Ides of August Secret Buddy Exchange! Enrollment now Closed!

[ElleKitty]

Everyone interested in participating in a secret swap, please sign up here!  Unfortunately, I can only give one week for everyone to sign up, before we get the exchange started.

Here's the rules for our new members!

We try to have a secret swap about four times a year.  We missed our last one, so I'm going to try to head one up. 

Everyone will sign up here.  I will take all the names, and draw out of a hat a 'buddy' for every one signed up to send a 'gift'.  In general, we aim for about $25.00 US dollars in value for the gift.  The nice thing is, if you sign up and send out a gift, you'll get one in return!  We want our gifts to arrive by August 15, 2008.  That gives about a month for everyone to choose something and get it shipped.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask them here!

Volunteers for Kitty's Ides of Summer Swap:

Scottishmoney
Nevol
Arthrene
CoinCrusader
Humpybong
Triggersmob
Tobyle
Tiddyathome
Justabeginner  X
Goose  X
GregK  X
LordPercy
KurtS  X
Gizmo & Muckeye  X

[scottishmoney]

Ya schkazalu da, pazhalusta

[Nevol]

Count me in! 

[ElleKitty]

I'll... take that as a "hell yes", from SM. 

[scottishmoney]

I've got so much stuff to get rid of, and I hate selling it.  So might as well give it to somebody that wants it.

[arthrene]

Sure! Sounds like fun!

[CoinCrusader42]

Sure!!

 

[Humpybong]

Count me in.......thanks Kitty

[Triggersmob]

I'm in. August 15th is my wedding anniversary. If the coin arrives on time it will remind me.

[Tobyle]

Yes please....... yes please! Thanks for getting it organized ElleKitty!

[scottishmoney]

I'm in. August 15th is my wedding anniversary. If the coin arrives on time it will remind me.

I'm sure you would get a 'minder, e'en there was no exchange here.   

[tiddyathome]

Count me in please . I love doing these things

[justabeginner]

If I'm coming back to AUS on the 14th July, will I still make the date for sending stuff? If so I'm IN!!!

[Goose]

I'm in!

[GregK]

Hi Miss Kitty,  me too please 

[LordPercy]

Count me in.

[ElleKitty]

Is this everyone who wants to participate?  It's one week later; but I'll wait til tomorrow evening Central Standard Time before I start mixing and matching exchangees.

[Tobyle]

I hope you are going to include yourself, ElleKitty!

[ElleKitty]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe? 

[KurtS]

I'm game too...if the exchange is still open!   

[ElleKitty]

You're in luck! 23 hours and counting

[Tobyle]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe?

Gee, that reply sounded more like a sheep than a kitten!
C'mon, we'd love you to be in it.

[ElleKitty]

I'm a multi-lingual Kitty?  Participation all depends on if I can find something worth sending off worth the $25.

[Muckeye]

Gizmo says I can enter on one condition.
He wants to be considered for Forum membership!
So count me in. (I can't calciulate US time zones, so that's if I'm on time)
regards,

[ElleKitty]

You beat me to it, Muckeye! So, I'll compromise.  I'll let Gizmo enter the exchange! 

[Muckeye]

Thanks miss Kitty,
His address is the same as mine.
I'm sure he will appreciate the offer.
regards,

[ElleKitty]

Alright everyone!  Thank you for your Thank yous, and you are all very welcome!

Everyone should have an address and a partner to whom you should send a gift.  The only exception to this is GregK, and I haven't received your partner's address yet.  I'll poke him with a stick and get that to you ASAP.

I forgot to add the forum names for some of the members; so some of you are left with just a Real Life name and an address.  If you're curious, just poke me with a stick and I'll disclose that information.

For those of you who haven't done this before; some Knights do try to keep it secret!  Of course, once you start getting everyone's address it gets harder to keep these packages anonymous, but that's when we just get more and more creative!

[Tobyle]

Thanks ElleKitty - info received.

[CoinCrusader42]

Information received.

Thanks!!

 

[Humpybong]

Got mine as well, thanks


          

[Muckeye]

Woof Woof (yes, confirmed).
He's very excited at being part of the action. He wants to know if anyone collects Dinki Di Dog Bickies collector cards.
Has full Australian set to swap.

He's got too excited, so has been put outside for an hour. "sulking"

On my own behalf, thank you.
regards,

[Triggersmob]

Got mine too, thanks.

[Nevol]

Details received & well tucked away, safe 'n' sound.

[tiddyathome]

Ready to go. This is sooo much fun

[GregK]

Have received mine thanks very much 

[Goose]

Wonderful! I received my 'Ides of August Buddy Exchange' gift today from the land of Oz.....just wonderful coins and paper money. The coins received put the U S mint to shame....such vivid designs on the coins received! I have the name of my gifting Buddy, but I don't know his 'screen name'. I sincerely thank you.
As for my 'Buddy Exchange', since the turtles are either en route to other far destinations or resting for other trips, I will be sending my gift by a Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Seems that they can fly 1000km without stopping, and this Goose will take flight tomorrow.

[Goose]

The Goose is in flight !

[justabeginner]

All I know is that when I do send this out and the person receives it.. That person will be very happy..

[TwoShadows]

That is what it is ALL about! Something new in your collection and a smile on your face brought on by a new friend in a far away land!

[tiddyathome]

I have the name of my gifting Buddy, but I don't know his 'screen name'.

Goose, I am led to believe that your buddy got tricky with the name and postal return details, by using a freinds name and address just to keep you guessing.
Now thats checky 

[KurtS]

If I haven't mentioned yet, I received mine recently too--a nice surprise! 
We have plenty of white sharks here, but none on a coin.

I hope my "secret" buddy has received their surprise too.

[Muckeye]

I've sent out my buddy's goodies already and I'm still waiting.
Have we lost all our freindlieness. 
I'll probably get a big Oz sovereign.    
regards, 

[CoinCrusader42]

I'm a little later than I usually would be, however a trip to New York City and Phoenix has caused me to be away for about 10 days.

I'll try and have transportation (Goose, Turtle) lined up by tomorrow and have the gift on the way.

 

[ElleKitty]

I received my Ides gift already too!~ And I feel guilty as I haven't sent my gift out yet.  To-morrow I shall remedy this as well as trying to send out a few other packets as well.

My buddy knows my interests all too well and sent a lovely 1951 threepence and a 1942 ha'penny of the Long Denticled Variety!  Since he didn't disguise himself on the envelope, I'd like to go ahead and say a big thank you to KurtS!  (And the prize from the other forum arrived safely as well. )

[KurtS]

You're welcome ElleKitty!  I found a number of that variety in a dealer's cache and thought I'd share with another collector   

[justabeginner]

I wonder who got me.. 

[CoinCrusader42]

The turtle is on its way to Australia.

I don't feel too badly for it, in that four coins shouldn't be much of a burden for such a strong sea turtle.

My Ides of August coins should arrive at their destination in about a week to 10 days.

 

[Triggersmob]

My beautiful gift arrived today. Thank you secret buddy (Goose).
I received a Bicentennial Silver Proof Set....





and also $1,000,000.....





Thank you very much, Cy.


 

[tiddyathome]

Thanks Gary. Mine arrived yesterday.
I love the mercury dimes from each mint and I am very interested in learning more about the old coin. Do you know more about it??

[KurtS]

Wow...those are really nice! 

[CoinCrusader42]

tiddyathome,

The coin is an ancient widow's mite.

I have read up on them in the past, but the information escapes my memory.  Could have been minted about the time of Jesus.

Glad the coins arrived okay!!

 

[Tobyle]

Apologies in advance to my recipient in that your gift may arrive a little late. It finally left today - I was held up trying to get the 2nd item.

Also received my gift from 'sunny QLD' - thanks for combination of US, NZ and Canadian coins!

[arthrene]

Someone should be getting something here in the next few days. Mine has been mailed.

[Muckeye]

We ( Gizmo & me )are humbled
Today we both received a gift.
For Gizmo, smoked pork ears and hocks. Out of this world.
For me, a $10.00 silver coin, in double standard weight, with a catalogue value of $ 70.00. The 1993 Palm Cockatoo issue in Piedfort condition.
Somebodys generosity is out of control. "THANK YOU"

Gizmo nearly tore the postman's arm off.
The packet containing his goodies had split open inside the mailer,and of course he smelt them from about 50 yards away. You have to admit they were quality goods.

Humor aside. A sincere 'thank you' for a gift above and beyond my worthyness.
If I ever find out who sent it, look out. At the moment, I'm working on the handwriting.
regards

[Triggersmob]

Where's all the pics. Come on everyone, show as the presents you received.

[ElleKitty]

These are the two coins that KurtS sent me

[Humpybong]

Picked up my package from the post office today.

WOW what a nice surprise, will try and scan to show you all over the next day or two.

Many thanks Nancy

[scottishmoney]

I have a suspicion that my package actually originated deep in the heart of Texas, but it was mailed from Utah, and with an apparently fictitious address. 

Holey Cowabunga

There was one particular item, a series 541 5¢ note in crisp uncirculated, that has eluded my clutches, two neat little bond coupons with a feminine vignette, a 1954 Devils Head Canadian Dollar, and a German note from 1918 that I hadn't yet got.

So I sincerely believe some Texan, that I surely am in the believe is the originator of said parcel, researched this quite the wells, and did a fair amount of background research, an incredible effort to find stuff that I hadn't already partaken of.

Thank you very very much, appreciate them.  Will image later and post here.

[KurtS]

Tracy, glad you liked those. 
I also hear someone got a very nice Guine coin! 

I haven't been setup for coin shots lately, but I'll post my cool shark coin soon. 

[ElleKitty]

Hehe; yes, someone got a very nice Guinea 5 centavo of 1933.  I did have six of them..  so, I've sold 3, given one away, and still have two left. One of which I am absolutely keeping for my own collection. 

I sent a few other coins along with it, since I know how much JAB loves silver.

[KurtS]

I know how much JAB loves silver.

So true...he would take a railway boxcar full of Morgans if possible. 
Better start saving JAB, lol.

[ElleKitty]

Alrighty then.  The Ides is two days away!  Has everyone received their packages from their Secret Buddies?  I know of one situation where the packet may not arrive in time, but I'd sure like to know if everyone else is satisfied, so I can put a nice big Finished on this gift swap!

[arthrene]

I'm still waiting on mine.

[Nevol]

I haven't received mine yet.

[ElleKitty]

arthrene, it is good to see you around!  I was missing your postingness just this morning.  The good news is, I know where your Swap gift is, and it should be arriving soon.  Your buddy was just a bit late getting things in the mail.

Nevol, I'm very surprised your packet hasn't shown up as of yet. I will poke your buddy and see what's up.

Thanks for letting me know!

KT

[arthrene]

ElleKitty ,
Thanks for missing me. Believe it or not I'm on here every day and read most of the posts. I guess I just haven't been replying as much.

Glad to hear it's on the way. I'll keep an eye out.

-arthrene

[justabeginner]

Heh heh... Anyone wanna contribute to my boxcar Morgan fundraising contest? And thx to Tracy for my awesome 5 centavos.. It's in a 2x2 now and its actually my most valuable coin now LOL...

[KurtS]

JAB, good luck with that! 
On the bright side, it will be easier to amass...silver is down 32% from the 3-2008 peak.

Before any Morgans, we still need to work out the UK Penny trade. Figure out a few Aus coins you have that would be a good swap, and let me know. 

[justabeginner]

Heh heh.. Go online on yahoo messenger.. I'm sure we can figure something out

[Tobyle]

I gather my gift didn't arrive on time - apologies once again to the recipient - I do hope it arrives soon ....... starting to get nervous that it may have gotten lost.

[arthrene]

FYI: I live in a very small town. Our mail generally takes 2-3 days longer than most normal post.

[scottishmoney]

FYI: I live in a very small town. Our mail generally takes 2-3 days longer than most normal post.

By 'Roo delivery?

[Tobyle]

FYI: I live in a very small town. Our mail generally takes 2-3 days longer than most normal post.

I hope that is the same for another member who I presume hasn't received his gift yet.

[LordPercy]

Did someone send me an invisible package?..............Not here yet either.

[arthrene]

Just went to pick up the mail and lo and behold there was my August Ides package.

justabeginner was very sneaky and actually sent me an email asking me what I was still missing from my Aussie collection. He had emailed me long ago just to ask what I was collecting so when I received this follow-up email I was totally oblivious to the fact that he was gathering information for this exchange.

Included in his package were:
Aussie Paper $1
All three Aussie $5 polymers
1970 20c
2000 20c
2001 50c
2007 50c
1997 $1
1999 $1





Thank you justabeginner!!! These will make excellent additions to my collection! 

[ElleKitty]

Ack, Disaster!

I know everyone sent packages... maybe since we're doing this across continents the post is just taking a while too long. 

However to Recap:

Humpybong, JAB, Goose, Tobyle, GregK, KurtS, Muckeye & Gizmo, Nevol,  Scottishmoney, Arthrene, Triggersmob,  CoinCrusader,  and ElleKitty have all received their packages.

Tiddyathome, and LordPercy have NOT received anything yet.

[arthrene]

You posted just right after me Kitty. I received mine today.

[scottishmoney]

Scottishmoney,

¿TWACK?  I posted above about receiving mine, somebody, a Texan I suspect, did research and found all stuff I did NOT have yet, including one really really nice MPC.

[Goose]

Triggersmob received his....note his post of July 29, 08.

[CoinCrusader42]

Kitty, PM received.

I'm sure mine is somewhere enroute.

If it arrives, fine.  If not, I know it was sent, and the idea is what counts!!

 

[Tobyle]

Kitty - as posted on August 6th - I have received mine (but the gift I sent hasn't arrived at it's destination. A second package I sent to same country has not yet arrived either, so hopefully it is just slow mail rather than lost.)

[ElleKitty]

Alright, updates have been made!  Out of fifteen participants, Eleven are verified and four are still waiting?

I know some of you posted, and I looked through this thread, but I very definitely missed a few posts.

Nevol's packet I am sure is still on the way as it was posted only a few days ago. The sender has kept in touch with me on the situation.   

I know everyone has sent their packets; now we're just waiting on the Foibles of the postal service.

[justabeginner]

Hehe.. Aren't I sneaky arthrene?

[arthrene]

Yup. I had no clue! 

[Nevol]

I'll post here ASAP when I have received mine.

[LordPercy]

ditto

[CoinCrusader42]

Gift arrived from Australia.  And what a wonderful gift it is!!!!

I had posted earlier about wanting to up-date my McDonalds, and I received the 15th edition as my gift.

Absolutely wonderful, and I am so appreciative.

Following our last trip, I'm pretty well broke, and couldn't afford a new one at the moment.  So, the 15th edition is all the more appreciated.

Again, thanks so much!!

 

[Tobyle]

Umm, Coincrusader, I know this kind of gives it away, but, I hope you found the scout dollar coin there as well and that you didn't throw it out with the packaging!

[CoinCrusader42]

Tobyle,

The book was wrapped in a U.S. Postal Service form which stated that the package had been ripped open in transit.

The good news is that the book (cover) was just slightly bent.  The bad news is that the gift coin was missing.

It's the thought that counts, and I appreciate both items you sent.  I'm glad you mentioned the coin, because otherwise I would have had no idea you sent it.

The book is fantastic, and thanks so much.  Regarding the coin, well, it's just one of those things.  I do really appreciate your efforts.

Thanks so much.

 

[Tobyle]

Well, that was a bit of a dissapointment -  as trying to get hold of that coin was the reason your gift was late!  Oh well - I'm glad the rest of it finally made it.

[CoinCrusader42]

It's disappointing to me also.

I don't know if it was the fault of the Australian Postal Service, or the U.S. Postal Service.  Just hope it was an accident, and not a theft.

Again, thanks for the thought.  And, I do love the book.

 

[Nevol]

My Ides of August gift has arrived!  Thank you Secret Giver whoever you are.

I received a 2005 5 Euro coin with a stylised outline of Queen Beatrix on the Obverse & it looks like all the Countries using Euro listed around the outer of the reverse, some text on the edge as well, GOD * ZIJ * MET * ONS (God Be With Us).   

I also received a 1917 Portugal 4 Centavos. 

[KurtS]

I finally got my camera set up again for coins, and I wanted to post one of the cool things my secret buddy sent me--thanks again! 
I like the packaging from an educational standpoint because it's a fun way for a collector to learn a few interesting facts about this species.
They're amazing animals, although I'm happy to say I've only seen them behind thick glass of a tank! 
Australia has had quite a few good depictions of its native life on coins, something which the US could emulate.

[Erik]

Yes,yes,yes.... I already know about those beautiful colored animal coins.  Incredible beautiful 
http://www.rarecoin.com.au/collector/?p=productsList&iCategory=30&sName=Ocean-Series
Be happy KurtS. It is really incredible beautiful  Thanks for photo.

[scottishmoney]

Series 541 5¢ note, a very lovely addition to my collection from my exchange buddy.  This note is exceptional, not a corner mark etc.  Very pleased with this.

My exchange buddy must have really dug into my online collection or something, finding things I don't have like this German 5 RM from 1917.

[arthrene]

 

[Humpybong]

Here he goes again.....flashing his 'girlfriends' around.


            

[LordPercy]

OK, I've given up waiting. Looks like mine ain't coming......sigh.....Any chance of my buddy letting me know what I should have received?

[GregK]

Lord Percy,

I do apologise, that would be me.  I've had email and net problems for the last four weeks.  The advisory email to me went into the ether, I did ask for a resend, and I have now received it.  So stand by for something very shortly.

Kind Regards

[ElleKitty]

Welcome back Greg!  We're glad to see you in the Castle again

I'm glad to know that at least one more packet hasn't gone astray.  Better late than never!