Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st

Subject: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 30 Jun 99 - 10:38 PM

Any folks within reasonable driving range are invited to an open house/time of song & sharing at my house (1 hr N of New York City) starting at about noon on Sat., July 31st & ending by about 10 pm (Sunday obligations). It will be Bill Sables' last weekend before he returns to England. Sandy & Caroline Paton expect to attend. I hope that various NYC, CT, NJ, etc. folks may be able to join us. If you think you are coming, please send me an email message & I'll give you directions. We are right off the Taconic State Parkway, so it is quite simple. If you were coming from NYC, we could probably manage to meet you at Amtrak at either Peekskill or Croton-on-Hudson, if that would help. We'll keep it simple--pizza, deli, whatever--& lots of talking, music, & (probably) hugs!

Hope to see you,

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 30 Jun 99 - 10:40 PM

Duh, it might be nice if I included my email address!

bbc's email

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 30 Jun 99 - 10:47 PM

Didn't Barbara tell us that Bill Sables taught her to do the "blue clicky thing" while he was visiting? Now she's making use of it to invite everyone to her open-house party for him. Cast your bread upon the waters,... etc.

Sandy (planning to be there!)

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 30 Jun 99 - 11:14 PM

Sandy, you'll ruin my high-tech rep. I taught Bill the blue clicky. If he blows it, blame me!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 01:31 AM

Lucky us, Bill's gonna drop by for a day or two. I'll kidnap him for a few hours and we'll talk leather-carving.

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 06:49 AM

Sandy has suggested that everyone bring a dish for potluck, to ease the food situation. Do what you can & we'll work from there. Flexibility is a good trait.

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 09:41 AM

Barbara, I'd love to be there, but a 4+ hour drive is a bit much. I really enjoyed meeting Bill who is a delightful person, a wonderful musician (I only got to hear him play melodian a little bit on Sun, right before I left) and makes the most beautiful leather guitar straps I've ever seen.

And did you guys know his (and Sam Pirt's) band has a web page at Shananikins?

Jeri, Queen of Alta Vista

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Mike Strobel
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 11:35 AM

Dear Mudcatters, I met Bill Sables at the Old Songs Festival this past weekend. What a wonderful chap and musician. He raved about his fellow Mudcatters and their committment to enhancing the music and fellowship of life. A month or so before this, Rick Fielding, one of my favorite folk performers/song writers/disk jockey/leathercrafters was in town for a concert, here in Rochester, New York. He too spoke highly of this organization, that, I needed to check it out and join. Well , I'm now one of you and if I can schedule the 5 1/2 hour drive in to my schedule , I would love to join you for the farewell to Bill. Regards, Mike Strobel

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 07:27 PM

Dick and I will be there

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 10:28 PM

Mudfriends,

Please, would someone do me a favor and give Bill my personal regards? I would be grateful. We were going to try and hook up on his visit, but distance prevented it. If I hadn't used all my frequent fliers up, I would have flown out for the event. He is a lovely gent, and a great artisan. As I said earlier, he made a guitar strap for me that will become a family keepsake. Tip a jar of Uncle Arthur's wi' him for me.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 10:59 PM

We'll make sure he sees this thread, Mick.

best to you, too,

bbc (Barbara)

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 08:45 AM

We'll try to be there, too. We are lucky enough to have Bill with us at this very moment- and a more delightful guest there couldn't be! We sang and played out on the porch until late, and a lot of friends are coming tonight to make some more music (If you can make it to Keene, NH by 6 pm, send me a personal email!). He keeps saying, "There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't met yet!" It's true!
I'll be sure he sees this thread!
Allison

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 11:23 AM

Gee, Allison, it will be great if you can join us! As I mentioned, I can probably afford space for a tent or two in the backyard if people need to come on Friday or stay till Sunday to make the drive worthwhile. Just let me know, so it doesn't get out of hand (We are in a fairly standard neighborhood.) We are up to about 9 people coming, that I already know about. Should be a neat day!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Graham Pirt
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 07:01 AM

Give Bill best wishes from home from Sam and myself. Look forward to seeing him soon, and tell him that Sam's gig went OK last night - but they missed him!.

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 05:44 PM

Well, we had a fine session last night- singing on the back screen porch, instruments in the dining room, chatting in the kitchen, and Bill teaching us English and Irish ceilidh dances on the front lawn! It was a fantastic time, and at midnight as Bill and I were chatting before turning in (most of my friends have young children; they all go home early) he said it was a grand time. SO- BBC's planned event promises to be even better! Hey, Barbara, if you get too many of us, is there a state park nearby for camping?
Allison

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 08:38 PM

Good question, Allison. There is a state park, FDR, just about 5 minutes from here, but, not surprisingly, I've never camped there, so I don't know if camping's available. I'll check on it.

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Lucius
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 08:55 PM

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill last night at Allison's (Annie Materra) party. If I were not already committed to CDSS dance camp, i'd love to be there. I guess that I will have to look forward to January, and Bills' return. Hey Sam Pirt, any chance of getting you guys over here for a Barn Dance???

Lucius

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 08:04 AM

Sounds like Bills having a great time!!! I'd love to join him, perhaps next year we could get together for a barn dance bash!!!

Sam

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 09:31 AM

Sam, come over with him in Jan. or Feb.- we're going to do it up even bigger! He talked about you a lot and gave me a copy of the cd- I'm eager to meet you!
Allison

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 10:49 AM

Belive me if I can get over I will. My brother is going to be over in New York for 8 or 9 months next year so perhaps I could get over to see him and of course see some catters at the same time? We will meet up some where, some time (probably when we least expect it!!!)

look after yourself and KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING!!!!!!

Sam

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 11:59 AM

Bill update: He's on the hiway 400 fightin' the traffic right now headin' into Toronto, and it's SO hot today! I don't think we'll be able to give him some of that English weather. Hey Sam, or anybody, does he like curry? I ain't cooking today!
rick

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 02:29 PM

Sam,

If your brother is going to be in the NYC area, have him get in touch w/ us. We are located about 1 hr North.

Rick,

I'm not sure food matters much to Bill, as long as you can supply lots of hot water for strong tea! You're going to enjoy your time together!

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Duckboots
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 02:29 PM

Bill update: Bill has arrived at our house. He and Rick have talked music and leather carving and are already picking away down in the music room and it sounds pretty good.

This is probably one of the hottest days we ever had here, so we're going to take him out for a curry later on, equalize the inside temperature with the outside temperature, at least that's the theory.

Tomorrow night, Monday, Bill will be Rick's guest on the Acoustic Workshop and we'll be going to the Tranzac afterwards for a cool drink - we will definitely need it after an hour in that oven we call a studio. We invite all Toronto area Mudcatters to come on out and join us, I'm sure Bill would like to meet you all.

Duckboots

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Mike Cahill
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 02:54 PM

Shame I won't be there. I will however be at home in Yorkshire when he returns. See you in "The Jug" bill.

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: karen k
Date: 07 Jul 99 - 11:29 AM

Want to bring this back to the top. It's gonna be fun. I'll be there. How about you?

karen k

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 09 Jul 99 - 10:29 AM

Only 3 weeks left, to plan how to join us the 31st. Bill--wherever you are--now we'll have a digital camera to record the event for posterity. Beware!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 10 Jul 99 - 05:15 AM

Hi Rick I should be going over to New York next year so perhaps I can visit you then, and we can have a bit of a session?

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 10 Jul 99 - 08:11 PM

Sam, we'd love to see you. Just one question though, do you eat more than Bill? That man doesn't eat enough to keep a fly alive. Why I lost five pounds! (could afford to lose another 20 though)
rick

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 11 Jul 99 - 01:49 AM

Regarding Animaterra's camping question: Clarence Fahnestock State Park is just a few miles North, right off the Taconic State Parkway,and had a pretty nice campground when I camped there a decade ago.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Graham Pirt
Date: 11 Jul 99 - 05:57 AM

Rick

Speaking as Sam's dad, we got rid of him because we couldn't afford to feed him! But if you do feed him the music will make it worthwhile!

Good to hear that your all having a good time and that the music is going well.

Graham

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 01:20 PM

Hi, folks,

Please do email me for directions & so we can figure out food, etc. bbc's email address

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Easy Rider
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 02:45 PM

Nobody said anything about whether we rank amateurs should bring our guitars. I'd like to come, but first I have to see if something else is already planned. I'd like to meet some of the nice people I've been chatting with, in the short time I have been on this forum.

I'll get back to you.

EZR

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 03:29 PM

EZR,

It's completely unstructured. If you think you might like to play alone or strum along, by all means bring your guitar. I don't play anything & I may/may not sing. All sorts are welcome! Most of us have not met in person before or maybe only once or twice. You're not all that far behind!

best,

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Banjoman_CO
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 03:32 PM

Bill, Sorry that we were not able to hook up on your trip here. Have a great time at the 'sendoff' and when you get home remember, you still owe me an email. I would have loved to meet you but the distance is prohibitive. (Colorado is pretty isolated) Good luck and God bless.

Fred

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: annamill
Date: 13 Jul 99 - 05:42 PM

Hi bbc, I'd like very much to come, but Glenn has to work that Saturday. I'm thinking of driving up by myself, but I haven't really decided if I should yet. It's not the drive up that bothers me as much as the drive back. I know it's getting late. but I really haven't decided yet. I'll let you know for sure as soon as I can.

Love, annap

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: annamill
Date: 16 Jul 99 - 08:45 PM

Hi Barbara and Duane, I am at Annap's at the moment waiting for Max and the rest to arrive tomorrow What a great place she has got here with the deck into the river You should all try to come over we should have a great weekend I will ring you before the 30th July. I might try to get up to Mystic again next week. Cheers Bill Sables

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: annamill
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 04:49 PM

Hi Barbara and Duane,

I've decided I'd like to come up to see Bill off and to meet all of you. I will be coming alone, and will probably drive home later in the day. How early will I be able to come up? May I bring something? What do you need?

See you all soon. AnnaP

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 10:51 PM

Caroline and I will need directions to your place, too, and suggestions as to what food/drink to bring with us. I promise to have her autoharp at concert pitch, so she can strum along with all the others. (She cooks, I tune! It's worked for 42 years.)

See you there, folks!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Jul 99 - 12:49 AM

Welcome home, my friend.

Mick

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 07:44 AM

Hi, folks,

It's just over a week till our get-together & I want to give you an update. There's still time to make plans to join us! The following people plan to be here (Should be a great time!):

Bill Sables, bbc & Duane D., Sandy & Caroline Paton, Karen K, dick greenhaus, Susan of DT, Jeri, Animaterra, annap.

There's a possibility that Liam's Brother & Easy Rider may be able to join us, too.

How about you?

Drop me a note at bbc's email for directions.

best to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:27 AM

For the sake of Truth in Advertising, wanted to let you know that Sandy & Caroline, although they still plan to attend, may not be able to join us till about 7 pm. Plan on staying late!

bbc

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Easy Rider
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 09:06 AM

I just want to say "Thanks" to BBC, for her hospitality.

We had great fun singing and playing and meeting all you nice folks.

Easy Rider

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 10:53 AM

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing folks I'd met at Old Songs again and meeting new friends - even those seemed like people I've known for a long time. I loved being able to do the thing that draws us together - making music and hearing/telling stories - with everyone. Bbc and family, thank you for making a warm, welcoming place and inviting us in.

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Vixen
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 11:52 AM

Dear BBC, Duane, and David--

Thank you so much for a wonderful Saturday! Tim and I had a great time playing and singing and meeting friends we hadn't met yet! The company was terrific, the ambiance welcoming, and the food was great! What a fun event!

Thank you again,

V (and Tim)

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 12:16 PM

Hi Barbara, David & Duane!

Thank you for the hospitality. Adios to Bill.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 12:36 PM

We'll add our thanks to bbc, Duane, David and all. It was a most enjoyable gathering. We do wish Easy Rider and his wife had been able to stay longer. We wanted to hear more music from him. (Hey, Barbara: you get Mike and Maria to join up and we'll get Covie to come in as well.) See you all, I hope, at the Getaway, where we'll add Joe Offer, Big Mick, and others, including the entire Washington contingent, to the mix. That's gonna be something else!

Sandy (and Caroline)

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: annamill
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 01:35 PM

I want to add my hearty thanks to this thread. I said it in other threads and it well worth saying again. It was wonderful. I couldn't contribute much as I was a bit overwhelmed, but I learned so much and heard some really great music from some pretty nice talent. (obvious understatement)

So I'll say it again. Thank you Barbara (bbc)

Love, annap

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 04:38 PM

Thank you all for your kind words. Duane, David, & I had a wonderful time & were very pleased to share our home w/ you. More importantly, Bill had a great time & it put him in a very relaxed, mellow mood for his trip home. He *loved* this trip to the states! It focused on music & Mudcatters & he really had wonderful experiences & was so delighted to meet you all! Animaterra, Rick & Duckboots, & annap--you opened your homes & your hearts to him & that means more than words can say. Sandy & Caroline, if you hadn't provided the Folk Legacy stand at Old Songs as our gathering place, much of this would not have happened. I wouldn't have had Bill as a houseguest or held this gathering, if Animaterra hadn't, unexpectedly, been unable to take Bill home from Old Songs w/ her. (We were so sorry you got sick & couldn't be w/ us this weekend!) My life would have been the poorer.

Some expressed concern that annap & I were acting unsafely in opening our homes to strangers. It is true that the world is not a safe place. I can't speak for anyone else on the matter. For myself, I tend to go w/ my instincts. So far, I've had some wonderful experiences & met some incredible people I wouldn't have, if I'd played it safe.

We had 24 at our gathering, 14 of whom were Mudcatters: bbc, Duane D., davidmc24 (snapping digital pictures all weekend! Look for new photos on the Mudcat Resources site soon!!!), bill\sables, Sandy & Caroline Paton & friend Covie, karen k, dick greenhaus, Susan of DT, annap, Jeri, Vixen & husband Tim, Liam's Brother & wife Bonnie, Easy Rider & wife Remi, & a few local friends of mine. We ate, drank, talked, & sang from noonish on Saturday till well after midnight (BTW, we were a mellow group & had no problems w/ the neighbors!). BTW, dick greenhaus &, indirectly, Max--I hold you responsible that David now wants one of those miniature disk recorders!!! Five people stayed overnight & we did more eating, talking, & singing till we finally parted at, I think, about 4:30 pm! I had the pleasure of Bill's company till I left him on a train to Grand Central Station at 2:15 pm today (Monday). Godspeed home, Bill! It was delightful & we're looking forward to seeing you again soon! Thanks to all who came for being gracious guests & enriching my life.

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 05:16 PM

I hope you gave Bill my best. Once again, I think I left the message on the wrong thread.........

But it sounds as if a wonderful time was had by all and I'm very sorry we couldn't make it........Believe me, our thoughts were there many times and we talked a lot about it on our long, ten hour drive home on Sunday---maybe NY wouldn't have been such a detour :+)....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bbc
Date: 02 Aug 99 - 05:21 PM

'spaw & all who left messages for Bill--

We sang the songs, gave the hugs & the messages. This was a unique trip for Bill--visiting his Mudcat family in the U.S. He *loved* it! And, yes, Mike, Sam, & Graham, he knows he needs to come home & he's on the way (BTW, he *does* have some new tunes!!!).

Subject: RE: Bill Sables' send-off party Sat., July 31st
From: bill\sables
Date: 03 Aug 99 - 05:29 PM

I feel that I should answer this thread to say how very much I enjoyed my visit to the U.S.A. The highlights were meeting the people who I just knew as names on Mudcat. They are all very genuine careing people and I feel honoured to count them among my friends. I arrived in Manchester today thru a cloud and slight rain but it helped cool me after the heat of the U.S. When I am over the jet lag I intend to send you all a personal message so until then I want to thank you all very much for your hospitality and making my trip most happy and memorable Thanks again. Cheers Bill