb. It took so long Santa Giac was worried (so was Santee Sandra!)

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eyelanders SS
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 01:22 AM

No, your not thick, I just didn't give you any clues!

I was present at the first mudgather

santa x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Mmario's SS
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 07:50 PM

Phew! That's a relief! But seventy five days to get there???? Probably been stuck in a snowdrift somewhere. Just goes to show you should never give up hoping.

With any luck, you'll not be the only Santee with a late but happy ending.

Let me know how your Tudor cookery turns out (Take a swan ....)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eye Lander (not logged in)
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 06:37 PM

Oh! Dear SS , I had no wish to offend. I loved the receiving bit too, infact I am just getting organised with making a small photo Album for Andy's Mum and using some of the paper you gave me. Tis a really lovely pack. I was veryexcited when my pressie came.......... and I left it to last on Christmas day to continue the excitement.

No clues to your identity yet, or am I just being really thick!

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Stilly's very secret santa
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 06:05 PM

giggle
Try the brochures. We have PM'd each other in the past. There, that's two clues.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 05:42 PM

Santa?? Santa??
It's looking like 2 years back. I can't miss out TWICE!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: MMario
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 02:54 PM

YEAH! CHRISTMAS IS HERE! mailed 11/22, arrived Feb 5. A nice tote, two Tudor cookery books and Christmas songs. THANK YOU SANTA!

MMario

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 02:40 PM

The obituaries?

You're dead?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Stilly's still secret santa
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 12:26 PM

Um, yes, that one is an unintentional red herring. Try the other paper inserts.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 11:29 AM

No luck so far, as far as searching names in that flyer against individuals or names mentioned in the forum. But I haven't given up. Even visited the blogspot web page for Strange Maine. Interesting, but not helpful. Perhaps a red herring.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Stilly's still secret santa
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 10:38 AM

So, Maggie, have you figured it out yet?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes SS
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 05:31 AM

Has anyone seen Foolestroupe reciently? I need to know whether he got his pressie or if I should send a relief parcel!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Mmario's SS
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 07:56 PM

You said to leave it a while, big fella, so I did - it's 5 weeks overdue now.

Can I send the relief parcel now, or do you still think the original will turn up?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eyelanders SS
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 02:38 PM

What about the receiving bit!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eye Lander
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 12:43 PM

Please Please - Can I play next year, I has such fun especially the giving bit.

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Stilly's Relieved Secret Santa
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 12:00 PM

Glad you liked the selections. I sent clues as to my identity in the paper inserts. Beware of red herrings, though...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 03:26 PM

It arrived and I have some basic research information to work with on my SS ID. One feeler out.

Meanwhile, what a perfect selection! I have been checking out the 2008 calendars to see if I could find one I'd like to look at for the next year. The kitchen is okay but I didn't have one in my office. And then this box arrives--and it's kind of funny, because the calendar has most of the same rare succulent and unusual plants I grew up looking at in the far Northwest! I can see that Maine and Washington have a lot in common! A mug with a lighthouse will compliment all of the lighthouse art my mother sent over the years to remind me of home. And a couple of lobster items--forgive me, but I did read the ingredients carefully on the rock candy. I couldn't imagine it being an ingredient, but I checked just to be sure (nope).

Great array of stuff, Bill. And did you know that there must be over 100 Mudcat variations of the name "Bill" when you search for the name? I'm working on the surname. Portland, ME.

Thanks! (And I wonder at the story, still--where was this Santa for so long? Out of the country, you said?)

Maggie (SRS)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 06:06 AM

Yes Stilly.... I guess there are some people who just have a bad Santa aura....

Please PM me if you still haven't had a present and I will investigate. I can do nothing about the vagaries of the postal systems of any country.

SECSY
LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 01:27 AM

Mine have always arrived early before this year. And the ones I sent always arrived on time, though there was one year it was a little too close and ended up on boxing day. Usually it works out, and I do enjoy meeting new folks. It is a bit surprising how many seem to go AWOL.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Hawker
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 07:20 PM

Well I for one will be going again next year! I had great fun finding things for my santee, and I got a lovely pressie from my santa too. I am just plotting an idea to make a pressie less person feel better..............
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 07:03 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh! It was only a local registered parcel.
I still belong in that support group.
Sigh!
Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 06:04 PM

I enjoy Secret Santa time, both my bit of it & watching what everyone else is up to.

I'll be playing again

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 05:58 PM

I'll play again next year....non arrival this year partly my own stupid fault anyway...I forgot we'd moved offices after I'd PMed address to LTS...but old office said nothing has been delivered.
Still hoping

This is the first year it's gone wrong and I'm partly to blame so I'll give it another go ...it's always great getting unusual stuff and music from people around the world and it's a nice feeling to give too.

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 05:46 PM

First year I participated my pressie took 3 months to sail from USA to Oz & Santa (Giac) kept in touch while we waited, another year my Santa couldn't get to a mail box for a while due to family/work circumstances & said so. Another year my Santee changed addresses & forgot to tell Liz until the parcel was RTS!

One year Liz published the Santa/Santee list & I assume it would have been possible to trace the delinquents.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 05:01 PM

I still plan on playing next year. Sometimes things happen. I was late getting my package off to my Santee this year, but plan on being better next year.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 03:16 PM

For what it's worth, I'm still waiting too, although LTS assures me I should receive something soon and there are good reasons for my Santa's tardiness.

Almost Candlemass ... *sigh*

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 02:19 PM

Good points, Kat and Jeri.

Apeaking for myself, I love the opportunity to make new friends throughout the world and am delighted to continue to play the game. But several things about the process do puzzle me, and I still don't feel as though I know the customs.

So...has anyone ever put together a "Secret Santa Etiquette" thread?

Although I believe I've kept up my end and I've certainly received wonderful pressies from both my Santas (last year, dear Bat Goddess and this year, the illustrious Hilda Fish), I don't really have a handle on what others' expectations are -- or what mine should be.

Examples of things that I would find it helpful to know:

1. Are the games some Santas play (strings of postcards from exotic places [or persons] prior to pressie time, and real or "red herring" identity clues deliberately dropped, for example) the exception, or the expectation?

2. Is Santa expected to maintain her or his anonymity during or post delivery, or is signing the package or accompanying the note/card with a Mudcat handle more the norm? ...Or, on the other hand, is the accompanying note/card something a Santa shouldn't do?

3. For Santees, is an effusive thank-you on the thread sufficient, or should the Santee make it a point to PM the Santa, or in fact mail a thank-you card to the Santa? (I know I'd rather at least receive a PM, but I'm not sure if that is a reasonable expectation or not.)

4. Should the Santee "out" the Santa on the thank-you thread, if the Santa has chosen to remain anonymous?

There are other obvious points to be clarified, but I'll leave it at that for now.

I know that these questions are a bit silly -- obviously I have been mucking along just fine without knowing the answers, but maybe the Secret Santa process would go more smoothly for all of us if we were all playing the same game and knew its "rules"?

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 01:41 PM

Same here, Jeri. I know of folks who have already dropped out or plan to drop out of it next year because of it. I know of one Santa who just couldn't avoid a life change which took them out. In that case, I was a rescue santa and took care of it for them. If the Santas who just can't follow through would let someone know, then we others could step in. While my thing went okay, both ways, this year, I don't plan on doing it next year.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 12:51 PM

I really hate this and it's one reason I don't play anymore.
I can understand Santas being unable to Santa and presents getting lost, but if a Santa has dropped the ball to the point where they can't be bothered to even post, they ought to be banned from this. Forever. And possibly outed or tarred and feathered or something. Liz would know who had whom and might have noticed they've received their own gifts and are happily posting away while ignoring their Santee.

Yes, bothers me. I can't stand anyone getting let down like this, and I can't stand the thought that the person who did it doesn't care.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 11:55 AM

You're not alone, Sarah. Mine's AWOL as well. I think we should start a support group.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 10:31 AM

Sniff...nuffin for me .... my pressie has been hijacked on the high seas

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupes Santa
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 09:46 AM

I dispatched your pressie a while ago and the reindeer PROMISED me it would be there within a week. They do not appear to be back yet...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 02:31 AM

fingers crossed!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 07:53 PM

There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
There's an overseas parcel at the post office.
Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 05:02 PM

Or any news for me?? Christmas came and went. My birthday came and went. Easter??? Maybe Easter??
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 12:17 PM

Any news from afar yet? We're due for a winter storm overnight--providing a landing pad for the reindeer if they're out making any really really really late deliveries.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jan 08 - 05:52 PM

The daffodils greens are starting to poke through the lawn (where I didn't get them all dug out when I relocated the flower bed) and in the new flower bed (for all of those bulbs that did get moved). I wonder if my Santa would like a bouquet of daffodils--a box arriving in a few more weeks will encounter this first sign of spring.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 08 - 08:39 PM

Nothing yet. Did you say you sent it pony express? They pony may have taken a break somewhere along the way.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Animaterra's Secret Santa Smirks!
Date: 05 Jan 08 - 08:57 PM

Hehehe. . . haven't worked it out yet? There were lots of clues.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 08:59 PM

... well, not exactly rum... I'm more of a whiskey girl, as my friends can attest, and as our Sinsull will attest to the recipe ; )

Glad you enjoyed.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 04 Jan 08 - 01:26 AM

I haven't had a chance to post until now, but my package arrived well in time for Christmas! Thank you!! Rumballs! Yum, yum, yum, *HIC* !

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 07:12 AM

Have got back home - nothing here - last year there was a Post Office package delivery slip - none this year - but there has been so much rain it could have dissolved...

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 04:28 AM

Oh yes I think so, did you not see my response to your post about not receiving your SS pressie yet?
Look back up this thread to the 27th.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: JennyO
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 12:12 AM

Oh goody - I see you finally got your present, artbrooks! Glad to see that the lilly pilly jelly made it intact. There would have been an awful mess if it hadn't.

Two-up is a game they traditionally play here on Anzac Day. The pennies are seldom seen now. We don't even use them as currency any more.

The Leunig calendar is also rather hard to come by. We have to rush out on one particular morning in December and buy up copies of the Sydney Morning Herald in order to get our calendars. You can't buy them by themselves. Fortunately this time I was on the ball and got several of them. And all that extra large newspaper made a wonderful base for my new no-dig garden.

Hope you enjoy the CD and all the other stuff!

From your rather hot Southern Fried Santa, JennyO

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Giok's Secret Santa
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 07:50 PM

Yo, Giok! Did you ever actually figure out who your Santa is? It's true the Dan Schatz CD is a cluelet. The other CD is another cluelet. And that's more cluelets than you should need!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:11 PM

Ah ha...and well worth the wait!! My Secret Santa, the marvelous and clever Jenny-O, has sent me a CD (which is currently playing), a jar of home-made Lilly-Pilly jelly, some Aussie tea, a game, a calendar, a copy of the New South Wales Folk Federation newsletter, a stuffed bird that sings and some pretty shells and rocks. All wonderful stuff. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 01:10 PM

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;   
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,   
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Santa?"

(This version of the classic poem wasn't widely published because it didn't scan)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 02:20 PM

Thank you, Animaterra! Now I know how you got your handle. Wonderful chorus of singers.

Dan, glad you're enjoying the CDs!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 06:14 PM

Thank you, Skarpi!

I sort of guessed you were my SS, but then thought maybe you weren't as the hints seemed too obvious. I'm really glad it turned out to be you -- I was going to listen to the CDs today, but the day got away from me -- with luck, tomorrow, then!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:26 PM

You found me out Kim!

My pleasure, and I mean that - I do so enjoy putting together a box of goodies.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:30 PM

Saw Dave (Breton Cap) when we visited Sussex in December. I'm sure he was my BN1 Santa this year.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Kim C
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:21 PM

I opened my box Christmas morning and was delighted to find all the things inside it -- most especially the gorgeous red shawl. I am pretty sure my Santa is a certain English lady who married a certain fellow up in Maine. ;-)

Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:07 PM

She's in NZ at the moment

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:54 AM

Jacqui C = Mary Barr's Mudcat Name is Vectis

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:46 AM

He recently moved back to his parent's house I believe, so may be 'in between' with things at the moment.
G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:44 AM

HMMMMM MY SS hasn't posted since late November. Anyone seen Breton Cap recently?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:41 AM

Our package deliveries this year have been jinxed--one gone missing from DHL (Fry's should drop them as a carrier--they're lousy) and several family ones that haven't made their way here yet, despite early sending. And one I mailed out has gone missing.

And then there's my Mudcat Santa--still out there somewhere. In the Hinterland.

[sigh]

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 10:21 AM

I got back home last night very late so didn't look at my parcel until today. I loved the backwards clock, which will have pride of place in the computer room. It just suits this madhouse!

I have a name - Mary Barr - that sounds very familiar, but I just can't place a face or a Mudcat name............

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Megan L
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 05:15 AM

AYE ah might hae kent yer spoiled rotten so ye ur lassie. Mind you ah canny think o onybody better suited tae it :)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 05:12 AM

Hehe, I knew you'd take an instant liking to that little piggie. I'm not sure it's the kind of liking that'll secure him a long and happy life, though :o))

Enjoy! If you haven't already ;-)

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:59 AM

We've known for years that you're touched, Liz.
In the nicest possible way of course :)

G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:41 AM

Right... OK, *I* put Limpit's present that turned out to be a skull and crossbones shirt on top of the jalapeno peanut brittle. That's why she smells like a chili.

I don't know WHO gave her the shirt, because there was no label, just 'The Limpit' written on it. Whoever it was, thank you so much, you made a happy child very smelly.

The surprises keep coming because today, whilst tidying the coffee table (yes, I'm a slob), I found an unopened pressie!!

Thank you Bente, for the CD. It looks like a wonderful selection and I shall be listening to it this morning whilst tidying the rest of the front room. The other goodies will be shared out at New Year and possibly ingested whilst tidying. The piggie is mine!!

Thank you all of you, I'm truly touched.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy's Santa
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 05:17 PM

Nancy please no worries. Thank you for letting me know the prezz hadn't arrived. It will be a real delight to send another package which this time will have to be a goody from my new native shore - but will probably blow my cover. Your (for the moment secret) santa x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 04:57 PM

Oh dear, Santa -- you really shouldn't send another package! For all we know, the first one might be sitting at my house today, or arrive tomorrow, or...   I'll be sure to post as soon as I get it!

The earlier whining was mostly for effect -- even the one a couple of years ago did eventually arrive.

I'll keep checking the mailbox!

Thanks,
Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King's upset santa
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 10:35 AM

I've just been to the Post Office and they say they won't even look for your parcel for another week and I've got a big white form to complete!   So no more disappointments Nancy, there will be another parcel in the post this weekend - who knows, hopefully you will end up with two prezzies. (I have checked your address with one who knows & that was correct). New prezzie will still take a bit of time though - there's lots of water to cross.    Stay good!
Santa x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 03:38 AM

S.S.Anta you might have got past the Royal mail with that name, but wouldn't have got past Australia Post. They do not send out parcels without sighting Photo ID!! And you were a bit sparse with the description of contents, we might be able to do similar with contents, but not names.

According to Mudcat here seems to be only 1 Mudcatter living in that area, and as he has the same name as one of the performers on the CD included (but not noted on contents!) all I can say is THANKYOU Greg Stephens!

It was interesting to see the pic of the Gladstone Pottery Museum & other Potteries sites in the calendar. I've done a bit of searching in the past for info on my very ordinary but much loved vintage dinner set (Meakin 1940/50s) & my wonderful antique 1760-1776 Bow of Duesbury coffee cup. I've also been looking for info on other places pictured. Looks like you live in an interesting part of the world.

Thankyou for an interesting parcel of goodies.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 12:08 AM

I think we have two concurrent threads - "My Pressie's Arrived" and "Thank You Santa." But in any case, for those who aren't following the other -

I was Kat's Santa - glad you liked the CD, Kat. I suspect the Dan Schatz CD is indeed a clue as to the identity of YOUR Santa in Maryland, Giok. In fact, I know it is.

Chanteyranger, I love the CDs you sent - the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers CD reminds me of a project John Hartford did years ago (although in a somewhat different idiom) with many fiddlers working together. And the In Harmony's Way album is a wonderful addition to any collection. My son, not quite eight months old, now laughs uncontrollably every time the words "WHACK folla rolla rolla tura lie-o" gets sung - which is a lot, because the song sticks in one's head. What a great album! Thank you, Santa!

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:07 PM

And there's my sis, bet, with an actual address of "North Pole" (Alaska) and she's not seen hide nor hair of her Santa's pressies, either.

I know of one Santa who is out of commission for the moment, but someone else stepped in for them, though it may have been a bit late.

Perhaps Santas who are having problems could post or PM Liz or one of us to let us know. I'd be happy to send out a few things if I knew who to send them to, as a Santa's Helper.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 05:41 PM

Whoops! Sorry, Fran -- you're right! It was two years ago I was thinking of.

Anyhow, I'll keep my hopes up -- thanks, Santa!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Nancy King's Santa
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 05:09 PM

Oh Nancy I'm so sorry that your prezzie hasn't arrived. It left here (sorry no clues yet) at the beginning of December. I'll make some enquires tomorrow to see if we can find out what has happened.
Santa

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 02:30 PM

I'm still waiting too ... was warned by my Santa that this would happen, though, so I know I haven't been forgotten ...*sniff*

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Fran
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 01:50 PM

I had you last year Nancy and got you your pressie well in time, you even commented on how organised I was! Good luck for this year though, maybe who-ever got you missed the post or something happened, fingers crossed for you.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

No sign of one for me yet *sniff*

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 12:48 PM

Nancy King was good, too. I saw her stocking and there wasn't a lump of coal to be found.

Dan the loyal son

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:40 AM

Mine isn't here yet either.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:33 AM

You need a Santa as good as mine mate
G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Nancy King
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:30 AM

Well, mine hasn't arrived yet. Sigh. Second year in a row that's happened. Sigh. And I've been pretty good, too.   Sigh. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep waiting...   Sigh...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 09:08 AM

WHAT???!!! But- the cd---
Great prezzies, tho!


So, uh, when do I get to find out???????????

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 04:36 AM

Oh!! Forgot to say I can now sit listen to the lovely Mary Black cd.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Animaterra's Santa
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 01:10 PM

Ha! Nope! Not even close!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 12:23 PM

Yo Secret Santa

What a lovely selection of goodies, thank you sooooo much. We had fun with the frogs, I've hidden my fav choccies and hopfully in a couple of days I should have time to myself and start to use those lovely papers. I must have given good ideas in the beginning or you know me well.

Happy New Year to you (well soon anyway).

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Becca'72's still secret santa
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 11:21 AM

I'm a very naughty santa I forgot the card. There are clues especially in the soft package lass :)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Becca72
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 11:14 AM

Picked up my present from the PO this morning...lots of wonderful things! Thank you, Santa. No clue who you are still, as the signature on the customs sticker is illegible to me (and in your "real" name) but it came via Royal Mail so I've narrowed it down to a general area! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 10:41 AM

Huh? What's Giok got to do with it?! [Got to do with it] (Get Tina Turner out of my head, or at least get her to take off the stilettos - OW.)

Lotsa peeps have gone to the Getaway - some even live around them parts. A good percentage of the FSGW people live in MD.

I don't play Secret Santa anymore. I just sit back and make annoying comments.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 10:19 AM

Hmmmm, Jeri knows Dan - did Jeri go to the Getaway? Jeri knows Giok, too, doesn't she? So, Jeri, are you my SS? I am so confused!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 09:35 AM

Jeri - that's exactly why I do it... that and an evil streak a mile wide when the luck of the draw brings up people who are close to each other geographically, phsicaly or in personality...

Never yet had a draw where the one has drawn their partner...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 09:26 AM

Jed's never done Secret Santa.

Gets pretty interesting, being a non-combatant buttinski! Honestly, I just love seeing people having fun being nice to one another.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Dec 07 - 09:05 AM

THANK YOU, JED MARUM!!!! A more detailed thank you will follow forthwith-

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: open mike
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 10:10 PM

yes yes yes---joy joy joy
one of the previous messages had a cute typo-- hanky out
which was how it was here witj tears if joy i was the
lucky recipient of several wonderful pressies   
presumably from yorkshire--or florida??''

still guessing your super secret identity santa or santo?!

i love the almanac--i always send similar too!

and marzipan!!yum, yum!!

and tea and earrings...really,
you must have thought i was a
good girl....I'll never tell...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 09:18 PM

Kat, maybe your Santa and Giok's just know each other. (I can guess who his is, but I ain't talkin')

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 09:13 PM

Now you've got me wondering, Giok! I thought Dan Schatz was my Santa as I also got one of his CDs, but maybe...??? There seem to be some very wily Santas around here!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: JennieG
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 05:31 PM

Thank you Mike for those good wishes, and the same to you and yours, it's still Christmas Day where you are. If your son would like his own hat I may be able to find him one....Santa is magical after all.......! :-}

Also I wasn't sure if, after your nasty health scare last year, you were allowed to eat the chocolate munchies I sent but I thought you could share them around if you can't have them yourself.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 10:58 AM

My present arrived a couple weeks ago and was opened this morning. Thank you Santa JennieG for all the cool stuff from down under. My son has already tried to steal the hat, but I won't let that happen. I hope your warm summer holiday season is filled with joy. Best wishes for the new year.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 08:07 AM

Hee hee, nice one Bente.
G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Megan L
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 07:46 AM

To my totally evil santa

Whit a cruel trick tae play on a lassie ya wicked viking here wis me thinkin the 25th pressie had got lost. And this year not only wis i haen problems wie gender i wis even in the wrang flamin country. Its no fair usin surrogate elves tae confuddle a lassie like that.

Thanks for a great time :)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Becca72
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 05:48 AM

My present arrived yesterday but the box was too large for my mailbox and the postal elves insist I cannot pick it up until 10am tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 05:31 AM

Well what a plethora of goodies in my parcel.
Thank you so much Santa in Maryland.
Now the only Catter I can think of off the top of my head in Maryland is Severn, but I detect a woman's touch in the contents, so I must rack my brains, although I think the Dan Schatz CD may be a cluelet.
I will work on it, and in the meantime.

Thank you Santa.

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 02:01 AM

Not today--I guess it will be a Boxing Day box, at the very least.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 11:54 PM

Well, I haven't behaved at all, but that's another story....

so I opened my gift early after all.

Thank you so, so much Barbr'y! What a thoughtful package of fun. The 1890 "Instruction In Cookery ~ Book of Reciepts and Axioms" will be a treasured friend in my library. Did you know there is a whole page devoted to "Notes on Boiling Potatoes"?! Includes the following: "Apart, however, from the science of the matter, attentive, careful practice of the rules referred to, which are applicable to every kind of potato, both old and new, usually results, happily, in breaking down the strongest wall, even of British prejudice."

I note on the first page that it also promises "various suggestive footnotes" which I will greatily admire.

Best wishes for a merry, merry Christmas all.

Rejoice, rejoice!

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 10:51 PM

I sent my Santee's gifts overseas and they arrived within just a few days. I sent a card to a friend in Cape Cod from here, in Colorado on Dec. 11. She finally got it, yesterday!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Helen
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 07:00 PM

Maryrrf,

I'm so glad the pressies arrived before Christmas. (Thank you, Christmas Elves!) And it's Christmas here, so that's all right. You can open them.

Happy Christmas Mary, and pb-digits.

All the best for Christmas & the New Year.

Helen
(A happy Santee = a happy Santa!)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 06:54 PM

Ok - so I'm 10 minutes early for Christmas day but I just had to open my pressie that arrived today! BIG thank you's to my East Sussex Santa for the wonderful books all about the characters, history and scenery of my old stamping ground. They are magic! And a chapter on my favourite eccentric Jack Fuller..I must sing Maria's song again. Happy Christmas santa, and, if you are who I guess you are it was great to see you at the Lewes Arms party! Love & hugs    Carole xx

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Maryrrf
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 04:19 PM

Helen, what a coincidence! My pressie from you just arrived and what a delight it was! You couldn't have chosen better! I was overwhelmed with the Banjo Paterson book - Leadfingers is here visiting at the moment and is reading through the poems as I type. And we're about to try a cup of Billy Tea as well! And Lovely dangly earrings, and 'glamourous' flip flops! Very well chosen gifts! I guess I really should have waited till Christmas morning, but it IS Christmas Eve so close enough, and I couldn't resist.

Thank you so much Helen - the gifts were wonderful and much appreciated! A Merry Christmas to you, and a Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Helen
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 03:35 PM

dulcimer42,

Thank you so much for your present. I just opened it. I did put a message in this thread to say that I received it but until I opened it I didn't know your Mudcat name to PM you.

I'm really going to enjoy trying out the cook book from your area, and reading the biography, The Pursuit of Happyness. While I was Christmas shopping I saw the DVD for sale so I will probably watch the movie as well. I like biographies a lot. I like seeing how other people's lives fit together, and especially how they see their lives and the meaning they make of them, and how they deal with obstacles, etc.

hyujjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

That was my young cat sending you a Christmas message. She obviously thinks a "huge" amount of you and your special presents! :-) Not so good on the spelling, though.

I love the decorated egg. Thank you so much for your hand crafted work. I will treasure it. I have a glass cabinet in my lounge room with my special things in it. It will take pride of place in there, next to some of my other Mudcat Secret Santa presents.

I am so pleased to receive a Ray Pool book. I've often thought of buying one because he is a member of the email harplist and other people on the list also mention his books a lot. I can't wait to try it out.

And an interesting coincidence: my favourite harp was made by a local man who built beautiful instruments as a hobby. His surname was the same as yours.

It is 7.27am on Christmas morning here, and it looks like it won't get too unbearably hot today, so I am looking forward to a nice cool day.

To my lovely Secret Santa, dulcimer42, and everyone at Mudcat have a lovely Christmas, and I wish you all happiness for the coming year.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 03:17 PM

Uh - I confess to some liability for the Jalapeño brittle, but I don't think we sent her a Doctor Death shirt...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 02:54 PM

It'll be the first time that child's smelt edible.
G

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 02:43 PM

Following our tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve, I can report that Limpit is over the moon with her seasonally festive black shirt with skull and crossbones on it, thank you, alternative Santa!

But maybe packing it next to the jalapeno peanut brittle was not quite the right thing to do.... she smells like a chili now.

Thank you again, I'm overwhelmed.

LTS and Limpit

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 01:46 PM

HMMMMM MY SS hasn't reported receiving a package. Makes me very nervous...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Partridge
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 01:43 PM

Mine arrived today as well! Thank you Santa, its under the tree and will be opened tomorrow

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: The Barden of England
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 11:05 AM

Mine arrived today, all the way from USA. I'll be a good boy Santa and place it with all the presents under the tree for tomorrow. I'm a very lucky bunny to have such a nice Secret Santa.
John Barden

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Animatera's sleepy secret santa
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 03:19 AM

It's tough getting ready for all of those deliveries all in one night. Helpers are required.

Think "re-mailed" when you examine the clues. The folks in blue have been acting as Santa's agents. (Clues are scant, I'm sorry to say. Or not. Get out your deerstalker cap. . .) I would have sent postcards, except they are way slow. Why, you can mail from just one state away and they won't arrive until after they are supposed to.

ASSS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: dulcimer42
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 01:36 PM

Yes,   I should have known. Mama told me there really is a Santa. His elves made his way through all the snow we've had.... of course, they're trained for that sort of thing..... and I have 2 wonderful CD's of just the kind of music I'd expect from a Mudcat Santa. I sure to appreciate them.   It was worth all of my impatient waiting.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 10:11 AM

Dear Silenus Charm, Crack Research Elf:

The Pressie has landed. I repeat, the Pressie has landed! Hubby brought it home from our priavte PO Box last night. Our box number is right next to some famous folks ya know! Last year, I kept getting Carole King's mail!! Thankfully the mail folks straightened that out. Anyhoo, that's how come the person who signbed for it was neither myself nor Dave.

I followed your instructions from the other thread and have placed the wrapped Pressie over in a conrer with the rest of wrapped pressies that have come from far flung family and friends. We don't do the Christmas tree thing because until last year we had a dog who would have toppled one. Also, we just kinda think it's excessive.

I was thrilled to get the empenada recipe! it is nearly identical to one for portuguese meat pies called Pastilles that my college sweethaert's mumn used to make. She included chopped green olives in hers in addition to he freshly chopped parsley. She fried hers but I like your recipe's instruction to bake them better.

I've been up all night with a headache plus doing some work that needs finishing if we're to be able to realx over the holiday break. I'm going to go snooze now with by silly little black cat named Inky.

He likes to make a complex little nest out of a blanket, a chenille throw and an old teddy bear at the foot of my bed. Once he's got it to his proper specifications, he gets to doing "happy feet" on the teddy bear's back and/or head for 10 to 15 minutes. When he's sufficiently tenderized teddy, he curls up into a tight little ball and places both paws over his eyes, presumably to block out the light? hen he heaves a huge kitty cat sigh for such a small boy and drifts off to sleep. A few minutes after that, he begins to "snore". However, his snores come out as high pitched little cat squeaks. It's more like snorsqueak. Once he's settled in for a good long snoozeysnork, he'll stay like that until I get up or until the big fat marmalade cat comes in and starts trying to stir up trouble.

So Inky and I are off to sleepy land. I'll post more gleeful pressie reportage when we awake.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 07:55 AM

Hehe, seems I'll be rivalling Secsy Liz here..

Thank you so much, Skarpi, for the two lovely CDs that just landed in my mailbox!

I just popped Rosín okkar in the CD drive and am enjoying it very much. I'm also looking forward to listening to the accordion dance tunes from the other one :-))

So, from Denmark to Iceland:

Gleðileg jól og farsælt komandi ár! - Glædelig Jul og Godt Nytår!
Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 10:23 PM

Not yet. . .

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eyelanders SS
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 01:35 AM

I'm so glad its arrived safe and sound. Happy Christmas!

Santa xx

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:40 PM

mmm the thot plickens   -    someone has removed the top part of the postage label ....
Ah.. but at the bottom it gives a post code, but I don't think I know anyone that far north!!

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 03:47 PM

My pleasure Eyelander...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:25 PM

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY and WHAHOOOOOOOOOOO.

I got 7 pressies! Doh! I wish I knew how to write big on these messages!!

I am one very excited bunny, but I shall not open until Christmas Day when my girlie comes round for pressies.

It's very spooky when you get the impression that someone knows you but you don't know who they are. And my name was spelt correctly too.

OhOhOh! could look for clues on the post mark!!!

It's been great fun (and still is) I shall definitely take part again next year.

Thanks to Liz for organising it all


Jillie x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 03:49 AM

Hi Santa from far off shores!

My parcel arrived yesterday and is sitting under the tree!

Thank you

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eyelanders SS
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:00 AM

Hi Jillie,

It should be at your house, it was due to arrive early last week. I'm sure you wont be disappointed - Santa didn't know you were going to be plastering at Andy's

Are you going home for christmas? If so your pressie is either delivered or there will be a card from your post system asking you to collect it.

Santa would never let you down - no matter how naughty you are :-)

have a good one and I hope you enjoy the gifts

love

Santa xx

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 11:31 PM

And a loverly little moggy he is, too.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 06:03 PM

I try.... :D

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Megan L
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:45 PM

You are just spoiled rotten you are lassie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:32 PM

I got another one!!!!

I can't believe this... THREE Santas! I'm so lucky, and so happy, thank you all!!!

This one took that left turn that Bugs Bunny usually misses, thank you Art! Take a look at the Mudcat calendar to see what happened to it...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Barb'ry
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 01:23 PM

My present's arrived!! Don't know who it's from but my Santa lives in Oz - or maybe that was the nearest post box to the south pole?!
Thank you santa, whoever you may be, cos I'm not opening the parcel until Christmas Day.
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Snuffy
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 12:58 PM

My pressies arrived today - well, yesterday actually but Iwasn't in, so I collected the packet from the sorting office this morning.

The separately wrapped presents are patiently waiting for the 25th, but I opened the card, and strengthened my suspicions of who my Santa might be.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:26 AM

Hey, Eyelander... Santa's good, but he ain't THAT good, know what I mean?

If ya will keep movin around, ya should expect things to git lost. GPS only tells us where ya house is, not who's in it.

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Eye Lander
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 03:05 AM

Boo Hooo, Sniff sniff, mine hasn't. I have been at Andy's for a couple of weeks though. Do hope I haven't missed Mr/Miss Postie.

I have actually been a good girly, helping Andy to sort his house ready for moving. I can mix plaster like a goodun now! Plays havoc with ya skin though!


Bye sniff, bye sniff.

Jille

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Alison's Secret Santa
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 12:29 AM

The minor trinkets inside are all separately wrapped, so feel free to open the box. I hope you enjoy it all...we had fun putting it together. Sorry though - I couldn't find a rubber bodhran tipper.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: alison
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:33 PM

woohoo

mine arrived today ... all the way from Alberqueque!!

thank you so much Santa - it is sitting under my tree and with a bit of luck I'll be able to resisit until Christmas day.

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 12:17 PM

I got an unexpected extra one, too. In the mail today was a padded envelope with a UK postmark. Inside was a nice card and a pressie the shape of a CD. Fortunately, it didn't contain any restrictions saying "do not open till Christmas", so the lovely CD's playing right now. It makes me want to get up and dance, so it does. The mail elves had done their worst to the jewel case, but I've got another, and the CD itself is intact :-)

Thank you so much, my former Santee Sarah the Flute, for the Flying Chaucers' CD!! Much appreciated! And a Very Merry Christmas to you and your family, too!

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:10 AM

I got another today!! I am a lucky bunny.

This one had a footprint on it so I opened it... I've eaten all the cookies now and they tasted just as good mashed as they did when whole, thank you.

Limpit loves her part of it and he adorns our fridge.

Thank you again, you are too generous by far!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 12:50 PM

Me too! I have a present, and it came all the way round the world to me!
I shan't open it til Christmas Day, but hankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.........................

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Helen
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 12:27 PM

I picked up my pressie from the post office box, and now I have a large box of goodies to look at and try not to open for another week.

Thank you, Secret Santa!! I can't wait!

In fact, I probably won't be able to stand the suspense, so I am betting that I succumb to temptation before Xmas. (It's been a difficult couple of months in some ways, so a box of goodies would cheer me up.)

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 03:00 AM

Only a week???!!!

Oh poo, I don't think I can hold out that long!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 06:40 PM

Thank you Santa! The postie has just dropped of a parcel in my letterbox with very little in the way of clues on it, except for a UK address. I opened it (had to make sure that it survived such a long journey intact) and there are several beautifully wrapped packages inside. I shall put up the Christmas tree later so I can put my pressies under it.

Cheers
JennieG trying to be strong willed......it's another week till Present Opening Day.......!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 10:00 PM

Mine too - I am madly in love with Anne Lister now!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 09:54 PM

I gave in and opened mine. Thank you, Bet - Bear Claws OF THE WOODEN (THINK SALAD SERVERS) variety, an ULU ( yes Alice an ULU) and a cutting board. All will be used at the next feast. Or sooner if Alice doesn't behave. Thank you, Bet and happy holidays, Merry Christmas, happy Hannikah, or whatever you prefer.
Mary, barely in control of the CAPSLOCK

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 06:37 AM

And there's Terry showing me what I forgot:

Thank you, esteemed BOSS Santa!!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 06:34 AM

Serves you right for confusing everybody else, Liz! Mwahahahaha!!!!!!

Esteemed BOSS Santa,

A nice parcel was delivered here the other day. I'm sorry I have been slow in acknowledging receipt, but things have been a bit heated here what with my mother going into hospital and I myself having a few pieces of Christmas mail to get underway - including one going to the US of A which may or may not make it in time for the day - but hopefully may make it before May, at any rate..

Now, as for your esteemed communication, I opened the box as allowed, and all sorts of nice goodies started falling out, little stars and snowflakes, golden coins of the chocolate variety and even a real Danish coin.. Hmm... I've been a good girl and only opened the items specified. A nice Christmas bear cross stitch kit and a kit for making my very own pompom Christmas pet. More hmmm... The sender had gone to great trouble not to put any return address, but someone - a diligent postal elf, maybe? - had put the number 82 and another number consisting of 3 letters and 3 numbers on the back of the package. That was interesting, because you see, esteemed BOSS Santa, last year I sent off a wee pressie to an address in the London area that contained exactly those numbers and letters - and in the exact same sequence. Even more hmmm..

I showed Little Furry the two presents with his name on them, and he immediately made a bid for the blue one. If I hadn't removed it from his immediate vicinity, he'd have performed the unravelling ceremony then and there, and he was most annoyed to be denied the privilege. But he'll have to wait just like I have to, because unlike some that I know, I *can* keep my fingers to myself until The Day ;o))

I do wonder, esteemed BOSS Santa, if a couple of tables have been turned this year?? I shall reserve judgement for now, but I do have my suspicions :-)

Reverent greetings,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 06:34 AM

I am now in receipt of a package from MY Santa ! Ta Very Much !

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 04:53 PM

Now I'm REALLY confused!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Squeeky's REAL Santa
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 04:29 PM

I dunno where that came from, but your real pressie doesn't include sharks' teeth.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: bfdk
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 04:12 PM

Taking a leaf out of Limpit's book, are you? ;o))

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 03:58 PM

Who ever claims responsibility as my Triumbrate Santa, thank you so much!!!

It arrived yesterday and Manitas picked it up from the postoffice today... I have to admit, I opened the little rattly one because I wanted to make sure it wasn't broken (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it), and it's some wonderful fossilized shark teeth - brings back some interesting memories involving shark meat...

Thank you, who ever you are!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Office of Jenn Brook's Santa
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 02:01 PM

Well the Elf responsible for mailing it can come out of the stocks now - We all thought it had gone off too late !

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 12:05 PM

Ooo Ooo, my package has arrived! It's on the kitchen table until I have a tree to put it under, but it's tempting, tempting...No, I'l just have to keep admiring those fine mysterious postcards to remind myself to wait. Thanks in advance!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 10:16 PM

thanks, santa

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Ranger Steve's barely secret santa
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 07:16 PM

Glad your pressie cheered you! It's been a miserable afternoon weather wise here in, er, the North Pole, too.

And Happy Birthday!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: greg stephens
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:59 PM

Mine's arrived

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 06:41 PM

It was a snowy, rainy, sleety day today, and I needed some cheering up, and tomorrow's my birthday, anyway, so I opened my presents. My santa is anonymous, but lives in Biddeford, Maine.
There's a ceramic bird tree ornament, a jar of Maine blueberry jam, various postcards, a magazine about Portland, a lobster claw harmonica, a candy dispenser in the shape of a moose (you put the candy in the mooses body, then flick the tail and the candy is dispensed through the mooses butt). and various other Maine souvenirs which will probably end up decorating my computer desk.
Thank you, whoever you are.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: open mike
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 04:06 AM

yipee! i have been tru9ing to be good,
and now i have a calendar to count all
the good days of the year....with great
stories of celebrations and customs from
Hedingham Fair!!

did not wait to open it...so now i can share it
with people I see during the remaining days of 2007!

thank you!

i also got a post card from Tampa Florida--so still
it is a mystery who is the secret santa!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Little Robyn
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 01:51 PM

Well, I didn't sign up for Secret Santa but I've already received a wonderful pressie from Cats - a copy of a DVD of the Village Carols Millennium Festival. I love it!
Catters are such terrific people!
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 01:05 PM

I've assembled my gifts and found a box to mail them in. I'll probably get it mailed out on Friday (Dec 14). My Santee lives in Surrey, UK. You're gifts will arrive before Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 10:04 AM

My Santa was ever so prompt; thus my present sits temptingly on the buffet awaiting a tree to sit under. Thank you, Santa!

Sadly I have not been so prompt, but I believe I will still get in under the wire. It's assembled, so wrapping and shipping are the only tasks that remain.

Claire

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 09:22 AM

Well - herself has received hers, and it sits unopened waiting for a tree under which it shall be placed.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 09:14 AM

My Prezzie to MY Santee went off with the Elves a while back ! And I will lay odds mine will arrive while I am away ,and will Lurk in the Post Office till I get back and collect it !

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Pseudolus' Secret Santa
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 04:21 AM

Hi Frank

Glad it all arrived safely.

Mudcat name? I'm a SECRET Santa!! Tee hee

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Eye Lander
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 01:04 PM

Sent mine last week and I know it's arrived. I am not at home at the moment so I am uncertain as to whether I have been good enough, not known for behaving or being sensible!
Who wants to grow up any way!! Not me.

Tra

Jillie

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Pseudolus
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 09:56 AM

No but when I play the CD, the characters in teh cross stitch sing back-up. I don't know how they do it!

In all seriousness, the cross stitch is a "children's" pattern and since I have twin 4 year olds, it will be placed on their dresser. They love it because it means that their room is the only decorated room in the house!!!! We're a little behind on everythinmg but the shopping!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 11 Dec 07 - 01:22 AM

Pseudolus, you mean to tell us the manger scene was recorded on a cd? Was it by "The Wisemen 3"? Or "Joseph And The Maryettes"? Do tell us :-).

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Pseudolus
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 11:22 PM

My present arrived and I was told not to wait...so I didn't! I got a CD along with a book containing the lyrics and a framed cross stitch of the manger scene...it's awesome!! I'm glad I didn't wait! Only one problem, my santa signed her name but not her mudcat name. Wanna tell me who you are so that I can properly thank you? Until then, let me just say...THANK YOU!!!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 09:13 PM

Reindeer poop, most likely, Sins!**bg**

Mine was sent and received, both ways. Thanks Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 06:53 PM

A package arrived from Alaska - could it be?????

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Megan L
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 04:26 PM

WEEL mine startit arrivin wie a wee envelope at the shindig in october no that ahm boastin like.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Fran
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 04:03 PM

Mine arrived last week, its upstairs waiting for me to open Christma day, thanks Santa

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: GUEST,Giok's Relieved Secret Santa
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 03:55 PM

Whew!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 11:12 AM

I sent mine off many weeks ago...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 10:01 AM

I'm wrapping my santee's presents this week and it will be in the post soon...hopefully arriving in time!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 09:28 AM

Mine arrived today, and will be stowed away for Christmas day like always. Thank you Santa.

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie's arrived!
From: Hawker
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 09:27 AM

Mine arrived last week, it was lovely, I have already thanked my santa, he even managed to get it delivered on the day when everything seemed to be going wrong and I needed cheering up - how cool a santa is that?
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: My pressie's arrived!
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 04:03 AM

Oh, I forgot to put this in the BS section. Sorry. Could an Elve please do that?

Subject: Has your pressie arrived?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Dec 07 - 04:02 AM

Just got several packages from my secret Santa, with a New Hampshire address. Thank you in advance, Santa! I'll open them on Christmas day.

Chanteyranger