A scarf and bottle opener, blazing the name of the Portland Timbers. (Perfect, since I've done more of being cold and drinking beer than anything else over the holidays).

They are awesome, and very oddly appropriate.

Believe it or not, I very nearly bought a Portland Timbers football top a year or two ago, although there's no way my Secret Santa could have known that.

I've never ever been to Oregon (or anywhere in the US), and I don't think I've ever met anyone from Portland, but for years, completely unintentionally, I keep finding the city and its state in the books I read, films I watch, and Music I listen to. Two examples which spring to mind are The Postman by David Brin (forget that the pisspot of a film ever happened) and Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin. These are undoubtedly two of my favourite books of all time, and both describe the City of Roses and surrounding areas and counties with great detail and beauty.

I've always wanted to visit OR, the variety of geography and scenenry, the cities, the coast, the climate, and Portland especially. One day I'll make it over, and when I step off the plane, I'll be wearing my Portland Timbers scarf.

Besides of all that, the Timbers Army includes among its songs You Are My Sunshine, Can't Help Falling In Love With You, and oh so awesomely, the Tetris theme tune. I'm not sure our teams over here in the UK can even begin to compete with that level of musical taste and coolness.

Thanks Santa! Go Timbers!