BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:47 AM

The minstrel gallery was left over from one of Leadfinger's 'Men in Tights' gigs. It is only cardboard and should not be used, nor should it be placed near any pyromaniacs.

Why dominoes should be bored no one knows, after all it's not as though they lead lives any more drab than draughts or tiddleywinks. Perhaps they should appreciate their station in life, after all St. Pancras did!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 04:43 PM

But never where you want it......

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:35 PM

Minstrel Gallery? When did the Tavern acquire a minstrel's gallery? I tell you - you turn around in this place and something new shows up.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:33 PM

Duck looks across from the Minstrels' Gallery. He watches as a somewhat jellified squid curls itself into a circle in the pit of what by now is just lime flavoured slime. He fluffs up his feathers, turns slowly and disappears into the shadows which extend behind the pews and domino boards. Who knows where he might end up. The search party has not yet returned since the last time someone traversed that way....
Oh Well.
We shall see what the year holds in store!
Quack!!!!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:26 AM

PARDON!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 01:20 PM

BURP!

zzzzzzzzzz...............

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 01:16 PM

The food is put away, the critters are all fed, many have been put outside. Inhabitants are lulled by the glowing fire as the Mudcat Tavern drifts into a somnolent January dream time. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

Logs duly chucked and poked, a nice display of sparks and crackling of dried timber. The beer is still good, the slug has gone, Nigel's wallet has appeared (!) and we look set for a good night. A very good night if Lynne gets through ALL THAT brandy and babycham.

"So bring us barrel and set it up right"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 02:39 AM

MBS Lynne wanders in and settles herself in 'her' comfy chair. "Ok Nigel, where's the brandy and babycham you offered me? Chuck another log on the fire someone and give it a good poke..... I have to agree with you about central heating Nigel. Now, who's going to start the singing?"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:31 PM

Nigel spots the enormous slug, and passes it a supply of Ready Salted crisps.
Hearing comments about draught and fire, realises that the one always causes the other. Maybe that explains his dislike of central heating, and his attachment to a pair of warm, comfortable, carpet slippers.
Crosses to the bar to refill his pint of "Freefalls" and avoids the green sludge on the carpet next to an empty crisp packet.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:05 PM

The punkoid sees the roaring fire... sees Nigel Parsons drinking draught beer... thinks "draught...fire...what's he doing nicking my job as resident pyromaniac!"

Then he turns away... in time to see an enormous slug slithering in, with a big jar firmly held in it's eye stalks. He reads the label - "Property of The Anchor Inn, Sidmouth - Nigel Bait".

"Very silly!" he thinks...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:02 PM

I dunno... it still jams up the works so I've not been able to listen to it!

Probably.. if it was Waterson/Carthy recorded it, as it is on 'Frost & Fire'.

I'm pulling up my last bowl of whatever and my last mug of mulled wine, starvation from midnight my time on.......

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 11:09 AM

And with the population in apparent decline due to snow blocking people being snowed in, and people being shut out by The 'Cat (shouldn't leave the door ajar when you're outside!) MBSLynne requested that someone enter the tavern for some carry-outs.
I thought I'd oblige, but the fire's still roaring, and draught beer is always better inside, so I'll just stop right here...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 09:08 PM

"Once there were green fields
Kissed by the sun
Once there were vallies
Where rivers used to run
Once there blue skies
With white clouds high above
Once they were part of
An everlasting love.
Where are the green fields that we
Used to roam?"

That the one, Liz?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 12:41 PM

Wot, Me????

It was that damned Green Fields track on 'Frost and Fire' - for some reason it won't play on the computer, and keeps jamming the Media player....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 10:21 PM

He made a list,
He checked it twice
He found who was naughty but nice,
Santa Claus done did up
The town.

He saw that you were sleeping
Made sure you didn't wake
He knew that you'd been bad (but good)
That you made the bedslats break.

And he has another hoochanoo.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 08:09 PM

Hey it's past Midnight!

HAPPY
CHRISTMAS!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 06:47 PM

Merry Old Christmas to you !!!

My manager is off tonight having her 4th Christmas meal since 24th Dec..... and her 4th lot of presents!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 08:24 AM

The only problem with the Gregorian calendar is all the chanting.

I'll get me habit.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 09:02 PM

. . . in a nuclear family?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 06:32 PM

A critcal mass....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 04:36 PM

Fine all those wives, but think... all those MOTHERS IN LAW too!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 02:56 PM

Hey guys, why don't we celebrate Bluebeard's wedding anniversary... every single one of them! That's enough casue for a party just about every day!

And man, when those wives get together - won't there just be one HELL of a BANG!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 02:45 PM

I think I must have dozed of for a week or so......
Isn't a Gibson a Martini with an onion stuck up its bum?

Seeing as I missed all the fun, I think it must be time to go Gregorian. I'll be wishing you all a Happy Christmas in about three days then...
It's a better time to post cards anyway - misses the Julian rush....
Quack!!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Rapparee
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 12:14 PM

Don't forget Martin Luther King Day (1/17), Anniversary of the (Mexican) Constitution (2/5), Chinese New Year (2/8), My Birthday (2/11), Lincoln's Birthday (2/12), Valentine's Day (2/14), President's Day (2/21), Washington's Birthday (2/22, but originally 2/11), (Mexican) Flag Day (2/24), Mothering Sunday (3/6), St. Patrick's Day (if you don't know, ask in Boston or Chicago), Spring Solistice (3/20, also my sister's birthday), Benito Juarez's birthday (3/21), Easter Monday (3/28), April Fool's Day (4/1), Passover (starts at sundown on 4/23), Administrative Professionals' Day (4/27), (Mexican) Labor Day (5/1), May Day Bank Holiday (5/2), Battle of Puebla day (5/5), Mother's Day (5/8), (Mexican) Mother's Day )(5/10), Armed Forces Day (5/21), Victoria Day (5/23), and Memorial Day & the Spring Bank Holiday on May 30.

Then there are things like Imbolc that I didn't mention.

Gracious snakes, he thinks while reaching for another, but people sure celebrate the darnedest things.

"Throw away the cork, Landlord -- we'll likely have a couple."

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:39 AM

Leadfingers,
            400. Eat my shorts!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:38 AM

399

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:37 AM

HOORAY!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:20 AM

And now he's stuck to the upholstery in the comfy chair. He might not get out of there for months!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 04:25 AM

Having spent Christmas and New Year in darkest Kent sampling hop based products Mingulay realises that tempus is once again fugitting rapidly and quickly puts in an order for Easter Eggs before they all go. Forward planning is the name of the game, this year's turkey is due to hatch any day.

Looked in at the Tavern on the way home but the place was deserted apart from a Middle Eastern looking guy covered in green jello and sucker marks selling second hand Christmas cards.

Oh how the mighty are fallen!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 04:16 AM

Still got celebrations for Twelfth Night, Distaff Sunday and Plough Monday to organise yet... Twelfth Night is fairly well known (usually as Epiphany by the Church), but Distaff Sunday was the first Sunday after 12th Night when the women (distaff side or spinsters) took up their spindles again after the holidays. The men didn't go back until the following Monday, Plough Monday, when the plough was cleaned and decorated with ribbons and corn dollies, taken into church, blessed and then taken to the field. The horse pulling it was also cleaned and decorated, wearing its best tack, brasses, ribbons and corn dollies first cut was then made, blessed, annointed (with cider usually) and prayers made for a good crop. Then they drank the rest of the cider and had a party for the rest of the day.

These days, the Whittlesea Straw Bear is one of the few Plough Monday celebrations left (most of the others got wiped out with the Reformation and Oliver Grumble's lot), and that is next weekend, 7th-9th Jan, being the first after Twelfth Night (or Epiphany). Whittlesea is in Cambridgeshire, UK and This is their homepage.

So fire up the stove again, get the mulled cider going, still got a week of celebrating to get on with!

(I'll have an OJ and lemonade as I'm checking into the Recovery ward on the 10th, you wait 9 months for surgery and it bloody comes along when you have the least time for it!)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MBSLynne
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 03:25 AM

Here you are Martin *hands Martin the drink he requested. Enjoy! There's plenty of food around if you want some......here, have this comfy chair, it's time I got out of it, I've been sat here all Yuletide! Happy Year everyone! Soon be time to celebrate Imbolc...or whatever you want to celebrate.......

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 08:10 PM

Give the man what he wants. If he wants to drink MD (not 20/20!) let him. Me, I'll have some more of that fermented and distilled fruit cocktail called "hoochanoo."

Hell, I've drunk worse than either!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 07:08 PM

We haven't had that spirit here since 1969 . . .

We can afford better stuff that MD20/20, Martin. The booze goes on Bert's credit card. He left it behind a few years ago.

If you do a search, Lynne, you'll find this place apparates in and out through the year.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 06:00 PM

OK, how about a Jack and Ginger? Or at least a glass of Mogen David?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MBSLynne
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 05:58 PM

Ok....welcome to the Mudcat Tavern! Drop the Christmas and we can stay here and get pissed all year! Have a drink Martin...!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:11 PM

Yes. squid suck. I don't even like calamari. It's like eating a shoe.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:08 PM

Got something against squid, Martin?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM

The only thing you can do with your 8 tentacles is whack off 8 times as fast as anyone else.

Come near me and I'll blow you up with an M80 you piece of carp.

Go fuck Cthulu or something.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: GUEST,The Giant Squid
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:33 PM

I've grown fond of these sacks of flesh covered bones that walk on the land. But this complaining one in the doorway really chaps my hide. (I have hung around that bookish fellow from Idaho too long).

The squid squeegies his body across the room faster than any of the inhabitants realized he could move, and swiftly wraps Martin Gibson in all eight limbs, only to squeegee with the cursing, struggling man back across the room and drop him head first into the sticky green jello pit.

AND STAY THERE!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:20 PM

I don't drink, Rap.

Too many use the holiday as just an excuse to do so.

Not being of the christian faith, the sooner this gets over with, the sooner we have to have it jammed down our throats.

At least the stores have finally backed off.

remember, 50% off all Christmas cards, while supplies last.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:03 PM

Being a good librarian (actually the very best one in the whole world), he coughs up the answer to Martin Gibson's question and spits out the relevant part:

The Twelve Days of Christmas are probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures (see Christmas). In the Western church, Epiphany is traditionally celebrated as the time the three Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January 6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.

By the 16th century, some European and Scandinavian cultures had combined the Twelve Days of Christmas with (sometimes pagan) festivals celebrating the changing of the year. These were usually associated with driving away evil spirits for the start of the new year.

The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th), and often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi, and ale or wine (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA). In some cultures, the King's Cake was part of the celebration of the day of Epiphany.

Then he re-lubricates his brain with more hoochanoo, all the while wondering why things like Advent, Lent, Ramadan, Christmas, Channukah, and Kwanza are spread over a period of time.

Eventually, the hooch kicks in and he doesn't care.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:22 PM

okay - according to the handy dandy internet search and a quick browse - traditionally Rosemary has been used as a strewing herb at christmas - also used for epiphany as it is associated with the flight into Egypt.

Other associations make it appropriate for weddings

Thomas More evidenlty had a great deal of rosemary in his gardens - so it would be appropriate to use it for his feast day (June 22)

It was used by ancient greeks before exams - so could be used the same way now.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:07 PM

I haven't checked the walk-in recenlty - but if not - I *could* use "THE DOOR" to get a bunch of passenger pigeons. they taste like chicken. right?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:01 PM

Are there any special days in which you use rosemary? I have some bushes that have gotten MUCH larger than I expected. We need an occasion to use all of this wonderful herb (I'd hate to waste it in the compost!)

Hmmmm. . . thinking . . . thinking. . .

If I cut the shrub back, do you have any chicken breasts back there in the tavern kitchen, MMario? I've seen those British ladies who cook Italian food spear chicken breasts with rosemary branches before grilling, and they look marvelous. I can bring you a bushel or so.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 12:28 PM

nothing like celebrating the feast day of a saint who had his head chopped off and buried in a pot of basil.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 12:26 PM

yes - mary had protracted labour. all that traveling in her last trimester.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 12:16 PM

It is not still Christmas. It is now the beginning of the St. Valentine's day holiday. You are now encouraged to buy your valentine day decoration and put them up. Your local merchants and your economy depends on it.

Why does it Xmas end 1/6? Did it take Jesus 12 days to get born or something?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: MMario
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 12:09 PM

Christmas is *NOT* over until January 6. it's not OUR fault people rush the season and start in August! Why should we stop celebrating when it *is* still Christmas?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Christmas Tavern too....
From: Once Famous
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 12:00 PM

OK, Christmas and New Year's is now over.

This place should be closed and you should try to get drunk for other reasons.

Give it up.

all Christmas items are now 50-75% off. No refunds.

Please take all decorations down now.