BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,TheSomewhat Less Secret Santa of Sandra in S
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 08:26 AM

Dear Sandra, So, even though you cleverly avoided seeing my identity when you received your pressie-box, you HAVE correctly narrowed it down to "America". Yes, I do live in the US. In fact, I live in an area where there are a fair number of Mudcat-folks!

I do miss the snows of the North Pole! When it snows here, I get out my skis, but it melts very soon. Some years there's hardly any at all. *<:o(#

Since we live in opposite hemispheres, we are doing things in reverse order! Having now already received the present, be on the lookout for a card announcing it!

~~ Your Still-Secret, But Somewhat Less So Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Becca72
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 09:57 AM

Yippee! I have been very good Santa. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:35 AM

Santa???? I can't honestly say that I've been good...well actually I haven't actually been bad, at least not seriously....but I haven't heard from you in a L O N G time. Was it something I said?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Severn
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 10:39 AM

WHOOPS! Jamboree?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Nov 06 - 11:07 AM

I haven't heard from my Santa for a while, although I have a couple of ideas about who he or she might be. Can't wait to see if I'm right.

Any more clues or hints or previews, Santa? I'm being good - or at least as good as I can be, considering all the bad influences I have around me - pirates, shanty singers and the like :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,My Guru's Sledgedly Sleuth-sleighing Scout E
Date: 24 Nov 06 - 03:19 AM

Dear Wayzedd,

Curry ship? If our Messenger Elves were sent by sea, our curry-ers would never get our orders here on time, kind of like the service here at Murray's.

Santa says "Tardis, Hell! All I have working for me are re-tardis who I pay entirely too much, but wouldn't know how to use that sort of mode of travel if I gave them one!". I say it would be just what the Doctors ordered (all of them) and that Jimmy Half-Pint and the guys at the union should demand it come next contract....

Hang on.....

Food's finally ready! Mysore something or another. Let me get off my sore feet and try this stuff.

Later,
Elfish Pressently
Scout-Elf

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: freda underhill
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 03:37 AM

hello santa, those squigglings on the gum trees kept me going, but yes, I was off and away, to a far away place (every week between Sunday evening and Friday eve) where I undergo long hours of labour, before coming home to sunny Sydney to sing and cyber.

The slowly sinking sunset is pink and orange tonight, and maybe i could reach up and pluck some, to give you an apricot or peach.. but no, like a carefree vagabond I'm racing out the door to... the Loaded Dog, to hear Danny Spooner fill the room with his throbbing crescendos!

have a good week, santa clues, and btw

thank you for the Very mysterious envelope - should I open it?

f.u.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Severn
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 07:32 PM

I hope the trip to a foreign shore helped you in your quest. I'm sure I will be thoroughly delighted with whatever I will recieve.

I gave out the word thay your elves were not coming and that the free liquor was ceasing and dismissed the proceedings. My missing hymnal was returned, and the jolly band of wee rogues has scattered.

I got a thank you note from my next door neighbor with a stamp on it and everything. Maybe he thought that if he brought it over himself, that in the few hundred feet it takes to walk, some angry little creature might kick of bite him in the kneecap.

Some of them DID take it harder than others.

The racoon raconteur seems to have washed his hands of the whole thing. He seemed upset when someone started singing "Dave-ee, Davey Crockett" the last night and left early, but not before leaving a troll muttering about rabies shots.

The elf from nobody knows where was on a binge and did not know where he was from, himself. He'd lost his ID and his memory and one green pointed shoe and the garden gnome couple took him home and said they had contacts and could go through channels to get him back to wherever he belongs. Some local unknown will probably go without a present this year, though. he was in pretty sorry shape.

McGhee and Hash, the House Brownies, alternate between asking for more whiskey and asking me to help pay rehab expenses.

The sprite disappeared quietly to wherever she came from.

After I'd chased everybody out from the courtyard and was walking back toward my townhouse, I saw the possum lying on his back in the roadway with his legs sticking up. "Oh My God!", I thought and ran up to his inert body to see what happened. When I got real close, he jumped up and with a sly wink and a hiccup, scurried off. "Oldest trick in the book!", I muttered as I slunk back home.

Finally, as I was walking back in the door, I stopped to check out what Molly the cat was playfully wrestling around with on the floor. It was kind of hard to tell by now, but it looked like it could've been a green pointy-toed shoe at one time.

Thanks very much, my wonderful Shy and Secretive Santa, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the sledge's arrival with my gift from some exotic shore, at least to you. Hell, I might be living on an exotic shore myself, and just might not be noticing it lately, working all this overtime and all. If you and your elves become less shy and secretive next year, you can be a more active part in the adventure, and a reliable witness that I wasn't making all this stuff up.

People are backing away pointing fingers and whispering, "He goes through a case of whiskey a week and sees 'little folk'!" I know that with all their tacky lights and decorations, they don't really believe in you.

But I DO!

And DAMN, it's quiet around here....

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,FU's SS
Date: 27 Nov 06 - 07:39 PM

Dear Freda,

I was so sorry to hear of your forced labour in the dwarfish caves, but I rejoice that you are able, like Persephone, to return occasionally to more sunny climes. The aforementioned envelope is a little pre-present for you to open when you wish; a reminder of the times when you are not forced to toil below the hill, but are allowed up into our parallel universe.

As I said earlier "A proclamation geographical rather than chronological from your santa. Or is he/she/it just an old windbag?"

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Artbrooks SS
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 12:26 PM

Well hello Artbrooks
Your parcel should be aboard a shiny reindeer towed travelling device and about to touch down on yon far shores. Now, when you get it DON'T OPEN IT TILL CHRISTMAS DAY ok? COS I'LL KNOW IF YOU DO! Also, my stupid elf helpers forgot to wrap one bit so it's just inside the package and you would see it and SPOIL THE SURPRISE!
Anyway, continue to be good as I have spies everywhere - although I have removed the one in your bathroom - just a tad too much information (I suppose the photographs might make me a few quid though..)
love from your shouted out santa

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 02:29 PM

Saaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnntttttttaaaaaaaaaaa! Where are you? I hope you haven't drowned on your long sea voyage - well, not before you posted my pressie :-)
ps I have been very good all year and have only told lies once!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Snoozing Santa to the Marvellous Maeve
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 04:45 PM

Well, my dear Santee, your parcel has been handed over to the 'SlowGnome' section of the Fantastic Seasonal Messengers and this Santa is snoozing over a long-deserved glass of Ginger Wine. As I understand it, the SlowGnomes have a reputation of arriving late, so I just hope that they can set up a few more galley slaves so you can open your parcel at the right time, but my apologies if the correct date is missed. Rest assured that it is on it's way to you and I just hope that the documentation passes muster. I shall be keeping my fingers crossed! HoHoHo....

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,My Guru's Surry-alistic Shelf-Elf
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:29 PM

Dear Goo-said,

Glad to see you're back in town. Sorry I had to leave you abruptly in the last post, but my food arrived, and I have a hard time currying your favor and favoring my curry at the same time. They were a bit late in letting us in and in filling orders, as well, and I was famished.

Murray's Surry Curry-In-A-Hurry is rather like Santa's delivery slieghs in that the Bombay Doors don't always open on time. A lot of re-dos. I was actually a Delivery Sled-Elf once, but never again! The only good thing was the Flexible Flier Miles we were awarded.

We do have our secret means of travel which I'm not allowed to reveal, but none even as up to date as Harry Potter, Dr. Who, or even Bill & Ted or the guy in "Back To The Future", and our Union leader Jimmy Half-a (or Half Pint), as much as we look up to him, has not been able to get us an upgrade. So that's why I had to escape from that library like I did.

That's not the first time you "put me on the shelf", so to speak. If you remember one time when you were shopping recently and somebody sneezed and you were looking around to see who was being blessed? Well, it was me up on a shelf standing stock still among some dusty stuffed toys, and I almost gave myself away. I also almost got bought, but that's another story for another time.

And speaking of being put on the shelf, the night I got locked in the Library was the night I was finally supposed to hook up with the beautiful but s'elf centered Meemyse Elf at last to go to the Billy Barty Film Festival in London, but she felt I stood her up. When last I saw her, she was in the company of that gnome, Chompsky. I'd read in a thread they'd said he was dead, but instead....Oh well!

So I guess this weekend I will go to Murray's on a live music night, check out the local action and maybe try to get a gig for our band, tenatively called S'elf Expression for the time being, at least.

I'm glad you've gotten over talking to yourself at the computer, hoping that Santa will be solved and hopefully, I'll be absolved. You might have more aliases than even The Boss.

More presents are being gathered and even possibly one to open early, but that's still in the planning stages. Your big package will have a theme, but I'm not at liberty to hum a few bars of it for you yet.

As always at this time of year, watch this space.

Your Own Scout-Elf,
Elfish Pressently

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: dusty rhodes
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:55 PM

Another day another postcard....
Santa certainly gets around....
Oh where for art thou , secret santa....

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: JennieG
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 05:03 AM

Hello Santa.....I've been very very good.......I am trying to be even better........yoo hoo Santa! are you there? Santa?

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Megan L
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 05:41 AM

weel santa ive been thinking
aboot this wheen o clues
i've spiered fowk fur the answer
but it didny bring guid news

some said ye wir in England
someone even said Japan
but i couldny find a eastern catter
so i guess that they wir wrang

the wans i think might ken ye
are as big a tease as you
they'll no say wha they think ye ur
so noo ahm feelin blue

I'm gonny hae tae spend some time
lukin back at aw yer clues
tae see if i kin catch ye
then it'll mak the mudcat news.


Meg

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Joybells SS
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 05:47 AM

Sorry, been busy with the raindeer, Rudolph had a dodgy tummy, but he is better now. Still packing your prezzie.
Hmmmm clues, clues, clues.....
Well I am a big fan of Haggis and tartan! However I also like catching some waves, and lying in the sun. hee hee hee.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,MeganL Secret Santa
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 11:32 AM

Ah......Meg that was a lovely wee verse.

I might put something in the post to give you another clue, but it will have to go tomorrow as I've missed the post,

PS I'm not from Japan

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 11:35 AM

HMMMMMM A Maine postmarked postcard with silly pictures of Van Gogh. Jacqui has been up to no good, hasn't she?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Dusty's Secret Santa
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 11:57 AM

I keep trying, but I'm sorely puzzled: a cryptogram about Woody Guthrie, perhaps? Ah well, I'll keep on looking...the next card may contain a clue, or maybe it won't. At least one word of your verse is right on, by the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,SINSULL's Serendipitously Silly Santa
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 11:59 AM

MWUHAHAHAHA HA HA HA

Guess again!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 12:09 PM

Not guilty this time Mary - I'm as much in the dark as you are although that laugh does seem familiar.....

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 04:32 PM

Ohhhhhhhh! Santa. Hmmm? Feeding Rudolph Haggis, again? And waves! I love waves. I could easily find a place for some caught waves.

So Santa, unless you are doing the double trickery thing - you probably aren't Scottish. Do you wear a tartan of red herrings, I wonder? Waves, red herrings, sea-side, Haggis on a stick melting in the Winter sun?
I'm so glad you like to play.
Being especially good. Joy of the Bells.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 07:11 AM

My RS Santa's not around on here anymore. I suppose it's a very busy time for Santa & his/her helpers. So I'll be very, very patient & extra specially good. I might even sing a song or two. (Sigh)

If only I could find a few more clues of my Really Superb Santa ~ Wherefore art thou Santa? Working hard for Christmas, packing, delivering? Or partying?   The Mummers will soon be about, the festive season's nearly here.

In patient anticipation.

Rosie S xx

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Jacqui's SS
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 08:31 AM

Bugger, sent it to the wrong Scarborough! Getting a 20' fibreglass lobster exported to the old country was challenging enough, getting it returned to sender was a real shock. Guess I'll just deliver it over myself, you in on Christmas Day, honey?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 08:35 AM

A 20' fibreglass lobster! Just exactly what I wanted.

We may not be home on Christmas Day but you could leave it in the yard of my good friend SINSULL - I'm sure she wouldn't mind it keeping the headless Jesus company..........

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Selchie's SS
Date: 01 Dec 06 - 06:15 PM

My dear little merperson you maybe should stop badgering me. Did you enjoy Bedworth? I was looking at your list only today and wondering a couple of things about you and your hobbies.

If you do floristry have you got a lot of books about it? Have you ever had a go at making silk flowers to go on your hat? You like silver - do you have cute little holes in your ears to hang things from?

I agree that before long the Mummers will be out at the correct time of year. Alas I am no longer part of a mumming team even though I understand there is one in our town. Maybe in the future ..... although as you say this time of year IS somewhat busy. Hope Shakespeare are looking after you.

I shall hopefully be celebrating the season at the seaside on the 21st instead of the 25th (though that is kept too!). Some of us have been around longer than the Christians.

Honest you WILL get some sort of a delivery but when it turns up I cannot be certain (depends on when I find things you would REALLY like and get them in the post). Until then carry on being good - or I will know!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 05:47 PM

A Christmas Story

'Twas the night before Christmas--Old Santa was pissed.

He cussed out the elves and threw down his list.

Miserable little brats, ungrateful little jerks. I have a good mind to scrap the whole works!

I've busted my ass for damn near a year,

Instead of "Thanks Santa"--what do I hear?

The old lady bitches cause I work late at night.

The elves want more money--The reindeer all fight.

Rudolph got drunk and goosed all the maids.

Donner is pregnant and Vixen has AIDS.

And just when I thought that things would get better

Those assholes from the IRS sent me a letter,

They say I owe taxes--if that ain't funny

Who the hell ever sent Santa Claus any money?

And the kids these days--they all are the pits

They want the impossible--Those mean little shits

I spent a whole year making wagons and sleds

Assembling dolls...Their arms, legs and heads

I made a ton of yo yo's--No request for them,

They want computers and robots...they think - I'm IBM!

Flying through the air...dodging the trees

Falling down chimneys and skinning my knees

I'm quitting this job there's just no enjoyment

I'll sit on my fat ass and draw unemployment.

There's no Christmas this year now you know the reason,

I found me a blonde. I'm going SOUTH for the season

Merry Christmas
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Severn's Shy & Secretive Santa
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 07:15 PM

Dear Severn
Well! That's That then!
Sledge loaded, reindeer fed and ready to fly. Elves have satnav set to your address and orders not to hang about. Watch to evening sky to the East and you just might spot them turning down Main Street for your mailbox.
Just one thing one of the elves is gnomophobic so you'd better make sure yours is inside at night or the little sucker might just turn perverse and refuse to land...
...And we don't want that, do we?
love
Your very own Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Coals and Switches
From: Severn
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 12:46 AM

Dear Shy & Secretive,

The McDonald-Eddy singing gnome couple don't live here, but I'll leave word with the House Brownies for them to stay away. They did send word by e-mail that the wayward one-shoed alky elf from God-Knows-Where got shipped home all right, but may be out of a job soon. Your elves, if they know him, might have to put in a good word for him, but I never got an actual name on the poor fellow.

Since I don't remember which address you were given, I've had a chimney installed in my Post Office Box, just in case. Give proper opening instructions on the outside of the package.

Thanks in advance! See you next year!

Your Grateful Santee,
Severn

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Tig's SS
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 05:59 AM

Your prezzie is being posted today!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Tig
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 08:46 AM

Oooohhhhh! My prezzie is coming, my pressie is coming!!! Thank you for letting me know it will be here for Yule.

Lots of love and hugs
Tig
xxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 08:53 AM

A 20' fiber glass lobster??? Send jacqui's gift here Santa. She won't know what to do with it.

Meantime, my Santa is sending teasing postcards with clues (?) and Maine postmarks. Last time this happened I opened my gift and still wasn't sure who my Santa was.
SINS, grumbling.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,The SS of the lovely Jenn
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 04:17 PM

It's a week upon it's way. Ha! ha! The little unexplained animal inside eats ants. Fills the ant-eating niche here.
~**>
Where's here? You say! It's where I am.
Love and happiness, SS.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: My guru always said
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 05:16 PM

Dear Elfish Pressently,
Lovely to hear from you again! You've recently reminded me of an old 45 I have tucked away in a box by Joan Armatrading (I think), but the song was titled Me Myself I, and I've been humming it all day. As to the sneezing episode, it is likely that I was doing the 'blessing' as it's an automatic reaction after years of training. Hope that the Curry-in-a-Hurry shop is still convenient for you and that all is well with you and/or my own Dear Secret Santa. Keep smiling!
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Snuffy's befuddled Belsnickle
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 06:18 PM

Well, Snuffy, m'Dear,

I'm sorry to say that things have been a bit chaotic here at the Auxiliary Winter WorkShop of Wacky Wonders. And when the dust settled, I found that my Do-Hicky Doodle Converter is on the fritz.

So, there's going to be a rapid change of plans, and I'm calling in the international elves' union for help.

These guys are tricksy rascals, and I think they may disguise your package as a FedEx envelope, or something similiar. So if you get such a thing in the coming days, be forewarned.

Signing (and signing) off, and wishing that your life is nowhere near as chaotic as mine,

I am your:
B.B.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Snuffy
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 07:36 PM

Well my befuddled Belsnickle, it's so nice to hear that you are still around after six weeks of total silence.

Although it may be chaotic here as well, I try not to disturb the dust and so it never needs to settle. And a few yeller gals always help to make my doodle go, although the conversion rate is not as favourable as it was earlier in the year.

A fedex envelope sounds nice - how many C-notes can you get in one of them? :-) Seriously though, I hope things sort themselves out for you soon and that you are able to relax and enjoy the festive season along with the rest of us.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Emma B's SS
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 05:23 PM

The Post Office has taken over delivery in this one case because the Interplanetary Brother- and Sisterhood of Magical Reindeer forbids mine to take to the air one minute before nightfall on Christmas Eve. What cheek! But blackleg reindeer -- well, we can't have that. So I had no choice but Air Mail.

What's this elf business coming to, anyhoo?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Emma B
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 05:33 PM

hello dear Santa, I always knew Vixen must be on the distaff side so I can't blame her for refusing to work on the run up to Xmas when there's all that cooking to be done too!

So, International? - there must be a clue there as well as the fact that you think we need Artic clothing (or even longjohns) here in December!
It was a balmy double figures temperature here today despite the torrential rain and gales :)

Am I right in assuming your elves are on the patio right now with the Barbie?

Love Em

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Louisey's Secret Santa
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 07:01 PM

Hope you haven't given up on me. Donner and Blitzen took a wrong turn, but we've sorted it out and your pressie is winging its way to you as of today. Now that they have an updated map there should be no delay in getting it to you before 25 December!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 06 Dec 06 - 02:01 PM

Hello to my Really Superb Santa.

Nice to know you're still there.   I know you're very busy & don't mean to badger you. (badger? ~ I haven't sold you raffle tickets have I?). Bedworth was very enjoyable, thank you. Were you actually there or have you been surfing the 'Cat for clues?

I do like silver & have several holes in my ears for earrings.

I trained in Floristry for a couple of years & yes I have several books on it. I have none on silk flowers though. I've never made silk (silky/selkie/selchie) flowers, but what a good idea, maybe I should?

I don't wear flowers on my hat although I'm a Welsh Border Dancer in traditional kit with pheasant feathers, rags, bells & blacking.   

I'll think of you enjoying your seasonal revels at the seaside, I'll be out too, dancing on the 21st ~ at Winter Solstice celebrations.

Which is your hometown then? I have no idea, so many towns to choose from & so many Mummers to look for.

I'll look forward to hearing from you & I will be very, very good, except for maybe "badgering" those "spies" you say are helping you. You're doing a great job in confusing me, but it will be well worth the wait.

Patiently yours,

Rosie xx

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,Dusty's Apologetic Santa
Date: 06 Dec 06 - 10:28 PM

Well, the good news is that one of the elves came up with the perfect thing for you. The bad news is that it is currently in the hands of one of my more recalcitrant assistants and I may not get it in time for that l o n g trip to the Antipodes. I have dispatched Rudolph himself to light its way to me so that I can get it sent on, and I do still have hopes it will be there before Twelfth Night...or maybe Whitsun...but St. Barbara's Day is definitely out.

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,HEATHER
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 01:53 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,JennyO's Secret Santa
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 02:36 AM

Never fear, JennyO
Though the winds do blow
Santa set his course
On reindeer, not a horse

The first gift is in the mail
From the North pole another will follow
Though this one was not hinted
Santa hopes it doesn't ring hollow

May it nourish you, body and soul
May it be a flowing bowl
May you prosper and thrive
And not break out in a hive

The second one comes later
It's smaller than a refrigerator
It's arriving on Santa's camel-y
And it rhymes with the word "family."

So there, sweet Jenny, are your latest clues
Please excuse Santa while he watches the news
I have to see, on the BBC
Whether Rudolph ate scones
When he was at tea.

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: freda underhill
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 08:28 AM

Hi Santa

It's a dark and mellow night

The spiders are building webs in the trees outside

and today I have been listening to Cara and Seamus Kennedy.

I hung out the washing on the line in the moonlight - a cool breeze is waving through shirts and shorts.

A wonderful balloon reminds me of places distant, and a secret parcel gazes at me sternly on my kitchen bench.

Santa, you have given me riddles, rhymes and lots of laughs. I know that you have a beard, but not a santa clause one. I was convinced you were a certain antipodean song writer, but though you have a booming voice, you come from the other side of the equator. With your cunning hints and tricky ways, you are rightly called Santa Clues.

But, what's the fuss? or WHO's the F.U.S.S? and will you have a very hobbity Christmas with your own Rosie Gamgee?

Freda

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,FU's SS
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 09:16 AM

I didn't expect you home so early: did you take a few days off from trying to overthrow the evil ones?

I am Santa not Sam. And likewise I am not as wise as Samwise, and am certainly no gardener (or Gardner). And thirteen children is nearly a dozen more than I actually have.

Sing of rings and Rosie
As the light declines
I remember Cirith Ungol
In the bad old times

Santa Clues xx

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 09:22 AM

Well Santa, you have me thinking hard. Not sure about the BBC though, it might be a red herring. I'm supposed to think you are in the UK, but are you? If you are, then it's back to the drawing board. I did have a thought about who you might be, but now I'm not sure.

The first gift sounds musical. Hmm. I wonder what it is.

I pored over the rhyming dictionary to try and work out what rhymes with family, but I think the penny has dropped - and of course it's a word that wouldn't be in a dictionary - if I'm right. Ooh, I hope so!

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: freda underhill
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 09:40 AM

yes, Santa, I'm back early this week - some more gymnastics waylaid me and brought me back. its good to have time to plot and ponder! but..
Do I dare              
Disturb the universe?        
In a minute there is time        
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.        

For I have known them all already, known them all:—        
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,              
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;        
I know the voices dying with a dying fall        
Beneath the music from a farther room...

do I dare to eat a mango?

Subject: RE: BS: Secret Santa Clues and Nudges
From: GUEST,FU's SS
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 10:22 AM

Do you dare? Why not? Unlike me, you have no bald spot in the middle of your hair.

Lick your tongue into the corners of the evening. Walk where you will in your white flannel trousers. But do not wear the bottoms rolled as you scuttle across the floors of silent seas.

Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the mango with a smile,
Or if a mango is not what you meant, at all.
Not it, at all.
Then why not tea and cakes and ices?
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis.

Santa Clues
(Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed, almost ridiculous — Almost, at times, the Fool. I grow old ... I grow old ... here in this - far too expansive - waistland)

Subject: For HEATHER (NVSHS)
From: GUEST,Your Secret Santa
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 03:39 PM

Im Impressed!