BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Sorcha
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:21 AM

Owen and I opened mine (from Foolestroupe)and the Honoured First Pressie of the Day. Goodies! 5 pks of Tim Tams, Kahlua (sp) biscuits, Tia Maria biscuits, several rolls of Oz Lifesavers, jar of 2 bars of Violet Crunch, sheesh! I guess he thinks I need to gain some weight! Oh, and the 'rocks' were a jar of Lemon Curd and a jar of Gherkin pickle. Thanks, Robin!

Owen thought the best pressie of the day was the empty box and the rolls of Lifesavers...he spent the next hour putting them in the box, taking them out of the box.....hee hee.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 10:42 AM

Firecat, you're fantastic ! A box of butterscotch, a most treasured Mudcat Badge, a recipe laden tea towel, two delightful, beautifully illustrated cookery tomes (I'll be trying out one recipe today) and another book of aged photographs of your extended neighborhood. Oddly enough, that publisher has its regional US office located in nearby Portsmouth, and on twice Linn (Bat Goddess) has come quite close to working there.

All in all, this was a fine lot of presents, the enjoyment of which will endure for many years to come.

I should really like to thank you in person, Katy, but it may be a while ere we enjoy the correct confluence of time and money to travel across the pond. In the meanwhile, you can send a picture to Pene Azul so that I can put a face with all your thoughtful generosity.

Thans again -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 11:17 AM

And VEGEMITE! I forgot the Vegemite!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 11:24 AM

Hollowfox, oatcakes are best eaten spread with butter, and accompanied by a nice bit of cheese, but if you think that's too much cholesterol cut out the butter. Glad you like the OBDs.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 12:27 PM

My own Dear Secret Santa's Fabulous Assistant, I have to confess that I'm pretty sure that the game is up! Don't ask me how as it all clicked into place a few days ago. The Locator was no use at all, the postcards were completely crazy, but your previous hints and the Old Atlas had narrowed down the search. Having got the vague location I could cross out those who were playing whose profiles showed them elsewhere.

You and my Own Dear Secret Santa were still on the list at that point as I had no clues as to your whereabouts. My guess was a shot in the dark, but having been on Chat last night I am soooooo sure know, you really were Very Helpful *smile*

Thankyou So Much for the FABULOUS beaded earrings (sooooo craftily clever), they're beautiful!!! Have just got back from a 2 day Santa Run so haven't had a chance to listen to the CD yet, but it looks extremely interesting! Any the books are just my style & even better, I've never heard of them. Wonderful pressies, Thanks!!!

Believe me, you guys have blown my mind & it was SO MUCH FUN! Thankyou both & have a wonderful Christmas & New Year! (Was just going to send this when the Cat went down!!! - have sent you a pm from the Annexe)
ps. is that your real address on the packet or another helpful Elf's?

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 04:52 PM

I have been asked to pass on these comments from Limpit.

WOWWWW!! A mermaid. She's lovey and special. She was named after me? Fairy dust... Oooooooooo!! More? A big pencil from Itasca where? Look what the fairy is doing on the box.....! Can we make the muffin mix now (this at 7.30 in the morning....) can I wear the hair bungee now?

I gather from that, she liked them... especially the fairy dust.

Thank you so much for making a little girl shut the hell up for 10 minutes!!!!

Your letter was wonderful too, such a beautiful picture it painted that I want to visit!

The mermaid made it one piece, as did the giant pencil. We've not made the muffins yet, that's being saved for New Years....

Thank you - all the bits of paper all over the floor were worth it!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: rumanci
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 05:08 PM

WOW !!   I really did guess right and I couldn't be more pleased either .......a fabulous piece of your own craft .......which now has pride of place - with an orchid in it *g*
Thankyou kind sir xx

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Firecat
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 05:42 PM

Thank you artbrooks!!

I opened one on Christmas Eve, and it contained two Night Worlds! I've just finished the first one before coming on here, and I'm going to start on the second when I've finished on here.

The rest of the parcels I opened on Christmas Day, and they contained two packs of temporary butterfly tattoos (which I haven't applied yet), a butterfly teeshirt with butterflies on the front and back, and two pairs of beaded earrings, one red and blue, the other blue and silver.

Thank you again art! Consider yourself hugged!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: jennbrooks
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:22 PM

Dear Mudlark,

Thank you so much for my present. It's perfect, and much easier upkeep than an armadillo--hmm, maybe I can bead an armadillo? Your work--the photograph and cat border on the note--are great.

Maybe we'll see you here where we live sometime--

Love,

Jenn

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: JenEllen
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 06:31 PM

Yeah, Giok! Initials, indeed....*bg*   Glad it all arrived safely and found you well and happy.
~JE

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Nancy King
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 07:01 PM

Hey Sinsull, it turns out Crane Driver was MY Secret Santa, too! How did that happen? A busy fellow, it seems!

I got a wonderful CD of his songs (really quite good, and well performed, with lots of great lore -- I'm going to try to learn a couple of them!), a pretty wooden pin with a Welsh butterfly design, a deck of cards with Welsh scenic views, a little pin with Welsh and American flags, a lovely picture of a (mostly buried) "Wreck of the Helvetia" on "our local beach" (Rhossili Bay), AND a dandy little cookbook with traditional Welsh recipes, some of which I definitely plan to try! Thank you, Crane Driver!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 07:47 PM

Seems that Santa was very busy duplicating himself this year.... more than one person got more than one present....

SECSY
LTS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 07:47 PM

I hate to dissapoint my Secret Santa but the wee elves have not yet delivered. Here's hoping.

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Kim C
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:02 PM

Hurrah! My pressie arrived today. It is from Emma B, and she sent me a marvelous assortment of exotic chocolates, the likes of which I haven't seen around here, a packet of lovely handmade paper with leaf designs on it, and a splendid book of photographs by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. It is a BEAUTIFUL book, and no, I didn't already have a copy! Thank you SO much!!!!!! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: CET
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:11 PM

Like Shanghaiceltic I am waiting in eager anticipation. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas.

Edmund

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Teresa
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:28 PM

Oh oh, I got the card ... gift coming soonly :)

Happy holidays, alls!

Teresa

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 08:31 PM

I received a letter today from Spain, and I wondered if my Secret Santa Alison in Australia had been being tricky in her Santa delivery. But it was just a lottery scam that for the first time ever didn't arrive via my email! It had an interesting stamp, but the rest went in the shredder.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Robin2
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:11 PM

Oops, went back thru, and did find them!! Thanks again, and have a wonderful New Year!

Robin2

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 08:00 AM

Tomorrow the Post Office opens after it's Chrissy shut-down. Maybe my pressie will be waiting ...

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 11:09 AM

I'm waiting for my gift also and not giving up hope!
I am happy my secret Santee liked her gifts, but since no mention of my name came up I will remain secret Santa!
Hope everyone had a great Christmas!
Peace, Rustic

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,SINSULL'S Still Secret Santa!
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 04:03 PM

Ha! Think you're so clever, do ya? WRONG! Which is not to say that CD wasn't 'in the loop' as we say!

KEEP GUESSING GIRL!

S's SS !!!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: JenEllen
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:12 PM

Mine arrived today! THANK YOU, CLLR!!! (that's an awful lot of a.k.a's you've got there..) A book of British Ballads to dogear and demolish. A real treat!
~Jen

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Crane Driver
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 08:31 PM

Try again, Sinsull - I did supply the CD, but your Santa is someone else - I wouldn't dare give a clue.

Hope you like the songs, anyway!!

Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: GUEST,Animaterra's SS - Still Got You Guessing!
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 06:45 AM

Hehe! Glad you like the CD - the real one will be tons better! (Properly recorded, not in the back room of a pub...)

OK - I'm the handsome looking punkoid with a beard... before what's left of my hair got slightly singed in the tavern!

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: Partridge
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 06:47 AM

Thanks Charmion,

I'm wearing the beautiful amethyst pendant and the dream catcher is above my bed,

thank you, thank you

love

Pat

Subject: RE: BS: My Secret Santa present has arrived!
From: greg stephens
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 06:55 AM

Maire-Aine:
Thanks a million. Local Michigan delicacies and craft work arrived perfectly on time and much appreciated!
HAPPY NEW YEAR