Not-So-Secret Santa Return #7: Padrographs

A few days ago, I had another Not-So-Secret Santa return show up in my mailbox.  Actually, this particular one spanned two days as I received a big box on the first day and then a smaller mailer on the next day - all courtesy of Rod (known for his blog Padrographs).

My Not-So-Secret Santa program is basically one where people sign up to participate and then I send them a gift of some sort (typically baseball cards though some people also indicate interest in other items).  Once my gift arrives, the recipient then is to send something back (in this way, they already know exactly what gift they got from me).  It's been a lot of fun sending (and receiving) gifts with the program and today's gift from Rod is a perfect example as to why I love the concept of my Not-So-Secret Santa.  Rod hit a number of my interests so let's get right into the packages!

One of the treats in the box was a true treat for me:  The official chip of the Cincinnati Reds.  I'm a big fan of potato chips (probably shouldn't be but it is what it is)!  This is a bag of Grippo's Bar-B-Q chips and I can't wait to dig in!

Alright, now I've eaten the bag.  My thoughts:

First, woah, much spicier than I was expecting!  The chips themselves were a quite thin potato slice with a lot of spicy seasoning.  There wasn't a lot of structural integrity in the chips so they wouldn't be ideal for using with some sort of chip dip (and I do love me some chip dip).  On the other hand, I ate the full bag in no time and enjoyed the overall experience.  They won't go down as one of my all-time favorite BBQ chips, but I'd eat them again given the chance.

According to what I found online, Grippo's is the only family owned and operated snack food company in Cincinnati.  I have no idea how many other snack food companies are in Cincinnati but presumably none of them are private, family-run businesses.  Also, if you want to try their chips they have a full online shop here.

In addition to the chips, Rod also sent along a can of Skyline Chili (another Cincinnati staple).  

I believe the most common way to eat the chili in Cincinnati is over a plate of spaghetti.  I can't say that sounds overly good to me...but I do think I'll try it someday (maybe when my wife and child are out because I doubt I could convince either of them that the chili/spaghetti plan is a good one)!  The back of the can gives instructions for 3-way (with cheese), 4-way (with onions), and 5-way (with beans).  Sounds tasty, but it also sounds like indegestion!

The box from Rod wasn't all food, next up are a pair of games that Rod sent my way.

Cascadia is a hit as I've played that one (and it's great).  I haven't yet had the chance to play Half Truth, but I'll definitely be bringing that out next holiday season with my family (if not before).  I love, love, love getting new board games in the mail.  In fact, I think I'm heading toward being much more of a board game collector as opposed to a baseball card collector!  

Speaking of collecting, Rod also hit up yet another collection of mine:  LEGO.  Specifically, LEGO minifigures:

Those are three figures from the Disney 100 line of collectible minifigures - a series that I didn't own any figures from prior to Rod's package!  

Disney 100 Checklist

It's a bit embarrassing to admit that I don't think I can name all 18 figures in the series!  My Disney movie watching basically stopped around the time of Aladdin's release (though with my son now watching movies I have seen a few newer releases)!  I'd definitely like to get my hands on the Cruella figure (mostly for the Dalmatian puppy) as well as King Lear and the Queen of Hearts simply because both the figures look pretty cool!  

Finally, those that know Rod know he is a voracious reader.  I can always count on him to send along an interesting book and this package was no exception (actually, it was the second package that arrived that held the book):

Any book with Pete Rose on the cover is bound to be of interest to me.  This looks like a great book and I've already moved it to the top of my reading queue!  

Many, many thanks to Rod for the great Not-So-Secret gifts.  I think Rod hit almost every single one of my interests with his package.  As always, I'd say Rod went above and beyond and I'm super appreciative of that!