BS: I Opened My Present

Subject: BS: I Opened My Present!
From: artbrooks
Date: 20 Dec 08 - 01:33 PM

Discuss your Secret Santa gleanings and make guesses on who your Santa might be!!

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Anne Lister
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 05:12 AM

I was allowed to open one foil-wrapped present from my stash and there was mention of "Jenn". From this and the various New Mexico clues I'm guessing, Art, that you indeed are my SS ...am I right? *g*

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 06:36 AM

Mine is supposed to arrive after the weekend , which means the odds are I wont see it till AFTER Christmas , as I am off to visit Family on Tuesday .

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 08:56 AM

Was I insufficiently subtle? Yeah, verily, it is I. Or should that be me?

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 09:41 AM

Anyway, it being the actual Solstice, and since we are going out of town and I didn't want to schlep extra stuff to San Antonio, I opened my present.

It comes from Wales, and the return address is that of an organization called Music Traditions of Wales, Ltd. Many treasures (a book about beer - yea!), including a CD of Welsh music, a Christmas ornament inscribed in Welsh and a Welsh cookbook (chocolate - yea!). Is it reasonable to guess that my Secret Santa is from Wales, or is he or she pulling a fast one? Who do I know in Wales? Carole and Andrew? My very own Santee? (Liz wouldn't do that - would she?)

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Anne Lister
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:11 PM

Well, thank you so much (in advance) not-so-secret Santa ... and no, I'm not your SS this time around at least. Although as you know I am in Wales. There are a few of us here to choose from, mind you, in addition to Carole and Andrew.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: gnu
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 12:57 PM

I don't have a SS nor am I one. BUT, I got a PM on Friday that a prezzie was sent by courier and should be here tomorrow or the next day.

I won't say which 'Catter was so generous, but I don't know if I should be eagerly anticipating it's arrival or if I should be very afraid... very, very afraid.

curiousgnu

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 08:28 AM

"My very own Santee? (Liz wouldn't do that - would she?)"

Oh Art... and I thought you knew me better than that....!

I usually would but as I'm pretending to work, I can't actually check at this time...

Bruahahahhaaaaaa!!!


I opened a couple of Solstice presents on Saturday/Sunday... thanks Lady P, how did you guess I'd love the chocolate truffles?! The remainder will wait until Christmas day.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: artbrooks
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:57 AM

r

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 08:07 AM

it's no longer Christmas Eve, it's Christmas day here BUT I won't be opening my pressie cos I always open my pressie/s at brekkie time on Christmas Day & I haven't yet had a sleep between Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:25 PM

I have opened mine, and my Santa is Joybell! Thank you so much, Santa Joy!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:35 PM

Hard to pretend I was in another country at the present-arrival stage. Have a lovely day Jennie.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:43 PM

I opened mine - a knitted knitting bag (so cool - black & red - 2 of my 3 my favourite colours), a small silvery needle case (bought as part of a job lot with lace bobbins), 3 sets of mini-chrissy decorations (cute miniature lights!, santas, a quartet of santa, snowman, tree & angel) & a mini Santa jack-in-the-box, a handcrafted purple box (my other favourite colour!!), a magazine from Yorkshire & a handcrafted card with note saying the pressie & postcard were posted by elvi who were travelling.

So thankyouy crafty knitting lacemaking secretive santa!

sandra (ex-lacemaker)

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Joybell
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:45 PM

AND
My Santa is Zen. I'm sure of it. Been chasing clues.
I'm sitting here, with my latest Magpie, admiring a beautiful alpaca silver and mother-of-pearl jewel box. I'm wearing a gemstone bracelet and reading about the geology of part of Scotland.
Such a thoughtful and clever Santa.
I'm so happy. Thank you so much, Zen.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST,Sandra in Sydney's Secret Santa
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 06:12 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS SANDRA

Hope you have the best dressed 6" Christmas trees in Sydney :o)

Not Christmas day here yet.

Have a lovely day

Secret Santa. (?Who...)

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Maryrrf
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 08:42 PM

I was given permission by my Secret Santa to open my present(s) on Christmas Eve, so I did! Okay Santa you really had me fooled - I was sure you were in the UK but no - you hail from Denmark. So it must be BFDK (and the little dachshund statue really makes me pretty sure that's the case!). What an assortment of goodies - I've got them all spread out on the coffee table and I can't believe you managed to fit them all into that small mailing parcel! Beautiful Danish tree ornaments, dangly earrings, tea, Christmas socks, two little doggie statuettes, pens and pencils, and a lovely CD by Martyn Wyndham, plus a teensy sample of some chocolately looking goodies. Missie enjoyed nosing through all the wrapping paper. Thank you Bente (It is you, isn't it?!)

BTW there was a beautiful card from SLAPPER aka LTS - did you make it? It's really lovely!

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 03:21 AM

hello Joybell
My name is Tanis. I am sorry to contact you when you dont know me but i have a bit of a situation. I work in aged care and one of my clients has just lost her husband. The song you posted a little of....barefoot boy .....has some significance to her as it was playing when they first met. She has ask me to try to find her a copy of it but since i have never heard of it, I am finding it difficult. Your post is the first clue I have found to in a very long search. She is hoping to get a copy of it to play at her husbands funeral so i would appreciate any assistance you could give me in this matter. Even if you can tell me who sang it, what that actual name of the song is.......anything at all.
Thank you for you help.......my email is [e-mail]

Tanis

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: bfdk
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:17 AM

Yup, it's me, all right. I'm glad you liked the little assortment of pressies. I couldn't well give any hints about Denmark, as that would have given my identity away immediately, but Whitby was a true clue, as I was at the festival this year - and for the first time ever. But not the last, I think. I suppose I could have hinted at Sidmouth, too, but I thought Terry would have caught on to me then and whispered in your ear, so I didn't..

The dachshund statue was made by a neighbour of mine, so it's a genuine and unique 'Vagner Rasmussen' model. I've got a similar one, but no two are exactly alike, as they're hand made one at a time. The little white dog is actually a whistle. Blow the tail - or pour a bit of water into it before you blow, which should make the whistle 'trill' when blown.

In this country we celebrate Christmas on the evening of the 24th, so opening your present then is well and truly ok by our standards :-)

I hope you enjoy the remainder of Christmas and have a cracking New Year!

Best wishes,

MXG / bfdk / Bente

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 07:54 AM

All I know is that MY Santa is in USA , Posssibly North West , as there is NO indication of Sender . Just an Illegible name on the outside of the packet !¬ But as there is a Vancouver Folk T shirt , North West seems likely . Art Thieme in CD id well received !!
Wheever you are , Thanks very Much and have a good Christmas

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Zen
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 09:47 AM

Many thanks Terry (Leadfingers) for your presents! I have already raised a glass of something hot this morning in honour you made with one of the pressies and the little pink multitool has already been pressed into service!

Thank you so much and a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you!

Zen

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 04:06 PM

To my Secret Santa from Oz.
Thankyou for my pressie,i been meaning to buy one of them from my local Tesco's for a long time now i got one from Oz.
I am into birds so it was good you wrote on a birdie postcard.

Happy Christmas and Thankyou for my pressie.


Love Yasmin

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:00 PM

Mary - it was indeed.. remind me again what the card was?

Obfuscation is one of my delights and I clear up after myself in the morning.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST,Leadfingers SS
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:08 PM

That is what you are led to believe, anyway!

Hehehehehe. . .

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: ClaireBear
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:38 PM

Oh, Tig, I'm overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness. What a wondrous selection of delights you've selected for us. I was wondering why the star I usually place atop the tree was hiding from mr yesterday, and now I know: It was making room for your bright angel. I could go on for hours about how much fun we had unwrapping each wee giftie -- but perhaps I'd better do that on paper. Here I'll just say thank you, thank you, thank you for a delightful Christmas-in-a-box!

Bright blessings,
Claire

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: vectis
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 06:14 PM

Hi Hollowfox

What a wonderful selection of pressies you sent me, including some stitchery to take with me on my travels.
The dragon pattern book is a delight as are the birds. I shall have to learn how to do longstitch so I can do justice to the transfers.
The chocolate is sooooo naughty...
But nice. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Thank you once again.

Mary

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST,Scooby Doo's Still Secretive Santa
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 06:59 PM

Glad you liked the tote - I'm sure you'll be the only person in Wales carrying a University of New South Wales bag!

more Australian birds

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Joybell
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 07:03 PM

Tanis -- Hello. I need a bit more. Was it the song that starts
Barefoot boy sitting by the roadside...?
I don't remember posting it but I had the record of that song when I was a teenager. It was sung by Noelene Batly (?spelling) here in Australia. I could probably find the words again -- either from my head or online.
If it's not that song we Mudcatters are very good at finding songs. We enjoy doing it.

You would be very welcome here. If you joined as a member we could send you private messages -- email addresses and such.

If you don't want to join at this time just reply on this thread and I'll keep a look-out for you.
Sign in as "Guest Tanis" or another chosen guest name so that I know it's you.

I'd really like to help.
Regards, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Joybell
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 07:31 PM

Tanis. I searched my old postings and found the song fragment. It's the one alright. Can't find the words yet but there's a bit about the song online. It was a big hit for Noelene Bately here in Australia. It looks as though there might be a CD available. Try looking for "Barefoot Boy" + "Noelene Bately". One way or another I'm sure we can get a copy of someone singing it to you for your client. I worked in aged care for a long time -- also I'm heading into that age myself. Are you in Australia? I think the song was only known here.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Severn
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 09:30 PM

Great thanks above and way beyond the call of duty to Kim C.

Marx Bros films, a fine CD (and I'm only partially through it!) A book on Tennessee music and a fridge magnet from Nashville's Bluebird cafe. A veritable cornucopeia of riches, any small portion of which would have satisfied me. Thank you again, kind stranger and to your musical partner, as well.....

I hope you got reeated with at least a fraction of the kindness shown me.....

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Cats
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 03:33 AM

Thank you, Sarah The Flute, lots of new deckies for my Christmas Tree which are now all duly hung and your CD which will be played today! Really loking forward to hearing it. Thank you to Greg Stephens as well... you know what for!

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Anne Lister
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 05:06 AM

Thanks to Artbrooks for an impeccable choice of gifts - some fascinating books, some chocolate and some great pastries (long gone!) and a pair of beautiful earrings that I might well have chosen for myself. They will be worn a lot, and the tale told of my New Mexican SS!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: greg stephens
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 05:51 AM

Well, I opened my presents and very nice too. I am unable to deduce who Secret Santa is at this moment, so thanks a very big lot indeed to whoever you are. There was a letter enclosed purporting to be from Santa Claus at the north pole, which mentioned several places in Cornwall, in all of which I have played with the Boat Band. But I didn't get the impression the Santa actually knew me, though he/she met people who did know me The products sent were all Cornish treats, from Launceston, St Ives and elsewhere. The letter mentioned Mudcatters Cats and Hawker, from which I guess neither of them was my secret Santa(unless they were being very devious).
So I would deduce that my Secret Santa probably lives in Cornwall, is probably not of Cornish extraction, is probably a woman, and possibly wears long skirts. But further than that I can't go. I shall look at membership lists, and examine the letter a bit for more clues.
So, whoever you are, thanks again. You could always give me a clue!

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 06:00 AM

Greg - Some of these Santas are VERY Devious ! If you decide to short cut the Detective work, you can always cheat ams ask Liz the Squeak , she who knows ALL the Secrets !

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: greg stephens
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 06:04 AM

No, I dont want to ask LtS. I am going to track this lurker myself!

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 07:37 AM

I opened my big pressie and found a wonderful DVD of Miskin at Easter 2006. Although I didn't go to this I spotted a few familiar faces and some great songs and tunes. So thankyou Secret Santa although I'm no closer to discovering your identity! ... might have to give up and ask LtS.

Many thanks

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 09:35 AM

I feel very lucky to have a present from Oz even with the uni on the bag.



Thankyou again Secret Santa.

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Maryrrf
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 12:32 PM

Liz, the card was very simple but beautiful - white background with a green border and a silver foil design in one corner. In the middle a green ivy leaf with silvery sparkles. I see on the back that it said Handmade for ELC sold in aid of cancer research. It's lovely !

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Tig
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 12:37 PM

Thank you Jennie for the lovely gifts in my pressie. The candle and soap smell fabulous and will make me think of you everytime I use them - and that will be frequently.

The scarf is so soft and silky and in colours I love. I hadn't got one in those soft shades. Thanks also for my calendar. It will come in useful as I try and keep track of time.

Hope you had an excellent Christmas and have a good and peaceful New Year.

Lots of love and hugs
Tig
xxx

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 02:46 PM

Thank you santa for all the very Christmassy gifts ... A cute Christmas stocking, a sled with snowman, xmas coasters and some very sweet smelling soap, fridge magnet with reindeer and festive pot holders. A book with recipes and stories from the coast of Maine, must try the blueberry crumble yum. I forgot the festive mug and cookie tin.. but I think the elves ate the cookies as the tin was empty!

Thank you so much .

I wish you a very Happy New Year

I think you may be Becca72 ? ( if so, I do hope your santa has been in touch)

love from Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Becca72
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 03:24 PM

You caught me, Mrs. Cobble! :-)

Apparently the Customs elves like cookies...hmmm...

Still haven't heard from my own Santa, though. boo hoo

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Joybell
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 07:44 PM

Tanis, I'll start a new thread about your song request. Maybe someone will come up with the words. Meanwhile -- I think you might have some luck with a CD from the University Of Southern Queensland. Note that I misspelled Nolene's name. It should be Noelene Batley.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: astro
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 08:09 PM

Crane Driver and Sussex Carole, what a fun collection of discs and tapes -- and we are actually expecting our first frost tonight, so we're fighting over the Welsh beanie, while munching on the Cadbury's assortment. Very clever of you, Crane Driver, to get the Sheffield Carols tape into the same package!!

A very blwyddyn newydd dda to you, too!

~ Becky and Michael in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 12:21 AM

My santee apparently went straight to the source after declaring my signature "indecipherable." And here I was kicking myself that I signed it so neatly! Duh!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: open mike
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 03:08 AM

i finally got my two pressies which were locked in my motor home which is in the repair shop...again.

the c.d's have been ever so cheering on this the day after christmas.

one from New South Wales and one from England.

thank you "Nixon" and "Hilary"

i didn't actually get into the secret santa game as i
did not address my request correctly--just posted in a
thread or two instead of sending directly to Liz.

so i am a lucky girl to have not one but two secret santas.

i think that means that life is getting better...
no place to go but up!!

also looking forward to sharing the chocolates and
trying some of the recipes...

yum--what beverage will go best in the great new mug?

i hear it is not good to drink acid liquids like hard cider
from pewter....is that correct?

thank you, thank you...

laurel

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: skarpi
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 08:05 AM

havent got any

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 08:30 AM

Skarpi - yours is on it's way, honest... one of those 13 Santa's of yours is a slacker...

Escapee - yours is also on it's way but may be a wee bit late... situation beyond control and all that....

Stilly, yes I had to translate for you, Maryrrf, I remember now, so glad you like it, I had great fun making those... Kim C - you're welcome and we hope you like the other little things too.


LTS

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 08:37 AM

I've been told that mine has been delayed, also.. something about elves...

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 08:39 AM

To my still anonymous Santa --

Package arrived in yesterday's post -- and I HAD to open it in the car (Curmudgeon was driving so I could do that more or less safely) which was made complicated by bulky winter attire, car on curvy road, etcet etcet.

Lovely stuff! Flamingo cross-stitch (Flamingoes? Moi?!?), earrings(es), burgundy velvet stole/scarf... Thank you!

Plus the threat, I mean, promise of more to come by New Year's. Hmmm...now THAT's a hint. Narrows it down to...the people I'd already been suspecting.

Argh!!!!

Happy Christmas! And thank you!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: alison
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 01:35 AM

thank you SO much Santa

I loved my stocking full of goodies - there was just so much!! now I'm waiting to find me a nice crab to try some of the recipes on that tin of "Old Bay" seasoning..............

I have no idea who you are apart from that you seem to be from Maine.......

but many many thanks again - I had great fun wading through all the pressies

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: I Opened My Present
From: GUEST,Batty's extremely relieved SS
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 07:34 AM

I am so glad that the parcel got there so fast - maybe a reprieve is in order for the recalcitrant elf who sent it surface mail.

By now the rest of your package should be on its merry way to your part of the world but you will have to wait a few days to receive it.

Keep a watch out for strange men bearing gifts!