BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:15 AM

John "Giok" MacKenzie, I love you! I've always enjoyed the Old Blind Dogs when I've heard them on various folk programs on the radio, but I was never able to run across a cd, so now I'm in bliss. The Hannah's butter tablets are devine; I'm hiding them from my teens and rationing them out to myself. And the oarcakes - they're great! I'd always wondered about them when I read about them. they were the perfect antidote to all the Christmas sweets. Thanks again, and may the rest of the holiday be good to you. Mary

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: MMario
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:13 AM

Whhops! I forgot the song book, the CD, and the cross stitch Christmaqs Kangaroo ornament!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: MMario
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:05 AM

Official Thanks go out to Sandra in Sydney - I recieved a package chock-o-block full of Australiana - a garden calender, a picture of Ayers Rock with sand and wildflowers atached, a wildflower card, a beautiful card with lace,and teensy weensy miniture knitting, several vintage knitting publications and an article on the histroy of knitting in Australia - I'm probably forgettingn something - but there are hours and hours of delight lurking within. And yes, I've already spotted on photo I need to try and duplcate...

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Tinker
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:01 AM

Santa, thank you so much I'm working today to the sounds of Whittlebury Song and Ale.... I recognize a few voices from the Shellback visit a couple years ago. It's wonderful fun. The knit ornaments are poerfect for my tree and went straight from the box to the tree on Christmas morning. We will mull wine tommorrow night when my brother arrives and now have no excuse for confusing our glasses.The Scarves are wonderful and in perfect shades to go with things I already have. Of course chocolate needs no qualifiers, but this was especially yummy.

I haven't opened the idenifying CD, I'll send a PM first and see if I guessed right....

Let's see, calendar from Surrey, html usage, compuer down for awhile...

Thank You

tinker

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:57 AM

My SS is Crane Driver...Damn it, Tinker and Charmion! You had me going.
I got a book of Welsh Folk Songs which Pauline is chomping at the bit to play, a children's pop-up book in Welsh so basic that I can almost read it, A beautiful tea towel with a Welsh lion/gryphon/dragon(?), a CD of my Secret Santa himself who bears a strong resemblance to Santa Claus. A travel brochure which I am taking as an invitation and a beautifully crocheted Christmas wreath ornament.
Thank you, CD. And thanks for palying along with the mystery.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:15 AM

Well a Camp Runamuck 2002 CD full of Mudcatters,[including a certain Mr Jessup] a book on Washington art, a hand carved Loon pen, a cute little green pottery dish, a fridge magnet. Thank you Santa lovely gifts,but I still don't know who you are, not all WA Catters have profiles and the wrapping is in the bin.
HELLLPPPP!!
Giok {I suspect someone with the initials JE}

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:56 AM

And a grateful and heartfelt Thank You! to Keith Selby (or is that Keith from Selby?) for the Green Man t-shirt and the books about the town and abbey of Selby.

Art Brooks

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: freda underhill
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:55 AM

hmmmmmmm. TWO santas. now this is really confusing. i could be within a cat's whisker of solving this one, OR, i could be just fiddling on thin air..

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Freda's Other secret Santa
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:58 AM

Freda, I wish I could have been there to see your face... it was so secret, not even your 'designated Real' Secret Santa knew all that was in it....

Wear and enjoy... you may even find the odd spot of Towersey Suntan still on the hems.....

And I am mightily impressed that it got there in time!

FUSS!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:55 AM

Well, my SS is still a mystery- I love the Brassneck cd (more! more!), and I'm so enjoying the "Folklore of Leicestershire and Rutland"- it's exactly the sort of read I enjoy on cold winter evenings.

And the chocolate.... dear Santa, I love you forever!

Hmmm, wait a minute while I do a Search on Brassneck ok, that narrows it down a bit- but not enough to let me know if it was you... or you...

Many thanks, all the same!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Champagne Carol's Secret santa
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 02:15 AM

Well, seeing as not all of my Pressies have arrived at Chez Carol & Cllr...Perhaps Cllr should keep my identity secret a while longer..at least until Twelfth Night...hehe. Keep Champagne Carol on pins and needles.

Fine by me, I'm not done playing yet! After all, I haven't yet sent any photos from my brief career as a semi-professional wrestler! (for real)

Cllr...if you didn't see earlier..I've ordered up a Bottle of Champagne for her from Drinkon.com and it should arrive in the next couple of days. it's intended for your New years Eve celebrations. I've more little pressies to send as well. I'll probably post them on Tuesday. I do hope the other Pressies all arrive in a heap tomorrow.

Luv
CCSS
P.S. your email got through fine, so you can play the game that way too, even if you do have to use your Blackberry!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Robin 2's Secret Santa
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:48 AM

Merry Christmas Robin, glad you liked the presents, it was a lot of fun looking for them. Did you find the dangly things as well ?
2004 SS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:35 AM

I have happily discovered that my Secret Santa this year was Alison. I wasn't sure from the writing on the package, and actually hadn't searched too hard, but the information was in the package. Lots of goodies, and my kids helped with the unwrapping. Music from Alison from a session and instructions for learning the bodhran (and a note telling me that if I don't have a bodhran I can practice with tupperware and a wooden spoon!) Lots of views of Australia in a date book that is almost too gorgeous to write in. There's a great printed linen cloth that is the sort that can either be a big dish cloth or a wall-hanging. This Aboriginal Australia hanging will be in globe trotting good company on my laundry room walls with the Statue of Liberty and a linen print depicting a ceiling in Britain's Kensington Palace. Finally, I think the cold can holder is far more refined than most that you'll find in the US, with sports teams, crude sayings, or beer brands on them! It was a lot of fun to open, and it was a good choice of stuff that made the long trip easily.

Thank you, Alison!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:15 AM

I opened my SS Pressies after midnight local time (hoping to be the frst to post) and I got...


A wondrous book - an original - words & music of some songs by Frank Krumit - Wonderful - I started a thread on him, having been made aware of his name by a friend who will get to see the book!
A book of humourous tales by somebody called 'Kendall'... hmmmmm...
A 1901 book on Wireless Telegraphy, including explanations of Coherers & Syntonic Circuits! - WOW!
A pack of cards - all different backs, but all Jokers.... hmmm.....
Some weird pens!
A box of hankies - no, wait - table napkins!
A Clown figure!
Some chockies - yum!
A huge magnet with a nice quote about Fools & Wise men - which looks remarkably like a quote from The Fooles Troupe Website!
A bottle of Real Vermont Maple Syrup - we only get Camp brand imitation stuff imported here :-)
A small Pillow - size suitable for clown above!
A Reindeer antlers hat! - worn all Xmas Day!
One Bluebird of Happiness - Now that I've finally got the litle bugger on a string, it will be kept well away from all my future Birthday Cakes!

And a beautiful card with a picture of a lighthouse!

All from Mary! SINSULL! - Rhymes with Tinsel!


And a Hoppy New Beer to you all!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 11:39 PM

So! You clever bird you! My Secret Santa. It was the "miles" that threw me!
Such wonderful presents. I hope you know you are responsible for me not getting anything done on Christmas morning! Wondering around with a tomato in one hand and a lettuce in the other, I was. An Amos CD and a Kendall one! Both of them presenting songs just the way I like them sung. And a lovely book of pictures of the area we plan to travel through in a few months time. Oh! and gourmet jelly beans too! Yum! Thank you. Thank you my Dear Secret Santa! Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: jaze
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 10:56 PM

Thanks to my Secret Santa, Sarah The Flute. I loved the books, I knew you had a "quirky" sense of humor. My kids and I loved Nunzilla. She reminds me of Sister Finbar.... and your Cd is great. I wish you best of luck with it. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Robin2
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 10:47 PM

To my Secret Santa,

I opened your gifts, and enjoyed each and every one! First was the cat calendar, too cute!! Then the fishie purse, and some friendship tea. How did you know I was a tea person?? So I made myself a cup (hmmmm, wonderful), and set back for the best pressie of all...your wonderful gift of music. Thank you, Thank you SOOO much, and Merry Christmas!

Robin2

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: freda underhill
Date: 26 Dec 04 - 10:10 PM

something wonderful just happened!

i went out the front door to get my cat (deli) and there was a parcel in the letter box

it was from my secret santa (and helpers)

i opened the cardboard box, inside was a lovely card - embroidered with a blonde angel in a purple dress) and a beautiful purple box (how did they know i like purple?)as i took things out, little stars, coloured paper and paper snowflakes came out.

and a cassette of beautiful christmas classical music, a tiny pudding, candy sticks, and a mini christmas cake - everything individually wrapped, but best of all it included a beautiful purple african caftan that i saw at the towersey festival, but couldnt afford to buy. i wanted that so much! someone there must have known i wanted it, and got it for me!

secret santa, this is one of the best presents i have ever received - so kind and thoughtful - THANK you, you have made my day, my week and my year. and i have some beautiful tiny paper snowqflakes on the floor - they will stay there for me to smile at!!

I think i know who you are santa - one of three people - thank you, thank you, thank you!

X freda

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Seaking
Date: 24 Dec 04 - 02:00 AM

The Royal Courtiers of Her Majesty Seaqueen have informed me that a parcel from New York is now sitting under the tree back at the Palace.

Thank you Secret Santa, I'll be home on the 28th to open pressies - and check for clues...

Happy Christmas to all Secret Santas and Santees wherever you are.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 04 - 01:56 AM

We had two packages go from the middle of the U.S. to the UK in just one week. You just lucked out, I guess!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 24 Dec 04 - 12:31 AM

Here's a question - why is it that it takes 4 days to send a package from Florida to California and 3 weeks to send one from Florida to Ireland?   It's about the same distance, and I'm even paying MORE.

What the hell is wrong with all this?

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 11:44 PM

I have a BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL Christmas box under my tree! Thank yew, thank yew, Santa!! I feel terribly spoiled, so many beautifully wrapped gifts inside such a special box! I wanted to open them for late Solstice, but my daughter said I should wait for Christmas. Oh...I love this. The postcards are gorgeous, too. ANd,I don't have a clue...the only two 'catters I know of in VA don't match up with the name on the package, of course, someone could be being very Secetive with me. All shall be revealed, I hope, when I open the envelope wmarked wait until opening all other packages!

THANKS SO MUCH, SANTA!!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Champagne Carol's Secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 10:08 PM

A Pox on the Postal System...Carol should have gotten at least box #2 by now.

Never fear..I signed onto Drinkon.com and order her up a bottle of Champagne. Sine they are in the UK, it should get there before New Year's for heaven's sake.

I was trying to figure out how to send a bottle when it finally ocurred to me..why not just BUY one IN the UK. Duh. So I did.

CCSS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: My guru always said
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:32 PM

Hooray!! Another postcard & from Biloxi Bay, hmmmm.... Have completely given up with the Faithful Old Atlas at this stage, it seems to be no help whatsoever! However, the clues are mounting up & my little grey cells are electrocuting themselves with pondering overload!! I have already made several guesses as to the identity of my own Dear Secret Santa, the last one has been lodged with my Bank as proof positive that I actually know nothing at all!!!

I am extremely concerned that my own Dear Secret Santa's wonderful Assistant is calling him or herself 'Evil'. This is a worrying trend. Certainly, Secretarys and Administrators are major Cogs in the Machine, but Santa has a magical power and I believe that she or he KNOWS just how GOOD I have been, and there are lovely pressies under my homegrown tree to prove it *grin* Only one more day.....

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Cllr
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:43 PM

it has not arrived yet I did promise to tell you and I wil hugs and kisses Cllr

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 06:14 PM

Is now the time to say that if Manitas can't restore the computer innards, the Secret Santa files are lost and we'll have to guess who got whom?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 05:35 PM

"Wearing only sweatshirts"? So what they say is true, then?

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 05:24 PM

Ours was indeed special. My new girlfriend attended her first ritual ever and enjoyed herself. It got down to 49 over night but with a roaring bonfire, many of us were wearing only sweatshirts will sitting around it.

Blessed Yule to all.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 05:03 PM

Hi Blackcatter

Glad its all ok.....the glass pannel is indeed handpainted, I did it myself. It looks wonderful with a candle behind it or in a window with the light shining through.

I hope your Yule was as special as ours.

Love
Khatt x

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Champagne carol's Secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 05:03 PM

Cllr! Oh Cllr!!!!

Pressie Box TWo should be there. is it?? Please post.

Box #3 should be there by tomorrow.

Luv

santa

P.S. if you post, I'll send more stuff. bribing always works

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,My Guru's Santa's Evil Secretary
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:35 PM

Your Santa and I have enjoyed this game a great deal. She says that she would like to continue to develop this friendship as time goes on.

However, I want to continue to play! With this in mind, there is absolutely nothing in any of the little packages that will assist you in identifying either of us! She says that isn't according to the rules...but everyone knows that the world is really run by secretaries.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:22 PM

Thank you Santa, I will wait patiently. If it doesn't come tomorrow, it will give me something to look forward to after all the festivities are over won't it?

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Blackcatter
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:15 PM

Hello Catsphiddle, My Secret santa!

I opened the box around 2AM Wed. Morning in front of a bunch of friends who were all staying up to greet the sunrise on the longest night of the year.

OK all - here's what I got:

A handful of Cadbury chocolates, A lage box of tasty tea bags (a friend says they ever are better when soaked in hot water - who knew?!), a wunnerful piece of glass with painted face of a greenman on it (appears to be hand painted) and a set of Chinese caligraphy brushes!

THANKS!

Woo hoo!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Fircat's Extremely Pleased Santa
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:14 PM

I'm glad you got it in time. In my family, we have a tradition of opening one present each on Christmas Eve, so feel free to consider yourself one of the family.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,MBSLynne's secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:06 PM

I'm trying to get in touch with her - the Elephant's name is Mathilda (don't ask). Problem is, being an official employee of North Pole LTD., she's quite capable of hiding. The pressie will come, but you'll likely never see her.

I promise you'll get it soon!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 03:15 PM

One day to go. If I'm ever going to work out who my Secret Santa is I'll have to hurry. Somebody else knows! Whether it's by clever detective work or inside information I know not. Or is it perchance actually my Santa hisveryself? He's a clever bird! I know that!
It's such a cryptic present. Plain brown paper. No sound if you shake it. No clue by feeling it. A pair of names on the return address. Neither one any help. Well, back to the original list and try a process of elimination. Compare a few posts and look for a matching style. Whoooo nearly Christmas! Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Firecat
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 02:27 PM

My pressie got here the other day, all the way from America! I have to confess I opened the outer box, but none of the wrapping paper on the packages will be removed until Saturday.

I'm being good this year!!

Can't wait!

After all, there's only two more sleeps till Christmas! (Sorry, I've been watching Muppet Christmas Carol)

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Emma B
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 01:38 PM

This part of the world went shopping this afternoon - an 'orrible day, queueing ages for car parking and then again at the fishmongers and the butchers and, finally, 20 mins in the supermarket checkout behind a family with two and a half trolleys and £250 of food!
Drove home in the miserable gloom to find MY PRESSIE HAD ARRIVED!
(complete with a whole album of Canadian stamps!)
Christmas has arrived (official!)- thank you Secret Santa but I wish I could read your name (er... you're not a doctor are you?)
I confess I opened the package as there was only 3/4 of it left but I promise I will not play it until Xmas morning!
Thanks again, Happy christmas, Emma xxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 08:08 AM

You Tel him JAm and a Lily girl, I believe he is Stoke supporter and as such deserves no mercy!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:45 AM

OOooooo, I opened the smaller package yesterday as a birthday present and got to wrap myself in wonderful magenta feathers.... All of the kids had to take a turn too..... wonderful fun Dear Santa..... I didn't share the chocolete though.... MINE !!! NOw I've just got to wait til Saturday for the final package...

Thank You Santa,

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Leadfinger's SS's Counsel's Assistant Counse
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:20 AM

Dear Mr. Finger,

Your Secret Santa's legal counselor assures me that your Secret Santa asserts that your Secret Santa present has indeed been posted to you. Your Secret Santa's legal counsel also suggests that you "be patient or drink yourself into a stupor (not that anyone could tell the difference) until your present arrives, delivered by an official, UNIFORMED representative of Queen Elizabeth II."

Your Secret Santa's legal couselor also states that your Secret Santa does not and cannot be held legally or morally responsible for gifts sent by you to someone else. Appropriate legal citations will be supplied upon request, and should you persist in attempting to hold your Secret Santa responsible in this matter appropriate legal action of several sizes will be taken against you at the Dives Assizes.

We remain, Mr. Finger,

Sincerely yours,

(signed)

J. Amanda Lily Lilithsdotter
Special Assistant Counsel To The Counselor-General

Elvenstone, Elvenhaus, and Bluebell
Barristers
Lower Upper Middle Temple Bar

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 07:11 AM

nuffin' in the mail yet, tho I did get my office Secret Santa pressie today - yet another teddy bear to somehow fit on my desk. Fortunately there was room, tho I dunno what I'm going to do when I retire in 2 years & 1 month - I certainly don't have room at home for all the toys.

I've set the alarm so I can get up early enough to visit both the Post Office & the fishmonger to buy my christmas prawns (shrimp) before I get to work.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Blackcatters Solstice Fairy
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 04:44 AM

Hello Mr Blackcatter.....

Did you open your presents??....Did they arrive safely??....did you like them??.... Oh my what is a fairy to do!!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 23 Dec 04 - 02:10 AM

Sure wish I didn't have to wish I had me a secret santa. ...But alas......... I am not giving up on hope yet.......


Santa, I was really not that good of girl this year, would you still consider a lump of coal?

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: jimmyt
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 10:48 PM

I just saw the response from my SS!! I have been good!!! I promise.......Alright I am lying! but at least the New Years is looking up! jimmyt!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 10:38 PM

I learnt from kids TV yesterday that Elves are afraid of Penguins....

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Jenn's Personal SS...
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 09:53 PM

...and soon to be just another Super Armadillo Wrangler (SAW), once the hols are over. Very glad, Jenn, that the cage...I mean box...arrived. I hope there are no mewling noises coming from it. Just be careful how you open it, OK? I'm not saying there IS an armadillo in it, but IF there is, travelling tends to make them testy. And have a very, verrry, merrrry Christmas!

Your pal, SS/SAW

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 06:04 PM

Time is running out and my santee has not reported receipt , and I havent got anything either !

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 05:56 PM

Can you lend me one CH?

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 03:35 PM

Aren't elephants more responsive to low frequencies? Put a Barry White album on Lynne!

:-)