2008 CSS Gifts and Guesses
Isn't that what your other thread is for? It needs an update btw.
She said she would be making a new thread for the gifts and guesses...
http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=18542&page=18Um, I guess this thread doesn't pertain to cascading style sheets...
<wanders off>
It might, if somebody bought someone else something related to web site development.
Here it is! Here's the tree we all put our Secret Santy gifts under awaiting The Day .... of Opening.
[fidgit fidgit]
Just received mine. Woot! No guesses yet. I opened the white box, which contained cookies that I'll eat later tonight. I gave the gift for my wife to her (very nice touch, santa.) And she opened it right away. Earrings! But haven't opened the other three yet.
Thanks, Secret Santa!
I received mine awhile ago but I was waiting for someone to post first. Mine was from across the pond! Thank you Secret Santa :)
{the jar was opened by customs and there was leakage so opening now seemed essential }
I got a solar powered grasshopper electronic project kit! I love it... I'll have to put it together when my kids aren't around though! :D
(PS -- took the pic w/ my new webcam.)
Everything was Nicely Wrapped
This guy Jumped Out of the box !!
Nice Card ,
Lots of Silly Loot !!
A Pickel Catapult /w Extra Ammo !!
Evil Monkey approves !!!
he wants the Pickle catapult ,
To take over the WORLD !!!
OH I Know who Zippy's SS is and I ain't saying.
Good Job Santa!
I like the ANGER bracelet and the pickle shooter. For a second I thought the gun shot the pickles instead of catapulting them. Their mouths looked like the opening of an Oscar Meyer weinie whistle. The only thing cooler than a catapult that launches pickles would be a gun that shoot whistling pickles.
I love the solar powered hopper! I liked it so much I found the site that has all of the beginner kits.
http://robotikitsdirect.com/products/jrscience.html
I soooooo want the solar walking crab. (or the solar racing car)
[youtube]nO--MAcTAKY[/youtube]
BTW, they have a video for the grasshopper, but I didn't want to spoil it for you.
Oh Zip you really got a good one there!
I really resent high postage prices which lower my spending power :(
(actually I ended up cheating and going over, but only on the postage)
So - is mine there yet? is it there yet? has it arrived yet? Did you get it yet? I will try to me more calm. It's due Mon-Fri and I don't even want it opened until Christmas (but I guess that's down to the recipient).
I went over on the gift i sent, but that's pretty standard for me. I think the postage cost more than the limit anyway once you convert AU dollars to US. Isn't the limit just a guide really? If you want to spoil your recipient (or think they might need it) that's ok right? After all, it's not a competition.
Oh Zip you really got a good one there!
I really resent high postage prices which lower my spending power :(
lol, tell me about it :P I went way over budget if the postage was included...that's why I had to stay within the budget on the actual gift.
I went over on the gift i sent, but that's pretty standard for me. I think the postage cost more than the limit anyway once you convert AU dollars to US. Isn't the limit just a guide really? If you want to spoil your recipient (or think they might need it) that's ok right? After all, it's not a competition.
Yea, I chose to completely ignore the limit. Who cares. It's just a guide. It is Christmas ya know.
I looked for some things within the suggested allotment too, I'm just not that creative though. So I went a bit over - so what? Hopefully my recipient is happy. Thats the whole the real point isn't it?
Shall we have a poll? How far over the "limit" did you go? :headshake
...I'm thinking it's only "in the spirit of the thing" if you don't make a song and dance about it. Think about the recipient just scraping by, who had to wait until their paycheck was cashed to buy and send their present. They receive an awesome gift! Wow! Their SS must be an awesome shopper! Then they learn that their SS thought they were a good charitable cause and deserved it, and spent three times as much as they did on the present. What if their recipient did the same and as a result thinks the gift they received is lame.....
No such thing as a lame gift! :)
I decided to open mine also. Here it is:
No such thing as a lame gift! :)
Not in the eyes of the receiver.....
Shall we have a poll? How far over the "limit" did you go? :headshake
...I'm thinking it's only "in the spirit of the thing" if you don't make a song and dance about it. Think about the recipient just scraping by, who had to wait until their paycheck was cashed to buy and send their present. They receive an awesome gift! Wow! Their SS must be an awesome shopper! Then they learn that their SS thought they were a good charitable cause and deserved it, and spent three times as much as they did on the present. What if their recipient did the same and as a result thinks the gift they received is lame.....
I don't think anyone participating in this is expecting something that's going be 'the best gift ever'. That's not the point of the excercise from my perspective. To me it's just a fun way to do something which involves most of us who've posted here for a while and who have an understanding of each other.
If I were to stick to the limit, my giftee would be getting an empty box. I went at least twice over the limit, but I don't think my gift really suggests that. It's really quite simple, but i tried to be thoughtful and in doing so, I spent more than the allotted amount.
If anyone thinks the gift they recieve is 'lame', I don't think they're really entering into this thing with the spirit it's intended.
Shall we have a poll? How far over the "limit" did you go? :headshake
...I'm thinking it's only "in the spirit of the thing" if you don't make a song and dance about it. Think about the recipient just scraping by, who had to wait until their paycheck was cashed to buy and send their present. They receive an awesome gift! Wow! Their SS must be an awesome shopper! Then they learn that their SS thought they were a good charitable cause and deserved it, and spent three times as much as they did on the present. What if their recipient did the same and as a result thinks the gift they received is lame.....
yeah, go on. make a pole of yourself. I treated the "limit" as a suggestion only too. All gifts are in the eye of the beholder. Lame gift? Lame eyes.
But, back to the thread topic.
I received this last week-ish. I'm storing it in the refrigerator.
THANK YOU SECRET SANTA!!!
I like the Big Clue on the package. NICE! :)
Got my SS gift, and it is REALLY cool. I don't need to guess who its from, because my SS is like me, probably the only active Cellar dweller in his location[HTML][/HTML]
The damn pic won't load. Going to work on it more later. It is an awesome little teapot, and a "12 teas of Christmas" set, and they will probably be gone by New Years. Thanks so much to my SS!
"12 teas of Christmas"
"partridge in a pear tree" flavored tea doesn't sound very appetizing to me. :greenface Nor any of the rest... but hey, whatever floats your boat.
I got my SS gift, and will be posting pics when I get the cam back from the Mad Photohog who is my lovely boyfriend. By the way, my SS, THANK YOU!! A perfectly appropriate gift, which has seen use already. I LOVE it muchly! Let me know somehow (through LabRat if you wish to remain anonymous) if you want pics of said present in use! ;) Again, a delighted THANK YOU!
Just received mine. Woot! No guesses yet. I opened the white box, which contained cookies that I'll eat later tonight. I gave the gift for my wife to her (very nice touch, santa.) And she opened it right away. Earrings! But haven't opened the other three yet.
Thanks, Secret Santa!
The cookies were good. Just finished the last one with lunch today. Now If I can just figure out which dwellar lives in the Savannah, GA area.
Thanks Merc! :)
"partridge in a pear tree" flavored tea doesn't sound very appetizing to me. :greenface Nor any of the rest... but hey, whatever floats your boat.
True, but the 10 lords a leaping aint bad
binky's gift:
(for the record, I am totally jealous :D)
I like that teapot. They look really cool. We can get them here too.
Yes it is. Thanks so much Zippy
But, back to the thread topic.
I received this last week-ish. I'm storing it in the refrigerator.
THANK YOU SECRET SANTA!!!
Yes, it is within the edible theme.
No, there is no need to keep it in the fridge.
It requires some culinary input on your part for the accompanying dishes, but I am sure you are up to the task!
Actually probably best prepared for eating on 25th January.
Hope you enjoy it and Merry Christmas to the BigV household.
My Pleasure Binky
And to my SS Thanks for the silly stuff !!
Im guessing Wolf , or Bluerecaro
The cookies were good. Just finished the last one with lunch today. Now If I can just figure out which dwellar lives in the Savannah, GA area.
Thanks Merc! :)[/QUOTE]
RATS! yer welcome. Ignore my opinions. I really am a good guy. Merry Christmas Glattster and family.
[QUOTE=glatt;511716][/img]
Shall we have a poll? How far over the "limit" did you go? :headshake
...I'm thinking it's only "in the spirit of the thing" if you don't make a song and dance about it. Think about the recipient just scraping by, who had to wait until their paycheck was cashed to buy and send their present. They receive an awesome gift! Wow! Their SS must be an awesome shopper! Then they learn that their SS thought they were a good charitable cause and deserved it, and spent three times as much as they did on the present. What if their recipient did the same and as a result thinks the gift they received is lame.....
I had no intent of "making a song and dance about it."
I am very pleased with the SS I got this year. I hope they appreciate the prizes. But putting together something which costs £X (just under the limit) and finding the postage is £X x 3 is frustrating. It doesn't mean I want to broadcast "Oh I spent
SO much money!" because the exact opposite is true - I am genuinely watching my expenditure at the moment and I know other Dwellars are too. But on the other hand, just there is a frustration in literally only being able to send a paper item (as I did last year - a piece of original art) to stick strictly within the limit.
I will receive my SS at some point before this week. I will love it. Why? Because it will be from somene in another country I have never met, and it will have been sent with affection. I don't think I have received a lame present in my life, although I have gifted some on - well with the best will in the world, it was more pleasureable to give than receive!
I think the guideline amount is a great idea. But I think anyone sending to/ receiving from a foreign country should be allowed a little envy when they see what $15 buys and sends in-country.
Here endest the lesson.
PS - is it there yet, is it there yet? 9 days since posting - has it arrived yet?!?!?
PS - is it there yet, is it there yet? 9 days since posting - has it arrived yet?!?!?
Just arrived in today's mail!! :jig: I'm being good and not opening until Christmas like you said you wanted earlier in the thread, though it's very hard to be patient... But thank you in advance, I'm certain it's going to be lovely. ;)
I got my gift! It was waiting for me when I got home. Grabbed the camera...batteries dead, but I will photograph tonight.
I got some smoked salmon from the Alaska Smokehouse, and a jar of pickled herring. I love salmon. I don't know I will be brave enough to try the herring, but I am taking it to the 'rents this weekend because I have a feeling my dad and brothers will love it.
The best part was the salmon came in a beautiful decorated wood box...something that fits right in with my stuff. I so wish I had a pic now but you will see it tomorrow. I kept looking at it last night.
I was so excited and thrilled.
Now, let's see...from the great state of Washington...gotta be BigV, no?
THANKS SO MUCH SANTA. YOU MADE MY WEEK! :)
Just arrived in today's mail!! :jig: I'm being good and not opening until Christmas like you said you wanted earlier in the thread, though it's very hard to be patient... But thank you in advance, I'm certain it's going to be lovely. ;)
Hurray! Hurray!
Not a bad job by the postal services after all.
Now I just have the grand opening to look forward to.
My Pleasure Binky
And to my SS Thanks for the silly stuff !!
Im guessing Wolf , or Bluerecaro
Er...no, not from me! I won't be going to the post office until Friday.
Ah ha! I have been given permission to indulge in instant gratification. So here we have the box. As you can see, it suffered a bit coming overseas, but who doesn't really?
All damage was superficial, thanks to excellent packing materials:
Note the curious monkey peeking over the table in the background. And what exactly is this cushy padding protecting my delightful gift? Why it's a torn up British celebrity tabloid!
Actually quite fascinating. I didn't recognize anyone named in it, except Gordon Ramsey and Britney Spears.
Then a lovely card
Including a short verse written on the back:
Fob, Fob, lovely Fob
Better than snow
Yum, yum, yum.
I'm going to assume this is a British reference of some kind... but it's true, I
am better than snow. I've never once had to be shoveled off the driveway.
First gift item: cookies!
No wait, biscuits. And you can't have biscuits without tea:
And you can't have either unless you're prepared to eat them the right way!
This last looks to be a very funny book on the history, traditions, and general consumption of both tea and biscuits. From the introduction:
There can be few more relaxing things in life than a nice cup of tea and a sit down. A good hot bath is one, but that's not always an option, especially if you are at work or doing your shopping. Or maybe like us your bath is fairly short and small, and you have to sit bolt upright in it. If you do lie down in it then your legs have to stick out at the tap end, halfway up the wall, and they get cold. Playing loud music and drinking a glass of brandy or whiskey go some way to diverting us from the fact that our bath was designed for a lost race of people with an average height of 4ft 6ins, but it's far from ideal. Anyway, a nice cuppa while sitting down is the cornerstone of British society, possibly even more important to us than television or queueing up for things.
Wonderful! Thank you so much, Sundae. I love it! I am in fact going to go eat a few biscuits right now (in no doubt the wrong way, but I'll be learning soon!)
awesome swesome awesome! I so want to read that book...
I love Happy Face biscuits. Like Jammy Dodgers only better :)
Those cookies look so tasty! Awesome gift, Sundae!
Clod, you have some sexy hands.
Jammy Dodgers aren't what they used to be though...the jam's gone too soft.
Clod, you have some sexy hands.
*snicker* Never heard that before. Good to know. :)
Jammy Dodgers aren't what they used to be though...the jam's gone too soft.
Not by the time they get imported here... breaks yer fillings, that stuff! :lol:
Oh thanks for the wonderful documentation Clod, you have no idea how smiley you gave made me.
I hope you and your family have fun with these foreign foodstuffs - identifying them in the book and agreeng or disagreeing with the reviews.
I am a happy sender today :)
Hearing that makes me happy I spent the time on this.
Thanks again Labrat. This has been fun.
I second that...let's give a cheer for Labrat for putting her time and effort into this:
Hip Hip...Hoorayyyyyyy
Hip Hip...Hoorayyyyyyy
Hip Hip...Hoorayyyyyyy
Yep, this looks like fun!
(Reminds self to sign up for next year)
Clod, you have some sexy hands.
I thought that too, but then, what isn't sexy about Clodfobble?
My Pleasure Binky
And to my SS Thanks for the silly stuff !!
Im guessing Wolf , or Bluerecaro
Now that blue has posted her denial, I'll fess up.
It was me.
Take another look at the card ...
That and it WAS chock full of nutty goodness ...
(and yes, the McPhee's Mystery Bag was involved in your gift. I especially liked that they included the disturbing monkey.)
mine came a few days ago, but I waited for jinx's to arrive before opening. Here they are together:
glatt sent some AWESOME candied walnuts......sweet and spicy at once....these would be excellent in a late night salad. Also a felt star for the tree
and ducks sent a timtam slam set and a wombat book with a cutesy li'l stuffed wombat. very sweet.
thanks to both of you....I hope you get as good as you give!
I love my gifts, thank you so much Ducks... the book and wombat are adorable and I'll be trying the tim tam and hot chocolate tomorrow.
:santa:
glatt sent some AWESOME candied walnuts......sweet and spicy at once....these would be excellent in a late night salad.
I'm glad you like them. They are a favorite around here. Usually my wife makes them, but I made the batch I sent to you. I find them a bit addicting.
I got my gift! It was waiting for me when I got home. Grabbed the camera...batteries dead, but I will photograph tonight.
I got some smoked salmon from the Alaska Smokehouse, and a jar of pickled herring. I love salmon. I don't know I will be brave enough to try the herring, but I am taking it to the 'rents this weekend because I have a feeling my dad and brothers will love it.
The best part was the salmon came in a beautiful decorated wood box...something that fits right in with my stuff. I so wish I had a pic now but you will see it tomorrow. I kept looking at it last night.
I was so excited and thrilled.
Now, let's see...from the great state of Washington...gotta be BigV, no?
THANKS SO MUCH SANTA. YOU MADE MY WEEK! :)
You're half right about your SS. I signed up for the thread and shipped it but Tink picked it out. I helped on the pickled herring I confess. I hope it all arrived ok, the guys in the shipping department send cold packs all the time and assured me this would be ok. The salmon I'm not worried about, actually, I'm not worried about the herring either. I just hope you enjoy them. You're very welcome!
From here.
I'm glad you like them. They are a favorite around here. Usually my wife makes them, but I made the batch I sent to you. I find them a bit addicting.
Recipe, pretty please?
I got a beautiful, soft as cashmere hat---my son is trying to steal it from me but I won't let him! Let's see if I can get a pic of it...I've no idea who my SS is----Postmark was cambridge New york!
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=rmvdk6&s=4
Ok---here is my 17 year old wearing my (MY) hat....thanks, Santa!
It's alpaca from a local alpaca ranch knitted by a local alpaca rancher's friend.
Glad you like it.
You're very welcome, Jinx. :) Hope you like timtams as much as I do.
Hey Jimbob, do you think jinxs address is more important than mine?? :p
[COLOR="White"].....Stalkers welcome if you are seriously hot, rich and willing to be taught how to be awesome in bed[/COLOR].
I love your son's little lambchoppers, Bri. Great hat!
You're very welcome, Jinx. :) Hope you like timtams as much as I do.
Hey Jimbob, do you think jinxs address is more important than mine?? :p
[COLOR=White].....Stalkers welcome if you are seriously hot, rich and willing to be taught how to be awesome in bed[/COLOR].
i didnt think it could be read..i even blew it up and couldnt.....if it bugs you, say so, and i'll pm a mod to remove the post. sorry>!<
Sorry folks, working on the pics.
BigV and Tink: thanks again! I'm taking it all over to my brother's house for Christmas.
Huh. I just had mine shipped from the store I bought it at. Not a good santa this year, but fu** it.....
It's the thought that counts. :) Right? No? Alright. Fu** it.
wait. cicero bought and shipped her own SS gift? Ok. Clearly I am out of the loop.
I got mine today! yea! It was beautifully wrapped with santa paper - which I removed before taking a pic - oops ... I opened it and out came the following. Exactly what I need and want - I love decorating the tree and the two ornaments will be proudly displayed on the tree tomorrow. The larger one is already out in the family room.
Thank you, thank you, not so, secret santa :)
(sorry for the pic quality - I only have my phone to use)
two snowmans and a chikken? I like!
cock and [COLOR=White]sno[/COLOR] balls?
I'm glad you like them. They are a favorite around here. Usually my wife makes them, but I made the batch I sent to you. I find them a bit addicting.
Recipe, pretty please?
OK.
It's in the Christmas food thread.
wait. cicero bought and shipped her own SS gift? Ok. Clearly I am out of the loop.
On that...Yea. I bought so many scarves I didn't need that we should just say my Christmas for myself, is already over. ;)
I received my gift today and thank you so much - whoever has me (I have no clue) must have picked up from a thread that I like Phil Hartman and that I like Dave Foley (and the Kids in the Hall) because they sent me season 1 and 2 of News Radio - one of my favorite shows.
Whoever you are - Thank you Thank you!!!
Dave Foley? He's awesome!! I would like that too. He's my fave, though not active lately.
Classicman, I have to say it
I think you have a lovely cock.
< spits breakfast tea all over the screen
Give a gal some warning SG! ;)
My secret Santa package arrived and I will post pics later today. The box came yesterday but I have been swamped with computer issues and battling a case of "Martian Death Flu." As fans of Dave Barry will recall the main symptom of MDF is that you wish your electric blanket had another setting past "HIGH" which is "ELECTROCUTE."
Thanks santa, They were really sweet and made it seem like you actually read the tripe I post. Either that or Jinx bought them ;)
heyfuckyou!
all me! a hunnit pecent!
the tractor was a guess, but i see you diggin it.
and the footfootfoot on the carpenter was hand painted in my very bed!
No, I really like them. The inch was all, "let me see that tractor" and I was all, "Step off, it's MINE."
I liked the little foot stamp too. That was cool.
I'm wondering how to explain the concept of an internet handle to my wife when she reads the footfootfoot on the carpenter.
your wife doesn't know about your internet alter ego? :eek:
okay my recipient has not gotten their gift, and I sent it about 3 weeks ago :eek:
Mine hasn't gotten to the recipient either, but I only sent it about 2weeks ago.
Got mine! Thanks a bunch SS. The treats were loved by all. The other libation to be consumed over time. Pics to follow.
I got mine today.
Completely unexpected contents, and really lovely.
Pictures to follow.
thanks for sharing the fun !
nice things to nice peoples
I just got my healthcare package in the mail from September, after talking to the ex. This does not look good. :(
I just got my healthcare package in the mail from September, after talking to the ex. This does not look good. :(
Cic---that isn't a gift, is it lovey? Unless your ex is gifting you with the gift of...healthcare? Is this COBRA? Coz if it's COBRA, it's prolly a gift. That shit is expensive.
I was wondering about this too.
If you don't have a need for a cobra type healthcare package like surgery then sometimes purchasing other insurance is less expensive?
Although this is just an assumption or course...come back and tell us what it is?
I think she means her SS package is destined for her old address, where her ex lives, and he's not registering on the awesome scale when it comes to forwarding stuff.
Still waiting. Considering checking the mailroom of the other building, just in case.
your wife doesn't know about your internet alter ego? :eek:
No she knows but she is such a luddite that she still needs 'splainin' that the cellar isn't a chat room. well, most of the time.
It would be too confusing to bring up the existence of cellar chat, so we'll skip that for now.
She thought it was nice that we did a secret santa thing and now she wants to find her own internet community, but is reticent to join this one, despite how many of you she'd hit it off with, I'm sure.
for some reason Carol is the same Footz
We have not received a SS gift, either...and our recipient has not, I don't think. I sent it almost 2 weeks ago. :(
No she knows but she is such a luddite that she still needs 'splainin' that the cellar isn't a chat room. well, most of the time.
It would be too confusing to bring up the existence of cellar chat, so we'll skip that for now.
She thought it was nice that we did a secret santa thing and now she wants to find her own internet community, but is reticent to join this one, despite how many of you she'd hit it off with, I'm sure.
dude....just show her
my sexy picture, and tell her I'm nice......she won't be able to resist beng assimilated
I haven't recieved my gift, and I know my giftee hasn't recieved theirs either after reading this thread.
I haven't received mine. But I know my giftee got theres:P Which is pleasing except for the fact customs opened it up and spilled juice all over the label lol.
I haven't received mine. But I know my giftee got theirs:P Which is pleasing.
What she said, as edited here.
eek! thanks for correcting. I was writing that in a rush!
eek! thanks for correcting. I was writing that in a rush!
Nonononononono I wasn't being the speeling police, simply that my parcel to my recipient hadn't been opened by customs ...
What she said, as edited here.
You should be getting it soon, Limey. If not, please let me know so I can go postal...on my post office. Hm. That doesn't sound right, does it?
Okay, all the way from Texas, although my Santa may have gone South of the border to purchase it.
Firstly, the undamaged box, which nevertheless terrified me by having a FRAGILE sticker on it.
But as you can see in the second photo it was securely packed and protected and so arrived in great condition.
The wrapped present (although I rummaged in the packing for a while, just in case). Inside the wrapping was a box. I took a picture of the box and of the box open with the gifts inside, but I think the next logical step would be to simply show the prizes.
The first part of the gift - 5 (count them! 5!) doilies. Different sizes, shapes and colours and they look and feel very high quality. My Mum is eyeing them up already.
And even more unexpectedly - a gourd. According to the customs information, it is an antique Mexican gourd. It's very delicate and painted beautifully in pastal colours.
The top is obviously hand-cut so it only fits if you put it on in exactly the right spot. It's so unusual and eye-catching.
I know my SS must have gone to a lot of time and trouble to buy and send my present. I think I know who it is, but I'll wait and see if she wants to reveal herself. Can I just say a huge thank you for the effort you went to - I am overwhelmed by your generosity and the care you took sending it!
Cool! I LOVE gourds! Great prizes, SG!
I got mine! I guess I checked the mail too early, yesterday, so today, it was in there. It's really neat and I can't wait to show you all what it is! And I still don't know who it is from. :) Pictures to follow soon.
You should be getting it soon, Limey. If not, please let me know so I can go postal...on my post office. Hm. That doesn't sound right, does it?
[SIZE="1"]Have we let a little cat out of the bag here, Bri?[/SIZE]
[SIZE="1"]Have we let a little cat out of the bag here, Bri?[/SIZE]
well, yes. But I wanted you to know it's on it's way since you live waaaaaaaaaaaaay over there from me! (besides, I had to fill out the custom's thing-y which blows the surprise)
I'm ready to guess who sent my
generous spa basket:Sheldon?
Cuz u live in AZ and my stuff was from AZ.
Am I right? Am I?
If that aint it, I got nothin', outta ideas.
BTW if you look closely, one of the soaps is called "Tombstone Gunslinger Body Soap" I LOL'd when I saw that. It all seems like nice soap. I'll be testing the "Chocolate Mint" bars and "Dead Sea Scrub", the other soaps I'll have to resist though. I have bad reactions to certain "fragrances" they add to soaps, even within the same brand, weird I know. There were some other cool things in the basket non-soap that'll I have no fears about utilizing though!
Sorry I'm so late about giving a descriptive post, wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to lie, but at the same time I feel rotten that I can't use some of it.
SG: I'm kinda sad to inform you I didn't go to Mexico for your gourd. Actually, never been to Mexico at all. Always been to poor for vacations that are not family visits. No family south of the border.
I did go to a super-neat antique store downtown. Best shopping around if you ask me. I have a obsession with boxes, hide-holes, ect, I had a hard time parting with that find!
I'm glad you like the doily, I thought most people would find them weird. I knew you were cool and should like them tho!
I'm starting to think you're a British version of me.
Here are my nifty ornaments:
OK, here's my pics.
Pre opening
[ATTACH]21040[/ATTACH]
And here they are revealed. A nutcracker ornament, a packet of lollies and the very best of all, a pie lifter with glass beaded handle. It's beautiful and I love it. I only have a couple of shoddy old ones around here, so that was a gift I could really use. I'd kiss you if you were standing next to me Case! You did very well. :)
[ATTACH]21041[/ATTACH]
Here's a closer view of the handle. It's so pretty!
[ATTACH]21042[/ATTACH]
Oh, and there were little notes with each gift too, but since the good camera hasn't arrived yet, i couldn't get a clear enough shot to show you those too.
I am glad I went with my instinct on the pie server, then. I found it at a local holiday art sale. They didn't want to sell it to me, for some reason...I think they were just advertising the art center in town. When I waved cash in front of them, they said "Oh, okay."
The other two gifts were impulse buys at the store...I just thought there was a chance that your grocery stores probably had different stuff than ours. Those were items that I liked, so hoped that you would, too.
I am so glad you like them! I figured you were really into baking and cooking (like me) and would like a special utensil.
I'm ready to guess who sent mygenerous spa basket:Sheldon?
Cuz u live in AZ and my stuff was from AZ.
Am I right? Am I?
If that aint it, I got nothin', outta ideas.
BTW if you look closely, one of the soaps is called "Tombstone Gunslinger Body Soap" I LOL'd when I saw that. It all seems like nice soap. I'll be testing the "Chocolate Mint" bars and "Dead Sea Scrub", the other soaps I'll have to resist though. I have bad reactions to certain "fragrances" they add to soaps, even within the same brand, weird I know. There were some other cool things in the basket non-soap that'll I have no fears about utilizing though!
Sorry I'm so late about giving a descriptive post, wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to lie, but at the same time I feel rotten that I can't use some of it.
I refuse to answer that question as it may tend to incriminate me. :-)
And that's why I sent a bunch of different types of soaps. Just in case of allergies. And I have no problems if you want to re-gift them to some of your friends or family. :-) I hope you like them.
And don't forget to play with the duckie. Hehehe
On another note. SS hasn't come for me yet. Must be because I'm Jewish. lol!!!
On another note. SS hasn't come for me yet. Must be because I'm Jewish. lol!!!
Well, Chanukah isn't over until sundown next Monday, so they have time to catch up.
I am glad I went with my instinct on the pie server, then. I found it at a local holiday art sale. They didn't want to sell it to me, for some reason...I think they were just advertising the art center in town. When I waved cash in front of them, they said "Oh, okay."
The other two gifts were impulse buys at the store...I just thought there was a chance that your grocery stores probably had different stuff than ours. Those were items that I liked, so hoped that you would, too.
I am so glad you like them! I figured you were really into baking and cooking (like me) and would like a special utensil.
You made brilliant choices. :) I'll be smiling and thinking of you every time I use the pie lifter. Good stuff!
Oh my, my, my! What a Merry Christmas Eve it is indeed!
A box has arrived at the WolfApt!
It's waiting under the tree!
Sometimes a reused box will yield a clue ... who is this fellow? Is he my Secret Santa? And what, pray tell, is a "Comb Bind"? Is that the stuff he's using to secure that unconvincing comb-over?
Ah ... I see. Comb Binding is the plastic thing that puts together the booklet that he's clutching to his chest like it's a personally autographed copy of Brianna's New Hot Autobiography titled "Autoerotography." Maybe he's so happy because she's coming over to personally reinact some of the spicier bits!
Curiouser and Curiouser ... so, let me think. Who is it that admits to working in marketing?
Moving on, there's an envelope with some little stars drawn on the front ... Just stars there, no clue, just an acknowledgement of my personal greatness.
I had trouble getting a good picture, so as I was moving the envelope to get a better look ...
Oooh! HelloKitty Goodness!!
Ah, the wolf is excited.
Christmas Accomplished!
The comb bind guy looks like Gary Sinise--maybe wolf's present is a Hello Kitty CSI kit? You know there's gotta be one.
So, I unwrapped my Secret Santa gift last night, and got very excited when I saw the velvety jewelry box...and indeed, good things do come in small packages, as they say. Beautiful and elegant things!
I will have to leave it at that for now, until I can post proper photo documentation...I must model some of them.
Hurray! my gift got here! *smiles* The postie decided to leave it underneath the upturned bottle-recycling tub outside my house...it may have been there for a few days lol. I found it accidentally when I was clearing up and decided to put some bottles out.
I haven't got my camera working again yet, so a description will have to do for now. The parcel contained a lovely paperbag and inside was a gorgeous teacage which has a little chain coming off it with a tiny British teapot design o the end.
Along with the tea cage were two packets of the most amazingly aromatic fruit tea. One of them (Caramel Apple) had unfortunately burst and was doing a damn fine impression of packaging, with just a hint of pot pourri lol. But there's still half left in the packet and the other one (Cherry Chocolate) is completely intact.
Either I am ridiculously easy to buy for, or my secret santa's pyschic lol. Thankyou Binky!
And so, the strip tease continues ...
Two delightful Hello Kitty Candies! They are labeled in Japanese, so I have no idea what kind of candy they are. They are wrapped like we would wrap gum, which, given those wily Japanese, means that these are likely some kind of squid jelly, bound with rice.
What else may be here??
A card picturing Matryoshka Santas, and not really giving any clues, at least not ones that I'm picking up on. Handwriting essentially nondescript. Is it block printed to avoid a feminine hand, or one that I might recognize?
More Asian stuff ... is it tea? Or something from one of the more mysterious aisles of the Asian Grocer ... Review of the reverse indicates something more mysterious. It's a powdered tomato base of some sort, meant to be used to enhance coloration.
And some mysterious gold-wrapped bundles ... what have we here?
A very cool shaker dispenser, that will henceforth be known as the "Hello Kitty Dalek." It says "Hello Kitty in the Kitchen" on the front.
These Bonito Flavored Seasoning Packets have been Satisfaction almost as long as I've been alive. Hmmm ... Hello Kitty in the Kitchen, Asian Natural Coloring Agent and Bonito Flavoring ... Is this a theme emerging?
This last one's a bit heavy ... and it's Whoo hoo! More Hello Kitty Kitchen Accessory!! A great pasta holder!
And there's something inside ...
Noodles!
Looks like I've got some very nifty meal fixin's here, and some great Hello Kitty Doodads!
Everything Proudly Displayed
I love it all! Thanks so much!!
Now to figure out who it came from ... the origin ZIP, if accurate, indicates Center City, within walking distance of Chinatown and Independence Hall.
Of course, my Santa could be the clever sort, and using this ZIP as misdirection (which leads me to suspect RichLevy).
My other guesses are classicman and bluecuracao.
My official guess is for ... blue. Is it you?
Hurray! my gift got here! *smiles* The postie decided to leave it underneath the upturned bottle-recycling tub outside my house...it may have been there for a few days lol. I found it accidentally when I was clearing up and decided to put some bottles out.
I haven't got my camera working again yet, so a description will have to do for now. The parcel contained a lovely paperbag and inside was a gorgeous teacage which has a little chain coming off it with a tiny British teapot design o the end.
Along with the tea cage were two packets of the most amazingly aromatic fruit tea. One of them (Caramel Apple) had unfortunately burst and was doing a damn fine impression of packaging, with just a hint of pot pourri lol. But there's still half left in the packet and the other one (Cherry Chocolate) is completely intact.
Either I am ridiculously easy to buy for, or my secret santa's pyschic lol. Thankyou Binky!
You're welcome!! I am so glad it came in time.
Briefly:
I opened my gift from my SS, much to the horror of Tink's gift from me.
I know it was unintentional, but the shock was so great that we shattered the stunned silence with gales of laughter.
You would have done the same.
ARGh!
All over break it was "I need to take some time from the Cellar, buckle down at work, and work on getting home internet." Then I started reading threads like "what is the cellar for" etc.
I MISSED you guys.
At the risk of letting on who my Secret Santee was, which is probably already figured out somewhere, mine should arrive this week. I am the greatest procrastinator of all, and to ship it on time would have cost me loads of cash. Yeah, I suckee suckee but I hope my Santee enjoys the crap once it gets there.
Hope you all had a great holiday!
Hi Shawnee
@ wolf, I love how you thoughts accompanied each frame! It's as if we could listen you you as you opened each one. Thanks for sharing :)
Mine. See if you can figure out who it was from. All treats were much appreciated by the 4 leggers. And the 2 leggers as well. Thanks SS! :D
http://picasaweb.google.com/AnesMerc/SecretSantaGift2008#Pic #9, your thumb looks like you're hanging on real tight. :D
I was. There was a lot of competition for those treats. :D
Yeah!!! :::clap clap clap:::
Note that
Clearheart vodka is "
homemade" here in Cedar Rapids. I think it is as good as any other top shelfer out there. The Cedar Ridge Distillery is the first legal still to operate in Iowa since prohibition. I haven't tried their rum or gin yet.
I was particularly proud of my bacon flavored dog treat find though :D.
Merry Christmas!
Clearheart Vodka [COLOR="Red"]Crawl[/COLOR], August 8
I'll bet. :lol2:
[ATTACH]21142[/ATTACH]
Sorry, I accidentally covered the word "art" on the note.
[ATTACH]21143[/ATTACH]
I am really enjoying the book.
Thank you much, Secret Santa! Now, who could you be?
Yeah!!! :::clap clap clap:::
Note that Clearheart vodka is "homemade" here in Cedar Rapids. I think it is as good as any other top shelfer out there. The Cedar Ridge Distillery is the first legal still to operate in Iowa since prohibition. I haven't tried their rum or gin yet.
I was particularly proud of my bacon flavored dog treat find though :D.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks again! Even the doggy popcorn was a hit. I have to add those pics to my Picasa page, I will try to do it by next weekend.
limey---If you don't get your gift soon, I'm going to sue the US postal service. I sent it Priority Mail! You don't have it YET?
Bear in mind the postie round Limey's way has to battle his way through herds of live haggis to get there...
Are we all done (aside from Limey :()?
I think it was a wonderful haul this year and the eatables/ potables/ local gifts theme worked pretty well. Personally, I'd like a more definite theme this year. But them I live in an Islamo-fascist state (;)) and therefore respond well to authority.
Actually, it is a pretty British trait. Give us draconian rules so we have something to thumb our noses at! Like I did when I ignored the "budget includes postage" I suppose...
And I'm really glad there were no dropouts this year. Good choice of people and here's to more becoming regulars in 2009, and some of those who were already regulars joining in.
Oh and of course, thanks to LR, who did sterling work in 2008, as Monster did in 2007.
Are we all done (aside from Limey :()?
Unless I missed it, richlevy*, Treasunauk, DanaC, Cicero*, SteveDallas, Limey, Ducksnuts and myself** have not recieved their gifts yet.
*I have heard from their senders and know what is going on.
**as of 12/31 anyway when I stopped in to work to check on the lab.
Correct me if I'm wrong. --just the gifts, not my grammar.
I'd like a more definite theme this year.
No rules = just right!
FREEEEEEEEEEEDOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
limey---If you don't get your gift soon, I'm going to sue the US postal service. I sent it Priority Mail! You don't have it YET?
:headshake :cry:
unless .... wait .... [goes and looks in shed] ... [[this message brought to you in real time ] ...
:eek: :) :D :dunce: :lol: :jig: pix to follow!
Unless I missed it, richlevy*, Treasunauk, DanaC, Cicero*, SteveDallas, Limey, Ducksnuts and myself** have not recieved their gifts yet.
SteveDallas got his. :) It was one of the first in the thread.
Pic 1 - The package which contained ...
Pic 2 - a Buckeye necklace and a tartan-wrapped parcel which contained ...
Pic 3 - ... Buckeye sweeties!
The package contained a letter explaining the significance of Buckeyes in a number of ways and I have now decorated my log cabin with the string of Buckeyes (all I need now is a raccoon skin, apparently!).
Thanks Bri! The sweeties are none the worse for having been in the shed since at least 29th December :blush: and are indeed deelish!
Many thanks!
I had a false alarm yesterday. A package was on my doorstep, but it turned out to be the rechargeable batteries I ordered a week ago.
I sent mine on Monday the 22nd. I knew it would take some time, but had hoped it would be there by now.
I forgot to include the rest of the stuff I got from Merc that I opened on Christmas. A book,
Pecked to Death by Ducks, by Tim Cahill. It's a collection of short travel stories he's written for various travel magazines. I've only read the first couple stories, but it looks like it's going to be a good one. Merc also gave me a cute ornament of Santa on vacation, and a blank diary/journal.
Thanks Merc! You're an awesome Secret Santa!
Briefly:
I opened my gift from my SS, much to the horror of Tink's gift from me.
I know it was unintentional, but the shock was so great that we shattered the stunned silence with gales of laughter.
You would have done the same.
So does the V stand for vegetarian - BigV? If so I'll get a veggie version on its way to you ...
So, just Ducks, Rich, Cic and myself haven't recieved yet. I just missed noting the others. :blush: Both Ducks and Cic's are coming from overseas, and will take some time. Rich's sender said that his will be late via the anon account, and I don't know anything about mine.
I forgot to include the rest of the stuff I got from Merc that I opened on Christmas. A book, Pecked to Death by Ducks, by Tim Cahill. It's a collection of short travel stories he's written for various travel magazines. I've only read the first couple stories, but it looks like it's going to be a good one. Merc also gave me a cute ornament of Santa on vacation, and a blank diary/journal.
Thanks Merc! You're an awesome Secret Santa!
My pleasure glattster. I hope I made a difference for a day. I am really a good guy if you get to know me. Cheers.
btw, all the Tim Cahill books are hoot. I love his style. They will take you to places you never thought you could go. When you finish that one, hop on another. Great vacation/camping reads. Best wishes to you and your family.
Duck's has arrived!! YAY, its awesome.
Thanks SS, I know who you are ;)
I have taken pics......the awesomest Bat Cat Calender which has had everyone here in stitches, a cool Buckeyes Hat (I took a pic modeling it) and some Buckeye chocolates that I am now addicted too.
Can I order them online somewhere?
Thanks sooo much.
Much love SS (pics to come tonite)
Yay!
I thought it was funny Bri also sent Ohio State stuff. I saw that she sent a buckeye necklace that I thought about sending you...but I didn't think it would make customs as buckeyes could be planted to make buckeye trees.
I don't know if the shop I got the candies at would ship; they're local, but I am sure you can find them from a number of places.
I'm sooooo glad you got it and like it. Sorry it took so long.
:)
PS I knew you would look cute in the hat.
So does the V stand for vegetarian - BigV? If so I'll get a veggie version on its way to you ...
Obviously BigV can respond on his own behalf, but I think the shock comes from the amusing coincidence that he received a LambChop puppet from his spouse on the same Christmas as he received haggis.
Last week we had a nasty snowstorm Tuesday night, followed by record breaking cold for several days. School was closed for three days!! On no school days, I stay home with my daughter. Unfortunately, I did not bring my laptop home from work Tuesday, so I wasn't able to immediately say thank you for the Secret Santa Surprise I recieved Thursday.
I know this wasn't from my actual SS, becasue I gave them my work address. So whomever is responsible, thank you!! This was a great surprise!
So, without further ado...
Contents of red tissue paper.
1) Some wash away your sins towlettes. Obviously this person did some research about me...
2) A really cool fossilized gastropod (snail) shell. I wonder, was this a local treasure? It's really cool.
A couple boxes wrapped in awesome paper!!
The santa one my daughter was like "What is Santa doing?!?"
The Stripping Santa contained:
The Generic Wrapping Paper box contained:
How awesome!
I love the sin towelettes, and the fossil is beautiful. And I always love Happy Bunny.
Nice job, whomever! :)
A solar powered lamp in a jar! How fun!! Unfortunately, my house doesn't get any good direct sunlight in the winter, and although it says safe for outdoors, I don't think they meant when the temp was -20. (-45 or so with windchill :eek: ) I will bring it to work and try to charge 'er up.
Of course I had to open the lid to see how it worked...
There were also a fun set of tumblers. I will enjoy drinking my vodka crans out of them around the firepit this summer, when it is safe to go outside with exposed skin...
The entire haul:
I need to mention that my daughter also got over 30 min of fun rolling around on the floor trying to pop the bubble wrap. Thank the gods, because she was driving me batty not being able to go outside and burn off that energy :)
THANK YOU!!!
Wow, somebuddy loves ya, baby!
What a lovely surprise - big congrats to the big-hearted gifter.
That was so nice. Good for you.
I need to mention that my daughter also got over 30 min of fun rolling around on the floor trying to pop the bubble wrap. Thank the gods, because she was driving me batty not being able to go outside and burn off that energy :)
THANK YOU!!!
Looks like she is well packaged and ready to safely ship. :D
I giggled last night remembering the pic of your daugther in the bubble wrap, LR. I remembered the video of her playing in the puddle. That girl loves life, doesn't she?
Very cool. :)
2) A really cool fossilized gastropod (snail) shell. I wonder, was this a local treasure? It's really cool.
That's an ammonite - not gastropod but cephalopod/mollusk. I have a couple myself...
Cool stuff Labber! Excellent job Secret Santa(s)! :thumb:
I have received my SS gift!
Tim Tams...a putty head.....Aussie themed wood cut-outs...and a card.
Thanks Santa! :)
Tim tams! Are you sharing?
The funny part? They were already shared by the time I got them....The box was half full!! lol! (the rest of the box included my presents)