BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 10:19 PM

Thank you, my secret Santa in Bristol, UK! I was sent a packet of materials: some local Bristol maritime history, some postcards and other sundry items, and a satirical newspaper showing a photo of Prince Charles next to a photo of Dobby (from Harry Potter), claiming them to be twins separated at birth! Thanks for the virtual tour of Bristol and some of its history.The bridge pictured, I would guess, is an I.K. Brunel? All the best to you for the new year!

I was late getting my gift out to my Santee, but it should arrive any day now.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Genie
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 10:27 PM

Gutbucketeer, I'm listening to the Dead Singers' CDs now, and they're great! Not only for listening enjoyment, but for learning some neat old songs.

Thanks again!

Genie
¤:-D

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:59 PM

Genie:

I'm glad you like them. I tried to pick some of my favorites that also seemed to match what you would like. Several have their lyrics and chords posted here on Mudcat (I just added the chords to Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore). I hope they give you many hours of enjoyment on those cold winter nights in the hottub ;-)

Happy New Year!

JAB

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Genie
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 12:22 AM

Gotta be careful playing CDs in the hot tub, JAB.* Electrocution and all that. ;-D

I'm listening to Woodchuck's Revenge right now. Good music, that.
Next comes "Come Into My Parlor" (complete with that terribly risquŽ French post card photo on the cover!).

Grazie, e felice anno nuovo!

Genie

*I take it you are "Jim, " not "Tim?"

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 06:59 AM

Arn't you lot lucky I havn't recieved one, my santee hasn't recived thier's as far as I know, I'm fed up
Guest

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:08 AM

Same here...haven't received yet and no news from Santee...

(:>(

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 03:34 PM

Santa finally made it to the Bluegrass. I guess he was waiting for all this rain to turn to snow. It looks like there will be several surprises from Cape Cod. (That looks like your brother in the restaurant, MM!) I'm already anxious to travel there...maybe someday.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 08:10 AM

Well, well, well...it looks like it was Night Owl all along. (sneaky little devil) I managed to accuse just about every Mudcatter far and wide and managed to learn a lot about several of them. ;-) I just didn't know Night Owl lived in Cape Cod. (Who are all those people in the tape? I'm still reading about Cape Cod and antiques and music, and really hope to visit there someday.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 09:52 AM

still no pressie ... or even coal :-(

Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Bardford
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:23 PM

I received ONE OUT OF MANY perfect presents yesterday when the postal elves delivered the MUDCAT STRAWBERRY Record direct from the CAMSCO workshop. I've yet to listen to it, but I'm looking forward to hearing all you folks, including my very GENEROUS Secret Santa, who is on the disc. I also received a secret PM from my SS via catsPHiddle in which I am told to expect a BOOKSTORE GIFT CERTIFICATE, and that my Secret Santa has ALSO made a donation on my behalf to the PEACE GARDENS IN BOSNIA. And, if that wasn't enough, my Santa was going to write a Christmas song, especially for me! Surprise family visitors put the kybosh on that, apparently, but jeez, I am humbled and amazed.                     

Thank you Santa! You've warmed my heart. This here ragtag muddy feline community of virtual strangers has produced, to borrow a quote from the Peace Gardens site, "a bountiful crop of good will."

Peace and good health,
Bardford

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:42 AM

I got back from Canada on New Year's Eve to find my Christmas Box had arrived in my absence! I thought I'd leave it for New Year's Morn - which may not have been my best idea. A champagne hang-over on top of a 25 hour trip was not condusive to getting all that danged TAPE off! (Hint: SS has shares in 3M or like.) My SS has sent me a fantastic wooden ornament - an owl swooping low over a tree branch, hand carved - which I shall treasure.

But very very few hints as to my SS's identity. There's a suggestion that I might be in for a further treat when SS's CD is ready ... so SS is a performer. And the parcel was posted this side of The POnd. Hmmmm. I shall have to think about this. Any hints, SS? In the meantime, big big hugs and many many thanks.

And, wilco, glad to hear that your parcel arrived. I couldn't find a Welsh-language Barney tape but glad that the other was OK! Glad the whole clan got into the act (and that the kids didn't get all the candy!)

Belated Christmas best wishes to all - and many thanks to all Santas, Elves and Admin. support!

sian, west wales

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Sian's Secretive Santa
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 08:35 AM

Dear Sian,

I'm so glad it arrived safely and that you liked it!

More hints? Hmmm? Yes you're right ...I am a performer but have been a mainly gigging musician (but mainly these days for fun although several bands). I now play in many styles but grew up in one particular musical tradition. I was warmly welcomed several years ago to the Mudcat by a rather well-known 'Catter with whom I have a couple of tenuous but not so obvious links and common interests but whom I have not yet met. I have probably met about 50 or 60 'Catters in person though, unfortunately, not your good self yet....something I look forward to very much one day! What else? Hmmm? According to Catspaw I do rather strange things during my holidays! I sometimes play with a musical plumber and have shared a bear with jOhn9 from Hull! I can play nearly as fast as Sam Pirt but not necessarily using the same or even correct notes and on different instruments! I have a counterpart in Greek mythology.

Surely you must be able to guess me from this!

Your Secret Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 10:29 AM

'Ell's teeth. Even jet-lagged and hung-over, I might have been willing to wrap my mind around all that, but when you claimed to, "have shared a bear with jOhn9 from Hull", I kinda froze.

MORE INFORMATION THAN I NEED! DO NOT GO THERE!!!!!!!!!

Yikes. I know that Hull can do strange things to people but ... ick!

Well, at least I know who you're NOT ...

sian, mulling things over in west wales

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: RolyH
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:17 PM

Nuffink.... :>(

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Sian's Santa trying hard to reveal him/herse
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:39 PM

Dear Sian,

Well ...two separate bears, one each, during an informal one and only brief meeting actually (and not in Hull9)! (I feel it important to clarify such matters in case one should cause concern or worry!). In fact I have never ever visited the fair city of Hull9, so am not affected too drastically in any particular way...(as almost all Mudcatters are from Hull9 this should make it easy for you to identify me!)

Oh yes...and several well-known 'Catters have slept in my bed on separate occasions (I was not in it myself on any of those times I hasten to add in order to avoid giving the wrong impression!). And I have successfully intervened and arbitrated in small dispute between two Mudcatters over the ownership and use of a goatskin jockstrap!

What else? One of my best instruments was purchased from another Mudcatter, I myself have introduced several new members to the 'Cat and a Mudcatter I am sure is known to you has promised to kick a well-known guitar virtuoso "up the bottom" for me as a special favour!

What other clues can I provide? Wood! Ah yes....wood! I do frequently get carried away with wood...! And I recall physically hugging at least seven 'Catters of whom three are female and of whom one is from Hull (but not jOhn9) (and all done in the best possible taste and with the correct sense of decorum of course!).

A Mudcat musical highlight? There are very many, but hearing Barry Finn sing the fine song he composed for his son in Boston one evening must rank as a notable one... Another was having several Mudcatters present to help me celebrate an important anniversary with music and song.

Ah yes...and Alison is expecting something special from me but not until the cooler Australian winter (please do not tell Big Mick!).

This must surely now unlock the mystery dear Sian. By the way I have sometimes passed through your fair land of West Wales with fondest memories...

Your secret Celtic Santa

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,(:>(
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 07:42 PM

...still waiting hopefully

(:>(

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 08:40 AM

Oh b*gger. I must start paying more attention to the more 'social' threads. What do I know about goatskin jockstraps, wood and who's-in-whose bed????

BUT (big mistake, cariad) you have renewed an old interest in handwriting analysis. Give me a couple of days - I may not know who you are but I'll know a lot more about WHO you are. (You have my address - my silence can be purchased ...)

BTW - I agree about your assessment of 'our' owl being wise and knowledgable, but there's also a look of grim determination on its face. Another indispensable trait for 2003?

sian, working on it in w.w.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: greg stephens
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 12:59 PM

Well I've opened mine from Burke in Utica,NY, USA. She had got my tastes off to a T, the main item being a big book about the New York State Barge Canal, highly approriate as I spent Chrsitmas and New Year boating on the Trent and mersey and Caldon cals. A wonderful read, and now Ive got to go and see it..or rather boat on it. Also included were some local treats, maple sugar candy (excellent), a log made out of chocolate, sugar and nuts(excellent) and some strange roasted sweet corn (well, the squirrels love it). And a map of New York State which will enable me to plan my visit. It was inriguing to discover that it is quite near Toronto where I have a brother who Ive been contemplating visiting since he moved there(20 years ago). In factit was all very intriguing, as (in common with most Brits I expect) I had sort of imgined New York was big town, Apparently there is a lot more to it than that, with some very exciting blankish looking bits on the map with lakes and mountains, called Adirondacks. Looks my sort of country. I'll be over soon. Thanks a lot, Burke, your efforts are hugely appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:56 AM

OOOOH! it was so worth waitting for. My peressie arrived today (after being detained in HM's custom house for 2 weeks+), from Oroville, California. I guessed California but not the sender, who turned out to be 'open mike'.

I have 'The Old Farmers Almanac 2203' which will keep me right with the world.

Laurel sent me some wonderful wool yarn from her home state of Nebraska and she found two Californian bred ewes, Audrey and Mazie who gave up their coats for me to spin..how cool is that knowing the name of the sheep who's wool you are spinning !!

Thank you so much 'open mike' for this wonderful SS pressie. Happy New Tear to you

Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:59 AM

That should be Happy New YEAR :-)

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:02 AM

well done Mrs C i'm still waiting to hear from MY Santee and My Santa

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:12 AM

Well, I'm still working on my SS's identity. I've sunk to handwriting analysis in my desparate attempt to put a name to gift.

I wish I hadn't.

I think said santa may originally be British/Irish but there are some distinct Germanic influences on certain letters ("s" in particular). An upright individual (definitely male), capable of a certain formality when required, but possibly a bit quirky within his 'envelope'. May, for instance, enjoy playing the guitar naked in the privacy of his own home.

OK - so none of that is a problem.

But his 'descenders'!!!!!! (Those are the dangly bits to those not au fait with handwriting analysis.) His descenders are DEFINITELY worrying! I know that Mudcat represents a wide church of interest but ... there are things which simply cannot be discussed in an open forum.

Maybe I should just forget about trying to identify you any further, dear secret santa. Thanks for the owl! And now, let sleeping dogs lie.

I mean that: please let them, and all other small household pets, alone!

sian, west wales

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Sian's Amused Secret Santa
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 07:50 AM

Dear Sian,

Well I AM impressed! You have my basics to a T! Germanic influences? Perhaps that also! I am indeed quite capable of formality sometimes am pressed unwillingly into it but, as you quite rightly say, there is quite definitely a quirky and "left field" person lurking inside and, yes, last time I looked I was definitely male!

As for those dangly bits...don't worry! It could definitely be a problem but supreme mental effort and discipline has it more or less under control and the various feline forms and other mammals that permit me to share their home have had no cause for concern! Likewise at work where I am a paragon of virtue!

I expect catsPHiddle will reveal identities soon but, in the meantime just a couple more clues to ponder upon.

I am quite famous for my big chopper (by which I mean my large Harley-style motorcycle of course!) which has been used to transport a bit of "Mudcat history". I am a biologist by profession and, in this capacity, have had some strange and exciting adventures and a few "spats" on the 'Cat on certain topics! I now work in the medical sector. There are several VERY unflattering and one "very happy" photos of me concealed withing the Mudcat photo archives!

I quite agree with you that, while being free and wise, the owl looks rather determined and that this will represent a quality we may all need this year.

All the very best,

Your Secret Santa

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 10:30 AM

Wondering if my pressie ever made it to my Santee...no customs to get hung up in...ah, well, hope all is well.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 12:10 PM

Dagnabbit, SS - I forgot to discuss you ascenders. I was gonna say that I reckoned you were a scientific type ... but you're gonna think I'm just being wise after the fact now! OK - I thought it would be something that might involve producing technical drawings and draughtsmanship but still in the field of science. I also would have thought you'd work from home, at least part of the time, but I guess you must be lab-based.

Also, I'll hazard a guess that you wear a lot of earth colours - greens 'n' browns? (So much for the Coca-cola Santa.) You are more a 'string' person than woodwind or percussion, and I'll bet that you have more than one string to your bow, i.e. multiple instruments (you collect as many as your family will allow?) Hmmmmm .... you read: probably more philosophical stuff than Zane Grey westerns. I think you've given something up in the past (smoking? booze?) but I couldn't say if you've succeeded. If you go in for sports, I'll bet it's less likely to be a team thing than ... hmmmm .... dunno.... not golf, but something brainy as opposed to sweaty.

And I still see you naked. No, let me rephrase that ...

sian

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Your HIGHLY IMPRESSED Secret Santa!
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 01:24 PM

Dear Sian,

Marvellous stuff there!

I used to be lab-based for many years (as a forensic biologist) but am now a desk-based "analyst"!

Yes I wear a lot of green. Also maroon and black. Yes...I'm a strings specialist and have suffered from Multiple Instrument Acquisition Syndrome in the past although I still have a few different types of stringed instrument. I also play Latin percussion.

Reading? Almost all philosophical and ethical stuff these days! I used to drink but don't any more and have never smoked.

You're right on sport too...in my case it's Olympic-style archery!

Is this lady clever or what!!!!

Your Secret Santa

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:42 AM

Gee. I must be on a roll. Let me think ...

Ummm.... you're probably quite chivalrous. i.e. If some damsel was being threatened, you might (at least in your own mind) leap to her defence declaring, "Decease, Varlet. Put away thy 4 pound hammer and threaten not said damsel nor any goods, chattel or percussion instruments belonging herto."

And I bet you have a good memory - like: you can remember music 'n' stuff so you don't have to use a music stand.

Music: maybe a real range including modern (probably not traditional) jazz, Chas and Dave (?), anything containing the word "Bonzo". It would be just like you to teach music as well.

Geography: I discount the UK or Ireland and probably nothing so 'mainstream' as Germany. Maybe Belgium?

I wouldn't be surprised if you had a fairly conventional Christian name. Dunno ... something like, Robert or Richard?

How am I doing?

sian, west wales

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Sian's Sussed Santa!
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 05:53 AM

Dear Sian,

I do believe you have me rumbled!

Clever work eh Dr Watson!

Your not so secret Santa anymore

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 07:10 AM

mooman,

Gotcha!

sian

p.s. thanks, catsPHiddle! (my partner in crime)
p.p.s. But some of it really WAS handwriting analysis ...

st

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:16 AM

catsPHiddle, are you going to reveal the list soon?

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:55 AM

I was going to reveal the list in a couple of weeks. Some people haven't recieved their pressie yet. If you would like me to post the list earlier let me know.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: mooman
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:02 AM

Dear catsPHiddle,

Haven't received my pressie yet (:>( (wretched Belgian post office again probably!) but I do know who my Santa is....

moo

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 11:04 AM

I know that some packages form the USA to the UK and Europe are taking up to 8 weeks if sent by surface mail!!!

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:26 AM

I havn't recieved mine nor have knowledge of my santee recieving the gift that I sent earlier to America.Thanks for the hard work catsPHiddle its a shame so many let you down.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:37 AM

8 weeks - that's good to know, Santa says my pressie was posted 15th Nov. I'm accustomed for waiting for pressies, it makes the event continue - my brother is the greatest slacko in the world - my 50th birthday pressie came with my Christmas chq & card - 10 MONTHS LATE!! In Feb will I get my 51st birthday pressie on time (huh!) or will it come with 2003 cristmas stuff? As my sister lives in Nigeria she doesn't send a present in the company mail, but delivers one in person when she comes back for her annual leave, which is not a sign of slackness. So my birthday continues.

This morning my mailbox was still lacking a parcel card from my Secret Santa- but tomorrow is another day, and then there's Friday!!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: GUEST,Blackcatter's S-s-s-secret S-s-s-santa
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 08:03 AM

I knows ya got it...ya ever opin it?

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Morticia
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 12:28 PM

I got mine today from Page of Cups.A wonderful decoupage box filled with the most delicious sweeties ( candy)and a card with a beautiful owl on it ( how did you know I had a thing for owls?).Thank you so much PoC, I loved it!

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 01:17 PM

catsPHiddle posted santas/santees here.

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: selby
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:57 PM

Yipee my Prezzie arived am I the Last?
Keith

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 08:03 PM

Talk about waiting for the other shoe to drop!

Subject: RE: BS: I opened my SS pressie, who else?
From: CapriUni
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 03:04 PM

Well, don't keep us hanging, Kieth!

Whatcha get? And whodya get it from (or hasn't your Secret Santa revealed her/imself, yet)?