Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Kris-Kindle 2013

Here's the first of the blogs now traditional two yearly posts. The second, may or may not come before Christmas day, but it will come!

So, Kris-Kindle time. Same rules as ever, individuals buying for individuals, €50 maximum limit, anonymous givers, good hints required.

In addition Dr(formerly known as Mrs) VL, would like, ASAP, ideas for presents for the 8 or so Nieces and Nephews that we have presents to buy for.

Get posting, remember, cryptic and witty posts are appreciated (just as long as the answer becomes clear in good time). Next year, I'm going to start this blog post in July. I knew what I wanted then, but now I have forgotten!!!

64 comments:

little big sis or is it big little sis, I can't remember! said...

Ah ha, I think I may be the first commenter this year!
Well here goes with one idea for me!

It seems we need a new book,
cos the right words aren't there when I look
Our present one dates from 1983
and I think it came from my grandpappy!

More ideas to follow, I hope. And will think of things for the kids too.

Mother of All said...

Its very hard to get the head round the fact that we are barely 5 weeks from the KK Krunch Time. It just seems like yesterday that I was last wracking my brain to send a witty, cryptic post and not succeeding....
And now we're off again.

This year I have a tale to tell. It involves the glorious sunflowers so carefully grown by Our Father, (I was going to shorten that to O F but then realised that could turn into a not very flattering description of himself) so I'd better stick to Our Father.....
anyway he grew some super sunflowers. They were in the raised bed in the field outside our back hedge and we could see them from the bedroom window when we sat up in bed having our breakfast. (Sometimes its porridge and sometimes cereal) One day the wind blew strongly and some of the sunflowers disappeared. They were lovingly brought indoors and placed in the large cutglass vase given to Our Father by the Ladies of the now defunct School of Music Choir. On the morning of the Mothers' Union fundraising tea party at Beeston, I decided it was time to throw the flowers away... I got the vase and contents as far as the front hall. The phone announced an incoming message, I put the top heavy vase down on the hall cupboard and next minute there was a crash.

So there is request no 1.

I will think of other things which maybe don't need a long story as an introduction and which are postable if necessary, So please, my Kris Kindler, don't panic.

Mother of All said...

P.S If anyone needs entertainment, i suggest reading straight through last years Kris Kindle. It gets hilarious towards the end and I don't think I registered it all last year. I hope this year gets as crazy. We deserve some giggles.

Big little sister or is it little big sister, I really wish we could remember!!! said...

Can't believe I wasn't first for a hint!!!

Oh to Hop a Crag

Over the crag I shall hop,
and land with a flop,
But Oh how you groan
As my old pants do fall down,
Now I have a solution,
To avoid all confusion,
NEW PANTS!
Made by the hopper of crags,
Size 12 if you please,
They won't be a squeeze,
Kiwi pro stretch,
With legs that are short,
But thats just an after thought.

Okay so my lambic pentameter is not perfect but I hope you get the jist!

Also to clarify for those more properly spoken of you Pants = Trousers...I do not want new underpants!!!


Father of All said...

Father of All here

Can't think what I'd like for KK, but can understand big/little? little/big? - whatever the dimensions - sister's dilemma. Obviously quite a few of us are in a bit of a hole. A - bit - of - a - hole. Thinks! there's an idea. what's the drill? Ah yes, bits for my drill for my holes (no rude comments, thanks) As a starter then, and to be more precise, a set of good quality small drills, up to about 4mm (you know, the ones that tend to break)would be nice. I don't have any of those clever wood bits with a little point at the business end - don't know if they're within budjet though.

How's that for a start? Now let's have some more aKKtivity on the blog.
Paternal greetings to all

Viking Longship said...

I still can't remember what I forgot earlier during the summer although having not remembered I can't be sure if there was anything to forget.

Viking Longship said...

I do however have some unrelated (although I can't be sure not knowing what I forgot) ideas, which I will research and post tomorrow.

Viking Longship said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mum of All said...

The paternal greeings are not up to the usual standard of his spelling. What in heaven's name is Budjet. Maybe we've been brainwashed by the budget airlines and this will be confused with Ryanair and Easyjet who send Bud JETs all round Europe.
Be that as it may , I have another saga;

We have a tiny house. Each time the little wood stove needs its ash removed, I end up with a not so thin layer of dust all over everything from the kitchen to the bathroom to the mirror and dressingtable in the bedroom. Disgusting, especially as I'm not good at dusting at the best of times. So Our Father and I went on a search for a suitable receptacle for ash which doesn't allow the dust to fly. So my dear KK, there is something suitable i.e. bucket and lid available from whistlestop.ie. Its within budGET including the delivery.

Viking Longship said...

Ok, I have 3 things that I wish for. one of these uses up the entire budg(j)et, the other 2 it may be possible to buy both and stay in budget.

More details coming in the very near future.

This year I will give my KK the option either to use there own initiative and browse the net/peruse the local shops to choose my present or to simly click a link and give me a specific item.....

Related to one of the 3 items I would like to ask

Which part of the car is the laziest?

Mrs TOCO said...

Time seems to flying... and I've only managed to think of one thing I'd like for Christmas...

In most previous years I've wished for something useful/ something for the benefit of the whole family, so I thought I'd like something more personal this year. But this is where it gets difficult: Firstly, since it's personal, I also have a very specific taste as to what I'd like. Secondly, it's too expensive.

But here's a thought, my dear Kris Kindle: How about you clubbing up together with my husband in getting a pressie for me? How would you feel about that? The advantages of this would be that
1) Since my wish item is only available in this part of the world, my hubbie would need to physically get it which would save you hassle and postage (I'm still feeling sorry for my last year's Kris Kindle who got a bit stuffed with postage issue...) and
2) I'd be very happy because then I'd get what I really would like for Christmas, and
3) then my hubby wouldn't need to wrack his brain as to what to get for me for Christmas.

My Kris Kindle, could you please let me know what you think of this idea? If you think it a good idea then I'd let you know what my wish is. But if you'd rather get me a present just personally, then I'm sure I'll be able to think of something else.

B.I.L. said...

Now that I’m heading over the hill,
And better than relying on popping the odd pill,
Up I sprang last week, all a flush
That meant me and Sally set off with a rush
Up ye long lane at quite a pace (ha!)
That started me off on a long race (ha ha!)
Into the world of the 1 mile jog (no, not 5 mile!!)
Leaving my family all agog!

Given my joggin wardrobe is no-existent, all and anything will be great...socks, top, long sleeved teeshirt, skins etc

looks like stuff can be got very cheap (see below), i'm not into brands....waist 36 inch, chest 44 inch, keep tops tigh-tish, so L not XL, shoe size 9-10

http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-running-tights-mens-454041
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-long-sleeve-running-top-mens-452086
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jeep-Sleeved-Thermal-T-Shirt-Colours/dp/B00491F7YK/ref=sr_1_3?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1386187022&sr=1-3

Anonymous said...

Viking longship, so far all I have come up with for your clue are exhausts and tyres!!! Am I getting warm??

big little sis or is it little big sis (I can't remember!) said...

I have a few more ideas...an arm band holder for my ipod nano, a pair of johdpurs size 10, preferably a dark colour! and an oscillating hoe like the one from quickcrop.ie, not sure how you'll wrap that one up though!

Viking Longship said...

I hadn't thought about exhasted, the correct answer was the wheels because they are always tired.

Next riddle for another of my wishes.
They have not flesh nor feathers,nor scales nor bone;but they do have fingers andthumbs of their own.

Big little sister or is it little big sister, I really wish we could remember!!! said...

Woohoo there is life on the blog...

Viking Longship perhaps the laziest bit of the car is the seat??? Sure it has no job other than to sit there and cushion your tush....

Now Little big sister or is it big little sister please choose one title...you used my last one and so there is about to be great confusion. Though I am sure if you receive pants for hopping crags and I receive a hoe we will gladly do a swap...

Big little sister or is it little big sister, I really wish we could remember!!! said...

gloves....

Anonymous said...

Poor Santa sets off o'er mountain crags
After a couple of drinks and perhaps some drags
Says he 'Now so, I'd better go
Upwards and outwards, HOE, HOE, HOE,
but I've got my johdpurs all in a twister,
Is it Big Sittle Lister or little sig bister.

Our Father said...

Another suggestion

Some specific music;

William Russell Voluntaries, ed Gillian Ward Russell
published www.fagus-music
phone (England) 01330 811363

There are 2 volumes at £20 each

Might seem a boring present to some, but is something I'm very keen to get.

little sig bister said...

I'd better go back to being little big sis cos I'd love a pair of craghoppers but what would you be doing with a pair of johdpurs???

Anonymous said...

And as for the oscillating thingummy!!!

Anonymous said...

At last, we're getting some FOTCL moments.
Thank you and please keep it up.

Its good to have tears of laughter falling down the cheeks

Anonymous said...

Its also very good to find that seven of the ten possibles have now blogged something, even if its only riddles in one case. So please will the other three get off their tushes and set out their stalls.

You see, christmas is coming
and coming very fast
if you don't blog quickly,
it will soon be past.
Your kk very sad will be
because he couldn't leave
a gift for you under the tree.

Mrs VL said...

Apologize for my absence on the blog and for not posting wish lists for the boys. I will catch up with the essential postings this week-end. Firstly, please stick to the Mrs VL- I like that pseudonym better than the new suggestion!

Mrs VL said...

List for FBS:
Lego, Lego and Lego........., but Mrs VL do appreciate some other more practical presents as well:-)
Some ideas for Lego sets (the bigger ones require sharing of costs):
- police helicopter
- police station (forest police)
- police station (town police)
- Fire station
- Lego boards for Lego city
- Assorted windows/wheels

Non-Lego (he is size 116 atm, for summer season go for 120):
- Magician set
- Fun duvet and pillow case (for example Angry Birds)
- Fun boxer shorts
- Socks (thin wool ones are great)
- Stickers
- Water colours (reasonable quality so they give proper colour)
-Earth globe
- Roal Dahl 'The Minpins'
-Other good books and sound books

Otherwise he is easy to please!

P.S. If given in Ireland, please consider how much space they take in a suitcase.

Viking Longship said...

Addendun to Mrs VLs post about FBS

Lego helicopter is the heavy transport one no. 4439, he already has the police helicopter no. 7741

Boards for lego city are the big plates with roads on.

There are also many other lego sets he would like both big and small (more or less everything he doesn't already have!). Feel free to ring and consult.

Anonymous said...

Could somebody please explain who is the younger of the two sisters....

It's all a little confusing...

Mrs TOCO said...

Regarding Mrs VL's wish list for FBS: Water colours are already catered for. They shall be arriving via Amazon. Could you please gift wrap them and also the other item that will be arriving for the SBS. Tried to make sure the parcel stayed under the 200 Nkr limit, so you don't have to pay extra :-)
I shall send labels to put on the parcels.


Horn Player said...

Blimey oh Reilly! As ever I have no idea what I'd like from my unfortunate KK.

A couple ideas however:

Norwegian Wood has me on a rediculous marathon training schedule, which continues right through the winter... A pair of running gloves and a hat (Nike or the like) would see me through nicely and probably hit the spending limit nicely.

Or I'm getting back into the SciFi books so open to anything one has enjoyed in the past.

Anything remote controlled, especially airborne, is always welcome too...

By the way, myself and lovely girlfriend will be in Ireland from 28thish. So KK can either be sent to Surrey (address on request if you don't have it) or left/sent to Ireland for slightly late opening...

Mrs TOCO said...

My husband doesn't know yet whether he'll be getting a joint present with my Kris Kindle or whether he'll need to start thinking...
If you're clubbing together, my wish is this one:
http://www.kalevalakoru.fi/korut/kuvasto/Riipukset/6886
in polished bronze (89€) to match my earrings.

But if you'd like to get a separate preccie, then a long sleeve pyjama (size M or 12) would be great. Something else than flanelette please, and preferably not pink or gray.

big little sister said...

I am the littler of the sisters. I prefer hopping crags to riding around in jodphurs. I also have a love for super soft high quality bed linen. we have a double duvet And bed and like creams or dark reds :-)
so if craghoppers are not an easy option go for this one. i will find a good crag hop link now :-)

big little sister said...

Wait....i am not the littler of the sisters. I am the bigger but definately the younger and by bigger we mean taller. one might get a chip on ones shoulder if one keeps referring to themselves as big!

Anonymous said...

to Mr VL,
While totally in the spirit of KK, the riddles are not getting to the nub of things and time is ticking....

Viking Longship said...

Oh, just one more riddle then a full set of details.

Big Little Sister said...

Here are the trousers I like so much. Size twelve and mid khaki or black please.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Craghoppers-Womens-Kiwi-Stretch-Trousers/dp/B007K48ZGK/ref=sr_1_1?s=camping-hiking&ie=UTF8&qid=1386447575&sr=1-1&keywords=craghoppers

If at all the pro stretch short version appear affordable also I would not be oppossed to a pair either in grey

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Craghoppers-Womens-Kiwi-Stretch-Short/dp/B007INYDGY/ref=sr_1_29?s=camping-hiking&ie=UTF8&qid=1386447850&sr=1-29&keywords=craghoppers

but please please don't buy me the convertible ones. I already have two pairs which I love and don't need more :-)

Viking Longship said...

When it's cold outside with snow and ice.
I really don't want to pay the price.
Of risking life and limb.
To stay a little trim.
So one has to swallow the pill
Of running hard to stand still To motivate me on the way
Straight from A to A
What really works a treat
Is listening to a beat.

Mrs VL said...

Yes, time is ticking.... I started this morning, thought I would finish all my posting, but now it is soon bedtime, still not done it (even received an SMS reminder during the course of the day).....and Mr VL is waiting in the sofa for some adult quality time......

No time for riddles:

For my KK: At the moment I can't think of that one and only thing to wish for, feel free to surprise me if you have a good idea. Otherwise I am still missing the letters 'U' and 'L' on the Pandora braclet (see last years KK or was it KK 2011?). Mr VL suggests a good sports bra that he has read about in his 'Runners' magasine': Adidas supernova Racer Bra (size 75-80 B)...my husband is funny...but probably a good suggestion for comfortable running ...he has done all the background research! I have a great English Oxford dictionary in frequent use(thanks for giving that to me a few years back), but realised I have no decent Norwegian dictionary...but, that may be difficult for someone outside Norway to buy?? Otherwise good books and sound books are welcome.


Then to SBS:
Here your guesses are as good as mine I think. He just wants to do everything his big brother does.He is size 92 now, going on to size 98. Sound books and music in English is always good. He likes Brio trains, duplo, lego, Animals (schleich) and things that involve physical activity.

Think that's it. Mr. VL just passed commenting that I should not be on the computer any longer....

Anonymous said...

How about Kid Sister Gone French going back to her old initials... and life would be a lot easier for all of us!

Anonymous said...

Has Mr VL been researching the background or the frontground???

LBS definitely not KSGF said...

Now that the school sale is done
we can start to really have fun.
My cake stall was really cool
and made 1500 euros for school.
My 12 xmas cakes went in a thrice
all for a very good price.
The 13th one is nicely maturing
and soon will be ready for decorating.
Would FBS and SBS like to help with same,
will I keep it for when you came?!? (poetic licence!!)

TOCO said...

Being the proud owner of both a house and an assorted selection of old jeans, I have combined both my passion for recycling and DIY (DIYA and A) and worn said jeans during my frequent forays into repair and reconstruction.

All is well with this plan, except that my jeans all suffer from the same sorts of problems - the zip is usually broken and many have holes in embarrassing places (I really must stop scratching my ***** so much...)

This is really no problem until in the middle of the job I need something vital, and depart to the local DIY superstore, where I meet most of the members of my parish. It's quite difficult to hold a polite conversation when (a) your flies are falling down, and (b) the seam at the back is quite well split.

The other flaw with wearing old jeans is that you have just got up onto the roof and realised that you have left exactly the tool you need down below in the garage, because there aren't enough pockets.

As a rectification of all of the afore-mentioned and potentially embarrassing problems I would like a pair of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003IMNLIK/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Since I got the hurry up by both text message and through this blog, I have dispensed with all the usual idiotic brain teasers that I normally go to such length to provide, but tough.

I'm a size 32 waist and 32 leg (but these are length 33 cos there's no 32).

If the budget allows, please could I have the belt too?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apache-BELT-Woven-Belt-Black/dp/B003IMM2FI/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_img_z

Happy christmas to one and all.

Viking Longship said...

Background research on the frontground I guess. Still struggling to believe that the girl on page 90 is DD. Amazing to see the advances in sports bra technology.

FBS And SBS would love to help, after they came and before they went.

Anonymous said...

VIking Longship. What on earth are you on about?

MRS TOCO there will be a package arriving in your name for MR TOCO in the near future, hopefully before Christmas. Please will you do the honours and wrap it for me.

Our Father said...

LS. Good to hear from you, but what about the anonymous bit - sine nomine and all that?

By the way (for LS info only), did we ever mention that Manus, son of Late Dean C, is, I think, Artistic director or some such with Scottish Orchestra?

TOCO said...

VL: Can you show us the photo of the DD on page 90...

I always thought page three was the hottest part of the sun, but there you go.

Glad also to see that you're supporting your wife in every possible way, and good to see that she's (not?) getting into the swing of things...

I'd better stop now before I get a clip round the ear.

Viking Longship said...

So, here are my details,

Clue 1 is referring to a bike tyre, specifically one with Studs. Even more specifically, this one bought from here.

http://www.sykkelkomponenter.no/products/schwalbe-ice-spiker-304-26-x-210

If you choose this option then please buy it in Norway and get it sent here. It's too big to put in our bags home from Ireland and if it is sent from abroad we will get stung buy import taxes and fees.

The other 2 options can be sent to (or purchased in) Ireland. It may be that one can afford both or one blows the whole budget on one or the other.

If there is any funds left over then I would like a sports support for my nuts. Size 32" D (for Donkey). I use old undies when I am running, and they really could do with updating. Boxer shorts don't provide the required support and I am concerned about sagging.

So, the other 2 items are

A good pair of winter cycling gloves (and I mean Nordic winter, sub zero). Full fingers, warm and specifically for Mountain Biking. I've got big hands so either L or XL I imagine.

www.chainreactioncycles.co.uk have a good selection.

My final clue was referring to a pair of in ear headphones for use when I am running on treadmills instead of ruining my noise cancelling which aren't that suitable due to their extra battery holder.

Quite a few on Amazon and I am sure also in sport shops. I'd like an ear bud type and with a clip but not a headband.

As for the DD sports bra, here's the internet version of the article. http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/best-sports-bras-for-runners?page=3

Our Father said...

What is he on about, I enquire innocently?

to LS: I've just gone high tech and Googled RNSO - Manus is executive producer since 2013. His mother told me this at Colm's St F recital.

And let's sort out this BL/LB sister issue. In the lingo of the aristocracy we should have sisters Major and Minor, ie BLSM and LBSM. Then, to further clarify the situation, we can refer to BLSM as Mrs, and LBS as Miss. As is customary these days Mrs becomes Ms, and Miss becomes Ms. So we have Ms BLSM and Ms LBSM. Further, as the main point of confusion concerns the assumed noun (ie the dimension or seniority of the sister concerned, the order of BL is largely irrelevant. So let's go for BL in each case.
The identity of the two sisters is now

Ms BLSM and Ms BLSM.

There we go, you can always rely on Our Father to sort things out.

Anonymous said...

Mother of all - a package of sports clothing will arrive addressed to you.

It's not for you, please place it in a nice chrismassy package and write BIL's name on it, and place under the christmas tree.

TOCO said...

In my limited experience of the female anatomy, I don't think those are DD...

What does DD mean anyway, and how could we compare them?

Funnily enough the online version said it was page 3 not 90...

miss blsm said...

But hold on our farter. I am bls not lbs And I am only a miss not a Mrs so from now on I shall have to be miss blsm or miss big little sister minor for long.....

Anonymous said...

I wonder what bil is getting for Christmas?

Special message for BIL.

Please don't read the previous blog.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Viking longship, you are surely not asking for a bollicks bra for christmas??? Even santa's not that good. Can't you just cut one of Mrs VL's ones in half?

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms BLSM, or whoever you are,

You really led me up a gum tree..... I failed to achieve any result from your extremely long, time taking reference,
so I'm just hoping I've made the right choice all by my self.

Anonymous said...

I think BIL is getting what he asked for, which I think is about appropriate, and it's also in time, which I think is even better.

Isn't the whole point of this rather hilarious charade that you don't know who you're receiving from?

It appears that some of us don't know what we want, and what we're buying and for who, so...

Regards,

BIL's kriskindle

TOCO said...

A song for Vl

(To the tune of the sailor's hornpipe)

Do your ***** hang low, can you swing 'em to and fro?
Can you tie 'em in a knot, can you tie 'em in a bow?
Can you throw 'em o'er your shoulder like a regimental soldier
Do your ***** hang low?

Anyway back to the weather, it'ss rather cold here...

TOCO said...

Sorry last line should read:

Can you do the double shuffle when your ***** hang low?

Our Father said...

original version that I recall has third line
Do you get a funny feeling when you bash 'em on the ceiling
Oh you'll never be a sailor if ..etc

I think this needs some academic research, though it's in the nature of such traditional verse that it gets changed as it is passed orally from generation to generation.

Ms BLSM said...

Never mind things hanging low, Many congratulations to TOCO who at the ripe old age of 40 has finally reached maturity and got himself a permanent full time job! Well done TOCO, it took you long enough!!!

TOCO said...

Thank you, I'm very pleased.

Could that be corrected to:

'The ripe young age'?

TOCO

One proud Father said...

Hear! Hear! Well done and well deserved. A lot of effort, determination and commitment went into this. And talent of course.

Mother of all said...

Congratulations to TOCO from me.

And I think you could call it a ripe young age. Our Father (admitedly did have a full time job from the age of 24 - 39) but after that he waited till he was 57 before he got another one.

so yes, its definitely, on that measure, a ripe young age.

Having spent most of yesterday with the collywobbles I'm so grateful we had a positive outcome.

Now its over to LS to see what he can do on the job front.

Hope the trials are going well.

Mother of All said...

To Mrs TOCO.

Bet you're delighted not being the only proper salary in the house.

I'm transferring money for the boys pressie.

I need a definite answer re the girls. Will they wait till we come, as per last year and we'll have a shopping trip for their pressies or do they want some thing to open at Christmas which you can perhaps get and we'll re imburse. Just let me know.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

TWIMC

Bedlinen has been bought for FBS. so delete that from his list......

thanks

P.S. In total frustration.... I've just had 4 goes at proving I'm not a robot. Does anybody else have this problem. Couldn't we get some clearer lettering if we have to go through this charade.

ms blsm said...

Bigger sister. kindly get your initials correct....you are Mrs lbsm. quit stealing from me! as for Toco. congrats again, completely delire for ya :-)