BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: bfdk
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 06:04 AM

Dearest, Saintly, No-Longer-Secret Santa Becca,

Yiphee, finally Christmas came around and I could throw myself at that interesting box which had been sitting quietly in a corner for a month, and, boy, was it worth the wait :-))

Thank you ever so much for all the lovely pressies, an impressive selection, indeed:

A Kendall Morse CD - playing for the umpteenth time already as I write this :-)
Sharon Penmann volumes 1 and 3 of a series (to go with the volume 2 I already have)
A lovely Maine Lighthouse keyring
A Fridge magnet with a loon giving its chick a ride, a bit like this grebe is
A box of Nantucket postcards
Two Christmas tea towels
A Christmas ornamental bulb with pot pourri in it
A balsam & cedar Housewarmer candle

I am overwhelmed by the dedication and thoughfulness that's gone into selecting all those pressies for me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. The loon is already residing on my fridge, my keys shall presently be moving into the care of the Maine Lighthouse Association, and the books are just waiting to be picked up and read.

Once again, thank you Santa Dear. I hope your haul this Christmas will be as good as mine :-))

I also hope to see you again sometime in the not-too-distant future.

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: alison
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 07:00 AM

Big thanks to Firecat, Tig, & the Badger,

talk about good timing, your parcel arrived on Christmas Eve, and I was very good and waited 'til now to open it. The book is lovely, (no you didn't send it before,) and I just love my bracelet (jasper was just what I needed)and little bag of useful things (again the timing was spot on for that one). And I'm chuffed to bits with my rare "Mudcat Happy christmas Badge."

thank you for being my secret Santa again, your thoughtfulness has made my day.

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Emma B
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 07:34 AM

Charmion - thank you for the lovely CD I'm playing it now! How did you guess that Stan Rogers was one of my favourite singer songwriters?
The maple syrup is wonderful - I've never seen so much of it before!!! I have a whole lot of Christmas recipes incorporating it including roasted parsnips!!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas - just stoke up that furnace:)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Severn
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 07:42 AM

Dear Shy and Secretive Santa,

You're DAMN good!, while I've been merely good. Not only did you you get the goodies through the international mails without having to give yourself away, there's still no indication in the package of exactly who you are except the box of great goodies (or is that good greaties?) that reveal your Sussexual persuasion, if not your name, or even gender. You can't get much more local color than a Scan Tester tribute CD, which I'm scanning and testing as I write, as well as local postcards to get the flavor and lay of the land and some tasty looking local confections to boot! (I'll have to PM Kendall & Jaqui about the Kendal Mint Cakes after I've tried them and vouched for both the taste and the boasted about "energy boost"). Postal Restrictions being what they are, a T-Shirt and a bookmark (Since you've given me a sense of place, I appreciate you giving me a way not to lose it) from Harvey's Sussex Bitter will have to do until I can sample the real thing.

Last May, I was able to experience the area my Santa lived in and described in my present on my UK trip. I hope to get back some time this year, so maybe I can get to see Seaford and Lewes without having to go up to nearby Delaware to do so and find mere nostalgia inspired imitations.

Having partially "scanned and tested", I can say I want to learn "A Rakish Young Fellow" already!

Thank You, Masked Person!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jaze
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 09:23 AM

Dear Bedazed,Bedazzled,Bedazzling and Befuddled Santa JennieG, I was good and waited til this morning to open my package. Thanks so much for the gifts from the land Down Under. I can't wait to listen to the cd. And try the bisquits- my wife is already eyeing the dark chocolate ones. The calendar and notebook are great also. Thanks!I hope yours is a Christmas of your dreams. Jaze-very begrateful.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Becca72
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 10:08 AM

Bente,
I'm so glad you like everything. I've been just as excited to have you open your gift as you have been to open it! What great fun this whole thing was.

Have a very Merry one and I hope to see you again soon, too.

Becca

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 10:43 AM

Well Greg, I'm glad your slip showed, as I would never have worked out your identity from the CD, my musical knowledge is far too limited for that.
Thanks indeed for the lovely things.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 11:29 AM

A big Alaska thank you to my Secret Santas. Yes, plural!! It seems that in the course of nearly kicking the bucket, I never signed up for Secret Santa this year. So several folks from different continents appointed themselves to the task. In addition to the many cards, postcards and letters I received, there was also a package containing a variety of wonderful gifts. I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to those of you who cared so much. Merry Christmas to you all and may the new year bring you much joy and happiness.

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: CapriUni
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 01:35 PM

Thank you, Santa MeganL!

I shall snuggle up with the story of the magical cat, indullge in the fudge, put my keys on the beautiful silver keychain, and decorate random things with the very pretty stickers.

Christmas is probably on the wane, where you are, right now (though perhaps you are just sitting down to the feast). But I hope that the bits that happened already brought you joy, and that the rest of Christmas brings you some more.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 02:22 PM

Many many thanks to Art & Jen Brooks for a great box of pressies. Absolutely LOVED the music books and all the New Mexican folklore, the ocharina (a REAL one - not like the plastic stuff over here) and well what can I say about the noseflute? We have all had a go and managed renditions of something ....Now the big decision is whether to duet Danny Boy on noseflute with swanee whistle, or melodica or bombarde ...too much for Christmas Day!

Hope you had as merry a christmas as your gifts made ours!

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 02:24 PM

John McKenzie: the other(identifiable) presents are on the way! So pleased about the triplets.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Micca
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 02:28 PM

Jacqui Morse, You are DEAD!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: bfdk
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 02:31 PM

LOL, Micca. Do us stand-in postmen need to fear for our lives, too? ;-))

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 03:10 PM

Sarah, we are glad you enjoyed the package...and Jenn says that "all having a go" on the noseflute is hardly hygienic.

And I would like to thank the wonderful Barb'ry for her package...do you really live in a 750-year-old house? And how is the plumbing? The book of Lancashire dialect is fun - we transponders often have trouble with "BBC English", and are totally lost with other forms of the language as spoken (or formerly spoken) over there.

Now, if only my Santee would check in, all would be complete.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Micca
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 03:24 PM

Bente, the rest of you Stand in post persons LOL, but I can wait for my revenge!!! watch this space!!! just when you THINK it is safe, Then......!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 03:30 PM

Hee hee, you was had matey boy, on a piece of string or what?
G.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 03:52 PM

A big thank you to my McSanta - we have resisted the chocolate truffles so far, but the CD was a great source of inspiration while I made the mince pies (and ate them!).   No idea at all who you are, but at least I know now which country you're from!

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennieG
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 05:20 PM

Jaze, you were very strong to wait until Christmas Day to open your present! Hope you are having a wonderful day,
Cheers from the no longer so Bedazed Bedazzled Bedazzling and occasional Befuddled JennieG!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 06:24 PM

Had a wonderful parcel from Hollowfox in Ohio. Contained chocolate, book about the area, a map, various bits of music. A fantastic mix. Will PM proper thanks when I've had a chance to listen to all the music.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: MMario
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 06:47 PM

WOW! I resisted the package with the Australian post mark manfully - though when I opened it today I discovered I could have unwrapped it earliers, as it was filled with beautifully wrapped packages from my secret Santa.

Who was none other then the FAIR ONE, herself, Alison of OZ!!!! Among other things, australian themed cookie cutters, a kangaroo wire sculpture that can function as a book mark, a paper clip or a stitch holder, a learn Bodrhan CD (by the Fair One Herself!) another CD....WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! AND little postit notes scattered here and there in addition to a lovely note from Alison - and greetings to my Mom and Dad who had contacted her a couple years ago at Christmas time while they were traveling...

FANTASTIC Christmas Present.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 07:36 PM

Moi, Mr Patterson? What did I do?


I got my present today,courtesy of Skipjack K8 and via SINSULL. In accordance with the Santa's Silly Secretary hints thread where I had put '6) Likes: champagne; making love at midnight,' I got a bottle of very nice champagne and some very questionable items from the local condom shop. One of those items really does stretch the imagination a long way. I think that they will have to go on display with the rest of the wonderful crap that I have been the recipient of over the past couple of years, although I may be hard put to explain the significance of a blue condom with a frilly top if the vicar ever comes to tea.

Many thanks Greg, we had a really good laugh at Kendall's daughter's today when I opened the package, although I think that they might have thought that they were getting too much information. Grown up children seem not to equate their parents with such items! The champagne will be savoured!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: ranger1
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 08:42 PM

Thanks again, RangerSteve. I'm loving the Strange NJ magazine (although some of us have always thought that NJ was a bit strange), the Birds of NJ and the Tent Camping in NJ books. Haven't had a chance yet to listen to the cassette, but am eagerly anticipating a few quiet moments after the holidays to pop it into the boombox.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Micca
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 09:47 PM

What did you Jacqui???What did you??? only conned me into delivering MY OWN, SS prezzie to LtS so that I could receive it myself today from under the tree, That was a bit low!!!!! and all those cards... from all over, I had concluded that my SS must be a UKer!! and was blowing smoke to confuse!! and I was 1/2 right, a UKer but that lives in Maine, Many Thanks Jacqui, I am entertained, the only dissapointment was .......You did not get Kendall to sign his book!!! or for that matter write a dedication inside it yourself!! I LIKE my books written in, and if possible signed by the author!! Is the bubble gum Lobster flavour? and whats with the book of Seafood recipes? I am ALLERGIC !!!! but apart from that I am impressed!!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 09:54 PM

ROF! ONLY Jacqui could do that! Well, maybe SINSULL.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 10:02 PM

heh heh heh

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: bfdk
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 04:19 AM

LOL, didn't know that part of the story..

I hereby nominate Micca for the "Secret Santa Gotcha" of the year! :o))

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 04:53 AM

Oh no Bente, not Noel Edmonds, anything but Noel Edmonds !!

Bring back Mr Blobby

Blobby Blobby Blobby!!

Giok

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Mo the caller
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 05:06 AM

Cally Hannah looked very smart on Christmas Day, and we wondered how her impressive SS knew her size.
What did those pink fingers remind me of?
Moo

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: CallyH
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 06:03 AM

Thank you my kind and industrious santa for all my lovely presents! The jumper is a perfect fit.

So .. you're in Yorkshire are you? Hmmm ... the postcard from Graceland was a red herring then! Had me fooled!

(Mo .. what did the pink fingers remind you of?)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: vectis
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 06:54 AM

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Santa.
What a smashing box of goodies. I wore the amythist (or however you spell it) earings all Christmas Day, they are beautiful. The scarf, CDs earings and other gifts are lovely. What a good idea to send a local magazine, it gives a real flavour of where you live. I'll get to play the CDs in the car when I run dad home tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.

I am still trying to figure out precisely who you are. I found your street on Google Earth and it looks like a very nice place to live. If you had your Mudcat name written on your roof I would be able to tell if you lived up near the lake or at the other end.
Have a great New Year.
Your grateful santee Vectis.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Vectis's SS
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 07:20 AM

Dear Vectis

Thanks for your thanks, and I hope all your wishes come true! In the meantime..

My first is in festive but not in reason
My second's in rhyme but not in season
My third's in forever but not in today
My fourth is in delight but not in obey
My fifth is in lavender but not in Rose
My sixth below ground but I'm not in repose

Vectis, Happy Christmas, now all is revealed!

your not-so-Secret Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 10:20 AM

Micca - apologies for the seafood recipes - got the book early this year and just didn't connect when I was packing the box!

I'll be over in February and will bring a sticky label with a legend from the Man to put into the book.

I really enjoyed stringing you along with this, got a lot of pleasure out of sending you back to the UK with your own gift!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: freda underhill
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 10:27 AM

yes, I even got to send you a little postcard from Sydney! :-D

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 01:19 PM

Many thanks to all the elves who helped me with this one. Your assistance was much appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Partridge
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 01:27 PM

Many thanks Kat, the calendar is a beaut and I can't wait to have a go with the tree cards. You have an uncanny sense - these are things I might have bought myself. Many, many thanks

love

pat xxxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 06:41 PM

Thank you, Sarah the Flute!

What a lovely mix of delights! (Including Chocolate bagpipes...whoda thunk it?!?)

I'm listening to you on CD even as I type.

The timing was superb -- the package arrived in today's post, so I could immediately dive in and start flinging paper wrappings to the cats to play with.

We'll have to get together to compare notes on houses that are black holes.

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 06:52 PM

2 of Jacqui's postal elves signing in Micca. It was great fun posting one of the cards in London! The other card? That wasn't posted in London!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: dusty rhodes
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 08:59 PM

Thankyou S:S: , your present arrived today , h,mmm New Mexico , think i,m on the right track with A.B.????
Anyway you have yourselves a Merry Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year....
Dusty...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 10:49 PM

Hello Santee Mary. I'm glad you liked your pressies - even the newspaper wrappings! As you already have experienced, the Melbourne Cup is an extraordinary phenomenon - everything grinds to a halt when it is on. I don't know about scheduling surgery, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they avoided that time. If you are driving when it's on, you all of a sudden find that the roads are virtually empty. People who have absolutely no interest in horseracing suddenly develop an interest, and nearly everyone is in at least one Sweep. The only conversation for that day is "What horse did you have?"

Have you tried the Roo Poo yet? And I hoped you enjoyed the Yarri CD. I think it's something pretty special. I think John is an amazing songwriter, and I'm not just saying that because I live with him ;-)

Yes, you can say someone is a galah and mean it as an insult, but not you, of course. I just like his colours and think of him as a very typical native bird for around these parts. They make a range of native birds with their sounds which we can get in a very interesting shop here - Australian Geographic. In fact, that's where the stone came from too.

Have you found out yet who my elves with the postcards were? If not, I might out them soon. I'm sure they won't mind :-)

Anyway, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas - it sounds like your New Year is getting off to a good start! My elves might even be there at your song circle (hint hint).

Jenny (SSSSS)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 12:38 AM

Woo hoo! I just checked my mailbox - first delivery since Christmas - and there was the second part of my SS pressie, the soundtrack from the movie "Amelie" which I had asked for in my hints (and of course it rhymes with "family" :-)) I'm listening to it right now - it's beautiful! Thank you Santa Chanteyranger! Just hurry up and get better so I can thank you properly.

It's not just that I love this music - it also has special associations for me right now, because while my brother and his family were visiting from France in July and August, one of his very talented daughters was playing some of the piano pieces from it on my piano - so yes, very special. It reminds me of Graham, Brigitte, Alice and Sonia, and makes me wish they weren't so far away.

Oh dear - getting all teary now...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 12:40 AM

HMMMM I suspected Giok but unless Jacqui has been up to no good or Charley and Judy were in on it, I am not sure.
M

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 12:45 AM

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 05:38 AM

Thank you Frank ( Pseuolus) for my Christmas goodies especially the CD 'concert'and the Delaware snowman.   

Wishing you and yours a very happy NEW YEAR


Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Cally Hanna's secret santa
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 05:51 AM

Sorry for the deception (ho ho ho) !! I got the post card at Gracelands some years ago, then got some local elves to post it when they went on holiday to Florida. The New Hampshire card was sent by a mudcatter at the request of Micca and I posted the calendar!
It was fun.


Happy New Year


Mrs Cobble

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Louisey
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 07:25 AM

Thank you so much for my lovely gifts Colorado Santa!! Who are you?!!!! Hope you had an brilliantly lovely Christmas :)xx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 07:30 AM

Could very well be, Dusty. My mission is to clothe the world in New Mexico t-shirts?

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Tig
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 02:22 PM

Thank you Santa, whoever you are (I still don't know).

It was a very interesting parcel and I am very happy with the contents.
Hope you got the little 'problem' sorted for Christmas.

Lots of love and hugs
Tig
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 02:26 PM

Thank you so much to my Really Superb Secret Santa.   Now that I know who you are, I found out when the badge arrived after my parcel. Thank you Tig, I'll wear the special badge with pride & no, no-one will badger me for it :-)

All those lovely thoughtful gifts were wonderful. The 3 owls & the little bag of of things for future happiness, all so nice. I have several crystals Tig & loved the bracelet, but amethyst is probably my favourite.

The books on silk flower making are lovely & I appreciate your Mum's little book of notes, how sweet of you to pass it on. I will treasure it & try to do it justice & certainly enjoy making up some of the designs (yes I do have floristry wires, etc.)

Maybe we'll meet up somewhere in 2007? Hopefully at Alcester (my "local festival") I'm on the Festival committee there.

Have a Happy & Prosperous New Year, with love to you, Badger & Firecat.

With Love to you all,

Rosie xxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 02:41 PM

I WAS rather hoping there would be something waiting for me when I got home today , but No Such Luck !

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 02:42 PM

But I DO get a 200 th Post !