Thread: Paschal Penguin 2014 Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.
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Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Yes, it's that time of year again.
In a week's time the start of Lent will be upon us, the time when all good folks' thoughts turn to pancakes and the Paschal Penguin.
If you'd like to be involved this year, then this is the place to do it. Well, not for pancakes I'm afraid, but for the Paschal Penguin's promised gifts. Post on the thread, send me a PM with your name and postal address, whether you would like to post a present overseas or within your own country, and whether you have any strong preferences about what you might receive as a gift from a random stranger.
You will be sent the details of another shipmate for whom you should purchase an Easter gift, often but not always involving chocolate, at a cost of no more than £5 sterling or your local equivalent. The gift should be posted to your recipient anonymously, to arrive as close to Easter as possible.
Your details in turn will be passed to a shipmate who will send an equally exciting (hopefully) surprise parcel to you.
Let the fun begin.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
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Yes please
Will pm you.
Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on
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Having once received a pancake in the post, I can promise you it is a bad idea!
I'm in, promise. P.M to follow.
Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on
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Yes please - about to PM.
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on
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likewise
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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I will join this year.
As I will be near Smudgie Towers II this Eastertide, perhaps I could use my poste restante?
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Me! Prefer to mail within US/ Canada.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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Just a warning that postal rates from Canada outward are taking a quantum leap on April 1.
I have no information (yet) on parcels, but I do know that postal rates for domestic stamps is going to 85c (from 63c) for stamps in multiples of 10, and for less than 10 stamps, they will cost $1.00.
International stamps and US destinations will take a similar leap.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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It's cool, I have some uranium I can pawn.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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I'm in and can post anywhere.
UK postage rates are going up at the end of March, but not by the eye-watering amounts of a couple of years ago.
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
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COunt me in too.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Me please.
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
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Me too please! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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I'm in again! Can send anywhere.
PM-ing right now.
Posted by JB (# 1776) on
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Motherboard and JB want to participate.
Will ship anywhere.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Heavenly Anarchist
Surfing Madness
ElaineC
Rowen
PeteC
Kelly Alves
Japes
Gussie
St Everild
Adrienne
Cottontail
JB
Motherboard
Smudgie
14 participants so far... and it's only been a day and a bit! We'll give it a couple of weeks for people to sign up and then I'll get the matching done hopefully early enough for people to get nicely organised.
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
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Yes please! Email sent (or just about to be!)
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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Yes please!
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
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Count me in ! Post to uk or eu
Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on
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Ditto - another colonial ready, willing and eagerly anticipating!
Posted by cheesymarzipan (# 9442) on
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I'm in! PM sent.
Just a warning in case people aren't aware - liquids aren't allowed to be posted by airmail any more, at least within the EU as far as I know. The customs recently confiscated some liquids from a parcel my sister was sending me and sent the rest back to her. So solid gifts are better!
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on
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I'm in!
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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I'm in
Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on
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I'm Brian and so is my wife. Oh, sorry, wrong thread! Anyway, Celtic Knotweed and I are both in.
AG
Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on
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Sure, why not? I'll stay stateside this year, though.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Please shout if you notice I've missed you off the list..... So far we have:
Heavenly Anarchist
Surfing Madness
ElaineC
Rowen
PeteC
Kelly Alves
Japes
Gussie
St Everild
Adrienne
Cottontail
JB
Motherboard
Smudgie
Dormouse
St Gwladys
ecumaniac
Emendator Liturgia
cheesymarzipan
North East Quine
Curiosity killed...
Sandemaniac
Celtic Knotweed
Ariston (24 so far)
Can I remind people to make sure that they not only register their interest on the thread but also send me a PM or email with their posting details (even if you've done it before or know fairly confidently that I know where you live - it just makes it all so much easier!)
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on
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Me! Me!
But baby hormones mean I currently don't like chocolate.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Roll up, roll up (or even waddle up, if that's your preference). The Paschal Penguin is waiting in eager anticipation to go waddling off on his Easter Errands, all he needs is for you to sign up here and send a PM with your name and address and sending preferences. It's almost your last chance. By the end of the week I'll be closing the list. So come on, what are you waiting for? Add your name to this illustrious list:
Heavenly Anarchist
Surfing Madness
ElaineC
Rowen
PeteC
Kelly Alves
Japes
Gussie
St Everild
Adrienne
Cottontail
JB
Motherboard
Smudgie
Dormouse
St Gwladys
ecumaniac
Emendator Liturgia
cheesymarzipan
North East Quine
Curiosity killed...
Sandemaniac
Celtic Knotweed
Ariston
Sophs
(25 so far)
Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on
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Yes please, I'd like to join in (I'll scuttle rather than waddle if I may). PM to follow.
Posted by Cathscats (# 17827) on
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I'm in, just have to discover how to PM! ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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Above any post there's a picture with an envelope and two people - find a post from Smudgie, click on that envelope and it should work
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on
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Can't wait !!!!
Got Paschal presents downtown for me and JB on Friday, now to have someone to send the spicy little darlings to........ ![[Snigger]](graemlins/snigger.gif)
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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An unexpected weekend treat distracted me from the task in hand, but rest assured, by the end of tomorrow (all being well), there should be a message appearing in your PM box. Just make sure there's space for incoming messages
Meanwhile, if you haven't signed up, there's just a miniscule window of opportunity left....
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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I've just got a message giving me the name and address of someone who will be getting a visit from a penguin, hopefully before Easter! Thank you Smudgie - I had already bought something and think that my recipient will like it.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Phew... my calculations make it that everyone should now have the contact details of their penguinee. If you haven't, check your emails (two people had very full PM boxes.. tsk tsk). If you still haven't, then let me know.
If your message contains no details about preferences/allergies/fussinesses/etc then that is because your recipient did not specify any.
Apologies if you have got someone you've had before - it's a random allocation and it sometimes works out that way (once the same pairing arose three years running!) and it's been going far too long now for me to keep checking back.... It's all the luck of the draw!
Now, get busy and keep one eye on the letterbox
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Your PM box is full, for obvious reasons, so I will report here "Message received!"
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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Message received and ![[Hot and Hormonal]](icon_redface.gif)
some pm box cleaning has happened
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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All cleaned and polished. Wish I could tackle the kitchen as efficiently!
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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Off this morning, purely coincidentally, to one of the largest malls in South Asia (4 floors of conspicuous consumption - aka the other India) so will be looking for ideas, and then buying locally (much much cheaper)
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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Message received!
Shopping will happen soon.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Aye-aye Smudgie!
I'm on to it...
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
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Message received, off to have a think
Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on
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Penguin has been shopping, how long it will take him to find energy to flap away is a different matter.
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on
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JB and I have sent our Paschal Penguin's gifts to UK.
We hope you like the little surprises from our part of the world.
![[Axe murder]](graemlins/lovedrops.gif)
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on
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Parcel packed and ready to go. It would have gone today if an afternoon nap hadn't waylaid me till the post office was shut for the day. ![[Snore]](graemlins/snore.gif)
Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on
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Parcel in post.
Posted by cheesymarzipan (# 9442) on
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I received a mysterious parcel on Friday which the customs label says is candy so I am assuming it is penguin related. Thank you, I haven't opened it yet!
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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Penguin due to start paddling tomorrow.
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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A mysterious little parcel has made its way here from Stateside. I am saving it for Easter Day.
Meanwhile, mine will be posted by midweek, and I hope it will get there on time.
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
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Penguin set off with a parcel today. Last seen heading westwards.
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
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Just sent mine today. It should arrive in the next few days, being sent at the more expensive rate.
Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on
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A certain penguin has arrived carrying chocolate gin-soaked sloes in its beak (it tells me in the card, I didn't peek!). Will try and keep my mitts off them until Sunday week.
Said penguin will be sent waddling to the shops tomorrow.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Just sent my package off-- the post office guy said, "Next Tuesday." We'll see!
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
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Penguin currently twiddling flippers whilst I try to get things sorted out. (Not helped by being on a rather chaotic holiday for the last week...). Unlikely to be posting before next week.
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
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Will take mine off the Post Office today - I'm going away for the next week, returning on Holy Saturday (so whoever is sending to me - you have heaps of time!)
Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on
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Am I too late? If not, can I play, please!
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
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A penguin arrived yesterday, but we were out all day so it wasn't seen until we left to ring this morning. Now safely indoors and waiting till next week to be opened!
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
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I posted mine yesterday
Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on
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The penguin has finally left the building, it took him a while to be persuaded but he is now flapping away for all he is worth!
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Parcel packed properly - need to persuade a passing Penguin...
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Sorry to double post - I should have said thank you dear PP - a parcel arrived chez St Everild this morning.
So far I have resisted tearing it open...
Posted by cheesymarzipan (# 9442) on
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Forgot to post earlier- penguiny parcel despatched, should arrive this week
Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on
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One parcel safely sent on its way, flippers crossed.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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Parcel posted - should get there for Easter - it's not going all that far and I've posted it first class.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Parcel sent on its merry way yesterday but I think I missed the post collection, so it will have gone today. Hopefully arrive tomorrow and at the latest before Easter.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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The Paschal Penguin is waiting patiently for the finishing touches to the parcel, and should hopefully be on the way tomorrow.
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on
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A Posh Penguin from Buckingham Palace left a parcel here today. A bag of eggs tied up with regal ribbon, fluffy bunnies, chicks and spring lambs. Thank you!
My considerably less posh penguin is on his way.
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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The parcel is posted, and I am told it will take 5-6 days. So it may be a wee bit late, but not too much so, I hope.
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on
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Today, two prezzies arrived from Paschal Penguins in California (Love you, darling!) and England. ( you too!) I can't wait to open them this week!
Happy, happy, happy
Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on
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Penguin has delivered a package from foreign shores. Judging by the customs label the contents will be very acceptable. Will save until Sunday.
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
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Penguin has posted from here and parcel should arrive in time - not so far to go
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
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We've been away, but at sometime during the past week a puffed out penguin passed by our postbox and left a parcel. it is waiting until Sunday before being opened.
Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on
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During my absence a penguin dropped by!!
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
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Two penguins dispatched from here today in opposite directions. The one Sandemaniac was loading up should get there pretty soon. The one I was loading may take a bit longer - more Pentecostal than Paschal. Sorry!
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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A solid little parcel arrived here this morning.
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
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Thank you, thank you Paschal Penguin!
I have just opened my gift to find a Mini Smarties chicken and a Fill-your-own hen doorstop, with instructions to fill her with rice to make her heavy. It has Rosali embroidered on the bottom - I don't know if that is the name of the hen! What jolly fun.
Thank you indeed.
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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My lovely New Mexico penguin has sent me some chili pistachio chocolate, of which I have eaten two bites and am trying hard not to scoff all at once. Absolutely delicious.
And a bunny badge with an expression that I think could be described as 'weary cynicism'.
Many many thanks, Easter friend. xx
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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My solid little parcel was filled with G&B chocolate bars, yum. Thank you very much, Paschal Penguin.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Thank you Paschal Penguin...yummy chocolate eggs, a gorgeous notebook and a bag of exactly the right proportions to carry stuff to church and back yesterday.
Posted by JB (# 1776) on
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A bunny (without an axe) and chocolate and chocolate and chocolate.
Thank you, whoever you are.
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on
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Thank you, Paschal Penguin for a lovely greenhouse. We sure have a lot of birds here that would love the new home.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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To the Penguinee I am posting to - I am assured that it will arrive before Pentecost! It will be worth the wait, I hope.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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Clever Paschal Penguin for arriving on my birthday with a lovely parcel of chocolate and shortbread, and with very clever wrapping paper.
Thank you.
![[Yipee]](graemlins/spin.gif)
Posted by jacobsen (# 14998) on
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Thank you, Paschal Penguin, for the choc egg and spoons, the lovely wooden painted egg and the notebook - most kind, and much appreciated. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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Smudgie Towers has been graced with not one but two deliveries from a very busy Paschal Penguin, one for Smudgie and one for the Smudgelet.
The Smudgelet would like his anonymous sender to know that, if he knew who they were, he would love them forever for sending his absolute favourite type of chocolate along with a really useful stationary set with his name on. (Amazing to find one with "Smudgelet" written on it!) He really appreciated both gifts.
When I finally found where I had hidden mine, I opened it excitedly and found it populated with rabbits. Harry Hopalong survived the shortest time - he met his demise during a particularly trying moment at work! The other two are sitting smiling enticingly at me.
I have got to mention an unofficial Paschal Penguin which I received from Yangtze on Saturday - not only a penguin gift but also the most perfect of Easter cards... a penguin with a decorated egg!
Posted by Cathscats (# 17827) on
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My penguin made it to the deepest recesses of the highland hills today, and I was so impressed that not only had he sent eggs, he had also sent himself! Love it
Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on
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No sign of any happy feet here as yet - but then again, another pair of feet has only just started their inter-continental swim (with air floaties) - the penguin assured me that it was a very fast swimmer and looking forward to record speed!
Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on
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There is now chocolate at The House of the Washing Machine. Soon, there will not be!
The box, however, with the incipit from the Iona Psalter's 97th Psalm, may just stay, as will the coaster.
Thanks you, penguinee!
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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No flippers have flapped to our door yet. However, we will be away from tomorrow until Bank Holiday Monday, so if the penguiin arrives between now and Bank Holiday Monday, I won't be able to post until we're home
Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on
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The PP has collected my offering and promised it will arrive at its destination very soon
Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on
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I got to open mine on Easter day. The penguin bought me two magnetic photo frames, plus some weird green alien spaceships apparently stuck together with what I'd been coughing for the last week. Closer inspection showed them to be pistachio macaroons, which were really rather tasty (and I say that as someone who isn't a fan of that sort of thing - so the penguin chose very, very well!).
Thank you, oh wisely-choosing penguin!
AG
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
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I did open my package on Easter Day, just been a bit busy to post! Many thanks for the chocolate from a shop I've looked into the windows of when in Cambridge, but never dared go into! (Far too much chance of spending too much).
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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The ever-so-slightly weary, and somewhat apologetic Penguin called and took a parcel away this morning. Should be there in the middle of next week.
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on
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I'm really sorry I've not posted my parcel off. I have received mine and forgot to post. Sophs fail!
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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Looks like I'm going to get a Pentecostal Penguin.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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Nil desperandum, St.G!
Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on
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I rather weary and foot sore PP made its way to my door carrying a heavy parcel all the way from the UK in its flippers: thank you PP for the knitted chicken with its own penguin inside, two bags of local sweets (the fruit jubes are packed with a real fruit punch), and a jar of England's Revenge, eerrr Marmite: feel like reciprocating with a jar of Aussie Vegemite, but I know you can buy that elixir over there! ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on
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A belated gift sent out today! AND a lovely tea towel arrived. I like to read in tne kitchen, and this had a lot of interesting phrases. My thanks
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:
... England's Revenge, eerrr Marmite ...
![[Killing me]](graemlins/killingme.gif)
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
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An unnecessarily-apologetic penguin left a parcel for me while I was at work today - thank you, considerate penguin for 12 (erm, make that 10 now) small bars of my favourite G&B, and the lovely card. All of which cheered me no end after a rather trying few days - perfect timing, thank you!
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
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A Penguin popped a parcel through my door while I was at work - all the way from Australia. A lovely glass tea-light holder, with a dragon fly motif that matches one of my favourite vases., It is sitting lighted on my dining table as I type. Thank you mystery PP.
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
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No Penguin for meeeeeeeeeee ![[Waterworks]](graemlins/bawling.gif)
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Me neither, but take heart-- Pentecost hadn't come yet.: D
Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on
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Mine has not arrived yet either.
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
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Nothing here either but I'm a patient anarchist
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
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I didn't need to be patient - it has arrived
An amazing selection of chocolate bars from Australia, featuring ingredients I have never heard of, wattle seeds for instance. I might have trouble keeping these away from my husband. It is also very difficult to now which to start with! Perhaps the bush tomato and jindilli nut?
Thank you swappee, they are fantastic
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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Many thanks to Smudgie who has told me my penguin is on it's way after being delayed getting airborne!
Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on
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Nothing has arrived here yet. I will continue to listen for penguins wings!
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
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Verysorry,forgot to post last week that my parcel has arrived!!
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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An intercontinental penguin flopped onto my doorstep this morning after a brief stop-over in London to get over its jet lag. It was well worth waiting for - some lovely fabric, a keyring and a fridge magnet - and a pack of chilli! Many thanks to my not-so-secret sender.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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Didn't I tell you it would get there before Pentecost, eh? ![[Biased]](wink.gif)
Posted by The Weeder (# 11321) on
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The Penguin has Landed....
I arrived home yesterday from a trip to Birmingham, to see 'One Man, Two Masters', which was wonderful. We laughed all the way through.
We then went to the Museam, to see the Staffordshire Hoard. It was amazing. The detail of the decoration and engaving, often on tine peices we viewed through magnifiers was unbelievable. We had a brilliant lunch in China Town, using chop-sticks. We were the only Europeans in the restaurant.
Then home, to find a lovely key ring- RHS miniture green wellies key ring and a lovely tin chest, with a lock and handle, decorated with brickwork, grass and flower bed, and containg lots of chocolate 'tools'. Tastes great!A lovely end to a great day!
Thank you PP, for a really lovely gift.
Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on
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*whistles innocently*
Not late posting my package. Not late at all. It's in the mail, right on time.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Why, what a coincidence.
Looked in my mailbox today to find a small brown parcel-- contained some itty bitty pens and a bar of Guittard's Quezalcoatl (and I agree with Sender that Guittard kicks Green and Black's ass- -sorry folks.
But the best gift of all was an absolutely hilarious hand- scripted letter apologizing for lack of "bunny stuff" and for "Chicken Scratch". That last bit I don't get. Anybody can pick a font off a list-- I got a nifty sample of some truly unique script, in ballpoint even! I love it!
A real live letter!
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Fountain, pen, I meant! Fountain! The pens I got were itty bitty ballpoints-- very cute.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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Chicken scratch? - if that's right, I guess your Paschal Penguin likes cryptic crosswords.
eta - your needs an "r"
[ 07. June 2014, 09:19: Message edited by: Curiosity killed ... ]
Posted by Ariston (# 10894) on
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If I had to guess, not knowing the person mind you, it means the fountain-pen using penguinee has atrocious handwriting.
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