Good morning, Mudcatters, from the other nation's capital (Ottawa, that is).

Edmund and I are having a kitchen party on Sunday, 2 July 2006. The justification (excuse) is a visit to Ottawa by that great guitar-slingin' singer Mia Boynton of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, accompanied by her mandolin-pickin' better half, Larry. The national tamasha takes place on Saturday, and we all have Monday off to recover, so Sunday is prime time for music and socializing on Old Saint Patrick Street.

Any Catter who reads this is welcome to roll up and contribute to the general joy. The Welsh Dragon will flutter from the front balcony and the barbecue will be at work out back. In between, let's have plenty of diddly music and ballad singin to bring the neighbours out. Festivities begin at noon, and continue until we are ready to quit -- whenever that might be.