TWSS 2015: What Did Santa Bring - Picture Thread

I tell every time I stop by this thread to see what people got, it amazes me at the generosity. It really makes us look like one big ass family. Much props to everyone involved, it puts a smile on my face

 

My SS gift is caught up in the Richmond snowpocalypse so whoever is waiting for it, please be patient

 

I cant believe there are still some that havnt made it since November? that's messed up man

 

I know that guy, he doesn't get on very much. But that's no excuse haha

 

I don't know if he got his gift but yes I do agree it's not an excuse

 

Yeah I agree, the guys did great. Being my first TWSS I had a great time. I did send my out later than I wanted but my guy still got it before Christmas so I guess it wasn't too late! Will be doing this every year probably

 

Deadbeat santas, here is what next years secret Santa event has in store for you.

 

And the season continues! Seems the winners of a "Best Of TW" contest are donating their prizes. Late last week, out of the blue I received a gift certificate from HeadStrong Off Road. I actually emailed them to ask what it was for as I didn't enter any contest.

As you know, this is not the first "gift" or act of random kindness I've received. Along with the SS post I made here, My Giftee and his wife turned around and sent my wife the purple robe (I posted that pic). I also received a set of Trail Toys Mirrors (pretty cool item) and a Salex Glove Box organizer (didn't know how bad I needed that until I put it in!) from other contest winners.

This is a very humbling position to be in. On one hand, it can be a bit embarrassing. I know there are people in worse positions, and I get to feeling a bit guilty about accepting these things. On the other hand, after 30+ years of marriage with the same woman, our lives are getting ready to change drastically, and trying to prepare for this the best we can is a daunting challenge, if this is something we can even prepare for.

My mods used to be for function and cool factor, and were done in a leisurely fashion when I could and as the mood hit me, generally no rush. Now, as we plan for my future, it has taken on a new importance. With all the medical bills and the loss of her income immediately after a cross country move, we've exhausted our savings and look at things MUCH differently. When "the time" comes, I will be moving out of our house. For awhile after that, I will be traveling around the country to honor Alison's wishes, and travel all the parks she didn't get to take me to. At times I'll have my daughters with me, maybe even my grandson now and then. The mods to the truck have become more of a must do. I \ we will be living out of it and the RTT trailer, so it needs to be very road worthy. It won't have the convenience of a back up vehicle anymore, my garage, or my plethora of tools, so everything I get done now, gets me one more step to a safer run when I need it.

It's tough to wrap my head around it all, at times it's like living someone else's life. Four months ago we were driving across the country discussing how blessed we were, and how the universe lined up to give us this great western opportunity and bright future. Our discussions now are so very different. Now we discuss daily blessings like sleeping through the night, being able to leave the house, feeling OK, and the wonderful people in our lives. Our biological families are back east, my TW family is everywhere!

I want to thank each of you, not just those anonymous givers of their prize winnings, but also those of you who have PM'd me, dropped us a note, and just quietly wished us hope in your own way.

I hope to meet many of you in my travels, but in all actuality, I hope its later than sooner. In the meantime, don't take today for granted.

 

Got mine today! Thanks for the home defense weapon, bottle opener, and can opener! I was actually about to order one of those bottle openers.

 

Yep, the p-38. It's a pretty handy tool. Will definitely be keeping it in the 4Runner or in my pack for hikes

 

As this years TWSS is finally winding down to an end, I want to give a thank you to my fellow organizers @emelianenkov & @Benson X for assisting in every way possible. On a side note Ben, a huge thank you for doing this part the past few years!!


With that said, let me also stop to thank this community for taking this to the next level. I have never seen so much generosity from people that hardly know one another. You guys are incredible. You are the spirit of this event and why we do it yearly.

My last thank you is to the back ups we had. I had so many volunteers when I called upon you. Once again, what an amazing group of individuals we have here. My gratitude goes out to each one of you.


I hope to see all of you next year, please do keep an eye out towards Oct/Nov.

 

@pinchetaco
@Smiley52
@Robertocritser

you have not been forgotten.

 

Is this the list of those who've not yet received any gift?

I guess they're covered?

 

yes& yes

 

I like sharing my sausage!

 

Thanks! Maybe I'm hard to shop for lol

 

o.o
think you'll be happy.

 

I still look for a box on the porch giddy as hell