BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!

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: 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: 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: JennieG
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 01:30 AM

Santa, those elves were probably making merry with the cooking sherry and didn't put the right stamps on my parcel! Can't get good help these days can you.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Secret Santa to the Marvellous Maeve
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 06:36 PM

So glad that your box arrived in time, those SlowGnomes are notorious for losing their way and arriving late - especially after I'd realised that the documentation wasn't signed - reckon we got away with it this time!

Hope you enjoy your unwrapping and that You & Yours have a Wonderful Christmas. I'll be raising a glass to you from this side of the pond!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 03:12 PM

Santa Clues' quest is over, but my adventure is still at the early stages. Nothing has arrived at my door (or window, or chimney) as yet, but so long as it does arrive before Old Twelfth Night then it will still qualify as a seasonal gift, won't it?

If it will keep fresh that long, perhaps it is a seasoned gift - Pemmican? Biltong?

As you so rightly remark "So no worries. But I do wonder..." . Me too, Santa.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Snuffy's curious (never furious) Secret Sa
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 02:57 PM

From Snuffy:

His quest now successfully completed, Santa Clues can now lay down his sack and go to see Cirdan at the Grey Havens.

But your role in this game is not quite complete until you have successfully received something.

Has a package arrived at your door, yet, from me (via our illustrious Secret Santa Secretary)? It will stay fresh at least through the new year. So no worries. But I do wonder...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 11:50 AM

What fun this has been. My first year participating, and I drew someone from AUSTRALIA! Sandra in Sydney gave wonderful hints to follow.

As a result of the SS game, I tried to think what Christmas would be like in Australia, and I developed an interest in Australian Christmas Carols. I learned the beautiful Wheeler & James Carol of the Birds from Bob Bolton's postings.

It was also delightfully tickly for me to PM Sandra regarding one of her posts regarding Contra Dancing - me knowing she was my Santee, but she not knowing ME. Thanks, Liz for being SECSYA!!

Linda   *<:^)#

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 10:29 AM

I couldn't wait any longer. JennyO is my SS and the wrapping paper is as much fun as the gifts!
The Melbourne Cup - I was in Sydney in the early 70s visiting a sugar refinery (long story) when all of a sudden everything stopped. No one works during the Melbourne Cup. Made me wonder if they schedule surgery during the race. JennyO sent me a newspaper supplement with stats on all the horses and jockeys. Thank you. Fond memories.

Shit seems to be a theme this year. Mine is Roo Pooh. Supposedly edible but I will let Jacqui decide.
I have a Galah, noisy one at that. Seems to me I remember that being called a Galah is a bit of an insult. Yes? Lovely pink and will sit next to my noisy Blue Jay.
A beautiful Trangie Goodwill Stone in shades of blue with Aboriginal symbols. Very beautiful and will be treasured.
Local folk club news(I have Miss Jenny's phone number), some union songs written by John Warner ( re: My Smithfield Ham campaign?) and best of all a CD of "Yarri of Wiradjuri", John Warner's telling of the great flood of 1852 and the hero Yarri.
Tonight I will sit quietly and enjoy it.

Thank you, Jenny and Merry Christmas
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 10:03 AM

All right, freda and Sandra - I know you are waiting with bated breath. I was very good and didn't open my package til after 1am. And I won't say who my Santa is yet here, because part two is still to come - only to say that what I got so far is lovely, and that my Santa is exactly who I thought it was - with a little family help.

Well, Liz's pairing really was inspired, and I couldn't be happier. And so to bed. Nightie night!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 09:44 AM

Sandra, she only beat you because she cheated and opened her presents too early. Oh Freda, how could you??

Still, I suppose a few minutes is neither here nor there in the cosmic scheme of things. I'm so glad you liked them - but have you noticed that the "fantastic calendar" is for 2006? It was a one-off for the Fed's 40th anniversary and gives you a good idea of the folk scene in our area. And I suppose you can still get a week's use out of it before you cut it up and use the pictures!

I'll PM you about the rest of the package.

His quest now successfully completed, Santa Clues can now lay down his sack and go to see Cirdan at the Grey Havens.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 08:15 AM

ratz - you beat me to it, freda

Santa Linda Goodman sent so many parcels that the unwrapping was so time consuming that you beat me to the draw!

I have a beautiful Treasure box from the Smithsonian National Zoo decorated with 2 beautiful pandaa, and a tiny panda hidden inside, 2 very patriotic pen & pencil with glitzy flag decoration, a CD from infrequent Mudcatter Judy Cook, which I'll play very soon (gotta listen to the Christmas Day Trivia Quiz!!), 2 postcards of Washington DC & a Japanese paper doll

Thankyou, Santa, for the great selection of pressies.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: freda underhill
Date: 24 Dec 06 - 07:49 AM

Thank you Secret Santa. At 11.20-ish pm Christmas Eve, I decided the time was right to open a very intriguing box from my SS. Snuffy, I prepared some special words for this moment...

I was tempted and tried, and oft made to wonder,
To examine your riddle and pull it asunder…
Your first is in Santa and Claus they say - s
Your second's in reindeer but not in sleigh - n
Your third's in Underhill but not in Freda - u
Your fourth is in follower but not in leader - f
Your fifth is in fourth but not in third - f
Your sixth is in dicky but not in bird – y
Your dance is Shakespearean,
You sing a bawdy song
With an ale in your gullet
And a repertoire that's long
Words, whisky and wiles!
Fancy footwork beguiles!
The puzzles, the clues
The mystery, the Muse,
A trickster without rest,
Santa Clues, you're the best!
Mr Snuffy, good cheer
Happy Day, and Happy Year!!

.. and meanwhile, with a mouth full of the best dark chocolate i have tasted (Hamilton's, from the Cotswalds) I have been lifting layers of goodies including - 3 great folk Cds (Vaughan Hully - now who could that be? great voice!!)a beautiful lavender soaplet and hand embroidered pouch, a booklet on pub walks in the Cotswalds, a fantatstic calender from the west midlands folk fed, a Bidford on avon tea towel, a beautiful leaflet about the snowshill lavender fields.. a local magazine, a little diary (this will go in my bag). these things are all wonderful and make me want to go and check out the area and the music! CDs all look very interesting, including one with a cover piccie of a cute looking guy in chain mail!

snuffy, for various reasons it was a very tough day. your music and pressies have made it a lovely one!

Thaaaaanks!

freda

11.47 and looking forward to a musical Christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: CapriUni
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 08:19 PM

Skipy --

"Hir" is an androgynous pronoun, for when you don't know the difinitive gender of the person your referring to (as I have no idea about my secondary Secret Santa), or when a person hirself does not identify with either gender exclusively.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 07:14 PM

hir?
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: CapriUni
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 07:09 PM

Thank You Secret Santa (the Second)?

My official Secret Santa package arrived in November. I guessed who my Santa was, and my Santa confirmed hir identity.

So when a small read and white postal packet arrived in today's mail, I thought it was from another UK friend of mine, with whom I've been trading pressies for years.

...Except the package was addressed to "CapriUni," and my other UK friend (not a Mudcatter) always addresses his packets to my given name. So I'm assuming the little red and white postal pack was sent by a mudcatter (no return address, though).

Thank you, whoever you are. I will be good, and wait until Christmas morning to open it...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,JennieG's secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 03:44 PM

The Elves were away with yours in good time , but it seems to not have arrived ! If they are slacking I will sort then out and the Hell with Elfin safety regulations !

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: maeve
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 02:20 PM

Dear Marvelous Maeve's Secret Santa,

A box! A box!
It just arrived.
It's full of gifts and hints.
I'll tuck each treasure 'neath the tree
To wait for Christmas day.

Thank you for your generous and inventive heart. I'll resist the urge to try to figure out your identity. The fun of a Christmas Day discovery is more alluring. You'll hear from me in a few days.

Again, thank you for your efforts on my behalf. Have a joyful Christmas, indeed!

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 02:08 PM

A large parcel has arrived from Ohio. Yippee. Curiously, it is flqattish, square, and a bit over 12" in diameter. Do they still have LPs in Ohio? Well, I'll find out in two days time!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 01:45 PM

Dear Bedazed, Bedazzled, Bedazzling and Befuddled Santa, only one more day to go! I haven't forgotten you or given up guessing who you are. I think I have an inkling,but I'll be fair and tell you on Christmas. I hope yours is wonderful and thanks again. Still beguessing (but pretty sure) Jaze

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Elmer Fudd's Secret Santa
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 10:08 AM

Hi Elmer --

I guess I should have put a "Do not open till Christmas" sticker on the box, but it really doesn't matter. I'm glad you like your stocking! I think stockings are the best part of Christmas! Enjoy!

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 06:50 AM

A package arrived from Oz yesterday- it's under the tree, awaiting Christmas morning. Thank you, Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Mrs Cobble
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 04:31 AM

Wow! A package from Secret Santa in the post this morning. The customs declaration items look interesting but I will be ooooooo soooooo good and not open it until 25th. Thank you so much Santa :-)    Merry Christmas

Mrs C

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 12:20 AM

P.S. your hints said you liked biographies so I sent along the next best thing--autobiographical books.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Dec 06 - 12:00 AM

Helen,

I'm so glad it got there in time! The Dave Lieber book is an interesting introduction to moving to Texas--he's from New York City via Philadelphia, so you'll see the trials and errors of getting acclimated to Texas and Texans (I'm still working on it!) The other one is a collection of radio essays that many of us heard over the years on All Things Considered here in the U.S.. Bailey White is from Georgia, quite a distance from Texas, but they're such funny and sweet stories, particularly good for reading out loud.

The CD is still pretty rough, not polished since it was first made a couple of years ago right before the first computer I was working on was stolen. I have to get back to those recording projects. That may not play in an automobile CD player, for some reason, but I have good luck in the house in various other players.

Enjoy!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 08:42 PM

Tami - he didn't re-gift you with the empty bourbon bottle, did he? Now I can't give you the other one on New Years!
DAMN!
SINS

Or could you use two - bookends, maybe?

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 06:26 PM

Alas, I thought I had logged out, but it must have failed. And I had set John McKenzie such an intricate puzzle to guess my identity when he opened the present! Ah well, the best laid plans...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Helen
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 05:52 PM

Stilly River Sage,

I went to the Post Office and there was your parcel waiting for me. So, no more trying to guess who you are!

I confess I opened it - well, after a little delay in trying to convince myself to save it for Christmas, but it has been a very hectic week that I succumbed to temptation to open it.

Thanks you so much for the books from your local area. I had a quick look at them last night before I went to sleep. I will enjoy reading them, I know, and I'll be thinking of you as I read them, because they are a part of your local culture.

The chocolates wrapped as little Christmas presents are lovely. I am saving them till after Christmas.

But the most amazing gift is the CD of your father's music. Thank you, thank you!! I am saving listening to that, too. I want to find a quiet time to listen to it properly, so at this point I have no idea what sort of music he played or sang, except that I looked your photos up on the Mudcat photos page and saw a photo of your Dad playing a guitar. That is going to be a real treat!

So, thank you, Maggie for your lovely presents, and even though I have opened the packages, I still have the pleasure to look forward to in reading the books, listening to your Dad's music, eating the chocolates, and even reading the part of the newspaper used to enclose one of the presents.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: ranger1
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 04:51 PM

Woohoo! Package from Santa in the mail today! Thank you, RangerSteve!!! Alas, the USPS was less than delicate with it, so I had to open it the rest of the way (no, really. Honest!).

Although, I have to ask: Liz, was this indeed a completely random pairing? Seems kind of suspicious to me, especially since packages went from South Portland to New Jersey to Portland!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 04:03 PM

Greg asked me to delete his post, but I was too late - Giok found it in less than five minutes.
Part of the fun of this is that some people goof and get caught. Sorry, Greg - you got caught.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Joybell
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 03:07 PM

The last post has been and gone. *sigh*

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Barb'ry's delighted Santa
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 02:41 PM

Santa is very happy to hear that the tide-you-over-til-the-real-gift-arrives pressie has arrived. And with the card, too -- Santa couldn't be more pleased. Ho ho ho!

Your Secret Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 02:34 PM

So tis you! I hadn't opened it, but please feel free to make use of our chimney any time Greg.
Thanks in anticipation.
Giok

That's GIOK as opposed to GLOK ;o)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 02:29 PM

Glok: what do you mean, "small package"? Never look a gift horse in the package. I just might come down your chimney and confiscate it.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupe's now embarrassed santa
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 11:40 AM

Oops! wrong thread!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Foolestroupe's wondering santa
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 11:39 AM

Have the postal elves come through for me? They did promise, but you know how the postal elves can get...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Alba
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 10:51 AM

HILDA!!! They are here. They have arrived. All the way from Australia!!!

Under the Evergreen, a parcel is shouting open me, open me...but I shall be strong...LOL

Thank you oh Thank you for my beautiful card which I have opened **smile** and for my mystery package.............

With Love and Light and more to be said....sooooooooon!

Jude
(who is fighting temptation of ripping off the wrapper...lol)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Barb'ry
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 10:16 AM

I got a present and card from my Secret Santa today - and it says more to come! I LOVE this game!
Thank you secret santa, who can draw really well and comes from California??
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 06:10 AM

Excuse my doubting post oh Santa dear, a small package has arrived at my door this very morning. I will save it till the Christmas Day morning ritual of Bucks Fizz in bed, while ripping open the pressies.
Yours in anticipation.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 05:22 AM

Ooeerrr - I've had a pre-package containing music - what a lovely surprise! I'll listen to it when I'm decorating the tree tomorrow afternoon. Many thanks to my own dear Secret Santa/Elffish Pressently!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 01:43 AM

Hmmm. I had to send something to the far side of beyond, and it was supposed to arrive by now. I wonder if it did?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Partridge
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 01:21 AM

Thank you (not as secret as before) santa. Package is under the tree.
Happy Solstice to you and Micca
lots of love

Pat xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 08:31 PM

Well, this is the last day for postal delivery before Christmas, and while I have the first half of my pressie, I was told there was another, rhyming with 'family' and I think I know what it is.

Santa, if you're out there - is there another small package on the way? If so, it hasn't arrived yet.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Skipy
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 07:24 PM

Wow! now it's got bizzare!
There was a ring at the door, I took a look out, no one there, blamed it on "kids".
Went out later & lo & behold a sack of coal on the step (out of view when I opened the door) so the elves have been!
Also an Xmas hat in black & white (very Guinness) with the words "BAH HUMBUG" on it ( will wear it for Xmas lunch ), also a card.
O/K not a clue, now I have a sack of coal to find a home for, I WILL make sure that it goes to someone who needs it.
Whoever you are, thank you very much, along with the goat shit you have done a lot of good.
Skipy.
P.S. admit it White horse ff please!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,John Glok McKenzie's SS
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 07:03 PM

So, you havent received anything yet, you wee puling scairting hamsooling brachantouling beastie. Nor ye likely will, till ye weesht yer wee gob and drochit your spollin rams cordaylins, cribbins mon have ye no shame

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Becca's worried SS
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 06:45 PM

No package yet???? It'll be burning embers for the Post Office,not coal!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 05:47 PM

Sorry, Jacqui, she made it clear that she knows it's not the easiest thing to look at. Now I hope you're my secret santee next year.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 05:20 PM

RangerSteve - the bourbon bottle was something of a family heirloom to Mary - it belonged to her late brother and she really wanted to pass it on to someone who would treasure it.

As I write she is on the other end of the phone in tears at your cavalier treatment of her heartfelt gift!























He he he he

From the other Evil Twin

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 04:57 PM

On the other hand WE have received a very nice card from the illustrious Gentleman Giok!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 21 Dec 06 - 04:14 PM

Sinsull, I'm honored to have a Secret Santa who's presence on the Mudcat helps make it so worthwhile. While I do get up to Maine once in a while, it's not worth the effort to look for your house. I'll just regift it next year. I won't tell next years Santee where it came from. Maybe we can get it over the the UK and out of our sight forever. Maybe there's a place where it would be considered high art.

Steve