BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 06:58 AM

Thank you so much, Santa, whoever you may be, for all the delightful goodies, postcards, and cookbook. Although the subject matter clearly tells me that you're not from Hull, or London, or Yorkshire, I happen to know of at least two Catters from Sussex. I am also lookng forward to the tune collection, but as we are commited Mac users, it will have to wait until we can get the CD translated. Thanks again - Tom

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Micca
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 04:41 AM

I must now Thank My Secret Santa as I have opened the package and found.. a Complete Vegetarian Cookbook, Thank you so Much SS,It is an area in my cookbook collection that is deficient and is now splendidly filled, I dont know much (only the name I'm afraid) about the Ayura Vedic belief system , but they certainly seem to know how to prepare Veggies!!!
I stll have no idea who you are as clues have been sparse and the only person I can pinpoint at the point-of-origin of the pacet I am TOLD by Santa Control is Not right, so I would be delighted if you would reveal yourself, either on here or by PM so I can thank you properly!! anyway, meantime, Many Thanks, Your Gift is very much appreciated, Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 11:32 PM

Many thanks to my Santa-SharonA for the great package from Pa. It means more than you know. I hope your Christmas was great and thanks for those wonderful clues and hints:>)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Mrs. Duck's disorganized Secret Santa
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 09:25 PM

Glad you got the first box--and the stuff in it was a big clue. Did you know enough from the name on the box or the origination to know who I am? I don't want to wade in fessing up if you're still guessing.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Micca
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 07:49 PM

Hollowfox, you are most very welcome, If I had known just a coupla weeks earlier I could have probably got the book Autographed by RJ(Bob) Stewart as he attends an event I usually go to and he is a very nice approachable guy too.
It is permitted to defend YOUR chocolate with any weapon that comes to hand, right up to tanks and AFVs. especially from teenagers who are probably too young for REAL high cocoa content chocolate anyway!!! glad it got there in time, HLVB, Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 07:43 PM

Oh I just love this.....

and the look on CatsPHiddle's face was priceless!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 07:43 PM

I'm still waiting to hear from my Santee.......hellooo out there?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Hollowfox
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 07:21 PM

Yes, my package arrived about two weeks ago. I'd *planned* to open it on the 21st, since there was a Yule theme to the hints, but the Urchins and I had just pulled off a minor miracle. (We went out, had lunch, chose and cut the tree, and had it set up in the living room in less than four hours flat. Appropriate swearing was permitted, and we were all still on speaking terms.) The mail arrived, and they were dying to see what it was. It was/is from Micca, and Oh My Sweet Fuzzy Ducklings!! There's a penguin keychain (how did you know that the local university's mascot is a penguin?)a real Christmas pudding, one of those sectioned chocolate oranges that I do _not_ intend to share with my teens, some hard candy that I might share, and more chocolate that I'm hoping they've forgotten they've forgotten about. I now own an egg cup (gotta try that out soon - wish me luck). Then there's a very elegant hip flask, two homegrown cd's with 'Catters on them to turn me on to his local folk scene,and ohmyghod a copy of Pagan Imagery in English Folksong by Bob Stewart! I won't have to interlibrary loan it anymore. I could go on and on, but I don't like to slaver and drool so much that it makes a bad impression. (his handwriting's better than mine as well) (and it impressed the everloving out of two teenagers) Thank you so much! Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Pontefractured Santa!! 2005
From: Severn
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 07:16 PM

Thanks To Duckdom (Duckhood?) assembled, since I still don't know which one was actually my Santa.

But speaking as a history buff with a sweet tooth who likes nautical songs and needs all the luck and spare change he can get, I'm pleased on all accounts with a plethora of Pontefrectitude.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 04:54 PM

Dear Mrs Cobble, Glad you like the stuff I sent. I hope the socks are of a size that is wearable, I had to guess. Best wishes for the coming New Year and be sure to share those fish mints with those who need them.

Mike

PS: Still no clue as to who my Secret Santa is. I have a name, but not a Mudcat handle. Hmmmmm

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 04:42 PM

Ah, Snuffy, I am glad you like the stuff...*smile*...thanks for letting me know!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Snuffy
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 04:30 PM

So many presents from the wonderful Katlaughing from Colorado/Wyoming: all sorts of amazing stuff about the west and its people, but most especially a copy of Kat's own book Wind Words of Wyoming and the CD of Cow Songs of the Old West sung by her dad, GL "Sparky" Hudson.

A million thankyous aren't enough, Katdarlin'

Snuffywhoisthechuffedonenow.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 04:01 PM

From Alaska I have lots of pressies.. socks with polar bears and moose, lovely candy call 'Grizzly Bear Claws' and mints called 'Fish Breath'. Two CDs ..... just love your music Mike thank you so much. Happy New Year to you and your family and thank you for being my secret santa.

Margaret

Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: open mike
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 03:52 PM

oh yes, santa, you MUST be MEGAN L!!

and SRS got 100..

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: open mike
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 03:27 PM

I am enjoying the stories from Maggie of life in the Orkneys,
on Papa Westray!
and the great little seals (are they silkies?!) and puffins
on the note cards are swimmingly cute!@
the fudge has been savored. better than neeps! (what are neeps?)
I am guessing some root drop or turnip like thing? (like "swedes"?)
Do you know or are you related to Maggie, the author?

thanks -- the pictures make me want to go to the Orkneys!

Laurel

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 02:56 PM

Are you taking great bites out of it or eating one page at a time?

100

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Amos
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 02:50 PM

Warmest thanks to Sarah the FLute and her jolly kin who sent me the Flying Chaucers and a most interesting book which I am devouring each evening; you helped make this the Merriest of Xmases! The Chaucers are firmly ensconced on my iPod!


Amos

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 02:35 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed your parcel Khatt. I had great fun putting it together. Please send me a piccie of you in the shawl.

SINS - I'm sorry to say (no I'm not!) that I was the helpful elf who did the Christmas Tree Shop on you Santa's behalf. I thought that you would like that particular item.......

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 02:23 PM

Thank you, Santa! I had asked for something from your home area, and got just that; a book of photographs taken from the pages of The Argus. It means that one of civilization's most cherished myths has been shattered. Santa, my friends, is actually from BRIGHTON.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 01:34 PM

Yesterday the world slowed for a few hours and was the first time I could sit down and pour over the details provided in the clues. The 'Cat was down so my confirmation of my guess didn't happen until today. (It's nice to have days when pet catastrophes and schoolday runs and regular employment don't clutter ones time!) Got it this time! My Guru Always Said. I've opened the "Don't Open This Till the Guessing Is All Over!" envelope to confirm it. Aha!

I like to keep the holiday in a fairly narrow period so that it stays fresh, and this Secret Santa had such a jump on the season and holiday mailings that I've probably driven her nuts waiting to see when I'd figure it out--sorry about that! I've enjoyed the cards and the clues and have had the packages in their own little cache by the fireplace waiting for time when I could savor the unwrapping. Guide Cats For The Blind was opened early, and now I've unloaded the CD changer and will fill it with a nice little stack of CDs of live performances. I'm sure the zone is correct on the DVD, but I'll give it a spin on the computer first, where zone doesn't seem to matter.

Up until now, I've been focusing on the geocache stuff that was mailed early, trying to discern from the pages sent what the identity of a logged-in user might be (that was a hint way back). I haven't detected that id to track. I do know the land well where these items are cached and can report that many of the caches are on some beautiful open prairie property, though sadly, it is rapidly being bulldozed for building roads and houses (it was purchased by a developer a couple of years ago). I'll have to visit the online site and see what the current reports are for these caches. Most of them are about a mile from here, east of the Post Office and near the railroad tracks. I have a couple of photos of the prairie area about a half-mile north of the area in question, taken on a recent walk with my son. I'll get a few more of typical landscape and post them to my Yahoo photos and send a link. Since I don't have a GPS unit I'll pick up a topographic map and pace off the distance with a compass to locate at least one of these caches. Or maybe I'll just go for a walk through the area with my nosy dogs and see if they find them all by themselves!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Den
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 01:06 PM

Thank you Secret Elf. I will hopefully get some time now that the dust has settled to listen to your CD. Thank you too fot the nive journal. It seems we were secret Santa to each other. Let me know if my pressies got top you.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:53 PM

Thank you Santa Jenn in Albuquerque, what lovely pressies, although as a Scot with a penchant for alchohol, I never knew till yesterday that one could actually put a cork BACK in a bottle, I will give it a try now I have the fing wot yer does it wiv.
The T Shirt is absolutely beautiful, and is in one of my favourite colours, I love earthcolours and terra cottas.
Great CD too, must play it ☺ Been so busy today installing the new DVD/VCR player/recorder, it's in it's working, but we need to learn to drive it.
The brochure of ALBQQ is lovely too, looks like a nice place to visit, I've been singing Route 66 to myself all day.
I hope you and Art had a great Christmas, and I wish you both a Happy new Year.
Thanks again.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Micca
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:51 PM

Ah Pud Ricing, having "back tracked" the rice pudding tin I think I have sussd out who you are, would it have something to do with a bridge that some Romans may have broken in the land of pouding a la Jorkshire? and a partner known for an occasioanal Duel? anyway Many thanks for the book, I am reading with much enjoyment, for those who simply MUST know, It is a Pooh Bear/Christopher Robin Update called, " Now we are Sixty"!!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Pud Ricing
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:42 PM

I rather like my new name
I'm perfectly well and I haven't a pain
And its my favourite for dinner again!
(Well beats turkey!)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Sinsull's Santa
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:22 PM

Mary!   So pleased that you enjoyed opening your gift...isn't it just superb. Thank you my little elves for helping me with this one. Unfortunately for you Mary, the Post Office elves have been somewhat tardy in delivering your next present which should have been with you well before the Xmas hols. All will be revealed when you open that prezzie. There's just a few 'hints' in there......and just be thankful that I stopped my naughtiest elf from sending you a blow up sheep to keep your moose head company.   There's another prez now on the way as well which should arrive just after the New Year.

Lots of love from your Santa xx

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Tinker
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 12:00 PM

SINSULL -- My gift went across the pond, so I can't take any credit:however, it might have fit wonderfully in my house's previous lifestyle.


I opened a wonderful book of historical photos of Brighton yesterday , but the clues are still pretty slim.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 11:50 AM

Correction! In the light of day, the colors are actually purple, green, gold, teal, and rose with gold sequins, a crystal bead handle, and lavender fur trim.
If I didn't know that Jacqui was Khatt's SS I would blame her. HMMMM Who else went on the jaunt to the Christmas Tree Shop? So...isn't anyone going to take credit for this extraordianry piece of hideobilia?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 11:42 AM

Thank you, Santa. My gift arrived on Christmas Eve how's that for timing and I can now even make turkey chilli on boxing day! Loved the pendant.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 11:42 AM

SINSULL....I have to put my hand up and say that Street Walker Lamp was my idea........!

Now Santa....when I opened the presents, which Liz made me open infront of a crowded room of people with no way of escape, I imediately thought it was Sinsull or Jacqui C and I know who Sinsull sent to, so all I can say is Thank You Jacqui C!!.....I thought I had managed to get rid of those wine glasses!!! The shawl is beautiful, Kendall's CD is grand!, the nodding moose will take pride of place in my car (why I pass my test) There were lots of goodies from Maine!

Thank you!!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 11:23 AM

I have lots of goodies from my super-generous Secret Santa, and I finally have the leisure to examine the clues more closely. Now that the 'Cat is back I can do some wading around in the archives and see what comes to the top.

I left one card unopened, just in case it reveals the exact information (i.e. the person that I suspect). A little more research, then I'll take a peek.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Emma b's Secret Santa
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 09:29 PM

OPEN THEM! You've been more than patient. A Very Merry Christmas to you, EmmaB!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 09:11 PM

Ah Tink, where to begin?????
This monstrosity is a lady's purse circa 1960. The fabric is red and green plaid with a tasteful dabble of tinsel thrown in for good measure. The handle is studded with rhinestones and the top fringed with fur which I suspect is cat given the interest my felines are showing it. It has a tastefully small candle light bulb within. I guess I have no choice but to put it and its evil twin on display for New Year's.
Next year, Liz, I insist on picking my own Secret Santa. And to think I waited for weeks to open it!!!
Funny thing is it's beginning to grow on me.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:51 PM

No, take the money ...

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Emma B
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:36 PM

It's 33 minutes into Xmas Day here and I haven't opened my pressie yet Santa dear .......should I ....shouldn't I...?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Tinker
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:34 PM

Okay
SINSULL what was this amazing gift anyway ..... from your response I have no doubt of the high caliber of it's tack... but you leave us wondering what could match Jacqui and Kendall's offering on the alter of tack...

tink

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 06:44 PM

Dearest Secret Santa,
I am speechless! Actually, only words of three or less and five or more letters elude me. Your thoughtful gift will be placed next to its soulmate - the bottom half of a streetwalker in red lamp that was given to me on my birthday by Jacqui and Kendall. With any luck at all the cats will get them both before the New Year.
Ho Ho Ho
SINS

PS I am not surprised that you choose to remain anonymous.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 05:48 PM

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
I bin good all year and not a word from my Santa and no prezzie.
SOB SOB

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: jaze
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 04:34 PM

Thank you Santa. You got your Christmas miracle-your package came in the mail today. I look forward to opening it later tonight and trying to figure out who you are. Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Micca
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 03:53 PM

Oh, and Thanks for the prezzie , what ever it is, and who ever you are!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Micca
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 03:52 PM

Ok, I'll ask the Question, Just WHO is Pud Ricing???

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: CET
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 12:49 PM

I got home early (Her Majesty having granted a Christmas stand down) and found that my Secret Santa gift has arrived, bedecked with intriguing Royal Mail stamps. We are leaving home in the next hour or so, and I will be saving my present for when I get back.

Many thanks.

Edmund

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Edain
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 12:25 PM

Parcel recieved :-) (Okay, it was probably recieved ages ago but I got back from Uni and it was waiting)

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Sorcha's Sly SS
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 09:19 AM

Sorcha,

It's past the solstice, so (depending on your belief system) it may well be OK to open it. BUT THERE IS NO INNER WRAPPING (other than a cereal packet for stiffening) so you may wish to wait till Sunday.

Personally I like the suspense. My SS package arrived many weeks ago, but is still totally untouched.

Hope you have (or already had) a happy festive season.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Helen
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 02:53 AM

Thank you, to my Secret Santa, the beautiful hilda fish.

I did open it because I was feeling a little less cheerful than usual.

The startling thing was that when I opened the present I saw some material of a dark plum colour, exactly the same colour as the item I made by hand for my Secret Santee. I thought it would be an interesting coincidence if it were the same type of item, but even better, it is a very beautiful fringed pashmina. The material is so fine, and it drapes beautifully, but it will be warm as well.

I am going to a wedding tomorrow, Christmas Eve. (I'm not impressed with the date of the wedding!) I thought of wearing it there, but tomorrow's forecast is for 41 deg C. A little on the sweltering side.

And, now I get the reference to 8 'O's. I thought you meant zero's, and all my Santas & Santees have been o/s so I never expected you to live 2 hours south of here.

So, thank you again, for my lovely pashmina, and also for my two postcards with the colourful pictures of Buddha.

Helen

BTW, one of the things I really like about the Secret Santa is that I learn about Mudcatters I may not have had much contact with. I couldn't sleep at 2am today so I trawled through some of your posts at Mudcat and I am starting to get to know you better. Maybe one day we'll meet in person. Maybe at St Albans in April.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Partridgeinapeartree's SS
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 05:10 PM

OOOOOOOH! Goody! It made it!
Now just a sip of your sweet (hic!) wine
and
I'll sleep at your table (hic!)
And feast in your (hic!) clover.
Who knows what..

No! No! can't be right! Have to lay off the sweet wine. YUK!
Have a lovely Christmas my Dear Feathered Friend. Love Today's SS

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 03:45 PM

Mine came! It came!!! Can I open the outter wrapping, Santa? Please, plese????

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 02:18 PM

Dear Santa,

Just received the other package. THANK YEW, so much!! It DID arrive in time for Yule/Solstice. This morning started out a bit tough. I had to take my brother and his sixteen year old Siamese female, "Kimi," who was a birthday present to him, from me, to the vet for help in passing on.

Then I rushed home to finish up my cards to send out and went to the post office. I was so sad, when I saw it was your package in the box, I must confess I opened it! The earlier one, which said "not to be opened before De. 24th" is still under the tree, wrapped and all.

Your kindness and thoughtfulness cheered me up so much...I had tears of delight streaming down my face as I looked over the books, brochures and read your letter. I'll not let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, and say who you are, but, to me, you are the Best Santa there is!! (And all this time, I thought you had dangly bits!**bg**) More, later, when I have had time to absorb it all and read a bit. THANK YEW, THANK YEW, THANK YEW!!!

luvyakatwithaCheshireSmile!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Firecat
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 10:39 AM

Thank you santa!! It arrived half an hour ago, couriered by a nice young man... :-D

I think I know who you are but I'm going to wait for confirmation on Sunday (or when my willpower runs out!). Just out of curiosity, am I allowed to open the outer box as long as I don't open the inner contents?

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: Partridge
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 05:55 AM

Thank you santa. A mysterious package has been put under our tree and I'm not allowed to touch it. Its like being 5 again I'm all exited

Pat x

Subject: RE: BS: Thank you Santa!! 2005
From: GUEST,Barb'ry's secretive (and surprised) Santa
Date: 20 Dec 05 - 11:23 AM

Barb'ry

So it got there???? Already?????? Wow! I really thought I was pushing my luck getting it off when I did. Now I feel like I was almost early!!!! Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas
SSanta