Getaway Memories 2006

Subject: Getaway Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 08:16 PM

HahahahaHAAAA .... Bill Day the Magnificent and Dave Diamond the Beneficent (sp.?) have triumphed over Murphy for another few days. Before the Getaway Dave had arranged to give Bill an old CPU so we could set up a network and Bill and I could stop competing for use of the 'puter.

While Crane Driver, Sussex Carole and I were napping (about 4 hours actually ...), Bill (after a short rest) was setting up Dave's computer and getting onto the Internet. O wise and wonderful husband. I wasn't sure how I would survive being cut off from the Getaway Memories thread.

Well.

The brain is going to take another day to recover and I have to sort out the memories a bit but it was a grand Getaway. We will tell you about it but it takes a while to start thinking again....

Rita

Guess I should mention that our "main" computer got fried on Friday morning; a sputter, a fizzle, and a burnt smell when Bill tried to turn it on. So I had assusmed we would have to wait until it's fixed to see the Getaway memories threads and pics. Many thanks to Tone-Deaf Dave.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 08:25 PM

For some pictures of the Getaway, and a few memories, Look at this thread.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 08:39 PM

Fired! Totally fried!!!

Surely, someone can report back in a more coherent fashion.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:30 PM

Three Days. Twelve workshops. Two Dead Soldiers. Twelve Horsemen. Eight Duckwomen. One Encounter with The Law.

That about sums it up.

Oh, yeah. Four hours of sleep.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:38 PM

LEJ you got some SLEEP!!!!!

Too wrecked tonight to put much up except that it was wonderful. Absent friends were missed but we did have a lot of fun.

More tomorrow....

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:46 PM

Law???

~S~

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:54 PM

The Ballad o' 102

In the Central Lodge
where I was housed
There was a Brave Lad dwellin'
and he would rise
Deep in the night
and put the heat on "Grillin'"

another Lad that dwelled therein
a Celtic boy and darin'
and he were known
throughout the Camp
for the Cardinal hat he was a-wearin'

a third dear boy
a troubador
with his Martin was a-willin
and he were forced
to wear a horse
so the Bourbon he was swillin'

another hailed
from Canaday
beneath his bunk was a-crawlin'
we saw him hide
and there abide
when for his fair wife he was a-bawlin'

and lastly he
who bunked under me
from this Lad songs came a-pourin'
a kindly friend and gentleman
though he shook the rack wi' snorin'

Through joy and care
we dwell-ed there
and passed the partin' beaker
for the hours were gold
but truth be told
that the Room smelled like a Sneaker

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:58 PM

Um, glad you had a good time, LEJ...

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 10:03 PM

Another weekend of magic thanks to the that amazing and diverse group of people who collectively are FSGW.

Suffering greatly from reentry pangs right now. More later.

Sinsull--NEVER AGAIN!

Janie

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 10:09 PM

Though I got home last night, was too tired to say much (and still about to stagger off to bed...)

I'll just say that this was one seriously rockin' Getaway!! I'm pretty sure this weekend was the most fun I've had at a Getaway. Even came home with two song ideas!

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 12:45 AM

The Ballad o' 102- Awesome, Lonesome! Tells it all. Luckily you didn't spend too much time there.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 03:52 AM

This morning before getting in my car, I grabbed some CDs from the rack. I didn't really look at what I was grabbing. I needed some different songs in the car.

One of them was Bob Zentz' 'Hove To And Drifting'. As I drove down Marine Corps Drive through Piti, Asan, Anigua, Hagatna, Tamuning, and Tumon, I listened to his music and relived a night in Norfolk with Bob and a few of his friends, sitting in a bar trading songs and stories. The music awoke emotions and brought tears into my eyes, tears arising partly from the themes in some of the songs and partly from the memories of that night and so many others when I sat with friends and music and listened and sang from the heart.

Thanks to all my friends for those memories. And for those of you with whom I have not yet shared such times, I look forward to the opportunity.

If any of you know Bob please tell him of this and thank him for me.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 03:59 AM

I should pay more attention to what I'm doing. I intended to write a brief note of congratulations to those who managed to get there. I saw the pictures and enjoyed reliving my 2005 memories. However, when I started writing I ended up writing an entry on my Guam thread. That doesn't change the basic intention of the post since my experiences at last year's Getaway were part of what I was remembering.

Anyway, it looks like the Getaway was once again a success. I am glad to see so many of my friends, old and new, enjoying themselves so much. I hope I can get back to that side of the world again some October.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:18 AM

OK, had a good night's sleep but still tired.

We started off with four in our very small, very crowded room. Friday night - went to bed and the others wouldn't let me use my book light to read so I went to sleep. I snore. Deborah, in the bunk above me, had never 'roughed it' so much in her whole life and finds difficulty going off to sleep. Seems my snores kept her and Mary awake. Then the sound stopped and Deb was heard to say "She's stopped snoring. Maybe she's dead. Good!" Got the weekend off to a great start - Deb decamped to a hotel with fluffy white towels and a comfy bed and commuted for the rest of the weekend.

Same complaint as usual - too many wonderful workshops - cloning needed! I was touched, but not surprised, at the number of friends who wanted news of Kendall. Your good wishes and hugs have been passed on.

Lisa Null's vocal workshop was a real revelation and the Doo Wop session was so good - Flawn Williams in particular must have had a very misspent youth! Two of my friends got up and sang in the concerts for the first time, which was great. Our bedroom had the 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here' on the door and I think the hope would have been for sanity and seriousness. The room was basically a giggle box. Mary was seriously grouchy until supplied with coffee in the mornings, except on Monday morning when she was almost human, causing Tami to ask "who are you and what have you done with Mary?"

I suppose that Mary and I had to expect to get some of our own back with the 'taste award' we got presented with Saturday lunchtime. Mary disappeared and left me with sole ownership of this lovely(?) item. All I can say is "watch your back, lady!".

I have met so many beautiful people at the Getaways and it is so good to renew those relationships. We may not see each other from one Getaway to another but one hug is all it takes to be right back there with family again. Geeta was looking radiant and next year we will have a new member, Goober, to fuss over and to induct into the folk way.

I, for one, had a seriously good time and the planning starts now for next year!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:39 AM

I got home yesterday evening, put things to rights and crashed. Now work, more later.
Wow! What a weekend!

A

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Fortunato
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:59 AM

Susette and I have just returned.
    As you may have seen, the campus is quite beautiful, with river shore and a small bay filled with sailboats for scenary. The cabins are quite warm (good news for aging bones). Each cabin is named for a translation of Peace: Paz; Shalom; etc. There are eight cabins, four on each side of a large common area with chairs and couches. The trees sit in the open woods, some with views of water.
There is a dining hall with cafeteria style food (remember elementary school food?). There are also a retreat center hall with a fairly large common room and a second room filled with Camsco records and the silent auction and registration, etc
    You'll hear lots about the music, so my favorites were Sylvia Herold, a beautiful and talented singer and guitarist, her swing workshop, Joe Newberry and his banjo workshop.

More later of course. You were missed.
best chance

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:01 AM

I missed a lot of people - and I think most especially Pauline. I spotted her button Friday evening and kept waiting for it to disappear from the table, but it never did. waaahhhhh! She would have loved the acoustics in the foyer outside the bathrooms (yes, we got treated to live harp and fiddle music outside the "necessaries")

The pub sing was fantastic as always, the parody one as well. the after hour sessions were incredible. John Roberts is always a privilige to hear.

Jeri was present in lyric if not body - and wow is the only statement that comes to mind. We ran the Iditerod with Mike Campbell (coutesy of Gorgeous Gary) and El Greko songs appeared several times. So the absent were present.

I sang (not in this order and probably forgetting a few):

Wild Mountain Thyme (the autumn/winter version)
Mist Cover'd Mountains
We Be WiseMen Three
Boris the Blue Balled Reindeer
Our Lager
Mother's Kiss (by Don Miexner. thanks Don!!!!!!)
Back in the Clydesdale -(Mike Campbell's)
Alleleuha,Moolah-Moolah

and enough choruses and refrains to be hoarse and happy.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:03 AM

Almost forgot! Ranger1 sang at the sunday concert! Three Cheers and a big Huzzah and hugs as well. she done good!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:33 AM

Was it just me or were the workshops absolutely and amazingly exceptional this year? Joe Newberry's Banjo Workshop - heh heh. SINS surrounded by banjo players. I was in heaven.

Every workshoip big or small was crammed full of wonderful music and enthusiastic participants. The late night jam sessions were magic.

Many thanks to the Getaway committee for everything from housing to food to music. My only regret - my workshop was opposite John Roberts and I couldn't be in two places at once.

Geeta looks radiant. Next year there will be several Mud Babies to pass around. Now, will Auntie KT and Auntie Dani and Great Uncle Captain and Uncle Skarpi et al be there to there handle familial obligations?
Start saving your pennies people but leave me a lower bunk.
SINS

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: CET
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 12:19 PM

Here's me closing my flight plan. I got home a couple of hours ago. The journey was made much easier thanks to the great CDs from CAMSCO and John Roberts. I spent the last few hours on the road singing along to the Hissyfit CD that I bought from Micca.

There are too many good memories to single any of them out. My overwhelming impression after the weekend is one of gratitude - to Chance and Susette for their hospitality Thursday night and a great music party, to all the organizers, to everyone who made me feel welcome, and to the wonderful musicians who let me sing along with them. I will remember the Sunday night session as long as I live.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Micca
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 01:11 PM

I hardly know where to begin this, from the moment I stepped off the plane (an hour late) at Dulles last Thursday(was it really only 5 days ago!!!) and was met by Fortunato and whisked off to his abode for Cider and Music to sitting at a keyboard in a quiet suburb of South Portland, Maine ai SINSULLS, with cats and coffee. I am crammed full of memories and faces , incredible singers (Dan Schats, Jill Rogoff,John Roberts and Many Many more!!) the Friends who have been so supportive, Whom I wont list, but they know who they are, I am overwhelmed with feelings of not being worthy of you all, and You let me sing to you and seemed to enjoy my efforts, I don not think I can express how much this support and friendship has meant to me at this time, I will try and write some more either later or when I get home and put it into perspective,
By the way, if you have to make a long car journey, and want to avoid boredom, travel with Barry Finn as the driver!!!, he regaled us with some wonderful stories of his personal experiences, and arrange for SINSULL and Ranger1 to be your fellow passengers, the hilarty nearly led to "childish"accidents on several occassions.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 01:14 PM

The Getaway was mellower this year for me than in the past. I guess its because I am no longer trying to run around and see/do everything. Its more catching up with old friends, jamming, and hanging out. The Jugband workshop was enthusiastic if small and I got to show off all of my toys (next year I'm going to need a truck), I stayed up way too late on Friday night jamming in the Nature Center and never really recovered. LEJ was smart to take a nap on Saturday :-)

Highlights for me inlcuded:

Seeing Susan A-R (now minus the A) playing with everyone, everywhere. I think she and Amos must have clones and meeting

Meeting Jamming with Karl (last name unknown), who is a very very good guitar player, and has a wealth of knowledge.

The Country/Blues Jams both nights with Joel, Karl, LEJ, Donna, Elenor, Amos, etc. (in the Nature Center Friday night and Paz Saturday night).

Actually getting through leading Flip, Flop, and Fly with bass accompaniment in the Blues Workshop.

Learning the secrets of swing guitar in Sylvia's Workshop, Blues Guitar in Donna and Elenor's Workshop, and voice in the two voice workshops. More, More, More of this type of session.

Playing my bucket/can drum in the Raise the Roof Gospel session. Mia and Janie did a fantastic job leading it. Man can Janie sing.

NOT hurting anyone with the Whip

Having Janie use me as a stage prop (Thank God no one took pictures)

Just Hanging Out.

Downers were:

Not seeing everyone that couldn't make it (Dani, Max, Kendal, Skarpi, Bobert, etc.)

Not being able to stay up more.

Confusion on which cabins were supposed to be quiet and which were for jamming. Clearly inform folks ahead of time as they register.   Next year it should be made very clear that music and singing MAY TAKE PLACE in the cabins late into the night, if not all night. It would help to bring back the ear plugs too. More attention should also be given to putting people that want to go to sleep early together in the hotel like area off the conference center and people that are going to stay up late in places that are condusive to staying up late. Where and how the Jams take place/evolve will then take care of themselves.

BTW: The Nature Center is un-comfortable and a lousy place to jam/hang out all night.

Gutbucketeer

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 01:20 PM

Agree completely on the Nature Center, Jim. It is unfortunate that the mixup occurred on the all night sing cabin. I signed up for that as well. That is a tradition that the 'Catters brought to Getaway, and now is populated by much more than just them. I would be very upset if it didn't go on, it just needs tuning up. In fairness, this committee did such a magnificent job, that I just hate to see this thing gain any more status as a problem. It just needs a touch up.

This was, for me, one of the best Getaways ever. I sorely missed old friends that couldn't make it, but a wonderful job was done by all.

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 01:33 PM

Another - "oh I forgot" moment; for those of you who left early - you missed the excellent organ music that wafted through the Retreat Center during packing up monday morning. Also - Sunday evening it was pretty well proved that as long as the doors between rooms were closed you could manage several sessions in the retreat center - on in each of the large rooms and one in the foyer by the bathrooms. Bet you could put another in the hallway outside the rooms, too, if you needed to.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 01:48 PM

Mick

Thanks for the note. I didn't mean to come across as an old grouse. Those that organize the Getaway do a fantastic job of trying to make sure everyone is accomodated.

BTW I wasn't even aware of any conflicts in the all night sing-a-long cabin. What I was refering to took place elsewhere.

The good news is that with a little touching up and tweaking based on this year's experiences, West-River will become a great home for the Getaway for many years to come, with warm rooms, and plenty of places to both sleep, sing, and play :-)

JAB

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 02:08 PM

It sounds wonderful. I'm looking forward to next year.

By the way, were David Scheim and Lucy there? I haven't seen their names yet.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 02:10 PM

Apparently David and Lucy have split up. David came late, but did appear.

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 02:10 PM

Dave arrived late, He came in on Sunday I think - I didn't see Lucy.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 02:52 PM

well...after a slow start, I ended up singing and playing more than I have in YEARS at a Getaway. First, I had to something at the Comic songs with Jacqui..(such an easy workshop..*grin*...you push the button and the group takes over! Jacqui & I just needed to nod & point)

THEN! in the bare room in the Retreat Center Sunday morning, Joe Newberry, Andy Wallace, Lisa Null, (what WAS the name of the guy who played banjo/mandolin?) and several others not only tolerated the autoharp, but played mostly songs that could be done with between 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 chords!....Lots of old timey and trad tunes & songs. I wore out my arm! (happily)

THEN!!! Sunday night late, Barry Finn decided we were doing too much chatting and snacking..(true, we were)...and softly and gently BELLOWED a dulcet-toned chanty at us, and dared someone to continue when he was done....so, we continued for a couple of ummmm...'interesting' hours. My, my, my! I remembered stuff I had forgotten I knew!....At one point, I decided the tone was low enough for "The Hermit" (who lived in a dell)....I had gotten maybe 8 words out when John Roberts appeared beside me and helped me word for word to describe the plight of the poor hermit...*grin*. Let me say, there were NO dull moments that evening. Crane Driver, Jacqui, Ron Davies, Sussex Carole, Micca, Nancy King, John Roberts, CET, Barry Finn, etc, etc...saw to it!


...and then there were the just plain sublime moments of beautiful, moving,song and melody, by more folks than I dare mention. (well, I may mention some later..). You talk about 'critical mass' of talent and knowlege...we had it.

This was my 28th consecutive Getaway, and I cannot possibly say it was 'the best', as these things don't lend themselves to 'rating', but I just echo the "wows" from above and repeat that we truly did miss absent friends, and hope that next year.......you know.

I learned that the camp is going to build a NEW dining hall, leaving the old one with its space as an extra venue..(dancing, maybe?)...and...that in 2 years (2008) we are booked for early OCTOBER!! So, be like those Jivaro Indians and PLAN AHEAD!

now....maybe a nap...

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 03:03 PM

Barry started the Sunday after hours singing session with a caution to not allow any dead air - and people pretty much took him at his command.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 07:14 PM

My puir 'ead is still spinning (well, I guess that's a baseline condition) with all the hoots and grins. The spontaneous shanty circle in the retreat center, the late night Blues jamming until dawn on one night, the wild-fire old-time jamming the last night in, the AMAZING job that those who came to the DooWop session did to make it sparkle, watching Lonesome EJ belt out Runaround Sue like a pro, hearing Big Mick's falsetto...then there was the Great Flamingo and Duckliong Dogie Round Up, in which we heard the Great Irish Baritone of the Mudcat singing Ghost Riders in the Sky--something I shall never forget, unfortunately...in SPITE of the bourbon...due to the peculiarity of the circumstances...the rip-roaring Jugband Music and Jim's AMAZING facility on the washtub base and about fifteen other instruments of percussive inspirtation simultaneously...the amazing blues harps solos cutting through the night like a C&O Cannonball...the harp and fiddle duets wafting over the greensward like a visit from angels...the boats at sunrise (or was it sunset? I get confused at these events...Dotty's ukelele-accompanied torch music... Chance's amazing fingerings... Barry's salt-coated solos and that wonderful Massachusetts accent...Don's beautiful voice...the list goes on and on and on. Can't we stretch these out to, say, a month at a time?

I have to extend my deep and heartfelt thanks to the producers and organizers, Charlie and Rita and all those who sweated long into the evening and over the weeks to make it all come off just so...

...and, I suppose,...

reluctantly,...

to the fiendish machinations and satanic inspiration demonstrated by Madcap Mary and her Demon Damsel crew in engineering the most ridiculous event in my long and colorful life.

A

I just wish it could have gone on all week.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 08:01 PM

I missed most of the late-night singing, having arrived dead tired and with no stamina, but the workshops, open-sings, songs and voices were all sublime.

I had to choose between an hour to catch up with sister Annie and the Doo-Wop session--Annie and I had a wonderful hour lying on the bunks talking sister-talk--but the reviews of that session were great. (I checked the schedule carefully, but the cloning workshop had apparently been scratched from the program.)

There were so many awesome singers and awesome songs.

The energy that Mia B. generated in the Raise the Roof Gospel, her knowledge, voice and delivery, all simply blew me away, as did all the voices raised together to 'raise the roof.' Thanks to everyone who came to offer a song or add their voice.

Oops. Cornbread done. More later.

Janie

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: voyager
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 09:56 PM

Amos -

We hope Barry Finn won't catch the reference to -->
    'Barry's salt-coated solos and that wonderful Massachusetts
    accent...'.

Methinks our New Englander hails from a bit faaaa-ther North.

voyager

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: KT
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:19 PM

Awww...it all sounds so wonderful. I'm glad y'all had a marvelous time. We sure were thinking of you all back at home. Next year, for sure!

KT

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:49 PM

One of the things I love most about the Getaway, is the warmth, encouragement, and absolute acceptance extended to all of us who share in the love of the music. There are many fine singers and musicians, and 99.9% of them not only accept those of us who ain't, they embrace us, make it safe for us to participate. They convey that our participation in the making of music and song is valued.

(Although, after seeing Amos, Jim, Mick, Joe, Severn, myself, and the horses we rode in on, some Getawayers were probably thinking that the encouragement has gone quite far enough!)

Janie

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 06 - 10:52 PM

Whoops!! I think it got diluted by his sojourns in Hawaii! Sorry!


A

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 08:46 AM

I got to hear a lot more music from Lisa Null than I usually do. She is incredible!

One special memory is of Carly and I slipping away to a quiet corner where she sang for me a beautiful song she had written a number of years ago, inspired by her experience of the Getaway.

This year I spent more time than in the past with FSGW people who either are not on Mudcat or rarely post. I gained a much deeper sense of what a rich folk community (and community of folks)they have built in the DC area. I'm jealous:>)

Janie

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GUEST,graciek
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 10:41 AM

Thanks to Charlie, Carly, Nancy and Rita -- for a job well done. Here here!

Getaway was wonderful and warm this year. In addition to the highlights described already -- I'd like to mention some other gems.   Mary LaMarca's guilty pleasures workshop with Sondra Wallace singing "poisoning pigeons in the park," Nancy King's singing in the tribute to Joe Glazer. Lisa Null's vocal clinic "#$&* your mother," and the Do Wop workshop. Thanks everyone.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 10:46 AM

Yes, guilty pleasures" was an excellent time; as was "in and out of season" - okay, all the workshops I attended.

Does anyone have a total of the moneys raised by silent auction for the Scholarship fund?

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Tinker
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 10:55 AM

$691 It was a handsome amount and we've a few more ideas on de-bugging the system.

Oh by the way who left the pale Mauve pillow at my house ???

I'm going to have to get a "Getawy Bin" so far I've collected a sleeping bag, two pillows and a blanket over the last few years....Mary now I've gor two pillows from Maine !!!

tink

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 10:58 AM

Tink-- our Mudcat Dorm has a number of items "donated" that way as well! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 11:32 AM

It's actually a thick inner city Bostonian accent, I'm now only 45 minutes north of Boston, not far enough away to lose the it. The salt coat is because I used to sleep with my mouth open while I was a liveaboard in Hawaii, it's called flyfishing out there, a way a "flying fish sailors" catch the flying fish native to those waters.
The weekend was great, even better than last year seeing as I can remember more of it this time around. To hook up with Sylvia again after 25 yrs was quite a delight & treat she was a stunning surprise, just as I remembered her. It was a blast to join in with Dave Diamond & Bob Clayton for the Sunday eve concert on David's parody of "Martin Said To His Man" with his
"Chaney said to his man, lie, man, lie,
Chaney said to his man, start the war now"
The workshops were great espically for those that were able to clone themselves. Maybe next year some of the major workshops (the Grand Sing types) can be stretched into 1 1/2 to 2 hr time slots? Me, I ended up cutting more than a few just so I could catch part of another, that's a good sign of a great selection. I thought the Nature was a good singing venue & that it would've made a better late nite singing venue than the outer room of the retreat center as would the back room of the retreat center. Even though the the late nite Sunday session was a great sing, I didn't think it lent itself to spontaenous singing jams. Actually I led off feeling that it wouldn't happen if it wasn't pushed. My feeling was that the only thing that lacked in comparison to the other camps was that it didn't lend itself as well to spontaenous jamming. But I really don't think that, that's not much of a hurddle to get over, it just a 1st year thing. The cabin lobbies do make for nice late nite jams & that seems to be only a matter again of a live & learn thing were the kinks can get worked out after they've been found only by finding them during the 1st go round at a new camp. Nothing's perfect the 1st time aroumd, but it was damn close.
Micca, it was a good ride home, I got home & almost ran off to sea, thanks to swapping stories with you.
Thanks to Charlie, Rita, Carly, Nancy & all the others for putting in the time & effort to make it such a memorable gathering.

Barry

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:05 PM

Tink - the pillow belongs to Deborah.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:07 PM

I'm still catching up on the sleep deficit, which will keep this post too brief.

It's good to read criticisms of what went wrong and what went right and suggestions for how we can improve things for next year. Your Getaway committee is having its first follow-up discussion meeting tonight. Feedback is welcome. If you don't want to kvetch publicly, you can always PM me.

I'll be compiling a lost and found list soon. I have actually already figured out who owns more than half of the found stuff. If you've lost stuff, PM me.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:16 PM

I say Three Cheers for the Getaway Committee, for pulling off such a major change with so little confusion by being bigger than life and juggling madly. I wondered last year how Charlie, for example, manages to do it, but this year I found out his secret. It's not software. He keeps his pockets stuffed with little slips of paper constituting his filing system, and shuffles them like a card sharp at regul'r intervals. Sometimes the most brilliant solution is also the most straightforward and simple.

I saw nothing to kvetch about except the one confusion about the quiet rooms, and as far as I have been able to track it, it was primarily one person's widely distributed and vociferous concerns that escalated it into a major issue. All it needs, I would say, is a pre-determined policy about where the all nighters may lark about, widely communicated.

You guys are the heros of the Getaway and I am really grateful you make it happen. Thanks again.

A.

Barry, thanks -- I thought I knew the difference between Boston and Boothbay, as far as accents went.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:19 PM

For myself, next year it would be good to have some 'music at night' cabins. Also, maybe, a better way of advertising the existence of the Auction, which didn't get as much traffic as might have been the case.

Overall the enjoyment quotient for me was high - many thanks to the Committee for all their hard work.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:19 PM

More special memories - Barry teaching people 'Guantanamo Bay'; WEDDING CAKE from Carole and Andrew; Karl singing one of Dave Diamond's songs in the parody workshop - not knowing the author was sitting next to him;

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:23 PM

I wish I could have been at the parody workshop but the call of the Doo Wop was just too strong.

When ARE we getting that cloning workshop?

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 12:38 PM

I also want to thank the hard working folks from FSGW who pulled everything together so well.   I second the request for a cloning workshop though.   And since I wanted to do everything, I didn't quite get to browse Dick's CD table as much as I wanted to, although I did some damage to my wallet. But I sure came away with some good music!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 01:43 PM

Bill and I are still Sleeping It Off today after staying up with Andrew and Carole, carousing at the Royal Mile Pub (and afterwards) last night. Bill drove them to the airport early this A.M., next stop Boston.

Thanks to Severn, who had it on CD, two ladies did a splendid rendition of Andrew's song "Navigator Lady" at the Royal Mile. They sing it often there, which meant that Andrew got a huge round of applause before he'd even played a note on his concertina. After he and Carole sang there for the first time the welcome was even warmer.... Another fine post-Getaway memory.

Carole said they will post to the thread once they are back in the UK, when (and if?) her head stops spinning.