SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 08:49 PM

But I like melon and prosciutto.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 09:04 PM

I've just spoken to Mary and she's going to have a selection of appetisers, to include Linn's herring, before the main course.

Since this will be a sit down meal with a set menu I think that it might be better to bring alcohal than another main course dish.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: JudyB
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 09:07 PM

Aw, I haven't had melon and prosciutto in years. Oh well - sounds delicious anyway, and there'll be plenty of choices.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 09:13 PM

I hope melon and prosciutto are still being considered. If they got voted down, nobody asked me and I never got to vote. Sounds interesting, sort of like the pineapple and ham on a Hawaiian pizza.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 10:20 PM

So melon and prosciutto are back in even if Jacqui gags and coughs up pickled herring on the table. I will be sitting at the opposite end.

MEMO to SELF: Placecards!

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 10:18 AM

I LOVE melon and prosciutto -- I could make a full meal of it. (But I promise to leave some for others -- after all, I'll be stuffing my face with herring.)

Also looking forward to sampling Eritrean delicacies. My adventurous palate is always on the lookout for new flavors.

Linn

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: JudyB
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 11:26 AM

THANKS, Mary!!

JudyB

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 05:07 PM

Does anyone know when this soirée begins? We've been assuming around 6 pm but one never knows and if everyone else shows up at 8 pm the early birds may be marinated to the gills!

Cheerily,
Charley Noblé

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 06:24 PM

6PM as always. Dinner about 7PM with drinks (big surprise!) in advance.
Not a buffet but donations to the appetiser platter will be gratefully accepted. As will desserts.
Did anyone else notice that Burger King on Gorham Rd. is offering deserts at a sale price? I was tempted to go in and ask Gobi? Sahara?
SINS

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 07:14 PM

Thanks for confirming the time, Sinsull.

Make mine a Kalahari!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 08:00 PM

Ooh, I've always been partial to Sonora, myself. Please tell me melon and proscuitto are back on the menu and not more icky seafood/fishy type items? And Jason WILL be attending. Kathleen is still waffling. She's blaming it on poor Joey the dog.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 Dec 05 - 11:43 PM

Sign me up for a short visit. I won't be eating or drinking though.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: karen k
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 12:08 PM

Wish I could be there. Have a great night and Happy New Year to all.

karen

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 10:40 PM

10.30 and we're having a great time.

SINSULL provided a wonderful meal and we have good company, which includes Gordon Bok and Carole Rohl, Bat Godess and Curmudgeon, Ranger1, Charley Noble and Judy B, Jeri and a number of non Mudacatters who are fine musicians and singers.

I've just printed off the words to Auld Lang Syne, so that we can all sing it at midnight The champagne is at the ready and we are looking forward to seeing the New Year in in style

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 11:18 PM

I wish I was there ! had a gig tonight but did make it to another Catters place before Midnight GMT ! Seasonal thingies to you all !!

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 12:22 AM

Thinking of you all right now.

I wish you all a WONDERFUL new year!

I kicked the old one's ass right out the front door, slammed it and locked it.

Dani

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: GUEST,ranger1
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 01:02 AM

It's after midnight and the party's still going on. I'm stuffed with SINSULL's wonderful food and somewhat dazed and in awe that I was at a New Year's Eve party with Gordon Bok. Not to mention that there was pyrotchnic pudding and brandy butter. Someone please warn me next time that it's not vanilla ice cream, okay? Jason had a good time, too.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 05:38 AM

Whoever's idea it was to phone us at 5:40 AM this morning to sing to us and wish us a happy new year....thank you, it was a lovely thought, but we can wait to get you back *Evil Grin*!!!

Glad the party went well, you all sounded in fine voice.

Happy New Year!!

Love Khatt

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: ranger1
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 12:48 PM

I had nothing to do with that...but only because I didn't know it was going on at the time. I hate being left out!

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: rumanci
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 12:50 PM

Good to hear some of you had fun
while
some of us were working !!!
LOL
Happy New Year to you all
rum xx

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: kendall
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 04:10 PM

I had nothing to do with any of that!

You know you have had too much to drink when you get the idea that your friend wants to talk to you at 2 am, so you call him...

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 05:58 PM

The dishwasher is running...AGAIN! Had to wash dishes to have something to serve breakfast on. This place is a bloody tip! Confetti appears to be a permanent condition.

Micca may never speak to me again. Khatt is sticking pins in dolls. Too much trash for my mandatory trash bin.

All in all I guess we had a good party. Thank you to all who made the evening special. And especially to Judy who this year left lyrics to an odd assortment of songs. No digital cameras or blackberrys though.

Happy New Year to all.
SINS

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: curmudgeon
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 06:08 PM

And an especial Happy New Year and thanks to you, Mary, founder of the feast and Pearl Mesta of Folkdom for your hard work, kindness, generosity and warmth, in helping us to commence what must surely be a new and better year - Tom

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 06:19 PM

And a good time was had by all....even those of us in the north country whose participation was limited to the reading of this thread!   One of these times, I'm going to get there!! Happy New Year, all!
Love,
KT

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 06:36 PM

What a wonderful party!

More details if I ever wake up...

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 07:41 PM

Well, it sounded like fun when I called them at 7:30 PM. Everyone seemed to be having a good time even though the chicken wasn't cooked yet.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 09:13 PM

Mary-

That was one fine party, and I hope you had time to enjoy some of it. There were truly amazing quanities of food, some of it conventional goodies but there was also the scallaped potatos, the marinated fish (which I usually pass on), and the Eritrian lamb stew, spicy or wimpy, with injera that I brought from the wonderful Asmara Restaurant in Portland, 51 Oak St, between Congress and Free streets (tell 'em Charley sent you!). And the steamed pudding & hard sauce, not to mention a lovely and tasty mousse (not to be confused with the moose head on the wall).

I can never have enough singing but there was lots and lots of singing and most folks were leading songs that were not within our usual sea music repertoire. I love our sea music but a change was really nice!

Kendall appeared to be having a hysterical time, and every once in a while we'd convince him to share why. I managed to prod him into telling the story of the little boy who was rescued by an out-of-stater after falling through the ice, returned to his mother, who hours later appeared at his cabin door and asked "But where are his mittens?"

Judy launced a new shanty about some mytical character named "Charley Noble." Mary led several lovely temperence songs, including "The Drunkard's Child;" but for a while I thought she'd never get through it with Kendall convulsing in hysterics. I sled "Dead Dog Cider" and got some fine chorus support. Jeri sang her "Diamond" songs which she refuses to e-mail me even after repeated requests. You would think that the huge number of songs I've sent her would get me something but, no, she values quality! Linn regaled us with "We Never Speak of Aunt Clara" and Nor and Eli led several lovely songs but I think one of my seaonal favorites has to be "Oh, Cold & Misery!"

Gordon led one of our favorite John Warner songs "Wind in a Million Leaves" with the compelling question "Must we make a desert with our own cruet hands?"

And Tami led the wonderful parody of "Will you go, Lassie, Go!"

Judy did Les Barker's "History Man," just to cheer us all up as the old year was drawing to its close. I started out with Si Kahn's "New Year Eve" tribute to burnt out organizers.

Someone else better fill in!

I bet the dogs are still hung over!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 10:35 PM

I was genuinely touched by Gordon and Carole's House Blessing. And Jeri and Jacqui's Gaudey Tree.
I hope the dogs felt better than I did this AM.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 08:29 AM

I'll download the pics onto Flickr today if I can get the energy together.

I didn't have a hangover but needed to catch up with my sleep last night....

I think this counts as my best New Year ever, shared with wonderful friends and full of laughter and song.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 09:44 AM

Charley, you never asked for the song! (That I recall.) I had a copy with me I oould have given you.

Khatt, do you even have to wonder whose idea that phone call was? Sister Mary Looniepants. (Whose karma is opening chain stores in a town across the globe. There may be a 'Mary's Karma' opening near you. They're going to put the 'W' store out of business.) She was expecting a retaliatory phone call from you next morning, but perhaps any weekday will do, and will be more of a surprise.

I didn't have a hangover either, but I slept for 11 hours. Best New Year that I can remember as well. Would have liked more music and less loud talking, but that's what happens when you put champagne (and wine and scotch and...what else?) and people together. I'm sorry Kath didn't make it and Brien remained...wherever it was he remained, and other people who might have come didn't. Good to hear from Brett, on behalf of himself and Wakana, all the way from Guam.

SINSULL, thank you for the lovely gift which I almost left there. If Jacqui hadn't run out of the house and thrown it into my back seat (and run away) before I even realized what the dear girl was doing, it would have remained in your house. I shall have to look for something for you, of at least equal size and value. I may try to give you something even more speshul, but I'll be somewhat limited in choices, as I don't own a forklift.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 01:18 PM

Jeri - I was under threat that if it didn't get into your car it was going to end up in our house and, to be quite honest, we have been blessed with an abundance of the amazing gifts that SINSULL manages to find, mainly at the Christmas Tree Shop, and on sale.

I think getting that one to you probably saved the sanity of my dear husband who seems to be developing a strange sort of tic, with his eyes just going heavenward, every time another Mary present comes into the house.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 02:56 PM

Lately everytime I shop something I pass seems to call Mary's name.... don't know how long my will power will last... I knew better than to count it as a resolution It's only a matter of time.

tinker

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 03:07 PM

This is the first chance I've had to catch up on this thread. As soon as I was able yesterday I took a nap. (Having to take a nap the next day is definitely the sign of a good party!)

But I had , uh, adventures before I made it back to the house. I almost made it uneventfully to the deck steps, but, alas, I managed to step on glare ice hidden under the snow -- which I expected and was being quite cautious about.

But . . . my feet went out from under me and I pulled a full "State o' Mainer" (see one of Doug Coffin's "Cronies" cartoons, circa 1978) landing flat on my back, my head bouncing and hitting the driveway twice. Didn't knock me out, but I couldn't get up at the time, either. Could tell I was a bit dazed. Hollered for Tom (who had made it to the house before me) and after a few yells, he rushed out the door. I still couldn't stand, even with help, because the whole area appeared to be slick. Managed to get to my knees and crawled on my hands and knees to the steps where I could stand up. (Tom gathered up my glasses and the stuff I was carrying.)

Bit achy today -- mostly my neck and stomach muscles from trying to sit up. The thwap on the head competed with my headache yesterday, but both were gone this morning after 9 hours sleep.

I know I said this after hitting the deer and again after ending up in the ditch during the snowstorm, but I'm gonna say it again -- I'm really tired of winter!

Good thing we've got music gatherings to take our minds off of it!

Linn

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 05:32 PM

"Confetti appears to be a permanent condition."

My kinda woman....

Dani

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 05:37 PM

Linn-

Anyone who leaves Mary's parties should be well armoured with pillows and a well-cushioned hard hat.

Are you sure you do not have a concussion?

We're safe at home but it's gonna be a long winter.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 06:41 PM

Gee, no one seems to have mentioned the odd, um, toys that Jacqui and Mary brought out after midnight, or the inflatable, remote-controlled, battery operated musical Santa (look out Spaw, it'll end up at your place soon enough!)

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 09:02 PM

Linn - hope you're OK now. Must have been a shock!

Tinker - go for it - she deserves it, believe me!

We've been talking to our friend, Deborah, who has a big house and would be happy to host a song circle, maybe once a month, so that there could be music every fortnight. Anyone interested?

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: KathWestra
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 09:55 PM

So sorry to have missed you all--and to have missed all the fun! Happy belated new year to all my Maine and N.H. buddies who partied extra hard on my behalf. I had a big editing project--my very first paying assignment of my newly formed business--due today at 1:00, and knew I wouldn't get it finished if I drove to Portland for NYEve. Boo hoo. But it's done, and I'm feeling moderately virtuous if not properly festive. Jeri, there's a silent auction in early May where you might unload, er, donate your gift to a good cause. Love to all, Kathy

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 10:27 PM

Kath-

It's just not fair that you couldn't join us, but sometimes one just has to swallow hard and grind a project out.

See you next time around.

Cheerily,
Charlie

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 09:06 AM

Ah Tinker. You are not aware of the Michael Jackson Angel of Liberty winging its way to you if I can get it to the Post Office this week.I will post a picture when I find my camera. It screams "Goddess Garden!" or would look lovely standing by a leering garden gnome. Bubba will probably think it's a fire hydrant.

Linn - that's no way to start the New Year. Are you sure you haven't done some serious damage? Sometimes it takes a few days for the swelling to go down and the real injury to appear.
SO sorry. Been there; done that.

Dani and Tinker were missed! As was the UK contingent. Giok, Micca, and Khatt - your names were mentioned more than once. Leadfinger and his banjo were missed as well.

Now - to work!

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 08:03 AM

I don't think so (more damage) -- It happened so fast I was pretty relaxed when I hit the ground. The "lump" on my head doesn't hurt, but I know it when I touch it.

What I DO have is minor whiplash, sort of -- my neck muscles ache. Would have been whiplash if the frozen ground hadn't kept stopping my head's bounce.

And the muscles on my stomach area from trying to sit up, etc. still let me know they're there.

Yesterday I was just so sleep-deprived I was barely functional. I woke up at 3 and couldn't get back to sleep. Spent the day just bashing out ads and hoping the phone didn't ring so I'd have to actually think. Got nine hours of sleep last night but still really tired.

Not a good weekend for others at work -- the compressor in my boss's refrigerator died and my co-worker's purse (cell phone, camera, etc.) was stolen out of her hotel room in Portland.

Gotta go to work . . .

Linn

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Tinker
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 08:08 AM

LIberty Angel


Ahh Mary... It wouldn't be something like this would it??? I do have impressionable children still at home....

tink

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: ranger1
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 08:41 AM

Oh, Tink, nothing that classy! You have no idea...

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 09:21 AM

Getting back to the party talk, I had fun for the few minutes I was there.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 09:42 AM

That all sounds like a cracking party ! Perhaps we ought to either get a UK party to come over , or arrange something over here at New Years for you all to come over for !

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: kendall
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 10:31 AM

Kathy my dear, it just proves the old saying, "Work is the curse of the drinking class."

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: jacqui.c
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 10:35 AM

I'll drink to that.

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 12:39 PM

Linn:

There's still a little room for new residents here in San Diego. Get your application in early! Guaranteed no winter. Not in the sense you'd understand the word, anyway!


A

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 12:57 PM

I recall the delight of 'Wintering' in the warm !! Managed it two years on the trot way back then !!

Subject: RE: SINSULL's 2nd Annual 12/31 Song Circle
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 12:58 PM

And another 100 !!