Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008

Subject: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Crane Driver
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 06:56 PM

Andrew "Crane Driver" McKay and "Sussex" Carole Etherton are on their travels again. We're in Sydney, Australia from 10th to 19th January, primarily for family reasons but hoping to meet up with some OzCatters for music and chat at some point. Then we're in the Washington (DC) area of USA until 28th. We're doing an informal 'House Concert' for FSGW at Rita Ferrara's on Monday 21st, then off to the Folk Club in Richmond, VA for Saturday 26th, with possibly other things along the way. Should be a great time. We're looking forward to meeting old friends and new on our travels.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Emma B
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 06:58 PM

Bon Voyage

We'll miss you in mudchat!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 06:58 PM

Oh WOW! Will you make it Maine this trip or do we have to head south?
SINS

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Crane Driver
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 07:14 PM

Sadly we won't be able to include Maine this time - we'd need extra time off for that, and the day jobs won't allow. We are seriously planning to be back in October for the Getaway, and a trip up to Maine again either before or after would be wonderful - we so much enjoyed ourselves last time.

A & C

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 08:40 PM

well I hope you have a good trip - Shame I will be stuck in UK while you're entertaining friends of Mine in USA !

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Maryrrf
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 08:55 PM

Yep they'll be doing a concert in Richmond - Here's the link! http://www.richmondfolkmusic.com/page11.htm

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 09:24 PM

Andrew and Carole-

I do hope you connect with our friends in the Roarin' Forties in Sydney, and I hope you get a chance to sing aboard the James Craig in Darling Harbour.

I'll send you some e-mail addresses via regular e-mail.

And we'll alert them as well, if you like.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 09:28 PM

Safe journey and all the best to you both.


Love Yas

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 09:39 PM

G'day Andrew & Carole,

I'm afraid the Sydney scene may be a bit quiet ... mid-summer and school holidays tend to bring incovenient realism to bear of the folkies! As well, many Sydneysiders will at the Illawarra Folk Festival, down south at Bulli - full festival from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 January - although those still slaving will probably only make it from Friday evening to Sunday.

Bob Bolton (performing with my Monday Night Workshop Mob)

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 09:45 PM

Himself and I will be back by then, we are going away for a short break but returning on 6th Jan, and as Bob said above we will be attending the Illawarra festival later in the month. I'll send you a PM.

Cheers
JennieG....on holidays until late January....and loving it!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: JennyO
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 10:40 PM

Jennie G and Bob and others in Sydney, if we have a BBQ and session on either the 12th or the 13th, will you be able to come? Those are the only dates that will work I think.

Andrew and Carole, I have sent you a PM.

Looking forward to meeting again!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 11:40 PM

Have a bash you 2, shame that DC gets you instead of us to the North but they'll be treating you to much milder weather I'm sure. We'll have to wait till Oct. Happy Trails

Barry

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 01:59 AM

G'day JennyO,

I reckon we can fit in with a second weekend event ... I'll just have to make sure I don't need to beat the Monday Night Session Mob into shape for Bulli ... by then ...

It would be nice to try to snag Ralph Pride along to the event - as long as he isn't off at a gig - with his Triumph Duet (aka 'Crane Duet' ... and poor old Butterworth, whose name is on the patent, gets completely forgotten by everyone!)

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 02:28 AM

JennyO, I thought the 40s were appearing at Cygnet over that weekend?

According to a PM I received in Nov Andrew & Carole will head to Bateman's Bay Sat 12th for parent's 60th Wedding anniversary & get back to Sydney Tues 15th.

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 03:57 AM

Yes, Sandra, You're right about the Forties. But apart from the Bulli weekend, the one before is the only other one they are going to be here. I've looked at my past PMs and they mentioned what you said to me back in September in a PM. If that is still the case, that doesn't leave us with any choice at all apart from midweek, and I don't think that is going to suit many people. So it's either Bulli weekend or midweek. Neither seems very satisfactory to me. Maybe Friday the 11th?

Andrew and Carole, we need some more input from you.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Cats at Work
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 05:08 AM

Have a safe journey and enjoy yourselves.:-)) Just think, 6 more years and then we can zoom off to places like that. At the moment day job prevents....:-((

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 06:32 PM

have a great time you lucky people.   Rose

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 08:55 PM

Well, it looks as if the Sydney crew is sorting it all out.

Is there anything happening aboard the James Craig while Andrew and Carole are available?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Nancy King
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:09 PM

Yay! See you at Rita and Bill's!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:17 PM

nuffin' the Craig will be travelling to Melbourne, leaving Sydney 12th January & even tho I'm not a sailor & know nuffin' about preparing Tall Ships for sailing, I can't see it being available for a session in the days before they leave.

And as Andrew & Carole leave Sydney Sat 19th, they don't have many days in Sydney when we are all present.

I'll be leaving for Bulli on Thursday, and I assume JennieG & Himself will as they did last year, & Bob appears to be going the same day. I believe JennyO is not going.

Looks like a session at someone's place on Thurs 10 or maybe Fri 11th, depending on when they plan to set out for Bateman's Bay - according to a map, Bateman's Bay is about 4 hours south of Sydney.

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:21 PM

oh, I forgot the bit about them being in Sydney earlier in the week most of us head to Bulli, so that might give us Tues 15th & or Wed 16th nights, too

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:21 PM

Sandra-

Well, I was also kind of wondering where Bateman's Bay was, and didn't quite dare ask.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:54 PM

What fun -- Oz is somewhere I would really like to visit.....have fun....

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennieG
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 11:35 PM

Charley, Bateman's Bay is a very nice place. It is on the Clyde River where the river empties into the Pacific Ocean (or whatever it's called that far south) and is surrounded by lovely south coast bushland, spotted gum trees and cycads. Himself and I have caravanned there a couple of times.

Perhaps on your next visit to Oz....?

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Severn
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 03:11 AM

See you at Rita and Bill's as well. Woulda made the drive to Richmond if I had to. Will get you out to one of three Shanty Sings if possisble.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:04 AM

Hi again all - thanks for your good wishes and suggestions.

We get into Sydney about 9 am on Thursday 10th, and plan to head for Batemans on Saturday 12th, so the Friday night is a real possibility. My parents' 60th anniversary event is on the Sunday - my mother was 90 in September and Dad will be 96 in February, so it's going to be a really special event. We're booked in at Batemans over Monday night, then intend to return to Sydney before flying to Washington on Saturday 19th. So anything that fits into that schedule suits us fine. Sorry we can't be more flexible, blame my parents - most inconsiderate of them to get married in January!!

Maybe we'll have to see you in installments during the week? Whatever works.

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Crane Driver
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:27 AM

Sorry - that was, of course, me - didn't realise my cookie had crumbled.

Andrew

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:07 PM

appropriate dates are noted in my diary.

see ya

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 07:58 PM

I'm thinking John and Dale Dengate would also love to meet with Andrew and Carole, and swap a few songs back and forth.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, shivering in the frozen northlands

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:07 PM

Yes, I'm going to give John and Dale a ring soon. Haven't sorted accommodation either yet.

It sounds like we should go with Friday the 11th for the BBQ. I'll spread the word around.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Polly Squeezebox
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:44 PM

Do have an absolutely wonderful time, and keep safe.

Also, whilst I'm sending good wishes to you both - have a wonderful Yule too, we don't have your address for a 'hard card'.

Brightest of Blessings,

Pauline, Jack & Zak

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 05:54 PM

Ya know, flying from Sydney all the bloody way to DC is a really hare-brained idea, Andrew. You'd feel much better stopping off in California for a day to re-orient your temporal lobes and have dinner with me in San Diego.

A

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 07:01 PM

I dunno, Andrew & Carol....time with 'ol Amos can DISorient yer temporal lobes. He's a shifty one, he is. But you can wave as you pass over.

But, no matter...we'll be looking for you....and glad you can be here!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Crane Driver
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 05:32 PM

OK - so staff at Heathrow have just announced a 24 hour strike on January 7th - the day before we're due to fly out. What effect will this have on our travel plans? Who knows. When will we get to Sydney? No idea. My temporal lobes are disoriented already, and we haven't left yet. Hopefully the dispute will be settled before the strike date. If not, we can only hope our flight isn't pushed back too much. We're due into Sydney about 8am Thursday, so we should still be there for Friday night whatever happens.

Our luggage will probably be in San Diego by then, of course.

Andrew

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 09:15 PM

Andrew and Carole,

I did keep an eye on possiblities for Canberra, but it is holiday season for all venues. You would be welcome to drop in on the Shiny Bums rehearsal on any Monday evening if passing, and you can stay at my place anytime if that helps with your logistic options - I'll PM details.

Folks - we saw them during the Shiny Bum UK Tour, and they do really fun stuff!

The ones I would love you to catch up with are the Poms From Oz (Pomeroys) but they live in Townsville which is a long walk. You have repertoire interests in common. Hope you catch up with them here or there sometime - they also tour UK.

Come over again - for longer.

Charlie - for Batemans Bay turn east from Canberra until you get wet. Sorry to miss you and the James Craig. There was just too much going on, including losing home email for a month. I was there in spirit.

Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 10:34 PM

Andrew and Carole-

I'm still smarting from the disfunctional airlines we had to put up with, but they got our bodies from place to place eventually. It was just my banjo that got displaced all too frequently.

I do hope things get settled so that you can board your flight, take your sleeping pills, and sleep for 12 hours or so.

Be sure to take out your concertina for show and tell, so the security folks are not unduly alarmed when they view its little springs and buttons on their screen.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Dec 07 - 09:58 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 25 Dec 07 - 05:26 AM

I expect that you won't be 'Queenslandering'... :-)

I'll just mention here as a bit of thread drift, as its not worth overexciting everyone yet, that I am currently negotiating with a Primary School Principal & P&C Committee about helping setup a small festival as a P&C fundraiser later in the year. If it does get a go on, it will be somewhat different... one of the main hassles yet is the dreaded insurance game...

It'll be in Toowoomba if it gets away...

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 27 Dec 07 - 11:08 AM

Hey Carole and Andrew - I sure hope the strike won't hold you up too much - we are looking forward to your concert here in Richmond. We'll do the Pub on Friday night - Terry (Leadfingers) and I had a gig there last week and it went great. It won't be a lot of money but it's just a couple of miles from my house and should be great fun. This is the place for your silliest material!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 05:58 AM

The Pub with Mary was a fun Gig - You WILL Have fun - Thats an Order !

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 06:57 PM

Cheers Mary & Terry we are really looking forward to that gig and the one in Richmond and we will have fun (even if the audience don't). We're hoping that the airport strike the day before we set off won't be too much of a problem but we'll weather any storm & darken many a doorstep on the way if needs be (watch out Chanteyranger).

We're so looking forward to seeing Bill & Rita (Ferrara) again & our friends in the Washington area for our House Concert on Monday 21 January. Thank you to you both for hosting us. Here's to a great evening of friendship, song, chorus & harmony in a wonderfully intimate setting. Bill - I'm hoping you still have that beautifully mellow toned bass recorder I may put it to good use!

And to you all in Oz we really can't wait to meet you all again.
Jenny O, John, Sandra, Bob, Jennie G et al & Chris (Shiny Bum) in Canberra if we can get there. Any news of Rymin Simon & Freda?

Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 07:27 PM

Bill has a new toy too, Carole -- he bought a lovely wood clarinet from BB at the Getaway. And he can play it! He played a bunch of carols with Songster Bob on Christmas Day. He says 15 years in school marching bands are to blame.

Crossing my fingers and hoping all goes smoothly with your flight.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 07:40 PM

maybe we can visit Simon when you have a spare day in your busy touristing schedule!

I was supposed to visit him on Boxing day but rail trackwork put an end to that! Dunno why the rail authorities decided to start the 5 days of urgent trackwork on Boxing day, the day when lotsa' folks head off for holidays. They could have started on 27th & still finished by New Years eve, I suppose they decided most folks have cars.

freda moved house yesterday - she has been technically homeless for months living out of suitcases in a friend's spare room while The Builders ripped apart her place. We might see her on Mudcat more regularly when she unpacks her computer.

It's a 3 hour drive to Canberra from Sydney, but a much shorter trip from Batemans Bay.

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 07:49 PM

Hey! I used to play clarinet. Ok bill there's one song I sing that needs clarinet accompaniment that I can't sing & play at the same time. There may be a challenge here.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Dec 07 - 07:54 PM

Please give our best to Freda & hope we can meet up in Sydney sometime if possible, we've fond memories of our last trip to Oz.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 01:02 AM

I was talking to freda yesterday and she should be coming to the BBQ on the 11th. Unfortunately on that date, John and the other Roaring Forties are going to be in Tasmania at Cygnet Folk Festival.

Think I'll give Simon a ring tonight. He did manage to come down to Sydney for a Loaded Dog event a couple of weeks ago, so you never know.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 06:53 PM

G'day JennyO,

I gather the final decision is to hold the Barbie on Friday 11th January.

I'll get over to that ... and I've checked with Ralph Pride - and he isn't doing a gig that night ... so he should be along - with his Triumph Duet (which he plays when he's not playing fiddle ... or mandolin ... or guitar ... or ukulele ... or bones ... or mouth-organ ... or whistle ... or doing the sound-mixing ... or whatever else he does to fill his idle hours!).

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 07:05 PM

Bob-

We'd love a full report!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:29 PM

Just arrived in San Francisco - on quick stopover -off to see the cable cars. Tried to make contact with Chanteyranger but not able. More later.....

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:47 PM

G'day Charley,

I'll send off a quick run-down and a few photographs ... some time after the event ...

It will be nice to see two Butterworth (designer) / Crane (introducer to the Sally Army) / Triumph (branding of Salvation Army instruments) duet concertinas get back together again. (Just so long as they don't get too nostalgic for "the good old days" ... and only play evangelic hymns!)

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 08:53 PM

Yes, the BBQ and session here is definitely happening on Friday night - starts officially around 6, but any folks who don't have to work that day are welcome to come earlier. Freda and Sandra in Sydney will be here, and Rhymin' Simon is hoping to make it too - depending on how his back is.

Only trouble is, I sent Andrew and Carole a PM over a week ago, including an answer to a question asking how to get to our place, cos they'd forgotten since last time. They haven't replied and I don't have any other contact details for them. Bob or anybody else, do you know of any other contact details? They must be on their way here by now if the plane is landing tomorrow morning.

Also, I've been talking to Margaret Walters, who has now gone away with the Forties and John to Cygnet, and her house will be empty till the 21st and I have a key. Andrew and Carole could stay there, and/or we could have another session there on one of the days next week they are still here - maybe next Thursday for those who haven't already gone to Bulli. John will be back by then, so at least they could catch up with him, and anyone else who didn't make it to the BBQ.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 09:13 PM

JennyO, Carole's 'puter lost at least one Mudcat PM in the past week. It was flight info for her visit here! Luckily we got it worked out.

In case you still haven't reached them, try another PM. She says they will make sure they check the internet while they are traveling.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 09:52 PM

Okay, Carole and Andrew, if you see this, I am sending you another PM, with my contact details.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:02 AM

If it helps to fill out the picture, I am expecting Andrew and Carole at my place in Canberra Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 January. I will see who I can muster on Tuesday (anyone within reach welcome), and Wednesday thay can meet more of the Shiny Bums practising for Bulli - those on the UK Tour shared a stage with them at the Bude-Stratton Festival in Cornwall.

I have been in touch with them also by email. They are probably just out of touch with techno-portals at present, but will resurface. If they email me I will let them know Jenny O has been trying to reach them.

Chris

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Crane Driver
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 07:27 PM

Hi all - we have resurfaced in Sydney. Will be contacting Jenny by phone to confirm details.

I did finally find Jenny's contacts in a PM from our last visit (archive your PMs - you never know when you'll need them).

Looking forward to the BBQ and everything else.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 10:42 PM

Excellent!

All primed and ready.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: BretonCap
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 10:08 AM

Hi Andrew and Carole

Have a great time and give my (Facebook and Mudcat) mate Jenny O a hug.

We've done the electronic hugs thing but a real one would be nice.

Dave

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 10:54 AM

Andrew and Carole have a great time in Oz.As i collect keyrings please can you bring me one from Oz i will pay you.
Whats the temp over there its gales here in Wales.


Lots of love Yasmin.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 06:47 PM

It's HOT here - we're having two days in Sydney city - staying right in the centre of the city. Yaz we'll be very happy to bring you home a keyring - I'm sure we can find something a little unusual!

Dave it will be a real pleasure to give Jenny a hug from you - we'll be seeing her & the Sydney gang tonight at a BBQ at Jenny's.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 08:33 PM

Thought you might like to know we're already getting requests for reservations for your concert here. :-)

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 08:49 PM

Andrew and Carole-

I hope you have good directions on how to find the Earlwood BBQ. The portal is not easily accessed but fear not!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Crane Driver
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 01:08 AM

Thanks Rita - though most people have reservations about our concerts without asking .... ;-}

Setting off for Earlwood soon - will report if we make it.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 05:54 AM

Thanks Carole for getting me a keyring i look forward to seeing what it is.


Love Yas

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 08:16 AM

And so we leave our heroes trekking their way through the Western outback to the Warner/O'Reilly stockade, with only the sound of a lonely Kookaboura to provide them company...

Beware the dropbears and the swooping wombats!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 09:05 AM

drop bears & wombats were mentioned!

Fortunately I had given JennieG a notepad decorated with a drawing of a wombat so the verbal descriptions of this strange animal could be confirmed. Unfortunately I have recently lost the postcard of the dropbear, not that I would have been carrying it, but I could have sent it to them!

The Mudcat pic was taken by Himself who refused to be part of it cos as he said he's not a member. We said it doesn't matter cos everyone knows you so you need to be in the pic but he preferred to take the pic!

Lots of good food was eaten, there was lots of chat & we sang a few songs & had a great evening. There will be another session next week after Andrew & Carole visit their family & the Canberra mob, but some of us will be at bulli so will miss it, phooey.

But I have a new Mudcatter CD woth a pair of characters on the front & I'm looking forward to playing it tomorrow (tomorrow? - later today!)

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 12:55 PM

Ahhh.... sounds perfect. That's a great CD too.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 01:01 PM

I scratched a wombat on the head once. He was deliriously happy until some horrible woman shrieked "Oh look! A wombat!" in a voice that wiould etch glass. He jumped; I jumped and narrowly avoided his teeth. Silly bitch.
I was also attacked by a kangaroo but I have told that tale before.
Be careful over there, guys.
SINS

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 08 - 08:25 PM

A few years ago we had a young wombat at the National Folk Festival!

He was an orphan & was there with his carer & attracted a lot of attention. I was lucky enough to have custody of him for a short time (probably cos I was the nearest adult) while she attended to some other business. My job was to watch him & head him off if he tried to get off the grass onto the road & I had lots of eager young helpers! And older helpers, too. One of the MCs reminded his audience that wildlife carers don't get any payment for looking after injured animals so she ended up with a cup full of notes & coins.

wombat of similar size!

Check Google images if you want more pics. They are cute, but their main characteristic is going where they want to & staying there. Friends have had great difficulty driving down their unpaved road when the adult wombats are standing in the middle of the road.

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 06:15 AM

G'day SINS and Sandra,

I'm not sure what this says about the rear view of myself (some years back ...) - or just the back view of my standard footwear, good Tasmanian Blundstone brown 'lastic-sided boots...

Some years back I went to the Western Plains Open Zoo, in Dubbo (some 3 hours drive west of Sydney. I was with my sister-in-law and my two nephews, so we had gone through the "Friendship Farm" - where small, friendly animals are available to be cuddled - or, at least, seen as close (but safe) range. As we left and headed of for another area of "un-fenced animals" (all the enclosures use "ha-has" - perimeter diches, which may, if necessary have effective fences - but out of sight) I noticed an occasional bumping sensation at my heels. I stopped and found that a very young wombat was intently walking straight behind my Blundstones ... which, presumably, evoked the back view of his Mum!

We had to backtrack to the "Friendship Farm" - and locate a keeper. "Excuse me - but I think this is yours!" At which I had to step aside so the keeper could see that the rather talented escapologist wombat had made another break ... He was then gathered up and put back into a more secure enclosure - until they patched up the latest escape route.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 06:49 PM

The strangest thing about wombats is their name - I have never seen one flying, or hanging upside down from a tree.

Look forward to A & C in Canberra, have put the word out for Tuesday evening at my place, any Mudcatters within reach of course welcome - PM for details.

Congrats to Andrew's parents celebrating today in Batemans Bay.

Cheers,
Chris

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 07:07 PM

The only Wombat I ever met was a bit heavy to have in your lap as it was a 105 millimetre howitzer in a C.P. outside the forward airstrip at Habylayn in the Radfan Mountains , Aden Protectorate !

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 09:52 PM

I think some of those wombats were included in Google images!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 12 Jan 08 - 11:54 PM

We had a lovely time on Friday night. The weather was perfect, and everyone was pretty laid back - I know I was. Good thing it wasn't today - it's been really hot for the last few hours and now there is a thunderstorm brewing. Everything's been put away so I don't care - in fact I like a good thunderstorm.

I mentioned this on the night, and I'll be sending an email out - we are going to have another session on Thursday night when Andrew and Carole are back from Canberra. This time it's going to be at Margaret Walters' place in Redfern/Darlington.

John will be back from Cygnet by then, so they will have a chance to catch up with him and anybody else who couldn't make it on Friday - not to mention a lot of us who are coming back for more. We'll kick off around 8 with BYO drinks and nibbles, and lots of music! So if you haven't gone to Bulli, and would like to spend some time with a pair of delightful entertaining people, please come. (Actually I reckon we're all pretty delightful and entertaining ;-)) Anyone not on my email list can PM me for details.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 13 Jan 08 - 06:58 AM

G'day Leadfingers,

That's Weapon Of Mobility Battalion Anti Tank!

Regard(les)s

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 06:04 AM

Thanks for the update JennyO, and the confirmation that they are still coming through Canberra on the way back to Sydney. I know what it's like touring, especially caught up with family, and not able to find a moment to make a call, so I am not concerned that I haven't heard from them, but if you or any other has a moblie number for them, you could PM it to me, just as a backup.
Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Crane Driver
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 06:32 PM

Hi all -

Yes, the tour's still on schedule and we'll be in Canberra tonight. I've e-mailed Chris with our ETA, and we're looking forward to seeing him again and anyone else who can make it.

No mobile number as we're luddites in that direction.

We hope to be back in Sydney on Thursday, if it's still standing after the storms. We really appreciate the way Australia has adopted British weather for our visit   ;-}

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 06:48 PM

We've had a brilliant time during the last two days with Andrew's family.   The first time in 30 years that they've all been able to get together.

Chris - Andrew has mailed you - we tried to phone last night on the direct dial telephone in our motel chalet....it wouldn't work. No-one told us that we had to ask to have it switched on first!!

We'll be saying farewell to Batemans Bay this afternoon after a final farewell to Andrew's parents & then make our way to Canberra.

At long last I've now seen a real live wombat & koala bear!!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 11:05 PM

G'day Carole,

Did you get to see them close enough together to see just how closely they compare?

A most improbable fact is that the koala is, in fact, a "re-arborialised" wombat. The telling point is that both the wombat and the koala have backward-facing pouches, for their developing young. This feature is indicative of a ground-burrowing development (so the excavated dirt doesn't end up smothering junior in the pouch!).

At some point, an ancestral koala decided the browsing was better up a gum tree - and the digging claws were strong enough to get an animal of near-wombat bulk up the trunk of the gum tree. (Hence the legend of drop-bears!).

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennieG
Date: 14 Jan 08 - 11:38 PM

Legend, Bob? Legend???!!!

That's no legend!

Cute little fellers, aren't they Carole?

Cheers
JennieG who is wearing wombat earrings as we speak (type?)

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jan 08 - 04:24 AM

The Sydney Mudcatter pic has been posted (thanks Joe)

folks, don't forget to arrange for someone to take the Canberra Mudcatter pic.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: JennyO
Date: 16 Jan 08 - 10:44 AM

Thought I'd bring this to the top again. Sydney 'catters - tonight is your last chance to catch Andrew and Carole before they head out of the country.

As I mentioned before, it's a session at Margaret Walters's place in Darlington / Redfern, starting around 8pm. If you haven't had an email about it, PM me for more details.

I know a lot of folks will be off to Bulli, but if you are still in town, this will be the place to be for a top night.

As usual, it's going to be over too quickly. I always love meeting Mudcat people - they are so friendly - and I'm always sad to see them go. See you in a few hours!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Canberra Chris
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 08:25 AM

We had a great time hosting Andrew and Carole in Canberra - thanks for passing through! Shiny Bums plus friends for a gathering on Tuesday night at my place, more Shiny Bums at the Wig & Pen brewed-on-premises pub Wednesday lunchtime, and yet more Bums at Claire's to witness the chaos of our rehearsal for Bulli. We've still got two days to work out who stands where doing what.

Loved all your songs, lovely to have you here! Have a great session at Margaret's, and a good trip out.

Check the thread on raising the next Bude-Stratton Festival - they must have heard us discussing it!

Cheers,
Chris

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 02:59 PM

More photos, anyone? I loved the Sydney photo. Carole, I sent you a PM about various arrangements....

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 03:28 PM

How's Carole's sunburned spot? Thanks for the pic link, Sandra and Joe!

Hope the next leg goes well.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 01:21 AM

No chance of a sunburned spot today Kitty - it's raining hard here in Sydney!

We had a super time in Canberra meeting up with Canberra Chris & the Shiny Bums (again). Great singing & great hospitality. Thank you all!

Last night we were treated to a song session in Sydney with John & Jenny O & Freda (et al). Despite competion from a concert by a certain E Bogle we had a great time. Cheers to you all - you've all made the Oz leg of our trip magical!!!

USA flight in the morning........

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 02:57 PM

They've arrived safely and are ensconced in our combination rec room, concert hall and bedroom, happily practicing for concert tomorrow night and sharing tales of travels and lifein general. It's great to see them again...it will be a busy 4 days.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: treaties1
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 05:14 PM

Enjoying reading the posts have a great trip you twolove Theresa

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Emma B
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 05:18 PM

all the very best to two of my favourite folks - give my love to Severn too!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: GUEST,Valmai Goodyear (at work)
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 03:45 AM

It's not impossible that you might bump into my 19-year-old daughter Marina, who's visiting Australia after Thailand and New Zealand.

Have a wonderful time - come and see us in Sussex again soon,

Valmai

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 04:11 AM

Thanks for letting us know they arrived safely Bill . Have a good one tonight , an down in Virginia later in the week .

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 04:28 AM

no mention of a Canberra catters picture?

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 01:49 PM

Guess we'd better get a photo here, huh?

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 01:53 PM

BTW "here" is Silver Spring, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC. They flew to LA, then on to this area on Saturday.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 07:42 AM

Great Concert! I've posted some photos here

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 07:57 AM

thanks for posting them

sandra

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 09:54 AM

The pics look great!

I've sent a PM and an E-mail to Carole, with directions. Next stop is Richmond, Virginia with a get-together at Dublin's Irish Pub in Mechanicsville on Friday and Richmond Folk Music Society on Saturday!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Severn
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 11:08 AM

A wonderful night. Andrew & Carole stake out their own little corner of the world with both original and non-original material sung well with a sense of history and location and a knack for both a good chorus and novel, non-standard plot lines. The originals include some of the best nautical songs I've heard written in recent years, and of course, the fact that nobody ever mentions Wales much over here makes the learning of the stories all the fresher for it for some of us. A nice trip to some unfamilliar ground that we all came out of much the better for having taken.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 01:20 PM

Yes, it was a splendid evening. A great time was had by all.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 04:52 PM

More pics from last night.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: stallion
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 04:53 PM

fist100

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: stallion
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 04:54 PM

should I say my first 100, I got so excited my fingers didn't get it quite together, oh anyway, whats the thread!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:07 AM

Hey Carole check your PM's - Revised Directions!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:10 AM

And have a look at the state as you drive through - There's a lot to see !! And have a good sing tonight and a safe drive tomorrow

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 07:02 PM

Are you there yet ? Enjoy Dublins , whatever .

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 07:56 PM

It was great seeing everyone. A fine concert indeed! 8-)

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 10:19 PM

Thanks for the pictures, don't they look adoor-able.
Mary, after you give them directions send them north to New England with some candy & cookies, we'd like to keep 'em for awhile before they go home.

Barry

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 10:23 PM

we'd like to keep 'em for awhile before they go home Yup I know the feeling. We miss 'em already.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 09:48 AM

.....arrived USA totally confused by time & date - offered breakfast on aeroplanes three times in one day!

A BIG thank you from us both to Rita and Bill for all the hospitality they gave us during our time in the Washington area. It was wonderful to catch up with so many friends and meet new people. We thoroughly enjoyed doing the House Concert at Rita & Bill's and we're glad to know that it was enjoyed by so many people.

We had a great time at the Shanty sing at Stacey's - I think Vince's pictures sum up the atmosphere there really well..

We've arrived at Mary's in Virginia - my knuckles are still white fom driving on the Capital Beltway!

We had a great time last night at the Irish Pub watching Mary's gig ....our turn there tonight. We're looking forward to our concert at the Richmond Folk Club...and then it will be home to the day jobs (ugh). It would be good to play hookie though & take a plane to Boston instead but we'll (hopefully) catch up with you, Barry & the Mainiacs at the Getaway in October.

Now I'm off for some retail therapy this morning...

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 10:29 AM

A direct link to the sing at Stacy's, in case you didn't see it in Vince's main page.

(Why, even *I* am in some...and that's a rarity, as I am usually behind the camera)

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 10:32 AM

"...my knuckles are still white from driving on the Capital Beltway!"

Yes...I believe the conversion table says 20 minutes on the beltway = 1 week off your life span....2 weeks in Rush Hour.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jan 08 - 07:54 PM

Latest reports say a Full House at Dublins in Mechanicsville , and they got the Richmond audience singing choruses as though they were in a UK Folk Club !!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 09:41 AM

Yes, Dublin was definitely in the green, and the owner was very happy.

The Richmond audience was very welcoming, and joined us on the choruses. Everyone seemed to enjoy both evenings - we certainly did.

Now it's just a matter of getting back home and re-entering our normal life - back to the day-job . . . ;-{

It's been a great trip, our thanks to everyone we've met along the way who helped make it so. Perhaps we'll get the chance to do it again some day!!

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Maryrrf
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 10:30 AM

Yes I think their sojourn in Virginia was very successful - had an e-mail this morning from someone letting us know how much they'd enjoyed the songs and stories at the Richmond Folk Music concert. They got to see a little bit of Virginia too - we managed a quick trip to Jamestown. Hopefully they'll be back in this neck of the woods again so they can see more!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 02:47 PM

Sounds wonderful! Thanks for the updates, Mary and Terry.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: SussexCarole
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 10:23 AM

Arrived home safe & sound - will post more later after zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 10:28 AM

We await further information with baited breath ! Glad you're home safe .

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 10:43 AM

SOUND? as well as safe? *smile* Now, that IS an accomplishment after all your adventures.

So glad it went well....sleep late!

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 10:46 AM

Glad your back home safe both of you.Sleep well.


Love Scooby.

Subject: RE: Andrew & Carole to OZ & US January 2008
From: Ferrara
Date: 29 Jan 08 - 12:04 PM

Terry ... you've just been eating sushi, right?

Carole thanks for the note it's great to hear that you're safely home and horizontal (as Bill says).