It really was a lovely gathering at Margaret's, and Judy and I had little trouble threading the maze of streets to find her place as we walked over from Bellevue Street(so there, Bob!). There was Brett to welcome us in, along with an obviously neglected cat by the name of "Golightly." We dashed off to a nearby Italian restaurant for a quick din-din and take-out for Brett, and bottles of wine and pale ale. When we got back Margaret was there and then hosts of fine singers began their assembly.

I do hope the neighbors appreciated the fine singing that was generated. I swear that John Warner's voice would carry through a Cape Horn gale. I finally got to hear JennyO sing "Dirty Newtown" and Bob Bolton came up with several traditional bush ballads that I hadn't heard before. Brett appeared to delight in John's rendition of his Bunyip song, and I'm sure he'll be especially careful where he strolls late at night. Brett responded with "Alabama John Cherokee."

It is great fun to be with folks who pick up so fast on the refrain or chorus, and there were some challenging less familar songs presented. Judy led "Willie Went to Sea" although she did slow it down to half-speed. There was also a fine rendition of "Wish I was Back in Liverpool." I think "Dead Dog Cider" is properly primed for its presentation at The Loaded Dog; love to hear them groans and moans!

Well, it's about 9 AM here now and high time to go foraging for more breakfast.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble