BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Louisey's Secret Santa
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 02:50 PM

Thanks, our holiday was wonderful. Hope you like the gifts and they *fit*. If you look at the card, I think it should give you some pretty good clues. (I thought I signed it?)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 04:17 PM

Thank You Jacquie Lawson! I love Morris Dance, although I don't do it. I've got lots of friends who do, though. (Well somebody's got to be the audience, eh?) You must know the way to a librarian's heart; the first thing I found was a handout with website addresses for more information. Perfect!
The other stuff? Oh, yeah...I got some very elegant chocolate, some fliers for local places of interest, like Lavender Hill. Ooh, that sounds wonderful. Some beautiful embroidery floss that I started using on Christmas Day. Will that bring folkloric good luck? Some local newspapers so I can catch up on her local news (I love that kind of stuff). Not one but Three cd's of local music, including some pieces played by her father. A calendar, a refrigeratorr magnet that was supposed to be a clue, but I didn't get it yet, and um, other lovely stuff that's under the tree, but I'm typing this on my afternoon break at work. Thanks soo much!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: RangerSteve
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 06:31 PM

Tani, I'm glad you liked the magazine and books. I'm looking forward to your opinion of my tape.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Hollofox's SS
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 01:54 AM

Hello Hollofox,

Glad you liked the gifts. Jacquie Lawson's cards are amusing aren't they?

I do hope the embroidery 'silks' bring some kind of luck ~ so glad you're enjoying them.

Now to embroider a little more ~

The first card & the flower, not an English emblem but close to my real first name.

Yes, the magnet is a clue, a comical beast, it may just seal my fate? And give you the answer you're looking for.

Enjoy the other gifts, you'll find another clue in the website lists ~ you have my land-locked location ~ you wouldn't find my Mudcat identity here ~ go all the way back to Scotland, the answer is in the islands.

Have a 'Really Superb'& Happy New Year, looking forward to hearing from you again when you've had time to reseach the clues.

Enjoy ~

With Love for 2007   Santa xxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Fran
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 04:40 AM

There was a knock on the door this morning and it was the postman with a parcel from Montclair, New Jersey

Thank you very much Secret Santa for a lovely Mug with Cocoa in it that I will be making up later, Jude Deveraux book that I have not read yet so will be stating asap and the lovely christmassy Bottle stopper globe and swizzle sticks and Santa with cents in his belly, and my cat has gone crazy over the tree decoration bell! A nice surprise to make Christmas last a bit longer.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 08:09 AM

Another score for Noo Joysey here today, too, and then the detective work began. Unless I am badly mistaken, it is my friend MMario (a fellow well met at last year's Getaway) who has failed to completely cover his tracks, and has sent me two CDs! The bad news is that I am at work this morning, and my colleague (who is entranced by acid Bangra) kicked off when I put the first CD on the computer, so I have yet to enjoy them, but I did want to thank Leo for sending me such a personal gift, and also the SS card which had me fooled, as the only person I thought I knew in NJ is a dodgy bloke who knocks out Yellow Grease the wrong side of the New Jersey Turnpike.

Thank you, my friend.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 08:29 AM

That would be Big Mick then Greg?
Giok.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: MMario
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 08:41 AM

bad hand writing is a good thing, sometimes....that's an NY not an NJ.

and there is another parcel to come - but I haven't found proper packing yet.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Pseudolus
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 09:44 AM

You're very welcome Mrs. Cobble! I'm just glad it got there in time. The post office said it should be there by the 22nd but I was a little worried. Anyway, Merry Christmas!

Frank

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 10:41 AM

Bwaaah!! I'm no good at puzzles!! I'll never figure out who you are! (sniff) I am making good use of that lovely, twinkly, elegant pen today, though.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Severn's Shy and Secretive Santa
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 03:41 PM

I am so pleased that you liked your gifts. Maybe, when you next come to this sunny shore, you would like to pop down and visit for a while. I have spare rooms and you would be most welcome.

If you could just figure out who I am.....

Hee hee hee

Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Severn
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 06:57 PM

Dear S.S.'s S&S Sussex-I-Suspects SS,

You are also extended an invitation, should you ever reach THESE shores, to visit myself and Molly The Cat and use the spare room (kept Cat-Free) here. We'll still be here and waiting. I doubt no one will evect us any time soon.

The House Brownies may even forgive you for not actually sending your elves. Any excuse for another party is fine with those two!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 07:07 PM

Suspect from Sussex? Moi? Hmmmm........

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jennbrooks
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 10:11 PM

Joy, Joy, Joy! My package was the best! I couldn't wait to open it (but I did) and now I can't wait to get to sit down and read the cookbooks and to try the spices. Grand CD! Lovely calendars! Lovely little shiny trees! and the cats liked the big cloth bag best of all--Abby was in there in a flash right under the tree on Christmas morning.

I'll keep you posted as I actually try the kitchen stuff, because you know I will.

Art says to mention that the next time you're in our neighborhood, we hope you can stop to see us.

Thank you again for all the lovely loot.

Love,

Jenn

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Dec 06 - 10:18 PM

I could have posted this here, but instead I'll add a link. It's Sharon Abbott (SharonA). Aha!

(Thanks!)

SRS

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

Thank you Santa! Much reading has occured :-)

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

Maggie (SRS): You're mosssst welcome!! (That'sss the lasssst hisssss of thissss ssseasssson -- I promisssse!)

I'm sure I've guessed who Vectis's Secret Santa is... but I'll never tell! Hee hee hee!

I'm still waiting to see a package or hear a word from my SS. I've received no posts since December 15th. I'm too depressed to compose a poem about it this time. :^(

Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Snuffy
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 02:33 PM

I too, know who Vectis's Secret Santa is...

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Joybell
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 03:46 PM

Oh Jenn, so glad you like everything. Glad the spices made it in intact too. The clause about plant material on the declaration had me a bit worried. We'd really love to call in and see you. We so nearly did manage it last visit. Hildebrand has a dear friend in Gila so you never know. Hard to get Hildebrand to leave home though. Let me know if there's a comment or ingredient in the cookbooks that is a bit cryptic.
Have a wonderful New Year.
With love Joy

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 10:53 PM

I too, know who Vectis's Secret Santa is...

Well you would, Snuffy, wouldn't you. I also worked out long ago who Vectis's Secret Santa's Secret Santa was. I've worked out a couple of others too. I'm rapidly being recognised by some for my Secret Santette Sleuthing Skills!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Snuffy
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 08:11 AM

I knew it was you who blew my cover. Jenny. But did you work out who my antipodean elf was?

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 08:51 AM

Snuffy, I worked you out way back when you posted the riddle, then when I saw the package it was confirmed.

I didn't figure out your Antipodean Elf though. I think your Santee thought it was me, although I kept assuring her that it wasn't. I still haven't figured how an elf product was placed by hand in the letterbox. Although she's in Oz, she lives a long way from us.

By coincidence, your Elf did some secret Elf work a couple of years ago for SRS, who was my Super Substitute Secret Santa. She was visiting the US at the time. She's very good at it. Maybe I should have figured out it was her this time, but I didn't.

On the other hand, my Santee SINSULL still doesn't know who MY elves were. I wonder if she will ever find out!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 08:53 AM

Jenny - if it's who I think it is ahe'll probably find out on Sunday night!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: JennyO
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 09:18 AM

Yes Jacqui, I think that is entirely possible - unless they plan to prolong the torture. I'm leaving it up to them ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 06:00 PM

Thank you so much, dear Helen, for the lovely loot! The scarf is by far the loveliest present I received this year! I appreciate the books- read "The Shell Seekers" in 3 days! The little fairy is guarding the kitchen- you are a dear!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Helen
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 06:57 PM

Animaterra,

I'm so pleased you liked them. The scarf just had to be made for you when I found that material. And Rosamund Pilcher is an absolute favourite author for both me and my late mother.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Nancy King
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 09:04 PM

Many thanks to my very generous Secret Santa, who I think must be Wuzzle, AKA Gilly Kemp, as the main attraction in the parcel was Gilly's wonderful CD! She has a beautiful voice and has written some lovely songs!

There were a lot of other things in the package too, including some fine English tea in cute little tins, incense in a pretty box, several Christmas ornaments -- even Marmite in little individual servings! My clueless relatives were fascinated!

Thank you Gilly!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Nancy King's Santa
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 06:12 AM

Hi Nancy

You guessed nearly right, Wuzzle is my Mum and as I am not a singer or Musician I sent you one of her Cd's, Glad you liked it, and the odd assortment that came with it!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 08:03 AM

You made the scarf, Helen????? Now it's even more valuable!!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Helen
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 08:36 AM

Well, Animaterra, I can't take credit for the beading, because I bought the beaded fringe, so I only put it all together, but, yes, I made it. I did write that in the card, didn't I? I think I did, anyway.

When I remembered that in your hints you said that your favourite colour is cranberry but you also like blue & green, then how could I not jump with excitement when I saw that lovely material (which, for the benefit of anyone else reading this, is cranberry on one side and blue on the other). I was in the fabric shop looking for something else but there it was, waiting for you - well, waiting for me to find it for you. And it goes well with the boysenberry teddy bear, I thought.

So, I'm really, really glad you like it.

And, I'm still not sure what you mean by reading "English cosies" but Rosamund Pilcher's books are English, and give me a cosy feeling when I read them.

And by the way, it is now New Year here in Newcastle, Oz, so Happy New Year to you, with much love,
Helen

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Nancy King
Date: 31 Dec 06 - 01:17 PM

Thanks for the clarification, Wuzzle's offspring! I do love all the stuff, but I still don't know who YOU are, Mudcat-wise! (I sent a PM to Wuzzle, BTW, so perhaps you and she should look for it.

Thanks again!
Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: sian, west wales
Date: 01 Jan 07 - 09:37 AM

O Frabjuous Day! I got back from Canada last night and - as is my custom - opened my presents, including my box from my Secret Santa.

Great stuff! A pair of Bear Claw salad/pasta tossers and a Mini Ulu knife, presumably for the skinning of mini sea critters. Good grief - is that baby sharp or what???

And the Bear Smooches are no more. Deeeee-LISH !

Now - the weird thing about Mudcat is that I now know who my SS is, but I don't know who she is. If you get my drift. I thought I knew, but ...

And I know someone who knows (apart from The Squeak) but I bet she won't tell me.

Tis a wunnerful mystery still!

sian
with many, many, many, many thanks to my Secret Santa!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: vectis
Date: 01 Jan 07 - 02:02 PM

I too know who my SS is and have thanked her personally by PM. But my santee is still in the dark.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Wuzzle
Date: 01 Jan 07 - 02:33 PM

Hi Nancy

Sorry I cannot take the credit for this one, as it was my daughter.
I have sent you a PM of her Mudcat name.
I am glad you enjoyed her parcel and thank –you for saying such lovely things I am glad you enjoyed the CD
Happy New Year

Gilly

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 07:42 AM

It's the jet lag, you see.

Just thought I'd try to figure out who lives in Alaska, and eventually realized that my Santa had actually signed in as herself on 11 December.

Duh.

Oh well, I had just that much more time to enjoy the mystery of it all. One of the benefits of being a bit loopy (age, jetlag, genetics, whatever!)

bet, you're a treasure. Loved the gifts and my friends think they're great too!

Sharp little b*gger, that Ulu!

sian
not so sharp

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 08:18 AM

my Santa Clues was snuffy, and what a merry dance he led me!

freda

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Barb'ry
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 08:40 AM

My secret santa was ClareBear! Thank you sooo much for my presents - I am happily listening to one now!
Hope you have a great new year
love Barb'ry

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Becca72
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 08:48 AM

Being still rather new around here I have no clue who my Santa is, but I do know where they live and plan to pick the brains of Sins and Jacqui... :-) I was able to pick up my package on Friday and what a haul I got! Thanks VERY much for everything. The Luck Stone necklace is wonderful and the pumpkin butter is a personal favorite! I'm also looking forward to starting the book. I think it is right up my alley!
Thanks again, Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Hollowfox's SS
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 10:35 AM

A very Happy New Year to you Hollowfox (spelt your name right this time) :-)

So, with all these 'Catters going on about their Santas & identities, are you any further with mine?

Never mind, maybe I should reveal my identity? I'll start by shedding my skin   !!

Love RS

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Anne Lister
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 04:20 PM

Still have no idea who mine is ....

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,Becca's SS
Date: 02 Jan 07 - 06:44 PM

Becca, I'm very glad you enjoyed the presents. Hope your holidays were fun. Not sure if Sinsull or Jacqui can help... a little hint.. there's a big clue in the note. A Happy and Healty New Year to you! Santa

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: GUEST,MeganL secret santa
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 07:29 AM

hi Megan,

I hope you enjoyed your gifts and I wish you and yours a wonderful new Year,

Santa xxxx

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 01:40 PM

Got home from work & there's this box waiting for me - hurrah!! Having first been astonished by the size of it *as it were* (and totally embarrassed by the postage charge) I wasted no time at all in ripping off the wrapping & tape & checking out the innards.

At last, I know who my own Dear Secret Santa (aka Elffish Pressently I assume) is!

THANK YOU SEVERN!!!!!!

Have had a quick drool over the contents and am really looking forward to setting down for a good read and lots of listening to all the local papers, mags, programs, books, cassettes & CD's you've sent. This'll take some time, where's that bottle of wine..... What a treasure trove I've received from my Fab Santa, Thank you so much!
Love'n'stuff,
Hil x
ps. didn't click at all - that'll teach me to get chatting more....

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Alba
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 01:55 PM

I am a rather sad Secret Santa today because after no mail service here in the US for 4 days I got a ton of stuff which included the Parcel that I had sent to my Santee in the UK....in time for Christmas.
It was returned to me because they said I had not listed all contents on the customs form.
I checked the contents (again) and I read the customs form I wrote (again....)and I HAD listed everything inside the parcel...SO...There is a postal employee at my Local Post Office who wished that they had been closed another day..:) and......
There is THE parcel on it's way again and if they send it back to me a second time I will bring it over to my Santee myself....
I am a wee bit upset...:(
So if your a sad UK Santee who thinks they have been forgotten and fear ye shall remain presentless....please wait...please...for one present is definetly on it's way... again!!

Love
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 03:21 PM

Alba - if you have any further problems I'm going to the UK in February and would be happy to take the parcel with me.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 03:29 PM

I was going to out a few Santas today but it appears there are still some in the system.... I'll wait a bit longer!

Jacqui Morse - you are SOOOOO in trouble! But his face was a picture and I'll gladly serve time with you for my part in the opus Xmas....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 04:08 PM

Liz - being Micca, what else could I do? I reckon it's a case of the biter bit with him. I must admit that giving him his own gift to take back was the piece de resistance! Many thanks for completing the circle and saving it until the actual day. I'd have loved to be a fly on the wall for that one!

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Alba
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 04:16 PM

jacqui, Thanks so much.
IF I have anymore trouble that is what I shall do.
Thank again, your a Sweetheart.
Love
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Hollowfox
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 05:46 PM

Shedding your skin? Well, I do like snakes. But as to your proper Mudcat name...GAAAHH! Trrying to figure it out is sending me straight up a tree. You have me well and truely bamboozled. Pleas, pretty please, who are you? Thanks and love, Marywhoisgoingtoananimationconventionthisweekend.

Subject: RE: BS: THANK YOU, SECRET SANTA!!!
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 04:19 AM

Dear Hollowfox,

Oh no, snakes are not my favourite thing. My real home is land-locked ~ my Mudcat name's home is the sea/or or land according to legend. ~ & now I have SEALED my fate?

Have a good weekend.

Love to you, take care, look forward to hearing from you.

Rosie Stroud xx