I can't believe I'm the first one who received her package! Karl, I LOVE them. I really do. OK, for those not in the secret, here is aaaall the story. I was just back home from work and I was on the phone with my Dad talking about a problem I have at work (I may leave but after all it's not that bad for me, I think). Anyway, Hubby came back home and hehad the curiosity to check the mailbox. He came to me with an enormous smile and gave me a package from the USA... Well, it was pretty obvious it was my Hatrack Secret Santa's present! I smiled really hard too, took my time to end the conversation with my Dad (he actually told me he was proud of me and loved me, can you believe it?) and I opened the package. Inside were two pretty white boxes and a card. In the first box there were four lovely pair of earrings (I am wearing one right now!), in the second one a beautiful bookmak and the card was from Karl, telling me he had done all this himself and wishing me a happy holiday. Karl, I'm so touched you took the time to make all this! I have a feeling your earrings are going to become my favourites, they are beautiful in themselves and they really suit me with my new hairlengh. A million of thank you, dear Secret Santa!
[ December 09, 2005, 02:56 AM: Message edited by: Anna ]
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
WOW! I honestly didn't expect them to arrive until near the end of next week. The post office really underestimated themselves on this one.
I'm so glad you like them. They're the first earrings I've ever made. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Post pictures when you get a chance Anna!
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
You bet! Tomorrow I'm going to the hairdresser, and I'm so asking Hubby to take pictures tomorrow evening! BTW, Karl, I have to tell you... When Hubby asked who you are, I told him : You know, I told you about him, he's the one who made the difference between like or love... He instantly knew who you were. Actually I think what you wrote really helped me, because when I think about my relations with people I find myself wondering if I'm just happy to spend time with them or if their happiness is important to me. It's really useful.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
BTW, which pair is your favorite? Everyone I showed them to is curious to know.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Anna or Karl, would you mind sharing the like/love bit of wisdom with us?
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
She's talking about this thread. Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
My favourites are the pair of red ones with three pearls and very little ones between the big ones. (Do you see which ones I mean?) I'm going to wear them tomorrow.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
*can't wait for pictures!* Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
*bump* For me...
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
Oh wow, I didn't participate because I'm too frazzled this year and didn't trust myself to get a present mailed out on time, but how fun it is to read about this! I'm excited to hear about everyone else's Secret Santa experiences.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
E-mails with pictures sent!
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
I got the email and replied. They do look good on you. I'm glad you like them.
Here are photos of the earrings themselves. The colors are a little off due to poor lighting, but they give you the idea. two pair. other two pair. Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Those are pretty!
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
I guess I'm the next to have received my present and it's perfect timing, KQ, because I've really been wanting some sushi the past couple days. And now I can make my own! I just need to go to the store and get some shrimp and stuff to put in the middle.
Thanks KQ - I'll definitely be enjoying this for a while.
mmmm...sushi...
Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :
Those earrings are very nice.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Oooh purtyful earrings!!! Congrats Anna and gorgeous work Karl!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, I'm glad it's going to hit the spot! Let me know how it goes, and like I said, e-mail if you have any questions! Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
<keeps obsessive compulsively checking this thread to see if his giftee has gotten his/her present yet>
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Oooooo, those are so beautiful! Classy yet fun!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Beautiful earrings, Karl. However, I'm glad you didn't get me as your giftee, because I don't even have pierced ears.... (I know most guys assume most girls all have pierced ears...)
I'm understanding that you made the earrings yourself? You are very talented!
Farmgirl
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Yes, I made them. They were my first attempt. I've gotten some ideas for new things to try on my next attempts.
Yeah, since Anna said she liked earrings, I figured I could chance sending pierced. Clip-ons are kinda hard to find and don't have nearly the variety in stores as pierced ones do. (Don't ask me how I know this. Let's just say it involves needing a pair of flashy earrings but not being committed enough to actually pierce my ears. )
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
But you CAN make clip ons, Karl? I might be interested in some.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I posted this in the original thread, thinking that that was where these were going. Here it is again:
Woo-hoo! I got my gift! Thanks erosomniac! It arrived yesterday, but I only discovered it when I was on my way out the door to a party yesterday evening. Happily, the party was an hour and a half away, so I had plenty of time to listen to one of the two CDs he sent.
The CD that I listened to was by a group I'd never heard of called The Notwist, and I was pretty impressed! Good stuff. I haven't listened to the second CD yet, but it looks like it'll be fun too--it's a collection of music from Hawaii, where erosomniac is originally from. I can't wait to listen to it.
Again, thanks!
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Hooray! Glad you got it, and I'm glad you like it .
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
It's quite good.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Karl, I was searching what to wear to go to a friend's place yesterday and I discovered that I had a jumper that matched perfectly the blue earrings you gave me... Joy!
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
(to Anna)
romanylass, yeah, I could certainly make some clip-ons provided I can find the clips. I know where I can get some really nice clips that from the front look like they are pierced fish-hook style earrings (though I don't know how comfortable they are, and I'd have to order them.) But let me know what you have in mind and I'll tell you if I can do it.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Pink and purple little girlie things Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Karl, could you link me to the findings you said you could order, that sounds like some I used to have. (I love my 1930s post clip ons)
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
romanylass, I hardly think pink and purple little girlie things are suitable for a Japanese electricity-spewing giant lizard. But I dunno, maybe they'll match with the color of yours eyes?
Groovy looking earings, Karl. However did you pick up that hobby? That's pretty unique, I would think?
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Rakeesh, I've been beading for years. I only made the earrings because Anna likes earrings and I thought I'd give it a try. They were fun, though, so I'm probably going to make some more.
romanylass, send me an email with details. Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Rakeesh.
They will need little radioactive cores.
(I want some for Girlzilla. Daddy won't let her get her ears pierced)
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Thank you! I have some earrings that are like that, but my favorite to wear have a screw in the back, I haven't seen them on any jewelry made past 1950. Luckily I got like five pairs of awesome pearls and opals from a neighbor who died several years ago, and some neat silver ones from my grandma. (they were both married before 1940).
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
Shan, thank you for the lovely scarf and cool flower paper thingy.
Ni!
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I just got the most beautiful gift from breyerchic! All wrapped in lovely tissue paper was a handpainted silk scarf in my favorite colors! I haven't taken it off since I got home. I've been trying out different ways to tie it.
There was a large bar of milk chocolate in the box as well, but Phil and I have already eaten half of it! Also a pair of handmade earrings (yes, I have pierced ears!). She included some treats for my chihuahua as well. As a matter of fact, those are their favorites! Greenies!
Thank you so much, Sarah!
*starts on second half of chocolate bar* Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Were the colors okay, kwsni? Do you have a place to plant that card? I've never tried one of those - I'm fascinated by the idea of plantable paper.
*smiles*
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Plantable paper? o_O
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
I got my present! Thank you so much, Derrell! I got a little history of the state of Arizona, along with some neat Arizona memorabilia. Cactusy keychains and this wacky letter opener with a copper bird standing on a copper cactus. Am I right in guessing that it is a representation of a road runner? The only ones I know are in the cartoons.
Do you have cacti just growing everywhere in Arizona, like in your yard? In New Jersey, we have pine trees, maple trees, sycamore trees, and cherry trees in the yard, but no cacti.
Thanks so much for the present and the local Arizona color!
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
I just got my present from Son of Shvester! Thanks, it's really cool. I came home to a very large flat box all taped together. Inside were an electronic dart board, which will be great for our game room, a peg jumping brain puzzle, which is going on my desk at work, and a very interesting looking music CD I haven't had a chance to play yet. The name is "Shaz Ezri" and the writing on the back is in Hebrew (right??). I can't wait to check it out.
Thanks again SoS!
Oh, and the card had the NYC skyline on it, as seen from NJ, all dark against a sunset sky. Really neat. Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Oh, lucky me!
I have toasty toes snugly encased in green, soft slipper socks (did you make those, Katy? they're awesome), a wonderful book (Artemis Fowl) to curl up with that I have not yet read (believe it or not!), and a real live "pen-pal" style letter! I'll be writing back very soon!
Thank you, Katy! What a wonderful gift! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I'm so glad you like it Val! The silk scarf was one of my first, and it turned out so wonderful.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
quote:. . . the card had the NYC skyline on it, as seen from NJ, all dark against a sunset sky.
This doesn't sound possible . . . Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Neh, so maybe it's sunrise. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
He's just so in love with it that, as the lines in "Fair and Tender Ladies" say, "You could make me believe with the fallin' of your arm/ that the sun rose in the west."
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Tante, I believe it's a Cactus Wren, which is the state bird. I'm glad you liked it.
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
THe colors are beautiful. I love scarves. I just have to find a nice place to display it.
I have tons of pots, just haven't decided where to put the flowers yet. All we've got in my house are east-facing windows, and that's a little stronger light than I generally like to put plants in. I'll find someplace, though.
Ni!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Oh, cactus grow in the southern part of the state. Of corse, in Phoenix, the only cactus are in people's yards or in parks.
The northern part of the state has pine forests.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Here is a picture of my lovely scarf from Breyerchic. I am not wearing it in the picture because I am not having a pretty day, but maybe tomorrow. Sorry about the dark spots in the corner, the shutter didn't open all of the way.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Page cannot be found?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
[ December 13, 2005, 12:07 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yes! Very pretty!
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
kiire...
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:kiire
I'm gonna assume you mean kirei
And yes, nice scarf, although I imagine my colorblindness is detracting from a red tone somewhere in there.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
Well, as you guys must know, I am eternally grateful to TomDavidson for getting me such a perfect gift. Seriously, I never thought I'd get Angel Cage, I have wanted that book for the last 5 years of my life and Tom was kind enough to get me that book! I had thought of getting that book for me as a Christmas present to myself. I guess not anymore!! I love you TomDavidson!!!!(in the most appropriate way of course) Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tante Shvester: Neh, so maybe it's sunrise.
Yeah, sunrise. That's what I meant of course. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You're welcome, Alt. I'm glad you liked it. Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
So, Son of Shvester, tell me more about the CD you sent. I'm listening to it right now and the music is very relaxing (though of course I can't understand a word they are saying. )
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Val, linky still no worky. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
My person should be getting their gift today, or possibly tomorrow.
::impatient::
Posted by aiua (Member # 7825) on :
SarcasticMuppet- I just got your CD this morning. I was not expecting that. XD How did you come up with that? Never really heard Indian music before, but I'm quickly becoming a fan. Can you reccommend anything else?
Thank you so much!
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Doesn't work for me etiher. EDIT : his was an answer to Shani, the link is not working. I hope my person will have his/her package soon! *can't wait*
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Who is the CD of?
Posted by aiua (Member # 7825) on :
Were you talking to me?
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I think mine has come, but it is in the office, which was closed by the time I got home last night. I'll pick it up this evening and post tomorrow.
Unless that's an entirely different package. I suppose that's possible.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
quote:Originally posted by aiua: Were you talking to me?
Yep.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I can't see the pic of the scarf either, not that I really need to since I made it and all. But I want to.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
So, Photobucket isn't so reliable.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
That is gorgeous! *small voice* I want one. *plots of ways to curry favor with breyerchic*
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Ooh pretty!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
You MADE that!!?? Wow. I'm impressed. How can I make pretty things like that?
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Kat, can i be in evil cahoots with your ex-boss and say "I'll make you one when you get married" Or if you just keep plotting.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
val, *cough*flickr*cough*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Tante, I used the website www.dharmatrading.com Bought lots of goodies, all on belle's reccomendations, and just started painting. Actually that one started out as an 8x54 sheet of silk habotai, already hemmed, so I just had to wash it with special stuff (synthrapol), spray it wet, brush the paints on all pretty, and sprinkle it with salt. Really if anyone is interested, not that I'm a total authority yet, but email me.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:Kat, can i be in evil cahoots with your ex-boss and say "I'll make you one when you get married"
*laugh* They are conspiring!
I'll have to think of someway to make it worth your while. Probably right after Christmas. Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Wow, breyerchic, that is pretty.
must . . . not. . . start. . . new. . . hobby. . .
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Hehe Karl, I think I've done it all, and my relatives get something I've made every year, so this year it was this, so they don't get bored with my old presents. Maybe some year I'll host a jatraquero craft workshop. I would now if I had somewhere to do it.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Aiua: I'm glad you're enjoying it. I've become a huge fan of Bollywood in the past year or so, and am working towards converting the world...
A good intro to Bollywood films might be "Bride and Prejudice", which is the Jane Austen novel set to a Bollywood musical. It's directed by the same person who did "Bend it like Beckham". I like the music, but was somewhat turned off by the fact that most of the lyrics were in English. The style of music lends itself so much better to Hindi. But like I said, it's a good intro to the genre. Then watch some Koran Johar films -- I have this one, and love it.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
We have a professor here who specializes in world music, who spent five years in India. He is actually teaching a winter term class on Bollywood... he said that usually when a Bollywood film is coming out in India, the soundtrack comes out six months early. That way, by the time the movie rolls around, everyone knows all the music, and is really pumped, and everyone sings along in the movie theatre.
That sounds like SO much fun! I wish Hollywood did that. That sounds like quite an experience.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
The soundtrack to Monsoon Wedding is a great place to get more of the fun Bollywood sound. Annie introduced me to that a couple years ago.
*sniffle* I miss her.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Karl, sent you an e-mail.
Dang, I do NOT want to start doing silks! That's so pretty, breyer.
Posted by Son of Shvester (Member # 8489) on :
KarlEd, the writing on the back of the CD, as well as most of the lyrics, are in Hebrew. As for the band, they are an all Jewish band who play a lot of classic Jewish songs (they do change the tunes a bit, and you can probably find the traditional melodies on google, but I think that their tunes are better). The drummer in Shaz happened to be the guidance counselor at my old school. As for the lyrics, I don't remember the songs or how they go (I used to own a copy of the CD, but I lost it over the years) but I think a lot of the lyrics come from Jewish prayers. If you tell me the titles of the songs that you like, I can tell you what the titles mean.
What do you think of the music?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I hated Bride and Prejudice. It's a really really watered down version of Bollywood movies and isn't anywhere near as good as the real thing. It's not an actual Bollywood movie - it was produced by English Indians and billed as a UK/US production with Bollywood actors & actresses.
Fahim says that yes, it's true that the soundtracks come out about six months early. He also told me that there's no real music industry in India aside from the Bollywood soundtracks when compared to the US, so the popular artists all do music for Bollywood movies. Also, all soundtracks contain original music, unlike Hollywood, which tends to use a fair bit of already-released music. And yes, the soundtracks for the Bollywood movies can be insanely popular and the tunes very catchy. We haven't been to a movie theatre here - we watch movies at home. And Fahim always sings along with the songs, whether he knows them or not! It's actually cute! And he waves his arms around, pretending to dance from the comfort of our couch.
We have a thread on Bollywood Musicals that you can check out if you're interested in seeing more. I've stopped posting in it with more reviews because it seemed like I was the only one posting. We watch a new Bollywood movie probably every other week (I've seen at least 50 or 60 by now, probably more). We're currently alternating Hollywood/Bollywood/Hollywood/Tamil/Hollywood/other foreign language because we have so many movies we haven't watched that aren't English/Hollywood.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Kind of a weird coincidence, but lately I've been into Indian music-kind of. Actually, I've been looking for some to add to my very limited collection. There was a song in a Christmas ER episode. The doctor played by Parminder Nagra ( Bend it Like Beckham) said it was Indian Rap. Phil recognized the song from a Mountain Dew commerical staring Steven Segal. He finally found it. It's called Mundian To Bach Ke by Punjabi MC.
Quid, or others, can you recommend some more?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I would suggest checking out the Bollywood musicals thread and picking out the soundtracks from any of the movies listed there. For that matter, when you rent Bollywood movies on DVD, you can also watch just the song and dancing to get a better idea of the music you like. But then, if you end up liking Hindi music, you'll most likely end up liking Bollywood movies, too.
Punjabi MC is non-movie music usually released by artists themselves. Most mainstream music is from the movies.
There are also, apparently, a lot of sites with Bollywood music available for download. There is a vast range of music within Hindi music - some old, slow classic stuff, techno stuff, some more lyrical, and so on and so forth. It's difficult to recommend based on your liking one song. If you have a list of other Hindi songs you like, please let me know and I can get Fahim to give you better recommendations.
You can also do a Google search on Hindi music download or mp3 and that should do the trick. Fahim mentioned P2P sites as well, but start with that and if you need more help/info, let me know.
Fahim knows a lot of Hindi music, and he spouted off a lot of that with more details faster than I could get it typed in. Sorry! He's working right now, so this isn't the best time to get him involved.
If you like, we can resurrect the Bollywood Musicals thread and toss the conversation over there rather than clogging up this thread.
And I think I need to start writing up at least short reviews on foreign movies we watch, like (French) Taxi and Taxi 2 by Luc Besson - absolutly hilarious, and far far far far better than the Hollywood version with Queen Latifah. The comedy is excellent, the characters are excellent, plot development is far better, and man, it was just a whole lot of fun to watch. If you liked Hollywood's Taxi, you'll LOVE France's Taxi. Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
Got my present today... Thanks ctm! It is different, but I'm glad because I actually *like* different! I had hoped my "what I want" post conveyed that.
For everyone else, it is a stained wooden plate, one half dark wood with the grains flowing into the other side, the other half light wood cut so that the grains look like clouds. And the 2 sides are joined up the middle with dovetail notches. It was made by an artist (N. Roth) where ctm lives in WI.
I have a lot of stained wood in my house so it actually fits very well. And woodworking is something I enjoy and do every now and then too...
Thank you ctm! Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
quote:Originally posted by Son of Shvester: If you tell me the titles of the songs that you like, I can tell you what the titles mean.
Well, the titles are:
Heenay Mah Tov, Yishmor, Mekolot, Poteach, Ani, Ashrecha, and Ezri. (Not including the one song in English, Now I Found You.) If I had to guess, I'd guess that they are names for the particular scriptural passages they cite, but that's just a wild guess. What do they mean? (The lyrics are printed in English alongside the Hebrew on the inside cover, but the titles aren't translated.)
quote:What do you think of the music?
I like it. It's good relaxation music. It sounds like it has elements of jazz, light rock, and a touch of techno (kinda hidden in the background). The singing reminds me, interestingly, of many of the Christian pop singers I've heard. I wonder if it's the common element of earnest reverence for what they're singing. But I knew from the translation inside the cover that the lyrics are religious so that could just be my expectation bleeding through. It makes me wish I could hear the Christian stuff without understanding the language and see if I'd make the same comparison. Posted by ctm (Member # 6525) on :
human_2.0, I'm glad you like it! I'll be honest, I was agonizing over what to get you and was even going to chicken out and get legos, then I remembered seeing Nate Roth work at out local art center. I don't know why I thought of it, and although your "what I want" list definitely conveyed "different", nothing suggested wood-working! But I followed my instincts, and I'm glad...
What sort of wood-working do you do?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Still haven't picked up my prezzie from the office, as I didn't get home last night until long after it had closed. I can pick it up today, though, so I'll post tomorrow.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Thank you Dragon!!!
I received my gift yesterday (haven't had a spare moment to hit the 'Rack). A wonderfully squishy moose (you know those things that are, I dunno what they're called, but like super-squishy beanbag thingamajigs) and a magic beanstalk! No, really!
The moose is additionally cool because each other member of my family already has two of those squishy things, and I didn't have any! And I've already started growing the plant (well, I followed the directions and poured water on it), which will have a magic fortune appear on a bean! If that ain't a magic beanstalk, I don't know what is. Plus there was this guy trying to trade me a cow for it, but I said no way!
I'll follow up when I know what the message is. *smile* But again, thank you! I love them!
--Pop
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
Icarus I got my package today!! Thank you!! He got me candy/food/snacks from "around the world" (aka Epcot Center).
I haven't tried all the different candies yet, but they look so good. I like how you wrapped each little Italian one separately . Also, the Mexican fruit candies are pretty good, I like the zing at the end because of the spiciness (wow I just ate a green one, man that was awesome!). The sesame flour cakes are cool, they remind me of rice krispie treats, but sesame flavored. And I absolutely love coffee and maple flavored things so high five for those.
Thanks again! I've been sick for the past 4 days, so this definately made my day better. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
*checks people off list of possible secret gifters*
And the suspense builds. I love this.
And I can't wait to hear what Emma's giftee thinks of his/her gift-- which she did indeed choose all by herself. *giggles*
Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
quote:What sort of wood-working do you do?
I did some of the oak window molding in my house, cutting, sanding, staining. And I've done some carving, and I've made an Indian double chambered flute. I only do it once a green moon, which only happens about once every 2 years.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Thank you so much human_2.0!!!
I arrived home to find a box waiting for me - even addressed to ludosti!! My tinniest kitten was using all her kitty powers to tell me that there were styrofoam peanuts inside (something she is obsessed with). I probably had to take her off the table about 8 times before getting to actually open my box!! Inside I found a box of wonderful dark chocolates and a beautiful rain stick (with a very fun and colorful sun on it)!!! I've always wanted one because I love the sounds they make, so this was a perfect gift! I even had fun demonstrating it for the cats (since hubby is asleep) - one thinks it's wonderful, one is both afraid and intrigued, and the other is hiding so she hasn't heard it yet. Chocolate, of course, is always perfect, especially when it's dark
*giant hug* Thanks so much for brightening my day!!!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
When did this happen? I went out to get the mail, and there's a slip saying I missed a package for Emma! I've been in the living room since about 10 o'clock this morning; this is rather annoying. Oh, well, we'll get it tomorrow, I guess.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
It came! It came! It came!
I came home from work and went out to get the mail. In my mailbox is the package box key. I'm thinking, "Ooh! Maybe it's from my secret Santa!"
As soon as I saw the box, I was thinking, "It's from FRANCE! It's from France!"
I rushed inside, grinning from ear to ear, to open it. I didn't recognize the name in the return address, and everything else was in French.
When I opened it, there was a post card, a very cute teddy bear, five candies, and four wrappers. I guess the bear did get hungry.
Thank you for the kind note and the beautiful gifts, Choobak! I almost don't want to eat the candy because it's special candy from France. When will I ever have French candy in my house again?
And I'm sure the baby will love the soft bear. Maybe he will cuddle with it on his first nights at home.
< --- me
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
You're welcome Papa, and please do keep us posted as the the progress of that magic bean... I really am curious to see how it works. (Though I suppose I could always go buy one for myself)
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Dragon, where'd you get the bean?
Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
quote:Thank you so much human_2.0!!!
I arrived home to find a box waiting for me - even addressed to ludosti!! My tinniest kitten was using all her kitty powers to tell me that there were styrofoam peanuts inside (something she is obsessed with). I probably had to take her off the table about 8 times before getting to actually open my box!!
Hehehe!
quote:Inside I found a box of wonderful dark chocolates and a beautiful rain stick (with a very fun and colorful sun on it)!!! I've always wanted one because I love the sounds they make, so this was a perfect gift! I even had fun demonstrating it for the cats (since hubby is asleep) - one thinks it's wonderful, one is both afraid and intrigued, and the other is hiding so she hasn't heard it yet. Chocolate, of course, is always perfect, especially when it's dark
*giant hug* Thanks so much for brightening my day!!!
I'm really glad you liked them! The chocolate is from a local chocolate specialty store. I got the rain stick at an American Indian gathering that they have here yearly, and this particular stick came from Peru. It bugged my cat too! Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
So my brother in NJ mentioned that a package from Ithaca arrived there for me... he didn't mention who sent it, but from reading the Ithacon thread and the gift threads, I'm guessing it's from kojabu, so, thanks!!
(I won't get to open it until I'm there next week though... )
Posted by K.T. (Member # 8665) on :
quote: I have toasty toes snugly encased in green, soft slipper socks (did you make those, Katy? they're awesome)
Yes, Shan, I made them. I got some last year and I wear them all the time!! I hope you enjoy yours.
The book is great (in my humble opinion)...and if you like it, there are 3 more in the series! I love finding books that I like, and then finding it is only the beginning. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
AAA!! I didn't get home until 6:05 last night, and they had closed the office. *pout* Tomorrow, I swear, I can pick it up.
I hope it's not a puppy.
(KT, I need to call you. Will also happen tonight. Most of the stresses in my life are taken care of right now.)
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
quote: I hope it's not a puppy.
*gulp*
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
Good guessing plaid, hope you enjoy it! Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
What book is it?
Posted by K.T. (Member # 8665) on :
Katie, call my on Ali's cell phone, I will be with her! Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
...I'm not sure I have that number anymore. *looks guilty* I kept calling it looking for you, and I think I annoyed...Mr. Ali. Could you e-mail it to me?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
How long does Priority mail take? I mailed my person's gift on Friday and no news. Why can't the mail be faster? *taps foot impatiently*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
It should have gotten there, but I think your person is pretty busy.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Actually, I shipped a flat-rate Priority envelope that should have gotten to Risuena in 3 days at most, according to their estimate, and it took 4. I think even Priority is a bit slow right now. Emma's package should get there tomorrow, but who knows if it will.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Yeah, Monday was supposed to be the worst day of the year to send packages so Friday was probably slow too.
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Yummy.... but now it's all gone.
maui babe... thank you so much for the candies and the mongoose. I just received your package this morning. (My birthday, btw.) I ate the nummy dried mangos, my favorite dried fruit. The yummy chocolates will be shared with family. Hehehe... the mongoose with the ukelele is so cute. And don't worry, mongoose rhymes with moose so it works out. I love the postcard. Is that an example of a nearby landmark? I am so going to have to go to Hawaii some day.
{{{maui babe}}}
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Happy birthday, larisse!!! Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Jamie - I got it at the Target in Nashua... the one on 101A near the Texas Roadhouse.
=)
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Yes, breyerchic, you're right. She has her hands very full. But Xavier's person hasn't mentioned theirs either. I think I will just keep blaming the post.
[ December 15, 2005, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Yeah. Son of Shvester and I mailed our presents at the same time, and his recipient has received, but no word from mine.
I hope it didn't go astray. It should have arrived by now.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Yeah, mine from Son of Shvester actually arrived on Saturday. I just didn't see it in the door until I got home on Monday. (I don't use the front much since I park in the back. )
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
In looking at what everyone is getting, I"m realizing the my gift is so lame. I hope my person likes it, I did think about it...it just ended up looking like not much.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I'm sure it's wonderful. I know your giftee - they'll be delighted, I have no doubt. Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
I think the best part is just getting something in the mail from another hatracker. Personally, there's not much my person could get me that wouldn't make me jump with excitement. Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
Larisse, I'm so glad you like it. The postcard is a picture of Twin Falls, a hiking trail on Maui's North Shore. I wanted to get something with a whale on it, but my daughter outvoted me. Did you like the dry powdery coating on the mango? It is call li hing, and it very popular here. You can buy many candies with it, mostly gummy bears and the like. I especially like it on fresh pineapple.
Happy Birthday! I wish I'd known it was close to your birthday... I'd have sent a card or something.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
My favorite part is the connection. It was so fun to have the oppportunity to send some joy to France and to receive some from New Jersey. This exchange has really captured the spirit of Christmas for me. It's sent threads of joy, kindness, and love around the world and tied us together a little tighter. (At least that's how I feel about it.) Thanks guys!!!!
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
Also, my daughter wanted to make sure that you knew that the "dancing flea" is the ukulele. The hawaiian word "uku" is used mostly for headlice, but can also be used for any tiny nuisance bug. I thought the little tag explained that pretty well, but just wanted to be sure.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Yay! Presents! I got mine! Thanks!
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
I'm happy you like the teddy bear, Brinestone ! He is made for baby, but i have to admit... I'd like to have the same for sleeping
Ask me, if you want french candies
Bonsoir à tous et faites de beaux rêves !
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
I got mine! Thanks so much, Ryuko!
Ryuko sent me a bottle of maple syrup made in a town near where she lives. I don't make pancakes that often, but I'm gonna have to start! I opened it and snitched a spoonful, and it's wonderful stuff. The bottle is really pretty too, I'll definitely keep it after the syrup is gone. And that's a nifty little sketch on the note that was included, too--I had no idea you were so talented!
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
Cool Synth, I hope you like everything and that it all made it through the mail intact.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
quote:Originally posted by Synesthesia: Yay! Presents! I got mine! Thanks!
So, what did you get?????????
quote:Originally posted by Stray: I don't make pancakes that often, but I'm gonna have to start!
Real maple syrup has some other uses, too. It can be a delicious glaze brushed on a baking turkey, ham, or chicken. It's a great marinade for salmon, too. You can use it to sweeten salad vinegar for a unique dressing for salads. You can use it to dip waffle sticks in. You can drizzle it over plain vanilla ice cream. You can make a peanut-butter-maple-syrup sandwich. You can mix it into plain cream cheese and make a fruit dip . . .
Mmmmmmmm. . . [/drool]
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Larisse, I'm so glad you like it. The postcard is a picture of Twin Falls, a hiking trail on Maui's North Shore. I wanted to get something with a whale on it, but my daughter outvoted me. Did you like the dry powdery coating on the mango? It is call li hing, and it very popular here. You can buy many candies with it, mostly gummy bears and the like. I especially like it on fresh pineapple.
You gave her li hing? Brave, brave soul.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Larisse!!! OMG, I got your gift this afternoon (Happy Birthday!!!) and it's so wonderful, thank you!! I can hardly say what my favorite part is, but I'm torn between the little wren figurine and the earrings and bracelet you made. They match what I'm wearing, so I'm going to put them on just after I post this. They're me to a T. Thank you SO much! And the stamp is totally up my alley as well. I'm really looking forward to using it. I don't have those scissors either, so they were a great choice. And I love the maps and brochures of your area -- that was a great choice. I'm looking forward to reading them. The stickers and paper were great too! I may use part of them in my present, which I'll be sending out tomorrow or Saturday.
I'm so overwealmed and touched by your thoughfulness! Thank you, thank you! I hope your birthday has been a great one! It's certainly been a good one for ME.
:dancing smilie:
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
quote: You gave her li hing? Brave, brave soul. [/QB]
It was a very small package...
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I went to the post office today to mail my Secret Santa gift, and what do I find in my mailbox? A yellow slip saying I got a package. It's from WI. It's under the tree in all it's brown glory...all alone. Who's it from? I don't remember who's from the land of cheese, and there's no name on the outside of the box, only an address.
I can't *wait* 'til Christmas!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Emma got her package today! We picked it up from the P.O. while out running errands. Thank you so much, Mrs. M! (And Andrew and Aerin, as well. ) I was thrilled when I saw what it was! You must have read this thread! We popped "No" in the cd player as soon as I managed to open it ( the only tool available was a pair of nail clippers...), and Emma was dancing from the first note! By the time we were done errand-ing, we had heard most of "Here Come the ABCs", too! Emma "sang along" with several songs, and we all got a kick out of them! *sings* Mostly cones for seeds, mostly needles for leaves, "C" is for conifer, my kind of tree... Thank you thank you thank you! She will love them for years to come.
We also got an envelope in the mail today. It was addressed to "The Ketchup Family", and I thought it might be about the exchange, but it wasn't. Inside was an unsigned card and a very, very generous gift. I didn't recognize the writing and I know too many people in the area it came from to know who did it. But if you're on Hatrack (I'm going to post this on Nauvoo, too, just in case), I want you to know that you brought tears to my eyes, as much for the love I could feel when I opened it as anything. Thank you very much, and I hope you know we really appreciate it.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Thanks, Eddie!
Getting exactly one of those was on my list of things to do this weekend -- now I don't have to brave the stores.
*greatly relieved*
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
What is it rivka?
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Boon - I'd be the one from the land of the cheese. (I promise the gift is NOT cheese.)
I must say that I am extremely impressed with the USPS right now. I sent it after 4pm on Monday and was told it would be a week. Glad to hear you got it... I hope you'll like it! Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Oh, also... if you unwrap the brown layer it will be able to sit there in even more (still fully wrapped) glory. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Noemon: What is it rivka?
Hey Xavier, thanks for the book! I've been meaning to check George R. R. Martin out.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I got some cool candie and stuff. Can't wait to taste it... As long as this rabbit doesn't try to... This caramel man is too cute to eat and I adore this little mug! That is awesome.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:This caramel man is too cute to eat
You'll be sad if he goes bad, though. One year during our annual sugar cookie decorating party, my sister (the artistic one) decorated a BEAUTIFUL angel just for me (I was about 7.) It had my eyes and hair and such and was "dressed" in my favorite color. I couldn't bring myself to eat it-- and it got moldy! My mom threw it away. I would have been better off closing my eyes and biting its adorable head off, I missed out on a cookie.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I read a book that's whole premice was what you're describing KQ. That she didn't eat the chocolate horse, and it melted on her heater, so she couldn't eat it, and no longer had it to look at.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
There's a lesson in that. You can't have your chocolate horse and heat it too.
[ December 16, 2005, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I think that may have been in the book.
Posted by Risuena (Member # 2924) on :
Does hard caramel go bad? Because the Little Mexican Dude(tm) is hard caramel. And he is awesome isn't he?
And you really have to tell me what you think of the candies - I wasn't smart enough to get extras for my own enjoyment and I haven't tried those particular varieties yet.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Katie!!! Katie!!! I should feel honored that the lady organizing the shindig picked ME to give a present to.
I just love the book you sent. (It's this one for those of you who are wondering.) I didn't even know such a thing existed and when I opened it, my sister gasped and snatched it out of my hands before I could even open it. It's going to be so fun to have that. I love the bath stuff too, it looks so luxurious.
Thank you for the thoughtful and perfect present! I feel so....known. You're wonderful. *hugs*
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
SYNESTHESIA--
SUDOKU, oh bless your heart. Thank you for 603 little sudokus for me to do while listening to this super CD that makes me want to be a femme fatale wearing a sexy/sleek outfit in my own movie. Maybe I'll just pretend in my room.
--JENNABEAN
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
Oh, and Maui babe... you ARE brave! I didn't send Li Hing Mui to my *giftee*. I went with Hurricane Popcorn...
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
maui babe is indeed a brave soul.
But, really, what's with the li hing? I don't think licking the inside of the plastic wrapper is so strange.... is it?
You know, I was so excited to get my presents I didn't read the little card on the mongoose. Now I get the whole "jumping flea" bit. Very cute.
jeniwren, I am glad you liked everything I got you. That little figurine just jumped out at me. I am so glad it made it to you safely. I am glad you liked the earrings and bracelet set. I was almost tempted to keep the earrings. They turned out so well. I was hoping that the color of vibrant pink was what you liked. Now I must confess, those white pearls are from my "orphan" stash. Now they have a home.
oh.... and thank you for the birthday wishes. I did have a good day.
[ December 15, 2005, 11:54 PM: Message edited by: larisse ]
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
Well most mainland-ers REALLY dislike li hing mui and make ridiculous faces and spit it out when they try it for the first time. But then that's usually the seeds, which are a little bit more fierce and li hing-y.
Posted by tmservo (Member # 8552) on :
Received mine today! Probably would have recieved earlier, but it was misdelivered to a neighbor. Received it this evening, thanks Plaid! A great collection of stuff My wife & kids were very happy to quickly devour the chocolate bar, and we'll enjoy planting the Sunflowers
My person should receive theirs tomorrow - A bit of this, a bit of that, glad others thought along the same idea, though darnit! I wish I had thought of something sweet Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jeni: Oh, also... if you unwrap the brown layer it will be able to sit there in even more (still fully wrapped) glory.
Wonderful! Thank you for the pretty box!
(I can't open it until at least Christmas Eve, though the anticipation is killing me!)
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
quote:It's sent threads of joy, kindness, and love around the world and tied us together a little tighter.
That's how I'm feeling too. Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
*giggles* Femme Fatale I heard about a million songs this week that would have gone great on that cd.
How exactly do people do sudoku puzzles? Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
quote:Originally posted by rivka:
quote:Originally posted by Noemon: What is it rivka?
OOOOooo!! I love those. (OK, well, I actually really like those - since they make me happy and i don't really care if they are happy or not )
My co-worker and I invented a game to play with a set he got. It's very simple.
1. Determine a playing area about the size of an 8.5X11 sheet of paper (or maybe a little larger). You can play on a sheet of paper if you don't find the area a tad too small. 2. Set the steel balls aside as you don't use them for this game, and divide the magnets equally. 3. Take turns setting the magnets down, one at a time, inside the boundaries of the play area. 4. If, by placing a magnet, you make any other magnets connect with one another, you have to collect those from the playing area and add them to you pile. You also have to pick up any that you cause to connect while removing ones you caused to connect. (I've had to just pick up all the magnets on the board because of this.) 5. The object, of course, is to place all your magnets before your opponent.
It's surprisingly fun. Once you get several magnets in the area you can actually feel the magnetic fields like an invisible mountain range and you end up having to navigate your piece to find a quiet invisible valley for it to sit in.
Let me know if you try to play it. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*beams* I'm glad you like it, Narnia. I saw it, and it seemed just perfect for you. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Romany!
I finally made it to the office before it closed yesterday and got my present. Thank you for the yummy, amazingly delicious chocolates. They are so rich - I ate just one and was very satisfied, so I can save them and they'll last all week. Thank you so much. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
*pouts* my package still hasn't come yet, I'll hope for today.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I know it got mailed on...Monday, I think. I mailed mine Saturday and it got there yesterday, so yours should arrive today.
Added: Wait, no, I mailed it on Friday and it just arrived yesterday. Some people have packages that moved very quickly, and others seem to be taking their time.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Yay. How big of a package is it?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Smaller than a breadbox, bigger than a mouse.
Okay, I don't know. *sheepish*
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
quote:Originally posted by Synesthesia: Femme Fatale I heard about a million songs this week that would have gone great on that cd.
How exactly do people do sudoku puzzles?
Shhh, don't laugh! It was a very sexy CD... well okay, Aimee Mann does not make me want to kill bad guys, but some of the others do okay?! That one will be at the end of my movie when I have to say goodbye to my beautiful Italian co-star.
Sudoku... hm... Each column, row, and box has to have 1-9 in it. It is hard to explain, but I am a huge fan. I actually did six of them as soon as I got it Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Karl, that sound incredibly fun! If we ever make it to the same gathering, bring your magnets.
I'm surprised that my person hasn't gotten my gift by now; I'd have expected it to arrive by yesterday at the latest. I suppose the post office is just bogged down.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Maybe they are still searching for the right words.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
(edit: For Syn)
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Could be, kat. Could be.
Or waiting to get the pictures back from the photo lab.
So what is li hing, exactly? Can anyone who has tried it describe it for me, a bit? I'm always interested in food type stuff that I haven't tried.
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
Li hing is a spicy, salty, sweet powder that is used to coat candies, crack seeds and fresh fruit. It contains both sugar and aspartame, so it is REALLY sweet. The first time I tried it, it was on crack seeds and I spit it out and made a face as JennaBean says. A few weeks later, I went to a potluck luau, and someone had brought a fresh pineapple cut up and coated with it and was hooked. You can buy the powder by itself, or a variety of snack products covered with it.
Whoever sent my package... I haven't gotten to the post office yet to check. I decided to wait until Saturday, because if it's too big to fit in my tiny PO Box, I'll have to go to the window, and I work 15 miles away from that Post Office, so I usually go on Saturday mornings. I hate picking up my mail mid-week and getting a slip telling me I have a package and then having to go back later to get it.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Thanks Chris!!
My mom just brought in a box and said "What is this???" It was my present! I got two DVDs, one of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and one of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (neither of which I've seen, so I'm quite looking foward to it) as well as a nice big bottle of BBQ sauce Kansas City style!
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
That sounds similar to the limon powders you can get in the southwest and in Mexico. It's salt, chile powder, lime, and I think there is some sugar in it as well. The kids in my high school would just eat it straight, but I think they also sprinkle it on stuff. I never really liked it much, but I haven't tried it in years.
Are there any Li hing powders without aspartame? Because that would be enough to make me spit it out in disgust, but otherwise it sounds tasty.
--Mel
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Is it a dark powder? When I was in Hawaii, we stopped by the Pineapple farm and I bought some spice to sprinkle on the pineapple. It was incredibly delicious, but I somehow lost the spice before I got home. I don't know what kind it was. Was it li hing?
I remember it looked like paprika but was much more sweet.
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
quote: Originally posted by theCrowsWife: Are there any Li hing powders without aspartame? Because that would be enough to make me spit it out in disgust, but otherwise it sounds tasty.
--Mel
No, I don't think there are... at least I've never seen any. The aspartame actually is more of an aftertaste than anything. Reading the link I posted above, I learned that li hing is mainly a dried plum powder with other ingredients.
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
Katy, look at the link above, there's a picture. It looks a lot like chile powder.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Or Noemon, maybe your person just doesn't like to talk.
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
quote:Originally posted by maui babe: A few weeks later, I went to a potluck luau, and someone had brought a fresh pineapple cut up and coated with it and was hooked. You can buy the powder by itself, or a variety of snack products covered with it.
Crows wife- I don't think there are aspartame free li hing powders, but it really is similar to that limon stuff. I gave some friends from California and Mexico some Li Hing pickled mango (tastes horrible if you aren't used to it) and they LOVED it. They put hot sauce on it and ate it all.
And if any of you consider buying li hing... Buy from me! No pictures yet, though. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Jennabean, that's your company? Very cool! How long have you been running it?
I'm definitely going to have to try some li hing, although like others I wish that it were available without aspertame. Aspertame is a relatively new product though, right?
::checks::
Yeah, it was invented in '65, approved for use in '74, almost immediately pulled due to health concerns, and then put back on the market in '81 (in food. Softdrinks had to wait for it until '83, and it wasn't sold as a sweetener by itself until '96). So is li hing a new thing? If not, how did aspertame come to be such an essential ingredient?
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
quote:Originally posted by Stray: I got mine! Thanks so much, Ryuko!
Ryuko sent me a bottle of maple syrup made in a town near where she lives. I don't make pancakes that often, but I'm gonna have to start! I opened it and snitched a spoonful, and it's wonderful stuff. The bottle is really pretty too, I'll definitely keep it after the syrup is gone. And that's a nifty little sketch on the note that was included, too--I had no idea you were so talented!
Aw shucks. I'm just glad you liked it. I was worried you might not like sweet things, or maple syrup in particular. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
A message to my Gifter:
If you haven't sent the gift yet (which is fine, I don't mind), then ask Kat for my home address, because I'm leaving school today. If you have, that's ok too, they'll hold packages for me over break, or if you already sent it to my house, even better! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Sweetheart, I already gave your gifter your home address, and I believe they were sending it today!
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Well, there was no way for me to know that this person mailed it today, I just wanted to give a little tip. That and I was saying that I don't really care when I get it, just so the person would know the deal.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I'm just saying we're ahead of you, all of you!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
This gift exchange is getting so large that we're going to have to have you an even larger committee next year! Thanks for your work breyerchic, katharina and coccinelle!!
Katie, I started reading Emma Thompson's diaries in that book at around 9 last night thinking "I'll read for 10 minutes and then get to bed." I didn't get to bed until 10:30. They are so so so funny and interesting to me. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh, awesome.
I especially love that she later married and had children with (and is still married to) Willoughby. Sadly, there is no mention of that in the diaries. But she was dating a 12-year-younger man long before Demi Moore was. I love Emma Thompson.
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
ja, Noemon, that's my company !!! It is relatively new...I've only been working on it for a few months. I'll try looking for some aspartame-free li hing today and let y'all know when I return.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I'm having so much fun helping, and most likely I'll try to help again next year. I love emailing and making lists, checking things twice, sadly no one wants me to gauge which hatrackers are naughty and nice .
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Katie, I love her stories about Alan Rickman. *gleeful giggle* I also thought it was interesting that the stuff with Hugh Grant and the prostitute broke while they were filming. It's interesting to read what she was saying about it. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
I am definitely a potential customer, jennabean... keep me updated. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:I'm just saying we're ahead of you, all of you!
Wow! Wanna tell us when everyone's packages are gonna arrive, then? Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I wish I could tell you when mine would arrive, but I can tell you if yours has been sent or not!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
It arrived two minutes after that last post!!!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
This is amazing, I'm in love! Yarn! Lots and lots of yarn!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Pictures!!
Can you? Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I'll direct scan later, I need to run to the store.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
So, has mine been sent, then? Not that I'm impatient, just curious.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
I'M impatient. <fidgets>
<goes back to work>
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I'm so glad you liked them, kat!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
breyer, who was yours from? Or did I miss that somewhere?
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Very cool jennabean! I'll definitely be ordering some li ling, and when I do I'll order it from you.
::off to explore jennabean's site further::
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
So tell me about these li hing coated mango. Is the mango dried or pickled? I love the former, but I've been disappointed by the latter.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Mine is from Coccinelle. Which I already knew, and has been hinted all over the place, but is absolutely wonderful.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Oh I emailed it to Ludosti to go in my foobonic album.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:So tell me about these li hing coated mango. Is the mango dried or pickled? I love the former, but I've been disappointed by the latter.
Li Hing Mango = dried slices of mango, rolled in li hing powder. If you like mango, I'm told this is much like a party in your mouth - a good party, not the kind where everyone ends up throwing up and fending off drunk frat boys.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
So. Has mine been sent? *still curious*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
No it hasn't KQ, your person said they emailed you this week.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Oh I'm sorry, misread, it has been sent, but very recently.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Except this isn't all of it, this is one of each, and there were two of each, and I even missed one making it to the scanner.
Posted by Mean Old Frisco (Member # 6666) on :
I will not be posting pictures of me in just the thong...without compensation.
As for the tassels...well, I think I'll leave those on for a while. At least until I'm in the mood to lose some chest hair.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Even from the back? I don't think you'll take the same sort of bribe Kat wants, will you?
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
O_O
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Ero, you may not know that frisco has posted some pretty risque pictures in the past, and I believe there are trading cards sold of them.
Posted by Black Mage (Member # 5800) on :
Oh dear . . . Frisco, am I mistaken or have you stuffed socks in your thong?
Posted by Mean Old Frisco (Member # 6666) on :
It looks even sillier without the socks.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
...excellent?
d O_O b
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Frisco, that's lovely. Now, all that picture needs is some oil...
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Frisco just made my day.
-pH
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I think he made most people's day!
Posted by Peek (Member # 7688) on :
Frisco's pics are Peek approved.
Dude peekaboo
Yeah.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
*falls over laughing*
Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
<-- is so relieved Noeman didn't buy for me! Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
maui babe, he wouldn't have gotten that for you. He's secretly in love with Eddie and wanted to see him in the thong and nipple tassels. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
it's a secret? Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
quote:wanted to see him in the thong and nipple tassels
...wait, there are people who don't? Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
omfg!!!! I may just have myself new wallpaper.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
*blinking twice in astonishment*
*giggles*
*thinks Frisco reminds her of an old beau who wore her (mine)pink lingerie beautifully - however, he has far more tat's*
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
*wow - that's a hard act to follow!*
.
.
YAY!! *Tracy Jumps Up And Down in Excitement!*
I got a package!
From Jamie T (mackillian)!!!
(Ivygirl correctly guessed, long before I opened it, that it would be some photo of Jamie's that I liked -- and she was right!)
Mack gave a beautifully matted and framed, SIGNED personal edition of her wonderful photograph that I said in an earlier thread that I liked so much.
I LOVE this photo -- like I said it is so "Americana" and Norman Rockwell-ish to me.
Someday soon I'm going to remodel my bedroom and I plan on a totally monochrome (black and white) theme -- this is picture is SO getting a place of honor when that happens!
Thank you Thank you Thank you, Mack! And it is in such a beautiful frame and everything. I love it very very much.
Farmgirl (Tracy)
p.s. -- Ivygirl says to say thanks for the styrofoam peanuts and the bubble wrap -- great fun!
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
O_O
Thanks, Noemon.
Naughty, naughty Frisco.
Edit: Doesn't mack take the bestest pictures ever?
Posted by tmservo (Member # 8552) on :
Dragon-
Thanks! I hope you enjoy. The MST3k is a rare one (first season, before TV's Frank) but always one that made me laugh It took a while to find the BBQ sauce; everyone wants to sell Hot & Spicy, I wanted to send something less brutal than that Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Ooohh I got purtyfuls from the islands!!!!
Jennabean sent me a little porcelain jewelry box with painted plumeria on the lid, and a pair of gold dangle earrings with flowers set inside hearts. And for the entire family, a box of Hurricane Popcorn. This stuff sounds intriguing!
{{{{hugs Jenna}}}} Thank you, Hawaiian Santa!
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Frisco Yep, you made my day, too! And Fahim thinks I'm nuts for looking at naughty pictures of you... Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I came home to two huge boxes on my front porch. Neither of them were from my Secret Santa. But that's actually good, 'cause if someone had sent me something that big I would have felt really chintzy about what I sent. Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
(I'm not involved in the secret santa thing, but I wanted to say thanks, Goody. We got your card! Warm fuzzies! )
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
lol
quote:I wanted to send something less brutal
thanks. though my dad probably would have appreciated it. Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
UPS said it wouldn't get there till Monday!
I'm really pleased that you like it. I was really worried that you wouldn't, not sure why. So...yeay! Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I was really wanting to get him a feather boa to go with the other items, but unfortunately it would have pushed the gift too far beyond the spending ceiling.
Just for the record, there aren't many people on the board I would have gotten a risque present for. If I know you really well and am sure that something like that would be taken in the spirit it was intended, you may get something risque from me. Everybody else, not so much.
If you post naked pictures of yourself frolicing on the beach, though, all bets are off.
So how are the truffles? I had a tough time not stealing one or two before wrapping up the tin.
[Edit--man, after a 17 hour day at work my ability to put together a coherent sentence is dramatically degraded, isn't it?]
[ December 17, 2005, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: Noemon ]
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
quote:I was really wanting to get him a feather boa to go with the other items
That would have been so cool. Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
That is awesome. Thanks for posting the pics, Frisco, and thanks Noemon for sending him the stuff!
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
quote:Someday soon I'm going to remodel my bedroom and I plan on a totally monochrome (black and white) theme -- this is picture is SO getting a place of honor when that happens!
Just . . . put it somewhere where he can't stare at you while you're in bed.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
I think that was in reference to Jamie's photo, not the ones of Frisco...
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
ElJay, I got my gift! Rob tried to get me not to open it till Christmas day, but that was never going to happen. I managed to wait till about 10 minutes ago!
Thank you, thank you, thankyouthankyouthankyou! It was briliant. The scarf looks gorgeous and is likely to be lovely and warm, and I love that it's hand made, and the chocolate looks and smells amazing. I haven't tried any of it yet, but I will tell you as soon as I do. I'm so chuffed that it arrived this early as well. Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I'm glad it made it, and so glad you like it! I was just thinking that it should make it today or Monday. And fie on waiting until Christmas day! Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I wonder what "chuffed" means in London..... Posted by Phoenix (Member # 8089) on :
I just wanted to let Anna know, that I saw the pic you sent Karl with you wearing your favorite pair of earings. They look great on you! Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
"Chuffed" = happy. More usually seen as "dead chuffed" - meaning "very happy."
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
quote:Originally posted by tmservo: Received mine today! Probably would have recieved earlier, but it was misdelivered to a neighbor. Received it this evening, thanks Plaid! A great collection of stuff My wife & kids were very happy to quickly devour the chocolate bar, and we'll enjoy planting the Sunflowers
Yay! Glad you got it... how's the book, have you read Daniel Pinkwater before?
(And glad that you opened it right away... I'm gonna wait to open mine on Xmas, but after I sent off tmservo's, I was hoping he wouldn't wait to open it, so that I could hear about it sooner!)
Posted by socal_chic (Member # 7803) on :
I just got my gift today from kwsni...thanks so much! The bath powders smell so good; I know they'll be wonderful...thanks again!
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
*grins* When I got home there was a box waiting for me on my desk. It was my present from Chreese Soup!
I got two big rolls of yarn, and "Radio Free Albemuth" by Philip K. Dick.
I've been meaning to read something by him forever, so now I have a perfect excuse to get started.
Thanks!
Posted by Son of Shvester (Member # 8489) on :
Dear Ketchup Princess, I got it! I had so much fun playing with the stretchy lizard and wathcing the slinky walking down stairs. Also the chocolates are delicious.
thank you very much.
thank you
the friboy a.k.a son of schvester
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh, I so glad you liked what she got! For everyone else's edification, I'll post a paragraph from the letter I sent with it:
quote:I hope you don’t mind that we let her choose your present herself, so it’s not exactly what you asked for. I explained that we were going to give a present to a boy, and what would she like to give him? She looked puzzled. I listed some possible gifts, such as toys, food, a drawing, a card, and asked again. Her choices were “choclal” (chocolate), “pay” (play=toys), and “dawr” (a drawing.) So we went shopping. She picked out the chocolate herself (after being steered toward the kosher chocolates.) She chose the slinky and the lizard (I said no to a very pink toy car, a bottle of blue tempera paint, a package of paper birthday plates with flowers and happy faces on them, and a package of craft pom-poms.) When we finally had her in a clean environment to draw in at a time when she wasn’t too tired, I asked her to draw you a picture, and she very carefully and happily drew the scribbles enclosed. (See the back for an explanation of the title.)
Posted by jennabean (Member # 8590) on :
Ohh boogers guys. I've looked everywhere and talked to a few people and can't seem to find any aspartame-free li hing!!! My understanding is that it is a pretty key ingredient :/ Try it anyway...I promise it tastes nothing like other icky aspartame stuff!
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
I received my package yesterday, but couldn't get on the computer until this morning.
aiua: Thanks and many thanks! I got a lovely tin full of cookies and a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix. I did try some of the hot chocolate and have to say that the flavor is ... intriguing. I've never tried it with cayenne pepper before. It puts quite a kick in the hot chocolate. It's good to try new things, though.
Also, one of the items from my wish list: The Memory of Earth, by OSC. I've started reading the book and am kicking myself for not having read it before. Thanks again, aiua!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Thank you secret Santa. I just got my CoaCoa (Gormet, with Cinnimon). Just in time for Sunday breakfast.
But, who the @#$@#$ are you? All I have is Secret Santa and a Utah address. No note, no card, no name.
I will not go through the entire Hatrack people list looking to figure who all comes from that neck of the woods.
Well, not yet anyway.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
It was me. Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Yeah, yeah, and if anyone out there got a really great present without a name on it, it was from me.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
*taps her foot waiting for her person to have her gift*
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: CoaCoa (Gormet, with Cinnimon)
If all these items really were labeled this way, Dan, I think your mystery Santa had to be Jon Boy.
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
From Anna
quote: *taps her foot waiting for her person to have her gift*
Me too... But i think we must be patient because of the distance. Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
CoaCoa (Gormet, with Cinnimon) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If all these items really were labeled this way, Dan, I think your mystery Santa had to be Jon Boy.
Close. But I don't remember labeling them that way. Dan, you were supposed to get an email to look inside your gift. Try opening the lid. Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
ElJay, I just opened the Vosges chocolate, and it's exactly what i have been craving. I am going to eat it in very small bites so it lasts ages. Thank you once again!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
You're welcome. I'm going to go have a bite of the Vosges chocolate bar I've been working on, too, so we can have some chocolate together. Mine's a different flavor, though.
Added: And I think you'll find the Dagoba bar less spicy than the Vosges, and the truffles quite spicy. The truffles are too much for me, but you said you liked dark chocolate with chilies, so I wanted to give you a variety. Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by Anna: *taps her foot waiting for her person to have her gift*
Yeah. Me, too. According to the timetable given by the post office, it should have arrived yesterday (Saturday). Ah, well. I know how things get gummed up in the mail so close to Christmas.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
I got my gift today, but I don't know who it's from... there is a name that I do not recognize and a California address.
Whoever you are, thanks so much for the book! It looks good, I'll start it sometime after Christmas is over. Thanks Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Oh wait! I just found the note inside the book Thank you littlemissattitude! I like it even more now that I know the reasoning. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Choobak, I think I remember reading earlier in this thread that your person had gotten your gift.
::officially envious of the people in this thread who are eating Vosges::
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Also, I have been wondering since this morning... does the USPS normally deliver packages on Sundays? I thought it was very strange to find it in my door today.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
No, they don't.
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jeni: Oh wait! I just found the note inside the book Thank you littlemissattitude! I like it even more now that I know the reasoning.
You're very welcome, Jeni. I thought and thought about what I could send from this area that would communicate the local flavor, but Fresno and the surrounding area isn't really known for that much. So I thought I'd look for a book. And as soon as I walked into the bookstore, I thought of this author. By the way, the farm the author writes about in the book is only about four or five miles from where I lived up until March and while I don't know him, I've seen him around quite a bit.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Doh.
I went through an entire box of newspaper clippings used to package the cocoa looking for the mysterious note. I didn't think about hiding underneath the plastic lid.
WOW!
50th issue of Leading Edge.
I won't mind waiting for it.
Thanks Brinestone
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
*unlurk*
I think Eddie has lost some weight.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
I've read the first two stories in it, Dan, and they're both very good. The first one is excellent. The art bothers me, but that's okay. Posted by aiua (Member # 7825) on :
You're very welcome. "...intriguing" is exactly the way my friend described it. Right before breaking out in hives. -sigh- I do hope it wasn't too much pepper, though. If it is, erk, sorry!
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I know that USPS does do some Sunday deliveries. I once got one, though my delivery wasn't good news.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Apparently, it depends on the area, having just done a search on their website. Areas that have Sunday delivery will also be recieving Christmas Day delivery.
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
aiua: no hives, just not used to the flavor. I will probably try it in small amounts. And, I won't have to worry about my family drinking it all, the way they ate most of the cookies.
And, I've read the book! Now I've got to get the rest of the series. Thanks again! Posted by Chreese Sroup (Member # 8248) on :
I got a package from Kewdale WA Australia. Looks like a warm place I should visit sometime; Especially the beach.
This CD is awesome so far, and thanks for the chocolate Imogen.
It's nice to see foreign packaging, ENERGY: 410kJ. Most of us silly Americans still can't figure out how to migrate to metric. (I do not fit in that most.) Track 4 is fine, btw.
Thanks, Imogen!
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Dear Mikelle,
Thank you! The bath salts are a perfect way for me to relax after my first semester of grad school - and did you know that my favourite scent is actually cherry? Either way, excellent job! Woo!
::happy dances way to bathtub, forgetting she just took a shower literally five minutes ago::
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*nervous* I hope mine gets there today...
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Oh I'm glad it arrived.
I actually really like track 4, but I figured I should warn just in case.
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: Apparently, it depends on the area, having just done a search on their website. Areas that have Sunday delivery will also be recieving Christmas Day delivery.
I must really be old. I remember the days when, during the Christmas mail season, we got two deliveries a day. That was in Southern California, by the way.
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
Huzzah!
Our Secret Santa gift arrived today -- thank you thank you Dan_Raven!
(weren't we lucky to have you again!)
Dan sent Strider and I a short story that he wrote -- it is *extremely* amusing Dan, it's great reading your work! And the book "October Sky" which i've heard good things about but neither Greg nor I have read. There's also a few candy canes and jujyfruits, and finally two drawing penned by Sasha! *grins* Where did Sasha get his inspiration, Dan? Tell him Greg and I both loved his picture.
Thanks again! Posted by Son of Shvester (Member # 8489) on :
Karl, Sorry I didn't answer sooner but I have been tired lately. I have the translations (they may be slightly off but they are more or less accurate).
Heenay Mah Tov means "Here/This is what is good" Yishmor means "Watcher or he who watches over us (referring to G-d). Mekolot is referring to a scriptural passage and "mekolot" happens to be the 1st word Poteach is a passage from our daily prayer and means "You open" Ani is more commonly reffered to as "ani ma'amin" and the complete title translates to I believe (I am guessing "ani" is short for ani ma'amin and by itself ani is the hebrew word for I. Ashrecha is the only word I do not know. Ezri as a song is a the begining of a famous psalm (I am not sure exactly which one). The word Ezri means "My help or my salvation", and it comes from the hebrew root azar or "to help". I hope you find my translation helpful
P.S. I just recieved 2 of your famous book thongs in the mail and appreciate you taking the time to make them for me and my mom. we were very happy to get them.
Posted by Dr Strangelove (Member # 8331) on :
Mmmmm ... Kettricken, thank you VERY much! I'm currently chowing down on some mmm mmm delicious chocolate ... my favorite was the pinkish colored one. Don't quite know what it was. But it was AMAZING. And I was just wondering what to do about getting another calendar ... problem solved! So yes, I am extraordinarily happy and now somewhat on a sugar high. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas!
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Somebody had sent something for me. I received it yesterday in a buble pocket from the Texas. My first reaction was to burn it into fire to purify it from the Devil. After all, Bush is from Texas too But quickly, my open-minded personnality take advantage on my Old (and past) TV addict person. I finally decided to take the mail and bring it in my home.
Great idea !! It was a mail from Kate with a delicious Real Texas Chili meal preparation !
Thank you Katie ! Now, with this preparation, i can impress my friends with a good Chili !
And thanks for the little word
See ya !
P.S. : Can you explain the best way to prepare that ? I'm sure there is a better way than the one explained on the bag, no ?
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
SoS, I'm glad you got the book-thongs. Just wanted to send you a little "thankyou" for your gift. (And since Tante gets my vote as the brightest new star on the 'rack this year I wanted her to have one too. Tante, your posts always brighten my day. )
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Aw, shucks. Thank you so much, for your flattery (which I can never get enough of) and the really pretty book thong. Now my library book looks like it is wearing jewelry!
And I'm inspired to make some to gift to other people.
You are awfully sweet, Karl. Thanks. Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
I glad it arrived safe Leonide. We got a late start, but it was fine.
Although I like you guys a lot, I do hope that next year I get someone different, or I'll begin to believe that we are the only two people really on Hatrack, and that this is just a grand conspiracy for you to get my stuff.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Wait, did you get them last year? *horrified*
I was afraid that would happen. I didn't keep any of the records from last year because I promised to keep everyone's information safe, so I didn't know if anyone was repeated. *facepalm*
I guess my brain really thinks that's a great matchup - it did it twice!
Posted by K.T. (Member # 8665) on :
quote: *nervous* I hope mine gets there today...
IT DID!! IT DID!!! *tries to wipe off perma-grin*
Thank you Narnia!! I got home from a very long day at work and there it was, just waiting to be opened. I didn't have my lap-top at home so I couldn't post 'til this morning. It definately made my day. I LOVE the calendar! (Lighthouses...an odd shape...even better) I have not yet tried the fudge, although it looks delicious.
Thank you, Thank you!!
K.T.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
My person never acknowledged reciept of my present. And it was a really nice present, too. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Aw...*goes to check*
Hmm..you had someone who is both a lurker and a college student. I'm guessing things are crazy and they are not near a computer. I'll e-mail to make sure it got there. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Oh Katie, I was just about to do the same, great minds think alike.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Do you want to do it, breyerchic? You're much more diplomatic than I am.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: Hmm..you had someone who is both a lurker and a college student.
According to my data, my giftee is in his/her late 20's.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Don't complain. We'll do what we can, and no matter what, you can feel warm and fuzzy about giving a good present. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I guess I can, but you seem to be nicer, I just say it how it is, I guess that is diplomatic. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
oh wow, I actually emailed him yesterday, and asked, so it's just that he/she hasn't replied to that either. Tante, s/he's probably offline
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
My person hasn't got my present yet, it seems. Overseas shipping might take a while, but since ElJay's to me was sent on the same day and got here days ago, I am slightly surprised...
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
could the customs be harder to get into the US? Or could it just be a fluke,
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Breyerchic, could you confirm that my person did receive my gift? I mailed it on the 9th (the same day that we mailed Boris's gift, and he got his ages ago).
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Ok I'll email.
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
Still haven't received my gift.
Still pestering my mailman , who thinks the whole Secret Santa idea is really funny.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Many, many presents are still in transit. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Yeah they ae, and it's not that late, the goal is to get gifts before January 1.
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
I know. I just don't want my Secret Santa to think I'm not acknowledging his/her gift.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Yay K.T.!! I'm so glad you liked it. That's my famous toffee in the gladware. I like it after it's been refrigerated, but it really is the best stuff in the world. I hope you like it.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I got my gift from Dr. Strangelove today. It's this really beautiful crystal globe. Thanks Joshua. It is indeed really neat.
Posted by Kettricken (Member # 8436) on :
Farmgirl, thank you, thank you, thank you!
I love your gifts. There are several things there I’ve never seen before – the chocolate sunflower seeds, the toasted sunflower seeds and the corn on the cob popcorn. I never imagined any of those things existed. I’ve already tried the chocolate sunflower seeds, the first couple seemed very odd, then they became very Moorish, so I put them away as I want to share them with my family as I’m sure they’ve never seen them either.
I’m also looking forward to tea and scones Kansas style – not something I expected. The calendar is lovely too – now I have no excuse for not knowing when your holidays are.
Thanks you.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Kettricken -- I'm so GLAD they finally got to you today! I was worried after your last post about you getting ready for leave for several days -- and I sent it ages ago!
I tried to find the most unique items I could -- things that might be interesting to you as well as say something about my wonderful state.
Have a safe trip to see your family for the holiday!
Farmgirl
Posted by Dr Strangelove (Member # 8331) on :
Yeah, Rabbit, I thought it might've been better to get you something practical, but that really caught my eye and I figured hey, it can be used as a paperweight. :-).
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
Dan Raven had my name last year - my first year on Hatrack and therefore my first year participating in the exchange. Perhaps he had Leonide's name the year before?
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Thank-you Leonide & Strider!!
The postman just turned up with a big brown box (and my dog went crazy). Many styrofoam peanuts later....
A candy jar! It's really nifty - the jar sits upside down and screws into a covered disc thing that the candy falls into. And there's little holes in the disc so you can get the candy out.
And I got candy.
Oooh, and I have candy in the pantry (jellybellys) that will be perfect in it as well.
Thank-you!
And I like the sign. Pretty aptly named town for this kind of year!
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
If my SS wants to know, I was sick today and could not check my mail. I'll see if the package has arrived tomorrow. Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
quote:Originally posted by Narnia: Yay K.T.!! I'm so glad you liked it. That's my famous toffee in the gladware. I like it after it's been refrigerated, but it really is the best stuff in the world. I hope you like it.
As in, your own recipe? Please please please please please will you share?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
To my person: It got mailed Friday. The predicted time was about a week.
Just to elaborate slightly . . . (sorry, you know I can't resist)
quote:Heenay Mah Tov means "Here/This is what is good"
This is a part of a line from Psalm 133, and a common Jewish folk song -- or I guess several, since there are multiple tunes it is sung to. The most common one is good for singing in rounds.
quote:Poteach is a passage from our daily prayer and means "You open"
Psalm 145.
quote:Ashrecha is the only word I do not know.
It means "you are fortunate," and I would guess it is from the first couple verses of Psalm 128.
quote:Ezri as a song is a the beginning of a famous psalm
Esa einai el heharim, me'ayin me'ayin yavo ezri? Ezri me'im Hashem! I will lift my eyes up to the mountains -- from where will come my help? My help will come from God! (Psalm 130)
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
Thanks rivka. I was expecting you to elaborate a bit, actually. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Narnia, I would *love* to get a good toffee recipe. If you're willing to share, I'd like a copy.
Farmgirl, what are Kansas style tea and scones?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Yeah, Farmgirl, what are they? *curious* Thanks for asking, Noemon. Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Well, they really aren't anything more than a scone "mix" (like having a muffin mix) and a tea blend that are both Made In Kansas
So, since the British are somewhat famous for their tea and scones, I thought she might like trying the Kansas blends or versions of those.
Farmgirl
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I got a package I got a package I got a package!!!
Um... I should probably open it now. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oooooh! Thank you! I still have no idea what the screenname of the person who sent the package to me is (did I miss it?) But thank you!
The hard rectangle book-shaped thing was indeed a book-- A Photographic Journey Through Colorado! Beautiful, absolutely beautiful! My husband has family there, maybe we should go visit sometime-- and I'm using this book to plan what side trips we'll go on!
The lumpy thing was a cute little bag of "Mines Marbles", apparently named after the School of Mines. They look cool, although the geometry is waaaay over my head-- I'll have to show the sheet to Rivka or my dad or someone and have them explain it to me, I'm a dunce at geometry. But they look like fun to play with, if I can keep Emma from stealing them! (She's also enjoying looking at the book with me, and I'm sure KPC will enjoy it, too.) Thank you so much!
Posted by ctm (Member # 6525) on :
Papa Moose, your package came today! What fun to open all the gifts: There is a wooden lion sculpture (Aslan?), two beautiful bars of soap in nice spicy scents, A package of cookie mix with a moose cookie cutter (what else!) , some spiced cider mix, and a bag of kettle corn for popping. And a package of home-made, beautifully decorated Christmas cookies that are disappearing rather quickly... And a cool "Greetings from Uganda" Card!
Thank you so much! Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Alty
You doll, you! My gift just arrived -- my mom came in and went "you have a package!" So I walked up to her, and she went "no, it's outside." Well, I ask you, why couldn't she have brought it in with the rest of the mail? *raises eyes to heavens*
Anyway, it's lovely! The gummy goodies look delumptious, and the book is marvelous... some real photographic gems in there. I've definitely never seen a collection of fairy photos before. What a unique idea... it's really magical. And the letter was almost the best part... I teared up when I read it. *hughug* Thank you so much, Alty!!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I've been told that my special gifter was Eisenoxyde. Thank you, Eisenoxyde!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I will totally post my famous toffee recipe and then someone can remind me how to put it on the hatrack recipe site.
Spread walnuts in a layer on a cookie sheet. (I don't fill the cookie sheet, I like the layer to be a bit thicker, 1/4 inch or so.) Then sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the walnuts. Make sure that the chocolate is ONLY on the walnuts and that they're pretty close together. (My rule for the walnuts is that they should supercede the edge of the chocolate once it's layed out in a single layer. You might need more walnuts, this is all estimates.)
1 C. sugar 1 C. REAL butter 1 T. vanilla 5 T. water
Combine all these ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook on high, stirring CONSTANTLY, for about 10 minutes. It will change colors and go through a variety of textures. The most important thing is the color. You should take it off the heat once it's the color of a brown paper bag. Don't take it off any sooner and don't let it burn. You'll start to see dark brown streaks coming up from the bottom, which is when it's done.
Immediately pour the toffee in a thin layer over the top of the chocolate and nuts, covering all the chocolate. I pat the toffee down with a wooden spoon just so it picks up as many nuts as possible. Allow to cool (I put it in the freezer for 10 minutes if I'm in a hurry). Once it's completely cooled, break toffee with a knife and eat it until you're sick. Keep cool (but don't store it in the freezer. It sweats and then get's all weird.) I just store it in the fridge and it keeps for quite a while. Posted by maui babe (Member # 1894) on :
Narnia, that sounds really good. I used to make a similar candy when I lived on the mainland. When I tried to make it the first Christmas I lived here, it never set up properly, and turned to soup after it cooled. I guess the added humidity changed it enough that it didn't work. I tried it again the next year, cooking it a bit longer, but I've never made it work here.
The good news is, the extra humidity here makes my sweet breads better!
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Glad you got it, ctm. I hope you noticed your name on the stocking cookie -- that was my idea. Mama baked and decorated them all, though. Eating my baking wouldn't be nearly as celebratory.
There's no particular external reason for the lion to be Aslan, but that's pretty much what I was thinking when I included him. He's also from Uganda, hand-carved out of ebony.
Anyway, I'm really glad you liked them (and that they got there!).
--Pop
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
*bouncebouncebounce* I just got mine!
Thank you, CaySedai!
Her gift to me basically hit on all the things I said I wanted on the "What I want for the gift exchange" thread:
There was some Iowa candy for local flavor: it was neat--kind of like a Reese's peanut butter cup meets a cherry-cordial: on the outside is chocolate and peanut bits, and on the inside is kind of a cherry nougat. Yum!
The were FOUR decks of Mickey Mouse playing cards! Cor and I will have fun playing stri^h^h^h^h Go Fish tonight!
And there were also four adorable snowman Christmas ornaments, each wearing a little cap and a little scarf--did you make those yourself? They are really cute--and one for each of us, even!
EDIT: and for even more local flavor, the gifts were cushioned in local newspapers--there's even a sudoku puzzle in one of the sections there--I can't wait to do it!!!
[ December 21, 2005, 04:52 PM: Message edited by: Icarus ]
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
The newspaper is actually the one where I work, but I didn't see anything of mine in there. I packed it at the post office.
The candy (Twin Bing) is made about 120 miles from where I live, and it's one of my favorites.
I picked four snowmen because there are four people in my family and in yours. Unfortunately, they were made in Kansas, but that's close to Iowa, and Iowa certainly gets a lot of snow. (I figured that would be close enough)
The cards, with Mickey Mouse, fulfilled your wish for something Disney, and also gives you something to share with your family. (I thought it was funny - someone from Iowa sending Disney stuff to someone in Florida!)
So very glad you like everything!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Amira...your lovely gifts just arrived. Thank you so much. I knew if I didn't sit watching for the mailman to come, the package would. Except that we have a very small mail box and all I found there was a notice to go to the post office and pick up my package. Fortunately, however, the mailman was still delivering in the next block so I walked up there and he retrieved the package from his truck.
I love the book already, just glancing through it. I love history, and I love humor - the two together are absolutely perfect. "The Rottweiler of Time" indeed. And I'm sure I'll enjoy the CD. I recognize some of the artists, but except for "Wonderwall", I think all the songs are new to me. I'm especially interested to hear "Mulder and Scully". Also, the card you made is beautiful. It reminds me of the time, way too long ago now, when I visted London.
Thank you.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Icarus, you crack me up with all your snowman photos. It looks like you had a really great time playing with your new toys.
I am having a wonderful (vicarious) pleasure enjoying everyone else's gifts!
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
quote:Originally posted by Raia: Alty
You doll, you! My gift just arrived -- my mom came in and went "you have a package!" So I walked up to her, and she went "no, it's outside." Well, I ask you, why couldn't she have brought it in with the rest of the mail? *raises eyes to heavens*
Anyway, it's lovely! The gummy goodies look delumptious, and the book is marvelous... some real photographic gems in there. I've definitely never seen a collection of fairy photos before. What a unique idea... it's really magical. And the letter was almost the best part... I teared up when I read it. *hughug* Thank you so much, Alty!!
What do you mean with: "Almost the best part?" Just kidding. I'm glad you liked the book! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and figured, "I've been looking for a good gift for Raia, I think this freakin' awesome book ought to do the trick! I'll stuff it with gummies too!" Breyerchic told me you were not that fond of chocolates, so I decided to get you an assortment of gummies since any person that doesn't like gummies cannot call itself human. Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
<--apparently can not call myself human Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tante Shvester: <--apparently can not call myself human
No you can't. It's good to have friends from all over the galaxy though!
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Gummies definitely trump chocolates any day. Thanks again, darling!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Gummies are fake plastic candy, and (I believe) a close relative to Jell-o.
Black Licorice is the yummiest candy! And I will whip anyone who disagrees -- with my Black Licorice Whips!
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'll take salted black licorice, please. Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Black Licorice is the yummiest candy!
quote:I'll take salted black licorice, please.
*involuntary shudder of disgust*
Posted by Mr.Funny (Member # 4467) on :
*voluntary shudder of disgust*
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Ew indeed. To both. Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
Icarus: maybe a couple of those photo links should have "not work-friendly" warnings.
My gift is having unintended (but hilarious) uses I never dreamed of. Oh, and BTW, are you implying that "Knife of Dreams" would put someone to sleep? (points at nick referencing Robert Jordan books) Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I am using Knife of Dreams right now for that very reaszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
LMA, I'm really pleased you liked it. Let me know what you think of the CD, when you've listened to it. I'm glad it finally arrived - I was beginning to worry that it would never get there!
Posted by K.T. (Member # 8665) on :
Narnia,
The toffee is absolutely scrumptious!!! *sighs thinking about how long it will be before I get to eat more* (I didn't bring them to work)
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Actually, your nick was what prompted me.
But, if you notice, I ownKnife of Dreams.
In hardback.
(And I'm about two-thirds of the way through it and am enjoying it quite a bit, though I wish he would give more of the Egwene-in-the-White-Tower storyline, which I'm enjoying immensely, and less of the Mat-and-Tuon-riding-all-over-the-countryside-needling-each-other plotline, which isn't doing much for me. And I'm sad about Rand's hand.)
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Reeeeeeeeeeeeceived!
Good timing, I leave for the airport in, uh, two hours. Jonathan Howard sent me a Hamsa, a modern Israeli good luck talisman, all the way from Israel! VERY cool. The timing is also very bizarre, because it's inscribed with a blessing to recite before you travel, and like I said, I leave in two hours...
...guess what I'll be carrying with me?
Pictures to come when I have a camera again.
Thanks, Jonathan, I appreciate it and hope you have a happy holiday.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
How funny, that's what I sent my giftee from Israel last year. I wonder if it's a similar one... *awaits photographs*
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Has anyone received my present yet?
<listens closely. hears lonely chirping of a cricket>
I sent it so long ago.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Tante, your person never posted that they sent theirs either, and it was recieved, I'm just guessing they aren't posting.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
But it was such a nice gift, too. In my opinion it was worthy of a "Thank you".
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
We don't know they're even online at all.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Dear Secret Santa:
I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving town for the weekend tomorrow morning, and have put my mail on hold until Tuesday. So if my gift was sent via post and was going to arrive in the next couple of days, I will not receive it until then. If it was sent via some other method, a friend will be stopping by Saturday to check my house, and she will scoop it up and bring it inside for me where I will find it Sunday evening when I come home. Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
It came today. Thank you Jay. I got a desk calendar with sports facts on it. It's one of those page a day calendars.
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
quote:Originally posted by Icarus: Actually, your nick was what prompted me.
But, if you notice, I ownKnife of Dreams.
In hardback.
(And I'm about two-thirds of the way through it and am enjoying it quite a bit, though I wish he would give more of the Egwene-in-the-White-Tower storyline, which I'm enjoying immensely, and less of the Mat-and-Tuon-riding-all-over-the-countryside-needling-each-other plotline, which isn't doing much for me. And I'm sad about Rand's hand.)
SPOILER WARNINGS, MAN!
I don't have the book yet. Maybe for my birthday ... we'll see. I think need a printer more urgently than I need that book. Or several other things. But, someday, I'll read it. Besides, I need to read two or three of the previous books to refresh my memory first. Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
Hmm...it's reaching the end of the range the post office gave me for delivery of my gift, but my giftee hasn't posted since Dec. 11th. They're a college student, so perhaps they don't have regular internet access from home. Guess I'll have to wait till after the break to find out if they liked it *sigh*
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Don't worry--I've been vague enough that I don't think I've really given anything substantial away.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I just posted this in the wrong thread. My new mom brain just doesn't work right.
quote:I'm so sorry I'm late with my thank you. Valentine014 sent 3 adorable onesies for Aerin, in my favorite pink from The Children's Place, one of my favorite stores. The best part is that they fit her now. Thank you Valentine014!
kq, I'm glad Emma likes the CDs. I would've liked to do something more elaborate and special, but I just didn't have the time. I did read that thread and I was so happy that I could at least send something I knew y'all didn't have and wanted.
Posted by Eisenoxyde (Member # 7289) on :
I'm sorry I didn't post about recieving my gifts, right after finals I went down to Mexico to help build 3 houses for poor families. (I'll post a link to all the pictures taken on the trip once they are online if anyone is interested.)
Anyways, THANK YOU Tante for the miniature Christmas tree and all the decorations. I haven't had time to decorate the tree, but I am currently listening to the cd you sent.
Jesse
P.S. KQ, I'm glad you liked the book and the marbles. I go to Mines and love the fact that the marbles have the same diameter in every direction even though they are not circular. I have my own set and love putting a book on top of them and rolling it across the table. (Yeah, that's my not so inner nerd talking.)
[ December 23, 2005, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: Eisenoxyde ]
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
<---- wants to see a photo of the mine marbles. Posted by Eisenoxyde (Member # 7289) on :
Ah, three-dimensional Rouleaux triangles That's what I thought they'd be. I did a paper on two-dimensional shapes of constant width for a math class a while back, but never really thought about them in three. Very cool!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Yeah! I'm so glad that you liked it! (and received it -- I was worried) Enjoy, and may your Christmas be everything that you wish it to be.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote: I have my own set and love putting a book on top of them and rolling it across the table. (Yeah, that's my not so inner nerd talking.)
That's so cool! I wish I could try it right now, but Emma just stole them all and won't tell me where she hid them. So I'll have to find them first...
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
quote:I went down to Mexico to help build 3 houses for poor families. (I'll post a link to all the pictures taken on the trip once they are online if anyone is interested.)
Those look really cool. I may have to order a set. Thanks for the link.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
They are really cool! *has reclaimed her marbles from babydom*
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
Goody,
Thank you so much for my gift! Goody hand-stitched a Christmas tree ornament for me. It is a Christmas tree. It is beautiful and very thoughtful. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Allegra
Posted by Jonathan Howard (Member # 6934) on :
OK, this is the best Christmas EVER.
And I'm Jewish.
This morning, as I entered class (no snow this morning - but DAMN close!), I greeted my good friends with a "Merry Christmas" blessing, and they replied with "Happy Birthday" (long story, bottom line is I'm Jesus, a friend of mine is the fired Holy Ghost and Antichrist, and anothe friend is God). We had a test in theology, in which I heavily criticised the Kozari's opinions, and had a seminar in First Aid.
We finished school very early today because it's Hanukkah Eve, and came back home. After relaxing for a bit I got a notification that mail was sent to "Howard". I went down to the PO and found out that The Rabbit sent me a lovely book, "Where Rivers Change Direction", by Mark Spragg.
Coming back up the stairwell the light lit up, and a neighbour of mine gave me heaps of Jeans and shirts that her son (now in the army) never bothered to wear.
Plus, it's only 16:00, and I've got tutoring, not to mention more stuff that might happen this eve.
So THANK YOU, thank you everyone, thanks to all who made this day so great. In greatest particularity The Rabbit, for the book. Not only did my gift arrive at erosomniac's place two hours before he had to leave for the airport, but my gift arrived ON CHRISTMAS! And on the best time of it, too!
THANK YOU. Jonathan
Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
Boris,
Thank you for the book! A friend borrowed my copy a few years ago and I never got it back. I'm so happy to have it again. You chose well- it's the best quilting reference book I've ever used before. Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Allegra, I'm glad you liked it! And the original pattern was for "just" a tree, but my 8 year old insisted that it needed a star on top! Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
AW! I want those!!!!
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I got my gift from Allegra yesterday. I got an adorbale card with happy children, Lindt truffles, a glowing computer goddess and a sabd castle in a box kit. I can't wait to try it out!
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
Thank you Jeni!
I got a dessert fondue pot shaped like a giant Hershey's Kiss, warmed by a tea candle, and full of Hershey's Kisses! How awesome! It even has recipes!
I've always wanted a fondue pot, but could never justify the actual purchase. It's something I've wanted but would never buy for myself! Thank you!
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Thanks kojabu!
I've got a couple of whoa-now-THAT'S-strong dark chocolate Ithaca art bars, and such appealingly random objects as a Mafia pencil, an ornate sword-shaped tie clip (which will be put to excellent use when I put on my clip-on tie to play a game show host), and something that looks like the head of a demented green chipmunk (for putting on my bulletin board).
Yay! Thanks!! Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
quote:Originally posted by amira tharani: LMA, I'm really pleased you liked it. Let me know what you think of the CD, when you've listened to it. I'm glad it finally arrived - I was beginning to worry that it would never get there!
Amira...I finally got to listen to the CD last night. Been busy around here. Anyway, I love it. A lot of the songs seem like they have a very sixties vibe to them, which is wonderful. I don't have the CD right here in front of me to do a more detailed commentary, but I like all of the songs a lot. Now, I just have to find out more about the artists. Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Icarus !!! your snowmen's pictures are great !!! I still laugh now !!!! thanks for that !
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
Plaid was it too dark for your tastes? I love the stuff personally, I suppose you could say I'm a dark chocolate snob.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Romany, I would really like to see what a computer goddess looks like.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
kojabu -- nah, it's fine, it's a bit stronger than I'm used to, so I've just been nibbling on it in smaller quantities than usual. (Lasts longer! )
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
plaid, that's what I had to do when I got a bar of 70% dark chocolate...I'd gnaw off slivers until I'd ingested maybe an ounce, tops, and I'd be good for the rest of the day. It lasted forever!
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Heh... I don't think it's possible to get too dark for my taste. I don't particularly like milk chocolate... the darker the better!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: (which will be put to excellent use when I put on my clip-on tie to play a game show host),
Now that's a story I want to hear about, plaid!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Raia, I had an 85, that was like eating coccoa. Yuck.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
I've been known to eat cocoa before... Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I'll eat hot chocolate powder!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I love 85% chocolate. I haven't tried anything higher, yet, but 85% doesn't seem like it would be at the upper ends of my tolerance level.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I like 75%, with ginger in it prefferably, though some of the other options work quite well too.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
It came it came it came! And it's from Anna!
Thank you, Anna! I'm eating one of the candies right now, and it's quite yummy, and the bath beads and cubes smell delicious! I can't wait to try them!
I didn't even look at the rest of my mail, I just wanted to open my package. And I was so excited when I saw it was from you! Thank you so much. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I read "I'm eating one of the candles right now" and did a quick double-take.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
That would be a little chewey. Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
quote:Originally posted by Farmgirl:
quote: (which will be put to excellent use when I put on my clip-on tie to play a game show host),
Now that's a story I want to hear about, plaid!
Um, not too much to tell. Back at East Wind, when we put on talent shows/coffeehouses, my own conribution would be to dress up like Alex Trebek and host our own version of "Jeopardy" ("I'll take 'Fires and Explosions' for $500, Alex!")
Anyway, I'm moving back to community soon (Acorn Community in Virginia), and next time I do a game show I wanna try to do "The Price is Right." (Which reminds me, while I'm here at my brother's and actually around a TV set, I should watch a couple episodes to refresh my memory of what the show's like...)
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
I tried some 80% chocolate from Germany last year and it was disgusting. On the other hand, that chocolate one of you brought to BobNDanaCon had a really high percent, but it was yummy. But, as I recall, it had other flavorings mixed into it, like port (which I love) and stuff.
So I stand by my contention that 80% pure chocolate with nothing added is inedible.
(I actually still have most of that year-old bar in the fridge.)
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
I had some 80% Italian dark chocolate and it was absolutely fabulous. It was so dark that you had to let it sit in your mouth and melt to get the flavor out and when it came, it was wonderful.
Ah Icky I was wondering if you were going to bring that bar up!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Tastes like soap.
>_<
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Hmm, I looked at the Art Bar chocolate you gave me, kojabu, and it's 58%. I've had 70% chocolate before and liked it OK, but for some reason this 58% chocolate tastes stronger -- maybe the bar has less sugar than usual?
(I do like it though. kojabu, do you know if it's available outside of Ithaca?)
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
You can get it shipped from the website on the wrappers. I don't know it off the top of my head, but if you google Ithaca Fine Chocolates or Ithaca Art Bars it'll probably come up. I like the art that comes with them, I've gotten some cool works.
Edit: Yuppers, you can get them lots of places. Linky!
[ December 28, 2005, 12:47 AM: Message edited by: kojabu ]
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
I'm very lucky about chocolate : each time i go in Belgium to see my sweetheart, i can buy some of the best chocolate.
I love it (not more than my Delphine, but a lot )
Actually, in my home, i have a delicious chocolate powder from switzerland (the other great country about chocolate) : Van Houten. Do you remember Katie ? It's the same i offer you for the breakfast when you came in Paris with your brother.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
so... plaid....
you don't actually get to watch TV while living in community, so you all make up your own shows? Actually sounds like fun!
Farmgirl
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Farmgirl --
Depends on the community. East Wind, where I was at, had a satellite dish (actually, TWO satellite dishes), and so TV was always available (not that I watched it much). At Acorn (and nearby Twin Oaks), in Virginia, folks have TVs, but they don't use them for watching commercial TV, but use them for watching videos/DVDs. (So, for example, folks wouldn't have watched Firefly back when it was airing on Fox... but once it was out on DVD, they might watch it, once they didn't have to put up with the @#$%&* commercials.)
But in general, while folks like watching movies once or twice a week, folks tend to entertain themselves a lot more (games, music, hiking/biking/canoeing, etc.)
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:Actually, in my home, i have a delicious chocolate powder from switzerland (the other great country about chocolate) : Van Houten. Do you remember Katie ? It's the same i offer you for the breakfast when you came in Paris with your brother
I remember vividly. That stuff was incredible! I thought of it when I sadly bought Fat Free, Low Carb hot chocolate powder just before Christmas. It is just not the same - I miss that incredible powder.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I'm so glad you had it, ElJay, I was starting to think it was lost Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
mmm... A though goes through my head, Kate... I heard that Santa forgets some boxes in his bag...
I may give him one or two advices...
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh my stars, if you are serious, that would be wonderful. *delighted*
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Why not ? But I'm not sure if chocolate can get accross the customs... I'll see...
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I sent candies to ElJay, chocolate should go through, no problem. Van Houten... *drools*
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I got my package yesterday!
After battling Nathan for the box (he wanted to open it himself), I pulled out a rain stick.
...I love how the card inside said that it can be used for ambiance while looking at pictures of Seattle or for chasing Nathan around. This time, I think it was appropriate to chase Nathan. Also some Seattle cookies, a package of soup that I'm interested in trying (I'm a new food weenie, so it's a challenge)...AND...
A book called The Lexicon of Stupidity.
Many thanks, jeniwren. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
No package yet. Two mailing days left in December. *taps foot impatiently*
Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
Chocolate can pass through customs. When I came home from my mission, I brought an entire suitcase (no exaggeration) full of chocolates from Switzerland and France. Sadly, it only lasted a few months and then I had to go back and get more. That reminds me, I'm about due for another trip... maybe this summer..
Van Houten is divine.
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Dan, did you get Leading Edge? They said they mailed it December 18, so it should be to you by now, I think.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
My person (not Tom) has not reported receiving their package yet, and has been online.
My understanding was that it should have gotten there early this week. *angst*
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
I really like Menier, which I believe is from France. Technically, I guess it's a cooking chocolate, but unlike cooking chocolate made here, it's wonderful. Crumbly instead of waxy, and just a teeny bit salty. Many grocery stores around here sell it--which is good or bad, depending on your point of view. Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
rivka- yours might take a little longer to arrive than the post office estimated. I wouldn't worry about it yet.
Tom- your gift is coming... it should be there any day now.
I've never heard of Menier. It sounds intriguing.
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
yes ! Menier is well known but the company was rebought and now, i think its the property of Nestlé. Menier is the first guy who manufactured chocolate tablette, into a golden paper during the XIXth century. If you read french, you can learn more here. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
My person also hasn't reported yet... but I haven't been online enough to see if my giftee has posted in other threads, so I'm not sure about that part.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I haven't gotten mine yet, so I wonder if either rivka or Raia is my secret santa...
We'll see .
Posted by Oops... (Member # 8981) on :
Tom_D, there is a thread for you about your present. I just got it back from the post office because the label somehow got wet and ran, so your present will be there in a few days. I am resending it today, as I just recieved it back last night.
Sorry about the wait, but I know it wasn't wet when I took it to the post office, it must have had another package leak on it of something.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Yay, mac! I'm so glad you liked it! I had a wonderful time picking things out for you. (That book made me laugh out loud, btw. I had to use the rain stick to keep my son from stealing it.)
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I see great things in that rain stick's future. Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Annnnnnnnnnnnnd...............
I have another Secret Santa !!!!!
In fact, Katharina send me a gift just for the pleasure, 'cause our Europcon in september. (thanks a lot !! I am touched in my heart !)
The secret santa for the gift exchange is another hatracker !!! C'est Noël !!!! ouaiiiiiiiiii
So i recieve a wonderful box with lot of things :
Firstly : a coquillages "guiding" (you know, this suspended metal tubes who ring with the wind...)
Secondly, a beautiful decorative californian sun
Thirdly, a wonderful sea candle
and finally, the best : two packs of chocolates !! on with californian oranges, and the other with pineapple.
My dear Rivka ! I love you so much for all of that !!! I give you a kiss from France by this Hatrack thread !
I'm really happy !!! Thank you sooooooooooo much !!!! Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
*greatly relieved*
I'm so glad you like your taste of sunny Southern California! Enjoy!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Ooooh. Rivka, did you send him TJs orange and pinapple sticks? He's gonna get hooked. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
I sure did. Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
héhéhé I love it ! Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Choobak, you should have seen Ketchup Princess when rivka brought orange sticks to DallasCon and everyone was feeding them to her. That was one happy little face.
Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :
Ooooooohh, I can imagine !
It's so good !
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I think the first thing you listed was wind chimes, no?
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
So speaking of chocolate... has anyone here had Ritter Sport chocolates? I had some when I was over in Germany; I've seen a few flavors of Ritter Sport over here in the U.S., but none of the liqueur flavors, and that's even with checking a few international food stores. Their "Truffle whisky" flavor is VERY nice.
I found an online source -- link -- though I'm not excited about the idea of having to pay shipping to get chocolate, so unless I can find some in a store, I'll probably wait to order some until next time I'm giving chocolate as a present...
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Boon:
I think the first thing you listed was wind chimes, no?
Yes.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Can people post adn say if they have not gotten their gifts at all, I need to check lists a fourth time. Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
*raises hand*
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Kat, you assigned Tom to Bean Counter, didn't you? Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
She's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice... Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Trader Joe's carries some Ritter Sport chocolate, but I'm not sure what off the top of my head. I'll check next time I got there, plaid.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
plaid, I LOVE Ritter Sport. I became a junkie when I was in Germany last spring. The most amazing flavor I ran onto was the white chocolate grapefruit. *dies* Fantastic.
In fact, I'd pay a large sum of money for some right now.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
breyerchic: I just came back to France. No gift yet, either in Romania or here. (I think I gave my Romanian address too, didn't I?)
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Corwin, yours was sent, but as far as I remember (without digging through ten threads here) maybe a day or two late, so that I'm sure it's on it's way.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
I guess its just that the postals are all backed up, I am waiting for a package from FedEx, it should've been here in the 31st, but it isn't.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Well, I'm in no hurry*, but I was just wondering if it was sent to France or to Romania.
*after all I think I'm the last one to send it, I'm in no place to comment on this. Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
quote:Originally posted by Noemon: Trader Joe's carries some Ritter Sport chocolate, but I'm not sure what off the top of my head. I'll check next time I got there, plaid.
Thanks! I've checked out a few more stores, and saw a rum-flavored bar in one store, but generally, it does seem like the liqueur-flavored ones just aren't sold in the US.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
quote:Originally posted by Narnia: plaid, I LOVE Ritter Sport. I became a junkie when I was in Germany last spring. The most amazing flavor I ran onto was the white chocolate grapefruit. *dies* Fantastic.
Ooh, sounds interesting. (I mean, I usually don't like, actually, HATE grapefruit... but that does sound interesting.)
Weirdly enough, Ritter Sport's own website doesn't list liqueur flavors nor the grapefruit flavor. Hmff.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Tom was NOT assigned to Bean Counter. I don't think Bean Counter played.
While we were occasionally amused by how the pairings ended up, I think we tried to avoid flat out opportunities to break out the yoga breathing exercises.
Hmm...so everyone except the two who have posted (plus Tom) have received their present?
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
This would be why it's better to have y'all doing match-ups than, say, me. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*grin* You talk tough, but I doubt you would have done any that were any more evil than we did. Several possibilities would have been hilarious, but I can't picture you sacrificing someone's fun for them.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Everyone has a much better opinion of me than is warrented, really.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
The bar is set kind of low here. Your mischevious reputation could still be intact.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
*grin* Good.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: The bar is set kind of low here.
There's a bar? Where?
<wanders off to look for the bar>
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Kat, as far as I can tell only 4 have not posted that they recieved their gifts, and the extra one is the one who we don't believe has sent it.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
I think my gift has just arrived... in Romania. Hmm, now I think I shouldn't have given that address, as I have no idea when's the next time I'll go home. Anyway, I hope my parents have no problems getting it for me! And then they'll probably find someone who'll come to Lyon in the near future...
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Corwin, oh, gosh. *sigh* I'm sorry - but hey, you get to be the one who plays the longest. *hopeful*
breyerchic, I just sent you an e-mail to the gmail address. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I've replied, and that's cool with me.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
Okay, I got a mail slip from the post office saying that they tried delivering it on the 31st (so that was either the 2nd try or it got lost in the system) so I just have to convince them to try to deliver it again now that I'm back in Provo.
It says it's a "large envelope, magazine, catalog, etc". *starts imagining what it could possibly be* Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
My magic beanstalk says "Adventures Await." I guess they gotta await until the beanstalk grows a bit taller.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
My package is in the office, but I haven't had a chance to pick it up, since I've become nocturnal. I should be able to get it tomorrow. So... YAY!!
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
I got it!
Just to show my devotion to Hatrack and the Christmas spirit, I walked the ten or so blocks to the post office instead of waiting for them to try to bring it around again. I was so surprised to see the envelope was listed as being from Romania, who knew that I would be so cool as to get a foreign Secret Santa!
Corwin--thanks so much! I've always wanted to read "The Little Prince", and now I have my very own copy! I had my head stuck in it all during the walk home. The stamps on the envelope were way cool too. Merry late Christmas!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Yay!
I know that Tom's and Xav's are on their way. Anyone else still waiting?
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
kat can I say that you are waiting for another gift?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I am?? Really? *delighted* Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
As I said, I got my gift in Romania, and my parents managed to take it from the post office for me.
sarcasticmuppet, I'm glad you like it! It's doubly foreign, "made in France" and sent from Romania. Lucky you! Hmm, do I get to brag about having a foreign Secret Santa too? Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
And I just found out that I'll soon have my gifts here, since a friend of mine (from my hometown) is going to come back here to school in a couple of days! Yey! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I want some beautiful Indiana postcards Hmm maybe I'll have to go find some (I am in Indiana after all).
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Aaaargh, my friend apparently left just the day before the gift arrived. My parents got the dates mixed up and thought he was coming later. Oh well, maybe next time, whenever that will be.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
Hooray! Ludosti got me a set of She-Hulk comics that I'm missing out of my collection! And another one that looks interesting, but that I haven't read. HOORAY!!! Thank you!
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
kojabu -- thanks for the Art Bars link! I found some in a store here in Charlottesville Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
Okay, I got a secret santa gift . Its always exciting getting packages, especially when you have no idea what's inside.
It appears to be a military or policeman's cap from what looks to be the Soviet Union. Its a very interesting present, but there's still a lot of mistery involved. I'm sure that an item like this has a story behind it, and I'm dying to know what it is.
And also still a mystery is the identity of my secret santa... I didn't find any sort of note as to who was the sender. Thank you to whoever it was .
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
It was MattB, and I'm pretty sure that's what he said it was. Soviet military cap.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh, I'm glad you got it, Xavier! There is indeed a story behind it, but I don't know what it is. I'll see if Matt can post it and let you know.
Has everyone gotten a present, then? Everybody good?
I'm about to start the cookie exchange, and the first big move will be to move everyone's e-mails out of the inbox and into the archive. Due to an unfortunate tendency for us to keep giving the same people to each other, I think we'll keep the information to make sure things are shaken up a little next year. We won't do anything with the addresses - honestly, no one is even going to be looking at them for a year - but if that makes anyone uncomfortable, shoot an e-mail to HatrackGiftExchange and we'll try to figure out how to delete e-mails from Google Mail. Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
cookie exchange? What cookie exchange?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
It's coming. And there's chocolate involved.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Deleting gmails is easy.
Check the email(s). Choose the "Delete" button (the third one, after "Archive" and "Report Spam").
(If you want to be really thorough, go to Trash, check all, and choose "Delete Forever.")
Voila!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Cello!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Bass viol!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Icky, it's Violcello! Ok I'll stop being snobby.
Posted by MattB (Member # 1116) on :
I hear I've been summoned.
Xav, it is indeed a Soviet army officer's hat. I wish I could say that it bears a terribly exciting story that involves my grandfather battling Communists and averting nuclear holocaust through clever use of the hat, but, unfortunately, he simply purchased it on the streets of Moscow about ten years ago. I guess the primary value of such Soviet equipment these days is whatever Western tourists pay for it.
Glad you like it. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
quote:I hear I've been summoned.
Wow. Like a chaos demon.
It's possible I've been watching too much Buffy lately.
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
Ack, I somehow managed to miss Corwin's post saying he got the package (kinda sorta, anyway). I'm glad it arrived safely at your folks' house, even if you don't actually have the contents yet. I was gnashing my teeth over that the last few weeks, because I DID mail it in time for the original deadline (12/10), and the post office told me it would be 10-14 days to deliver...well, obviously it was a lot longer than that. But hey, it'll get sorted out eventually, and I hope you like the stuff!
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[Kiss]](graemlins/kiss.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Actually I think what you wrote really helped me, because when I think about my relations with people I find myself wondering if I'm just happy to spend time with them or if their happiness is important to me. It's really useful.
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Rakeesh.![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
Also a pair of handmade earrings (yes, I have pierced ears!). She included some treats for my chihuahua as well. As a matter of fact, those are their favorites! Greenies!![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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. Also, the Mexican fruit candies are pretty good, I like the zing at the end because of the spiciness (wow I just ate a green one, man that was awesome!). The sesame flour cakes are cool, they remind me of rice krispie treats, but sesame flavored. And I absolutely love coffee and maple flavored things so high five for those. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
It's from France!"![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
)
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Femme Fatale![[Cool]](cool.gif)
peekaboo![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
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![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
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So I'll have to find them first...
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