Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky

Subject: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: Giac
Date: 08 May 03 - 08:43 AM

Sparky Hudson, katlaughing's dad, is 86 today. Happy Birthday, Sparky, and thanks for the wonderful "cow" songs.

A while back, kat offered a tape of her dad singing these old cow songs, as he calls 'em. Thanks to the post office, it took two tries for my cassette to arrive, but, WOW, when it did! Great stuff.

Yesterday (Wednesday), I was playing the tape and sent an email to kat, telling her how much I like that tape. She reminded me of Sparky's birthday and I couldn't let it pass unnoticed on Mudcat, because several folks have and enjoy that tape.

Have a good 'un, Sparky, and many more!

Love ya,
Mary

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: jeffp
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:07 AM

Happy Birthday, Sparky!!

I have a copy of that tape, too. It's the real thing. Love it.

jeffp

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: MMario
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:09 AM

yup - I remeber he's a couple months younger then my dad.

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:09 AM

HeyaMary, you beat me to it! Thanks! I just posted a thread. I'll copy it in here and we'll keep this one going. You are a Peach!

Thanks to you, both!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:11 AM

HeyaMMario, aren't they great? Here's what I had posted:

Yeah, I want to brag a little! My dad, Sparky, whom some of you know through his homemade tape of "cow songs" and through my postings, turns 86 years old, today!

We went to see him this past weekend and he is doing pretty well. He went through a rough patch early this year and that has kept him from going out to "entertain the old folks," as he puts it, at the nursing homes for a few months, but he thinks he is up to going out at least once this month now that his strength is returning. He has kept up his "pickin' and grinnin" at home, every day, so no problem with staying fresh and on top of those tunes.

He's a little hard of hearing now, uses a cane, but is still sharp as a tack. I continue to marvel at his ablity to quote reams of the classics and his eloquence in using the English language. His hair has turned that beautiful shade of white to which I've noticed many who have redheads in their background can look forward.

When I called him this morning, he was laughing about calling his favourite local dj and asking him to play Too Old To Cut The Mustard in honour of his birthday! As far as I am concerned, my dad is never too old in my book!**bg**

Thanks for letting me share and thanks for your kindnesses to him in these past years of lyrics searches, storytelling, etc. It has really been a wonderful addition to his life, knowing about and hearing all of you Mudcatters (and, he doesn't even own a computer!)

luvya,

Kat Sparkysdottir:-)

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: Alba
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:43 AM

Hope your Dad has a Wonderful Birthday and many more of them:>)
His tape sounds as if it's a big Hit!
Best Wishes.
A

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: Morticia
Date: 08 May 03 - 12:04 PM

as the very proud owner of one of those tapes, may I wish Sparky a very Happy Birthday too?

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 08 May 03 - 01:24 PM

Happy birthday Sparky. You sound like a sparky character, we need people like you. Wwishing you many more birthdays, Burl

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 May 03 - 02:01 PM

Sparky I am really sorry that your one daughter, Kat, didn't come out like you expected but you're probably used to it by now. So are we. She's okay and we love her, she's just a few buffalo shy of a stampede.

Happy Birthday and here is the longest version I can find of your song.....My Dad liked it too!

Too Old To Cut The Mustard
Earnest Tubb (with Red Foley)

Too old, too old - he's too old to cut the mustard anymore
He's gettin' too old - he's done got too old
He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

When I was young I had a lot of pep
I could get around, didn't need no help
But now you're old and gettin' gray
The people all look at you and say

Too old, too old - he's too old to cut the mustard anymore
He's gettin' too old - he's done got too old
He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

I used to jump just like a deer
But now you need a new landin' gear
I usta' could jump a picket fence
But now you're lucky if ya jump an inch

Too old, too old - he's too old to cut the mustard anymore
He's gettin' too old - he's done got too old
He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

When I was young I had an automobile
But now they push you 'round in a chair with wheels
Had to fight the gals off with a stick
But now they say "He makes me sick"

Too old, too old - he's too old to cut the mustard anymore
He's gettin' too old - he's done got too old
He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

When I was young and in my prime
The gals all used to stand in line
But now they go the other way
And as they leave, I hear them say

Too old, too old - he's too old to cut the mustard anymore
He's gettin' too old - he's done got too old
He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

He's too old to cut the mustard anymore

Spaw

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 May 03 - 06:48 PM

Dad says thanks to ya'll, esp. Spaw for the lyrics and NOW he understands when I tell him you are one of my best beloved!

It's been a good day for him, phoaks, in no small part due to your thoughtfulness. Thanks, again,

kat & Sparky

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 May 03 - 11:04 PM

Well, Kat, be sure to him my heartiest salutations and congratulations,

And remember, if it wasn't for time, we'd have to do everything all at once.

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 03 - 12:36 AM

I will do that, Art, thank yew! And, I know he will LOVE the sentiment.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: GUEST,Sorcha, who really is a member
Date: 09 May 03 - 12:40 AM

Glad you've had such a good run, Sparker. Keep it up! Plan to hit 100 so you can get a letter from the Prez?

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 03 - 01:02 AM

Not this Prez, Sorcha! He'd pass on just to miss that one! **BG**

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Non-music - Happy 86 Sparky
From: Hrothgar
Date: 09 May 03 - 04:05 AM

And the really good news is - statistics show that very few people die after the age of 86!

:-)