BS: What'd Ya Get?

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:56 PM

Been there, done that. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:41 PM

OK, the absolutely BEST gift I got for Christmas was a complete lack of family dysfunction. My alcoholic father did not pass out in his mashed potatoes this year (no chorus of "Rebecca, hon, please scrape a couple of pits in the potatoes around grampa's nostrils so he doesn't suffocate"), my brother took him home so I didn't have to, and my sister was kind to her step-children. I loved it! It'll probably never happen again and I'm not sure what chain of cosmic events led up to it, but it sure was a treat.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:22 PM

This is nt a spelling sight> or perhaps it was just a freudian slip *BG*

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:01 PM

Well surly there's some unprotected place in which to stick pins.


That goes a bit beyond surly, Metchosin.   ;)

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Firecat
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 05:39 PM

Well, apart from the Secret Santa stuff (Thanks again art!), I got loads of smellies (I don't smell, do I???), £30, a beautiful oil lamp, Red Dwarf series 1 and 2 on DVD, a book about dream interpretation and things like that, a necklace, a butterfly pinny, some rubber gloves (a hint there that parents want me to do more washing up, methinks!), a cappucino mug, another mug with a cuddly reindeer in it, some honey waffles, some gel pens, a logic problems book, some very comfy pale blue pyjamas with stars on them, a few oter bits and bobs, and my main pressie was a Freeview digibox!!! I've spent the past few days flicking between terrestrial, CBBC channel and 2 music channels! Oh, and all the other channels too!!

Looking forward to Wednesday now! More pressies but this time for my birthday!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 03:15 PM

Well surly there's some unprotected place in which to stick pins.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 03:12 PM

Yeah, one does wonder about these things. Like the Clinton Hammond doll...

What'd I do????!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 03:10 PM

Yeah, I'm not sure what I've ever done in this life to merit my blessings.....perhaps in a past life? LOL

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: *daylia*
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 02:48 PM

Metchosin that sounds so cool! Lucky you!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 02:11 PM

Oh wow! an old friend came to visit last night and brought me a gift of one of his "paintings". It is of two riders on horseback in a snowstorm and the piece is stunningly beautiful. What makes it particularly unique is that he did it by inverting the paper and using the smoke from a candle as the medium. No mean feat. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:54 PM

Did it come with a chainmail suit and bottle of Tullamore Dew, LH?

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:35 PM

I got an anatomically correct action figure of Clinton Hammond. Pretty scary.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 12:22 PM

That's great about your daughter, Animaterra. I couldn't find any better pictures of the t-shirt online, so I'll take a picture of the one I have and post it for you.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 08:57 AM

A black "Ubergeek" tee shirt (I have a reputation). A pedometer. A CD and candy and books from my SS. Some polartec socks. A chance to give away some blankets and coats so others might be warm.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 08:46 AM

LOTS of CDs, some books, a few chocs (succesfully lost a stone since September holidays, only put on a pound over Xmas!)some shirts and some walking socks.

NO cardigans or hankies Whoopie!

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 10:45 PM

Thanks, all, for great Christmas thoughts. Especially Allison and Jerry, for reminders of the best parts of the holiday.

My first thoughts were of best 'things' given: 2(!) CD's of Jerry Garcia: Almost Acoustic (my long-ago first intro to folk music!) and his Shady Grove album with David Grisman. Pure delight for a new year of music making... A gift certificate of wardrobe fashion advice from my eldest: sorely needed. I must, apparently, lose the torn, stained, stretched out men's sweaters that I live in..... A stack of coupons for breakfast in bed. Does it get any better??

I am writing this from my temporary perch way way over the Potomac River, the base from which I have spent the last couple of days relaxing (!) with my extended family after a long, tough, frankly sucky year. As I look over the sparkly lights and quiet, cold concrete, I think over this time.

We've been savoring treats like:
-coffee in our pajamas, and fabulous dinners on the town;

-extremely silly walks with small funny children, and somber, sad, serious thoughts over the pictures and words in today's Washington Post;

-quiet, whispering times with beloved sisters, and gratitude for the blessings of a healthy family that will somehow bounce back;

-time to reflect on life as it will be lived in my future, surrounded with friends and family who are my true treasure. And you are among those.

My small gift to you is my favorite Christmas quote from Sir (I'll remember tomorrow):

"Heap on more wood
the wind blows chill;
but let it whistle as it will,
We'll keep our Christmas merry still"


Dani

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 06:23 PM

I received 2 fiddle music books, a gold violin pendant, a silver box with an Inuit design of a Blue Heron (my favorite bird!) and a Book of Common Prayer.

I also received a gift of another kind in a strange kind of way. On Christmas morning, we picked up a newspaper on the way to my Mom's house. There was a photo of an older gentleman holding a violin, standing with another gentleman. The story was about the older gentleman. He lives in a nearby town and is 88 years old. He has played the violin since he was 8. He enjoys sharing old time gospel music with folks at the senior center and in senior homes. He also has played for children in orphanages in Budapest (while on a mission from his church). Playing the violin brings him great enjoyment and it has brought joy to many over the years. During the holidays, he continues to play for those around him. This year he played his harmonica for the children and senior citizens. Why? Over the summer, someone broke into his house and stole both of his violins. He was absolutely heartbroken. The reporter of this story says that the man's face reddened and he hung his head when telling the story.

For whatever reason, this story just really touched my heart. I cried at table over Christmas coffee....I think my family thought I had lost my mind. While they read the article, I sat there and thought about what it must be like to have the one thing that you love to do and to share taken away from you. This guy HAS to have a violin.....is what I thought to myself. So, Christmas night I set to work emailing a few different folks. A kind soul by the name of Jeff Judd of JR Judd Violins of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, offered me a violin (case, bow, shoulder rest and rosin)at deep discount. My family pooled together some money and today I picked up the violin that we will give to the gentleman who is so obviously missing his own violins.

I consider that newspaper article to be a gift........


Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: *Laura*
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 05:54 PM

The Count of Monte Cristo -
my cousin watched me read Wuthering Heights in a day and wanted to slow me up a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 02:05 PM

I got a DAB Digiradio/mp3. chocolates, money, "The name Of The Rose DVD, Tequila, Rum, "Concert For George" DVD. I fact I got lucky !!!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 12:00 PM

We try to give practical gifts so as the recipient uses them they are reminded of who it is from. But I personally won't be "using" the gift from my kids and ex, it's for the yard. I have a purple martin house that will go up this spring and hopefully cut down on the mosquito population by a few million. A truly great gift, because I do love getting out in my yard year-round, but with mosquito-born disease like West Nile in the area, we've been less able to enjoy the yard in the spring, summer, and fall.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 09:47 AM

A CD of early Burl Ives & a bottle of sweet sherry from a sweet man.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: MMario
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 09:41 AM

the "necessary" things - shaving cream, etc - (stuff I hate to spend money on - so really appreciate as gifts!) a whole bunch of stuff from Secret Santa Sandra in Sydney - (still going WOW! as I look them over) bunches of socks - which my family knows I love to get at christmas; and a gift certificate to my favorite yarn store...also some "preserved fruit" snacks - which I haven't tried yet.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 09:26 AM

Whisky, port and stilton, great.

eric

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 09:22 AM

I too got a stinking cold - now very 'chesty' and wheezing. But, I also got my son home from Iraq safe and (now) well. I also got to cook dinner for my very special friends from next door who are shortly moving to live in France, so their company for Xmas and Boxing Day was a real treat. I also had, for the first time this Christmas, a daughter-in-law, and got to cuddle her Akita's first litter of five week old pups - ahhhhhh!!!

On the more mercenary side - several good books, an electric ladyshaver, a beautiful silver and amber brooch, a really nice fountain pen, chocolate too. Think we'll have to start a dieters' thread to give support to those trying to lose weight in the New Year.

P.S. Cats - add to the list for your tree a crocheted owl from Japan - will deliver on Friday evening.

Polly.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: *daylia*
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 08:17 AM

I got Tang Tangs and I just luv'em!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 08:15 AM

Jerry, I'm with you. Seeing my mom sitting up in her wheelchair for the first time since her accident, talking and laughing and presiding like the queen, was the best gift of all. Next to that was seeing my 15 and 19 year old children willingly give up the sacred "Christmas day at home" to visit their granny- and instead of wandering around the common room and burying their noses in books, they conversed, laughed, joked, and made it a lovely Christmas!
The third lovely gift of Christmas was bonding with my mother's companion, who can be a bit prickly but we've discovered that this hardship has brought us together as friends.

CarolC, my daughter has just started the PA and I tried to get a better look at that t-shirt, since her b'day is in Feb- where can I see a bigger picture than at the link you provided?

Wesley, I'm so sorry about the illness. I wish you good health for 2005! I have to say I've joined you in the Christmas weight loss club. Since my bereavement last year my body reacts to stress by burning calories like crazy. I've never, ever before had a time when I had to eat extra Christmas cookies, etc, to maintain my weight- when I was thirteen, this would have been a dream come true- now it's a bit of a chore, with my head cold dampening my appetite.

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 07:31 AM

I received a small but perfectly formed selection of small pressies. Most of them were handmade soaps & like Georgiansilver I did wonder if I had the dreaded BO & it was too late for "don't wait to be told ..." All were examples of hasdmade soaps, so perhaps not. One was sitting on a highly polished pearl shell (which will join my shell collection at the end of the bath) & came with a gorgeous little franjipani soap - my favourite flower & now I weill have an everlasting one. I also received a tiny little elephant incense holder with tiny weeny incense.

My pressie from my brother's family was a fantastic colourful gift certificate, (designed by my 12 year old nephew & created by my 8-year old niece) entitling the bearer to one copy of the Dr Who 40th Annversary book from any ABC shop. I'd asked for the book, but said it would probably be too heavy to post.

I also got a wonderful postcard-style chrissy card from a friend who heads to Churchill, Canada, each year to photograph polar bears & other wildlife. The pic shows a mother bear & 2 cubs.

I also bought myself a few 'To: Me, From: Me' pressies including chrissy decorations & a craft book.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: number 6
Date: 29 Dec 04 - 12:00 AM

I also got a headache from listening to too many family and friends talking consistently and all at one time.

God Bless them all.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 10:12 PM

Does seeing someone reallllly happy count? Those were certainly the things I "got" this Christmas that meant the most to me. I can't imagine many things more enjoyable than watching a friend of mine who we invited over for Christmas having such a great time with our family, eating, talking and then singing and playing music with me.
This is a friend who has suffered unbelievable losses in the last few months, and has struggled just to keep going. To see him just beaming with happiness was enough for a wonderful Christmas for me.

And the day after Christmas, we had another 20 people over for dinner, and I witnessed the reunion of a father and son who had been estranged for many years. What a joyful time. That night, I got a mound of dishes, a ton of food prepared and served (with my wife and I working together) a serious case of exhaustion, and the deep pleasure of seeing the family rejoice in being reunited.

They don't sell this stuff at Walmart..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:51 PM

But you haven't had MY soup.....which come to think of it, is probably a good thing......the dogs really like it though.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:35 PM

I've had soup.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:25 PM

I got all the bones and made soup.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:20 PM

I got the wishbone from the Christmas turkey.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:18 PM

Well I got a lot of homemade cookies too...so there!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:15 PM

Oh, yeah. My sister also got me a book: Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything. My other sister got me a box of Celtic knotwork rubber stambs. And my dog got me a DVD: Big Trouble in Little China (but I bought it for him to give to me; yeah, I wrapped it too).

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 09:04 PM

I got a woodshed, complete with a bow on the front, mind you the roof didn't get completed until the 27th, but I'm not complaining. I'll save that for when I manage to get all the wood that is mouldering under a tarp, stacked in it and my back is screwed again.*BG*

I also got 2 books, Smith and Other Events (Tales of the Chilcotin) and The Last Voyage of the Loch Ryan and a CD binder and a plaster plaque of the God of the Wind, which I'm going to mount in the tile backing behind my kitchen range. I got a CD of my daughter's band, a CD of my nephew's band and a DVD of my brother's band reunion, The Peace Jeep, ca 1968, that they did last summer. LOL   Pretty good Christmas, all and all, everything from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 08:43 PM

Yeah, I got a few extra pounds too (damn Xmas baking!). The jeans are fitting tighter today. Gotta hit the gym again with a vengeance after the New Years weekend.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: CarolC
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 08:29 PM

From JtS, this t-shirt, which I love, some silk long johns and some DVDs, and from my son, the first season of Red Dwarf on DVD, as well as the pleasure of his company for five days.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 06:38 PM

oh...the "favorite fruit" thread reminded me...I also got a jar of Durian jam!!!!! I have NOT opened it yet...perhaps in Spring when I can open the windows...

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 06:14 PM

My gift to myself was a new pair of reading spectacles at £199.99.(because they have those frames that bend instead of breaking) and most of my gifts were smelly toiletries...have i GOT BODY ODOURS OR WHAT? Aw well. Be thankful for small mercies eh??
Happy New Year everyone.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: maire-aine
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 06:07 PM

My gift from myself to myself: a re-modeled bathroom & re-built stairs to the second floor. Actually it started in October, but the painter finished the last coat on the stairs on Christmas Eve day. This is also my Christmas present for next year, and the year after that....

From my cousin in Pennsylvania, contact with a cousin in Tennessee that I didn't know about before.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 06:06 PM

well... I got a combo CD/MP3 player with a car attachment and headphones! Been putting MP3s on it... also, a DVD of the first season of M*A*S*H---with optional French soundtrack and optional NO laughtrack! *grin*
   ...plus some VERY nice beer, including some Belgian Trappist ales and some Dogfish Head Yum!..(anyone who still thinks you can't get really good beer in the US hasn't tried it).

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:59 PM

Me,too!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Wesley S
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:55 PM

Lets see - I got the 50th anniversary edition of The Lord of the Rings - a single volume, leather bound - very cool book. Plus a nice watch with a built in alarm. And a new book bag. Those were my favorites.

My least favorite addition to my life was diabetes and a hernia operation. Vicodin, insulin and needles - not fun. But at least I lost weight this Christmas season. How many people can say that ?

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: number 6
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:47 PM

I got a paper shredder.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: harpgirl
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:47 PM

My dad gave me his old digital Nikon and stock. My friends gave me all kinds of neat things including some finger puppets of Anna and Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and the couch plus "after therapy" mints. They are a hoot! I got a calendar of knitting patterns for everyday and some homemade raisin wine which is delicious! My son gave me perennials for the garden. Wow, it sounds so incredibly bountiful to say it out loud! The only thing I didn't get that I wanted was my brother's renewed friendship...But I have a plan that he won't be able to resist! More later!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: ranger1
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:41 PM

Too much to list individually. The highlights are: a sweater, a copy of the family tree, a beautiful necklace, the new Gaelic Storm CD, lots of home-baked goodies, tons of nice-smelling candles, a bunch of all-natural soap in a hand-made gift box(my mommy is an artist, lucky me!), a silly singing frog puppet, and a bag of cool goodies from my dad'd new girlfriend. Oh, and one of my nieces made me a little book with a picture of her and her three sibs in it, along with birthdates, favorite foods, colors, animals and interests for each kid. But the best gift was getting to spend time with almost everyone from both of our families. And seeing the look on my dad's face when he realized that I had made his girlfriend a present.

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: artbrooks
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:40 PM

About five extra pounds that I need to work off!!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:36 PM

Me, too, Mary- how're you feeling? I'm a bit washed-out today- thought I was all better and overdid, as usual.

I get very little at Christmas. The adults in my family don't make a big deal out of gifts for each other- my kids got the loot. What I did get in abundance was Chocolate- of all kinds! Yum!

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:26 PM

A cold

Subject: RE: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cats
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:26 PM

A Cookaburra from a catter in Australia and a cockatoo from another catter in Oz for my tree. Thanks - pics are on their way - friendship from another catter who came to visit on Boxing Day who happened to be in the vicinity and lots of snow.

Subject: BS: What'd Ya Get?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 05:00 PM

It's a few days after Xmas, but the Cat was down when I checked before, so...

I'm more into the "giving" part of Xmas at my age, but this year I got a Panasonic DVD player, some wool socks, honey-roasted peanuts, a copy of "Acoustic Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia" (cool!) and my girlfriend got me a RCA Lyra MP3 player. Pretty good haul, I think.   ;)

How `bout you? What'd you get for Christmas, kiddies?