BS: Thank you Santa

Subject: BS: Thank you Santa
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 06:13 AM

I'm still puzzling as to the identity of my Santa this year but must say thank you for the stunning brooch, which will work very well as a shawl pin, and the CD, Rob Say - O'er Lang at the Fair, which I have yet to play (most likely in the car heading south tomorrow).

A Happy Christmas to one and all.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 06:43 AM

I *think* mine is Sandra in Sydney, since one of the parcels is a lovely book of pictures of attractive looking beaches.And I've got a new book of tunes to try on my pipes.
Thank you, Sandra, if it is you. And thank you to an as yet unidentified Santa if it isn't.

I'm sitting quietly in the corner of the Mudcat tavern with a drink and my hound beside me, watching the fun (I like to do that) - I do hope that roo-drawn sleigh got there safely and in time.

Happy Christmas, everybody.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 06:50 AM

nicey guessed!

we did arrive on time, but freda seems to be lost somewhere in the tavern, we haven't heard from her since we landed

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Barb'ry
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 07:44 AM

Thank you Jenn Brooks! Wonderful choice of presents and the earrings are stunning. I am planning some long arm warmers with the wool and just love the magazines.
Hope to visit your home state one day but in the meantime, if you wander to these parts, you are very welcome to stay with us.

Merry Christmas and much love

Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Anne Lister
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 01:14 PM

Thank you, dear Animaterra (Alison) for the wonderful package of treats, ranging from music (still listening), some rather too intriguing recipes and a beautiful scarf to a moose to hang on our tree.
A lovely, thoughtful selection!

Hope you're having a warm, loving Christmas.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Dec 11 - 06:33 PM

Well, I opened the parcel, posted in England. But then the first preasent out was the works of a music box that played Waltzing Matilda.Aha, I thought, an Australian who has arranged for a parcel to be posted in England to confuse me. Second present out, a Maine cookbook. Hmmm, the plot thickens. Maybe not an Australian, maybe a New Englander. Than a personally made calendar, with no identifying text, but a monthly series of pics of a very nice looking and obviously English bungalow. With an exceptionally nice looking garden of the type I really love. Cat lovers I was glad to see, there is a nice arrangement of a plank going up to a catflap let into a window pane. Also a pic of the black and white cat strolling along the path in an ownerly way.One pic has a bloke in the background, sawing up a hefty bit of wood at a not very ergonomic angle, by hand. So obviously a Luddite folkie who doesn't habitually use power tools.Probably not a professional Chippy.
Then a privately printed Christmas card saying love from Old Keepers. Which, along with the calendar pics of foxes and pheasants, leads one to conclude that the house bears the Ambridge-like name of Old Keepers Cottage(or suchlike).
So, the last present, and here there are rather more clues. A CD of songs sung by one Hilary Ward, described as a Mudcatter called "my guru always said". So, I'll put on the Sherlock Holmes hat and guess that Hilary is my Secret Santee, and thanks very much indeed. Unnless, of course, it was sent by another Mudcatter, perhaps the mystery woodcutter who is the partner and fan of said Hilary? But what of Australia and Maine? Perhaps these inhabitants of Old Keepers Cottage are frugal simple peasant folk(hence the hand sawing?): and their main recycling activities consist of receiving presents from Mudcat Secret Santas in Australia and Maine in previous years, and then sending them on to me?
Well, all I can say is, please invite me to Old Keepers Cottage, it looks the sort of place a musician would get a very nice welcome and a glass of sloe gin and some pheasant and hare stew.
Thanks a lot Hilary

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 26 Dec 11 - 05:05 AM

Thank you Nancy King for an amazing stocking ! Filled to the brim with all sorts of instruments for blowing (which will nicely accompany the original Rolf Harris stylophone my family gave me !), sweeties, a nodding tortoise, chocolate coins from accross the pond and so so much more. Really looking forward to playing the CD too. Many many thanks

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Dec 11 - 07:43 AM

Dear Bar'bry, you are a gem! Thank you so much for the lovely silk scarf, which just happened to look dazzling with my purple top I was wearing yesterday! I love the postcards, especially the ones with your comments, and also the ones with recipes, some of which I shall surely try. The knitting patterns are a hoot- love vintage things, and these will be treasured! And oh, the chocolate- I am in heaven! Thank you so very, very much, from your grateful Santee!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Nancy King
Date: 26 Dec 11 - 02:19 PM

Glad you like your stocking, Sarah!

My Santa helpfully identified herself as JennieG, thereby saving me much time researching which of the Australian mudcatters sent this wonderful package. It contained: a little towel embroidered with parrots, a bookmark, a calendar featuring Australian wildflowers, a cookbook (yum!), a very pretty little dish with a botanical flower on it, a package of lovely dark chocolates, AND a booklet about Tamworth, which I gather is Jennie's home area. It looks lovely -- I hope I get to visit some day!

Thank you, Jennie! I know I'll enjoy every item!

--Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: JennieG
Date: 26 Dec 11 - 04:37 PM

My pleasure, Nancy - glad you enjoyed your goodies! Yes indeed, I live on the northern edge of Tamworth with native bushland over the back fence, and we are often visited by those parrots and also by the little blue wrens. So now you can enjoy them too!

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Dec 11 - 07:54 AM

Yes, Greg, I've been playing Santa for you and I'm glad your pressies were able to confuse!! I decided to recycle a couple of previous secret santa gifts as I had already enjoyed them. The music box was courtesy of Joybell and the Maine cookbook was Jacqui.c - I's scanned some of the recipies!!

The calendar is of 'Old Keepers' and the photos are from the correct months but the years are scattered. One of the potos shows part of an Anglo-Saxon graveyard being excavated when the house next-door was demolished. Max was here at that time and he & Richard went investigated in the dead of the night. Richard & I often have Catters visiting, at the moment we have Vectis, Micca & Wild Flying Dove here for Christmas.

I'm glad you enjoyed the presents but I'm a little worried in case I didn't put your Tshirt in the parcel?

Wishing you health & happiness in 2012 & you'll be very welcome at Old Keepers when you visit the South!
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Becca72
Date: 27 Dec 11 - 10:03 AM

Thank you VERY much to KimC! A wonderful assortment of goodies arrived Christmas Eve. The handmade wash cloth is wonderful! It almost looks antique.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 11 - 10:21 AM

I'm glad to see that so many of these packages arrived in time for the holidays or for boxing day. I know of a couple that may arrive between xmas and new years, so if you haven't seen your box yet, it should be there soon.

There may be a bit of a glitch in reporting for one pair of folks - Severn is in the hospital (see this thread) so there may be a delay in both his reporting about a gift he shipped and affirmation of the gift he received.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Kim C
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 11:17 PM

Becca, you're welcome. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Hawker
Date: 30 Dec 11 - 08:59 AM

Dear Hollowfox (Mary),
Thank you so Very much for my wonderful parcel which arrived safely this morning. The Maple Candy looks yummy, I am going to have to hide it from my daughter! The minty sweets and candy cane are lovely too! We may well use the chilli at New Year, as we have friends coming round. The candle holder is lovely, your friend is very clever. and as for the little black box! I keep opening it and looking at the BEADS!!!! I cannot contain mt excitement! I LOVE the dragons.....as does my daughter who collects dragons.....but I shan't be sharing lol. The cat beads are gorgeous too, .......in fact they are all gorgeous! Love the bird in a cage pendant too.....cant wait to get working on something to make now! I'll try and post photos when I have. The foxes are already happy in their new home alongside my bear on the windowsill.
Thank you thank you thank you. I love it all!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Kim C
Date: 30 Dec 11 - 07:56 PM

Dear Santa ----Is it Hawker? My package came today and I love it! You can ask Mister - I actually SQUEEEEEEEEEEEd over the little skeleton earrings, and everything else for that matter. Can't wait to listen to the CD - from reading the liner notes, it looks like I'm going to enjoy it very much.

THANK YOU and Happy New Year!!!!! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 04:56 AM

To my own Dear Second-Time Santa, the lovely Joybell!

Old Keepers has been especially busy this Christmas, with 6 good friends staying for the duration. We had a definite 'no presents' rule as we were intent on the spirit of Christmas, of friendship and sharing. We had a wonderful time!

Since they all left us a couple of days ago (we feel bereft), we have been clearing up, catching up and recovering ourselves. Only just now have I had the chance to open your parcel, despite having wanted to since it arrived! My regrets and apologies for this long delay, forgive me?

Your thoughtful gifts have brought back the spirit of Christmas to me, my thanks to you for your care and generosity. One day I may be able to give you a thank you hug in person, I hope my virtual one will be sufficient for now:

{{{{{{{Joybell and your TrueLove}}}}}}

Each of your gifts were just perfect! The crystal & amethyst angel (which will throw beautiful rainbows), the lovely butterflies (I know where their home will be), the luxurious comfortable slippers (what was that word again?), the wild flowers (how clever), the Rainbow Bird card (spectacular), and I'm so glad for the hand cream which smells divine!

And what's this little creature who huddled within the wrapping? Looks a little like a dormouse, but with a stubby nose and tiny tail. He's a native presumably, but is now living here with us. There's a special place for him too.

Thank you so much JoyDear, your gifts are much appreciated. I'm just so sorry that I wasn't able to open them sooner.

Love & Hugs from Old Keepers and wishing you Health and Happiness in 2012.
Hil xxxxxxxxxxxx
Old Keepers Photos, just in case you get a chance to browse

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 11:44 AM

Lovely photos! Thanks! That patio/sun room looks so charming and versatile and the yard is lovely!

I'm glad these gifts are making their way to their new homes - I suspect reports will trickle in for a couple of more weeks.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Joybell
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 07:11 PM

Ah! another wander through Old Keepers. So glad you liked the presents, Hil. The funny little creature is a Wombat. I found him at the last minute and thought he'd be happy among your more usual creatures. Critters as True-Love says.
Have a wonderful New Year. Hugs back. Plenty real hugs waiting if you can ever make it out here.
Love, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Joybell
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 07:26 PM

My wonderful Santa was Jacqui. I've sent a PM thank-you but I'll repeat it here. Had a lovely time opening lots of special presents on Christmas Day. Twin lobster salt and pepper shakers, lobster place-mats, a green shawl, a Maine cookbook, a lighthouse callender, Maple syrup -- I love Maple syrup, a wonderful cd of Kendall's. Such thoughtful, lovely gifts. Thank you Jacqui so much.
Love, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Dec 11 - 10:54 PM

Joybell, "critters" make a walk in the woods so very interesting, and they can add adventure to gardening. Grammar-wise, I think it is a step closer in familiarity than "creatures." I'm glad Hildebrand has introduced you to the term!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: artbrooks
Date: 01 Jan 12 - 04:33 PM

I have received a chocolate bar (now long gone), a small book full of aerial photographs of Sussex (carefully perused for a note) and a CD of Irish harp music by Lynn Saoirse. I am still baffled - who is my Santa?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 05:09 AM

Becca is my wonderful Santa - I knew as soon as I received the parcel (she wrote her name on the aback!!)

First the socks with penguins wearing glittery red scarfs & hats - sooo cute!

Oven mitt & pot holder decorated with snowmen & snowflakes. Can I de-clutter my old raggedy pot holders made of a dress I wore in the early 70s, can I be brave & toss them? Maybe I can cut off a decent piece of the raggedy material (assuming there is enough to salvage) & make something of it.

A postcard with a group of diners (Maine lobsters) looking at the menu - a tank of humans is behind them!!

An ornament of a lobster fisherman & lobster

Note cards of the Portland Head Light

A memo list with a black cat trying to play with a bowl of goldfish

and finally - food! A tin of Maine Caviar aka. Wild Maine Blueberries. U might just eat them tonight.

All good stuff & well selected. It was worth the wait.

thank you Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Becca72
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 10:13 AM

So glad it finally made it to you, Sandra! I was getting nervous.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 12:06 PM

Now - I should have known from the clue in the card. I think that my Santa may be Wolfhound Person.

I did enjoy the music - had to stop my foot tapping most of the way from Newark to West London. The brooch is pinned onto my mobile phone pouch and has attracted some nice comments.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: GUEST,JGs GDAY Santa
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 01:18 PM

Jennie - can you see anything in the sky yet ?
I'm a bit worried now but on the other hand the other parcel to down underland doesn't appear to have arrived either yet.
Fingers crossed it will be with you soon.

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Hawker
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 01:25 PM

Kim C, yes I am your santa, glad you like the assortment I sent you, I had trouble finding skull like objects, as I left it a bit late, but thought the skeleton ear rings would be good. The stamp is a bit of fun too. Hope you enjoy the CD and neclaces. A very happy New year....and to all my Mudcat friends.
Lucy x

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: JennieG
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 04:09 PM

Santa - nothing yet, although over the past two weeks we have had lots of public holidays when Oz Post wasn't working. Yesterday we received a card from my brother postmarked before Christmas, and he only lives four hours north of here!

I keep my eyes skinned every day looking for the postie.....

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 05:02 PM

Correct, Jacqui. I was rather nervous at having drawn one of Mudcat's stars!

The CD is my son - glad it kept your foot tapping.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: JennieG
Date: 05 Jan 12 - 09:56 PM

Thank you, Santa Sarah the flute, for a wonderful parcel of goodies! PM has been sent. I don't know if the other parcel you sent to downunderland has arrived, but you can relax on this one.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 06:03 AM

Hurrah !

I am so glad it got there in the end

Enjoy !

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: GUEST,Claire Bears SS
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 08:05 PM

Dear ClaireBear,
Rudolf assured me that he delivered your parcel. I hope it has got to you and isn't still stuck up the chimney. Love Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 12 - 08:13 PM

Have we heard from Severn yet? Coming or going?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Anne Lister
Date: 07 Jan 12 - 02:27 PM

It's not giving anything away now to say that although Severn hasn't posted to Mudcat, he did post to my Facebook wall that Santa had brought him gifts he'd appreciate!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: jennbrooks
Date: 11 Jan 12 - 07:29 PM

Dear Santa, (whoever you are),

Thank you for the lovely package, which arrived via the Three Kings! The song is lovely. The CD is going with me to Florida, where I'm going Saturday to pick Art up and we'll listen to it on the way home--long story but not trouble, just family stuff, thank you for asking! The mint cake is going along on that jaunt, too--if it was good enough for Everest, it's good enough for iron rations in the car! And how did you know my mother's maiden name was Bell? So I'm especially pleased with the last item which, I notice, did not appear on the customs declaration! We make biscochitos here, they're the New Mexico state cookie, a little like shortbread and a little like the cookies my Jewish grandmother used to make, and they're mixed with a drop of the creature. Would it be sacrilege to use that last present that way? So, thank you, thank you, and best wishes for a wonderful New Year.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jan 12 - 11:23 PM

How do we all stand now? Are we anywhere near ready for the "reveal?"

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Cats
Date: 12 Jan 12 - 10:56 AM

No package as yet.... and i don't think my santee has gotr theirs either, no mention here.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: GUEST,jennbrooks' slyly secretive Santa
Date: 12 Jan 12 - 11:58 AM

You are welcome to poor the New Year's libation into the special cookies, sounds an excellent idea. But I think I ought to be thanked personally, so use your litle grey cells.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: vectis
Date: 12 Jan 12 - 02:54 PM

Nothing arrived here yet Sob! Sob! Snivel!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: ClaireBear
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 04:19 PM

I have been sadly and badly remiss! Shortly before the new year, I received from a bounteous Mother Yule in Cornwall a veritable trove of goodies. These included a book on Things Cornish, a lovely warm scarf, some wonderful-smelling incense to cleanse my cabin of its past tenants' psychic spoor, and the most beautiful little buttons to put on some special garment I'll have to create now.

I think there might have been yet one more pressie, but I didn't bring my list to work to check against so can't be sure.

My sincere thanks to Cats for her generosity and goodwill.

Cheers,
ClaireBear

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: GUEST,Cats' creative Santa
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 08:01 PM

Cats, don't count me out! Did I not say you might have to wait until Brigid for the rest of your gift?

The snails are standing by and ready to be loaded with goodies bound for Cornwall, but, er, Santa has had rather a lot on his plate lately and hasn't yet found that perfect something that is just right for you.

But he will! He has vowed to make your Brigid (or perhaps Valentine's day, depending on how fast the snails crawl) one you won't soon forget!

Affectionate regards,
Grandfather Winter

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Cats
Date: 17 Jan 12 - 07:44 PM

Dear Grandfather Winter, Yes you did and I am so pleased with the book that anything else would be a bonus. I just didn't want the Reveal to appear and spoil the surprise!.
Claire Bear, I had great fun choosing these for you and yes there was something else but it's up to you to renmmeber! i'm not giving the game away!!!!   According to our mutual friend, all I had to do was buy things for myself and post to you. xx

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 10:25 AM

Winter dribbles into spring as gifts struggle out of snowbanks to float downstream once there is some snow melt - don't give up hope, all!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: GUEST,Vectis' Sadly Suffering, but somewhat better
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 06:30 PM

Vectis,

Weep not, A box of plenty should reach you soon. Your Santa has had some medical problems and even logged a bit of hospital time. They think it's either Claus-trophobia, Mono-polar Disorder or mere Noel Cowardice, but he has finally reached a state of being capable of sending it out. My sincere apologies for the delay, but I guarantee that you will be delighted with the contents, ending your discontents.

Sincerely,
Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 08:06 PM

Well, this Santa is certainly a mystery.

Yeah, right. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jan 12 - 07:31 AM

very punny

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: ClaireBear
Date: 19 Jan 12 - 03:06 PM

Punny ha-ha, or punny peculiar? That is the question.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: vectis
Date: 19 Jan 12 - 05:25 PM

Ho! Ho! Ho! Not forgotten merely temporarily shelved. Yaddah Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: My guru always said
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 04:59 AM

Could be a red herring...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 10:47 AM

Sounded fishy to me.