Having had the great good fortune to make it to July's song circle, I highly recommend it.

Not that anyone asked, but I want to post the lyrics to the song I sang. Mostly 'cause it's the only one I ever wrote, and had to cadge the tune at that, but also because I didn't get a chance to sing it for Janie and Mick.

The summer night seems so long ago already. It seems like a dream now, making that journey up there with Tinker, and walking in the door. How wonderful to have such warm friends in cold places!

Understand that Kendall had no idea I was coming: I wanted to surprise him. But, he'd somehow got the word that Tinker would be there, and would perhaps have another Mudcat guest. His imagination, it seems, did not stray below the Mason-Dixon line.

Dani

(To Molly Malone)

In South Portland city
where the lobsters are pretty
Our setting's the home of the lovely Sinsull
She had wine and chili
and cats that were silly
She cried, come in and see Him
Alive, alive-oh

Alive, alive-oh
Alive, alive-oh
Crying come in and see Him
Alive, alive-oh

Despite Tinker's patience
and calm navigation
The journey was longer than either had hoped
but through singing and chatting
and general Mudcatting
They had finally, Oh finally
Arrived, arrived-oh

Arrived, arrived-oh
Arrived, arrived-oh
They had finally, Oh finally
Arrived, arrived-oh

Sweet Kendall was quiet
Not for this man a riot
But wide-eyed and startled it's quite clear he had
Expected a Big Mick
But instead of the big man
With Tinker is Dani
Surprise, surprise-oh

Surprise, surprise-oh
Surprise, surprise-oh
With Tinker is Dani
Surprise, surprise-oh

Big Mick would have been here
But swinging in full gear
With golden cape waving he's saving the world
Squashing foes with his right hand
Way down there in Maryland
Crying take that, you bastards
Organize, organize-oh!

Organize, organize-oh!
Organize, organize-oh!
Crying take that, you bastards
Organize, organize-oh!

Left at home was poor Janie,
who, equally zany,
Would quite have fit into this glorious romp
But next time she'll be here
With a cold glass of near-beer
'Cause singing means feeling
Alive, alive-oh

Alive, alive-oh
Alive, alive-oh
'Cause singing means feeling
Alive, alive-oh


From Jacqui a sweet kiss
And warm fluffy soft gifts
and laughter: who's dafter? Herself or The Sins?
They're plotting and making
and wise men are quaking
Crying help us, and keep us
Alive, alive-oh

Alive, alive-oh
Alive, alive-oh
Crying help us, and keep us
Alive, alive-oh

To Max be the glory
for starting this story
with Greenhaus and others who gave us this gift
Here's a glass we drink to you
May all good be with you
For keeping tradition
Alive alive-oh

Alive, alive-oh
Alive, alive-oh
For keeping tradition
Alive, alive-oh

Alive, alive-oh
Alive, alive-oh
For keeping tradition
Alive, alive-oh