BS: My pressie has arrived!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 07:17 PM

All right!! That explains it!! Under the new powers of the FBI they have obviously routed my parcel via Botsuwana Land in order to ensure that they are doing everything possible to dampen the effects of terrorism on Christmas. Or perhaps it is the other way around -- preventing the spirit of Christmas from infecting terrorism so they can continue to benefit from the state of war.

A

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Helen
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 06:58 PM

Mary,

I'm so glad it finally arrived. I almost sent you a different CD, by a classical guitar trio called Saffire, because one of the guitarists teaches guitar to my brother-in-law, but then somehow I had the brainwave of sending you the Chris Duncan CD, because his performances at the Newcastle Folk Club years ago have always been a highlight for me.

And, serendipitously (spelling?? word??) you can now gloat about the Tim Tams to everyone else. Just don't tell Catspaw about the Vegemite!

(By the way, I forgot to tell you - a very, very thin scraping of Vegemite on hot buttered toast, with a nice cup of tea is the best way to eat it. You may hate it at first, but you could develop a taste for it. Especially in binge phases when you need a Vitamin B boost.)

And I hope you liked the festive duct tape on the parcel. :-)

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 04:45 PM

HELEN!!!!!!

Thank you so, so, so very very much! The CD (Scottish Fiddle Music) is soooooooo much me! I'm alternately dancing and crying.

I want to visit Oz and Newcastle today.

And Giok (John), eat your heart out...

I GOT SOME TIM TAMS!!!!!!!

(Jimmy and Amos, the outside of the package had a note saying it had been delayed because of aviation security practices, whatever that means...but at least they didn't get into the Tim Tams!)

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:41 PM

I need to be taken off that list... got mine today!

Thanks to Stephen Le Rich!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: jimmyt
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:38 PM

Amos, I feel honored to share the ungifted ranks with you. Thank god it was not that cantankerous old Art Brooks, who obviously shouldn't have even been considered for a gift if the naughty/ nice thing is valid. The big three,Clinton, Amos and jimmyt! ungifted but wonderful are we!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:17 PM

Well, I am getting used to feeling like chopped liver, but for accuracy I will offer my name to add to the list of the as yet un-gifted, if not untalented. :>)

A

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 11:42 AM

Yes it does, Jimmy. We hold these truths to be self-evident: you are a dentist and he is a crumudgen.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: jimmyt
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 11:26 AM

Is it just Clinton and Myself who remain presentless? If so it explains a lot about the naughty/ nice business!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Peg
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 10:53 AM

I'm glad it finally arrived, art! Dave Webber and Annie Fentiman are known for their "new" traditional songs and fine harmony singing. They are real favorites among those folkies who like big sing-along type songs. I saw one of their concerts and they also relate wonderful anecdotes about English culture.
The cigar box comes from a tobacco shop in Harvard Square (one of the last of the "old" businesses still thriving); they put them out for sale when they've become empty of cigars...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 10:14 AM

Not Tim Tams, I'll be so jealous if you got them.
John

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 08:54 AM

It's arrived..... in fact it did arrive before Christmas but I've only just been able to pick it up!!!!

.... and worth the wait it was too

LOADS of stuff about the land down under
LOADS of very interesting sweeties yum yummy yummy
LOADS of very useful swannee whistles - the flying chaucers will be able to do harmony now
A calendar
A brilliant CD of early music
and some photos of Jenny O my very inventive SS

Thank you so much!

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Partridge
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 05:00 AM

Glad you enjoyed the gifts Linn, I had a great deal of fun making up the package for you. And I must thank Mouldy for making the squid.
I still have had no clue or pressie from my santa, but I live in hope!

love

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Amos
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 12:22 AM

I've not rec'd a SS gift, but I reckon it is slow post.

A

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Helen
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 12:03 AM

Thanks for the info, Blackcatter. You can tell your friend that I agree about his/her excellent taste. I thought you had listened to it because in your notes you said something about "musically pure" and that is a good description because the voices and the instruments are pure and clear, in many ways, not just in sound quality.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 11:16 PM

dn't listend to the Irish CD myself, but it was reccommended by a friend with excellent taste.

As for Mrs. Miller, I've been a "fan" of hers for years. I've even converted my friend who is the musical director of the local classical radio station. He occasionally plays a selection when he thinks no one is listening.

The other stuff was from a local metaphysical shop. All of it has been infused with very positive energy.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 06:04 PM

It was...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 05:07 PM

Now that's a shame--wasn't it Clinton who suggested this in the beginning?

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 01:41 PM

"Has everyone received their gifts by now?"

I have not...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 09:37 AM

That's why I asked if everyone had received theirs yet! But February--I hope stuff gets to its intended Santee well before then!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 09:21 AM

I think that it should remain secret until February.
John....

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 08:35 AM

I also agree-I got mine yesterday (the 27th). There are certainly some Mudcatters visiting family and friends for the holidays who won't be home to pick up their mail until after the 1st. Were I Lady Khatt, I wouldn't publish the list before the end of this week, and later may be better. Besides that gives more time for guessing!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 08:10 AM

I agree, Moo - articles are still stuck in the mail. Oz Post opens tomorrow (monday) & I bet there will still be chrissy goodies in mail boxes. Ops, it's after midnight now, so Oz Post will open a bit later this morning.

I think my pressie was the last 2002 pressie received - it finally arrived around 6th Feb. Khatt had published a list of Santas & Santees by then but I didn't look!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: mooman
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 07:44 AM

Dear Stilly and Khatt,

I suggest you hold off spilling the beans perhaps until "12th Night"! Some of of us have yet to receive our pressies which are presumably still in the TLC of the appropriate pressie authorities or their appointed agents. Who knows...I might even still receive last years present yet! I know that was posted, more or less when, where and by whom but...! (:>(

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 03 - 12:31 AM

Ms. CatsPHiddle, are you going to spill the beans soon as to who sent to whom? Has everyone received their gifts by now?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 27 Dec 03 - 03:02 PM

Wonderful!!! I do have a Secret Santa!! And what a thoughtful one she is too. Thank you, Peg, for the CD (of a group that I've never encountered before), the notebook and the chocolates...and the chestnuts and acorns give it a great regional touch. We will even find a good use for the cigar box!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 02:50 PM

Katlaughing,
I am so happy to hear you liked your gifts. I knew I wouldn't be able to be too mysterious because I wanted to sign your piece and postmark from Minnesota I figured was a give-away. Oh well! You found me out! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy new year.
I haven't heard a word from my Santa yet, but I'll hang in there and hope he/she won't forget me!
Take care, Love ya too! Sue

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 01:42 PM

*pout*

heh

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 01:01 PM

CU And Alba's Aelf, I spoke with Alba last night. She's been away, but is home now, so I expect you'll be hearing from her, soon.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 12:31 PM

It looks like catsPHiddle managed a ménage à trois in her Secret Santa planning this year! It is a small world.

;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Burke -- on sister's PC
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 11:04 AM

The first installment arrived on Monday, before I left town.

Burnt sugar, No coconut ;-), delicious! I had to stop myself from eating too much & getting sick.

Thanks, Santa. I'm developing a theory.
Burke

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: CapriUni
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 10:39 AM

Yes, Alba's Aelf, but what is it?

I'm a curious sort... I like to know what's in other people's packages as well...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Alba's Anonymous Aelf
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 10:38 AM

Or, at least, the thought was there. I haven't heard from her, and I hope it didn't get lost in the bowels of the postal system.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Alba's Anonymous Aelf
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 10:32 AM

She did.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: CapriUni
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 09:48 AM

I'm waiting on news from Alba, my Secret Santa this year... she gave me such a wonderful package, I hope she receives something equally wonderful...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 08:27 AM

What a coincidence! Stilly was my secret santa last year; Barb'ry myt secrett santa this year - and SRS gave Barb'ry the shawl I crocheted.

BARB'RY on the other hand , somehow discovered a book I have lusted after in my heart for years - and I now have the wonderful CASTLES to peruse and browse and dream with. PLUS the Cadbury chocolates that were shared - and the lovely selection of UK sweets in a stocking with my name sewn on it, and the card burstingly full of reindeer and the CHRISTMAS ALE!!!! (It went very well with the crown roast of pork!)


What a Christmas! Thanky you! And yes, Barb'ry - I remember that conversation out by the dumpster...

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 11:13 PM

Well, Barb'ry, I confess, I sent your items. But I had help--that wonderful crochet shawl was made by Mmario and I bought it in an auction last year. I see he has turned out some more--an auction closed earlier this month on another beauty.

I opened my gift today from my Secret Santa--Rock Chick!!--and found a marvelous fat collection of limericks! They're tongue twisters--I stumbled through a few before the kids insisted on scanning the book and trying a few. This is a great little book and remarkably appropriate for someone from my family:

The limerick's callous and crude,
Its morals distressingly lewd;
It's not worth the reading
by persons of breeding -
It's designed for us vulgar and rude.

Thank you so much!

I've discovered that it probably wouldn't have worked to try shipping a DVD from the UK--the formats are different between the machines in the different countries (this is in reference to a note in the card tucked in with the gift.) Books work anywhere!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Liz the Squeaks's SS
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 09:38 PM

You're very welcome,Liz! I'm so excited that you enjoyed the gifts. This is my first time doing the Secret Santa thing. I didn't know if I chose things you would like. What a great feeling . Isn't that what Christmas is really all about? Shouldn't be too awfully hard to "find" me. Merry Christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 07:21 PM

Oh Mary/vectis, good! Youa re welcome. I am so happy that you are enjoying it! I looked at copies of the original of that book and boy, they were a bit pricey. I felt really fortunate to have found out that Mystic Seaport has issued the reprint in paperback. If I'd had the dosh, it would have been one of the old hardbacks, though.**bg**

The cards were funny. I went to the local "feed" store to pick up some dog food and those just kind of leapt out at me. Somehow, it seemed the connection between sea shanties and cowboy roping knots was so Mudcat. (Plus, they come from my fmaily's ranching background, too.:-)

We have had a wonderful day, here, too. Thanks for your good wishes!

Now that the day has come and gone, I have to "out" my Santa and say

THANK YOU RUSTIC REBEL!!! Everyone is just enthralled with my "Double Image" and all the rest that you sent. Just wonderful!

luvya'llkat

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: running.hare
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 06:45 PM

Dear santa

I Know I wasn't asleep in bed last night like all goog lttle Girls should Be, but I was doing my Duty Behind the Bar, supplying merry villagers with feastive tipples /Ringing church bells for Midnight Mass. Please Reasure me that the is a parcel n some Postal Service somewhere.........

Merry Christmass 1 & all

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 06:35 PM

nutty - I'm from Dorset but it wasn't me (but I did know Graham Moore when he was an 'umble teacher and heard the first ever performance of 'Tolpuddle Man' in public)!

Thank you to my Secret Santa - I waited and waited, and left yours until last. It's lovely, thank you! I got some marmalade and another preserve (it's downstairs and I've consumed too much chocolate to have the energy to go check what flavour it is, but it's red!), some Hersheys' little candy bars in various flavours, two books which are exactly what I would have chosen myself, and a cassette of Richmond, Va. coffee house music.

There was also the most delightful little stone cross, which is a freakish work of nature, called a fairy stone - it's so sweet and will be transformed into an earring or maybe a pendant.

Thank you James, I have yet to discover your Cat name, but one day, I will!

Thank you Khatts for organising this again, it's been great fun!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 05:09 PM

Pinto beans are brown beans. Not at all sweet like kidney/red beans. Black beans work well too! Navy or Great Northern in a pinch....oh,yes, if you can get hominy over there it is a great addition to the chile too. Drain it first....drain the beans too.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: vectis
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 04:18 PM

OOOOOH Santus Arcanus...
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you a zillion times, Kat, for the pressie. I must be the luckiest shanty singer on the planet today.
I'VE GOT A COPY OF SHANTIES FROM THE SEVEN SEAS

WHOOOOOPPPPEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

I have been looking for a copy for ages without success so several zillion thanks. You've made my Christmas.......

The knotty cards were a brilliant accompaniment. The family has spent the day trying them out with parcel string. Literally tying ourselves in knots.

I hope you've had as good a day as me - you deserve it.
Thanks again
Mary

PS Loved the card too.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 03:39 PM

SORCHA!    THANK YOU    THANK YOU

After spending nearly a month trying to retrieve my prezzie from Parcelforce I resisted all temptation to open the beautifully wrapped parcels until tonight with all my other prezzies. Oh have I been spoilt! Sorcha you are a sweetie.......a tee shirt in my favourite colour(burgundy) printed with my name and a map of my part of England. There's a piccy been taken & it will be on its way soon. It is brilliant...thank you! And as if that wasn't enough....playing cards and keyring from Wyoming, sweeties and a reminder of what friendship is all about. When I find out what pinto beans are I will take them, 2lbs of beef and the Chugwater Chilli mix to the next festival when Shellbacks are camping and we will all share the experience. Happy Christmas Sorcha and a very Happy New Year...thank you so much!!!    xxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Barb'ry
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 03:35 PM

To my Secret Santa....
Thank you sooo much for my presents - who does that wonderful crocheting?? and some lovely earrings and a piece of rock quartz. Thank you again - but WHO ARE YOU? HOW DO I FIND OUT AND THANK YOU PROPERLY?
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 03:24 PM

Hi Big Mick & Happy Christmas

I'm so pleased you liked your prezzies, it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to chose them for you. They are just a small token in comparison to all the friendship we were given on our trip to the States!

Happy New Year   xxxx

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 02:24 PM

But, But I already took the return address and carefully went over the Getaway listings !!!!!!! I really need to learn a little more about UK geography... It is not an improbable name. What else would The Gordon name a liqueur than Cock of the North ??? I've got to start dinnner now, but you've given me more questions than answers hmmmmm.....

Still pondering

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Tinker's SS
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 01:36 PM

Aha, Tink, my girl.....what if I tell you that I know all about your strange addiction to a certain form of scotch-based beverage with an improbable name and your adept way with a video camera....does that help?

Have a very Merry Xmas

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: nutty
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 01:29 PM

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Secret Santa

You picked up the clues perfectly and the Graham Moore CD was spot on.
What a joy to be able to listen to it as I opened the rest of my presents. I'm really glad I kept it till this morning as it was the best of the bunch (my family are not great when it comes to present buying)

But I'm puzzled ..... I feel that I should know someone from Dorset but can't bring anybody to mind ...
Can anyone else help with my SS's identity or will you reveal all ....please Santa.

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: GUEST,Jaze's Secret Santa
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 01:16 PM

I'm glad you liked the stash. The chain is 4-in-1 european boxweave chainmail and yes, I did make it, fighured it's probably the one thing I can make (bar noise :-) ). I do have to say though, I'm not Guest Nick, I don't know if it'll help you at all but here's a clue for free, I'm female (of course, of you're really stuck, ask Amos, he'll know) :-)

Merry Christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: My pressie has arrived!!!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Dec 03 - 11:58 AM

Oh, Partridge! What a wonderful collection of gifts!

Now I guess I have to actually LEARN how to play the whistle (which I've been nosing around for sometime and haven't out of sheer laziness despite having played clarinet back when God was a lass). It's amazing how similar the shells are, at least to species on the south side of Cape Cod (which is the dividing line on the eastern US coast). I'll have to send you some from the beaches of New Hampshire and Maine -- northern moon snails, surf clams, blue mussels, periwinkles, slipper shells, as well as my favorite tinies. And Yorkshire tea! (Finally!)

Oh, and the Mouldy-made squid!!! (And especial thanks for making it hangable -- we have no level surface space that isn't piled high with something: books, papers, computer stuff.) It's the high point of my collection (not just rubber) of non-edible squid!

The combination of stuff was a delight! Both Tom and I had a grand time opening everything. And it definitely succeeded in making us feel closer to you and our other friends in the UK. (You also gave me some ideas of what to send to my next year's Secret Santee.)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Linn