Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002

Subject: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 08 May 02 - 05:39 PM

Okay, this is a bit early, but I finally got the nod from the boss-man that the requested weekends are free, and I'm headed out on the road again here soon. Thanks to the NWCatters who so patiently helped me wrangle dates, and to Susan for the info template idea. Both of the weekends below are open, come to one or both, the doors are open and you all can take it from here!!

When: July 13-14 and August 24-25 (and also Homeless' visit in early July is open for gather too)
Where: "Second Chance Ranch" Ellensburg, Washington, USA

In-House Accommodations:
Bed and fold-out in my studio--also has enough floor space for a 3-4 sleeping bags
Main floor couch and floor space for 10
In-house room is all based on 'first call'--arrangements can be made for families too.
For overflow, or folks that would rather, there are a couple of hotels in Ellensburg that can cut a deal for gatherings, just let me know.

Music Spots and Camping:
Picking spots on two patios and wrap around porch, and flat area by garden with room for huge circle. Main floor in house also open for picking space. I'll have some chairs and benches for outside, but if you can manage to bring your own lawnchairs, please do. Vans and truck campers are good. There is also enough ground for tent space--let me know ahead of time so I can be sure to have ground cleared (pure laziness: I don't want to mow any more than I have to!)

Food & Beverage:
Picnic/buffet table and open kitchen for grazing Saturday. I'll provide the pies (natch) and wrangle up a farewell breakfast on Sunday morning. Volunteers/ideas would be great, as well as bagged and block ice for the koi-pond cooler (must be seen to be appreciated).

Other Amenities and Nit-Picky FYI:
Hiking/biking/fishing is all available, and the horseshoe pit is too. If you want to take the rowboat out on the pond, keep in mind I only have 3 adult lifejackets--kids need to have their own.
Kids/pets are okay, with parental/owner knowledge that I have a pretty strict "don't mess with the wildlife" policy. The critters are all nice to watch, but no chasing or pestering is allowed--this is their home.
CARPOOL if you can--even if it's just from Ellensburg--I live in the hills and parking is fairly limited (room for about 10 cars, tops. without the overflow clogging up the road)

Thanks and see y'all soon,
JE

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 08 May 02 - 05:54 PM

I can probably squeeze about 3 folks into my car....if you need a ride from the portland area... just let me know....

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 08 May 02 - 05:57 PM

Oh and BTW, Jen....what would you do if we didn't leave?

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: rangeroger
Date: 09 May 02 - 01:14 AM

I'm planning on being at the July gathering. Looking forward to lots of pickin and grinnin fun.

Yeah, Nathan,why don't we all just stay?

rr

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 09 May 02 - 01:48 AM

Yeah it seems like the perfect place for a commune....we can call ourselves the Mudcat Family....or the Pat Pattersons....cause we are a rather odd bunch.....

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 09 May 02 - 09:03 AM

Amergin:

I vote for Catspawn....

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: artbrooks
Date: 09 May 02 - 10:15 AM

Can't make the gather, but I hopw to see some of you at Folklife.

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: GUEST,GUEST Mudjack
Date: 09 May 02 - 12:38 PM

Will make every effort to be there. I hope throwing a sleeping bag in the back of my truck is acceptable.Mudjack

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 09 May 02 - 01:17 PM

I will try to be there both weekends...the second one definately...will probably be at the july one too...

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 09 May 02 - 02:35 PM

I'm thinking we will make the July gathering - August maybe - it will depend on the work load here. We are tenters - - Maybe a motel -

Steve

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Mrrzy
Date: 09 May 02 - 03:45 PM

Man, wish I could come again! Or at least for the first time, since I missed most of last year's...

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 09 May 02 - 03:58 PM

will there be a padded room there too?

Hey, Mrr...wish you could come out too...won't quite be the same without you.....

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 09 May 02 - 04:25 PM

You may want to think about putting in a T1 line for the weekend, Jen, and renting a buncha laptops or sompn. They'll all be wanting to post their raves on the 'Cat!!

What a wonderful weekend it sounds like!! I'm gonna try, too!

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 09 May 02 - 04:49 PM

Yeah, that was kinda funny. My inital thought when the masses descend on my house is usually: "Oh great, how are we all gonna manage the bathroom?" For a Catter Communal, the thought went straight to: "Will I ever see my computer again??"

Tenters and baggers are just fine, plenty of room. There is also room in the shop for tents and such if it gets too windy (it IS Ellensburg, after all).

Steve, you and Miz J can do as you please. If you are riding out on your bike and want a soft place to land, you've got one waiting for ya (provided you scratch that colt between the ears for Auntie Jen)

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 10 May 02 - 10:46 AM

Auntie Jen - I think we will bring the pickup - now Janet could change our mind on that - but my guitar won't fit on the bike. I scratched Buster Browns little pointy ears this morning (Janet is NOT fond of the nickname LOL) and he is thrilled to be joining the world. So consider your request a done deal.

Steve

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 May 02 - 02:37 PM

And don't forget, Ellensburg is home to

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 May 02 - 02:42 PM

the mighty fightin' Wildcats

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 May 02 - 02:47 PM

Don't miss the chance to listen to the CWU Wildcats' Official Fight Song at the site, as performed by the Michouacan Mariachi Ensemble at the annual Peyote Festival.

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 13 May 02 - 03:35 PM

LEJ, ya got me rollin' on the office floor here!!

Michoacan Mariachi!! Best in the South!! And mushroom madness to boot...I tell ya it's gonna be a Wild Mudspawn weekend...

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Genie
Date: 14 May 02 - 01:33 AM

Hooray, JenEllen! AT LAST a Mudcat Gathering that isn't light years away from my habitat!

I can make the August date and could drop by on July 14 (Bastille Day) if day visits are OK.

(Having said that, I've gotta go find out where the heck Ellensburg is and how close it is to Seattle [where I'll be on July 13].

I could take one or maybe two riders from Portland for the August date if I don't end up hitching a ride myself.

Genie

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Genie
Date: 14 May 02 - 02:06 AM

Oops! If you're having a farewell breakfast Sunday morning, it seems a Sunday day visit on July 14 is out. Two questions:

What time Saturday do you expect the Mudcatters to start gathering?

How far (in time and miles) is it from Seattle to Ellensburg?

Genie

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 14 May 02 - 01:32 PM

You guys really need to visit the Sunny Side more often Ellensburg is right on the interstate, this side of the Cascades -- closer to Seattle than where I live.

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 14 May 02 - 01:47 PM

Leej: You don't know how right you are. Local thought runs to the fact that it sounds like a mix of "You're a Grand Old Flag" and the fight song from RobinHood Men In Tights.

Genie: Welcome!!!! Of course day visits are okay! I suspect after a night of picking that 'breakfast' won't be anything close to 'early'-- and it was only farewell for the folks that do have to travel back to real life for Monday morning. Now, Seattle is fairly close. I don't know where you'll be, but if you can get the I-5 and then the I-90, it's right on the freeway and less than 100 miles.

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: GUEST,Mudjack at work
Date: 14 May 02 - 03:13 PM

Is the " Second Chance Ranch" easy to find? I can find Ellensburg. I'm not absolute yet, but if the dates are open on my calendar July should happen for me.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:07 PM

I'll send directions/phone numbers out via e-mail. I have yours, Mudjack, but if anyone else wants on the list, please PM me your e-mail addy.
Thanks.
~J

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:16 PM

Got any magic carpets you can send for me?

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: GUEST,Mudjack
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:23 PM

Thanks JenE and for Mag, watch out for us sensitive folks who live in the rain forrests, one season here and moss is clinging to my body.
Mudjack,or is that mossJack?

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:45 PM

Dunno about the magic carpets, but a quick poll of the students preparing for finals leads me to believe that I might have a spare broom that could pick up you and your little dog too...*bg*

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:46 PM

Flyyyyy, my daaarlings!!! Flyyyyyyyyy!!!! LOL!

(Look what you've done, you wicked girl!!)

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: MMario
Date: 15 May 02 - 03:48 PM

The Ruby-doo-dog would love flying

*chortle*

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 May 02 - 04:09 PM

Jen, that was so FUNNY!

Maybe I should just harness the DOG, and let her hoobie-doobie me west-- eventually I would probably arrive in a cyclone of her own exuberance!

She raps, too-- so the Little Ruby Hoobie Doobie is AKA RuDoggyDogg!

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 May 02 - 04:12 PM

Jen, that was so FUNNY!

Maybe I should just harness the DOG, and let her hoobie-doobie me west-- eventually I would probably arrive in a cyclone of her own exuberance!

(She raps, too-- so the Little Ruby Hoobie Doobie is AKA RuDoggyDogg!)

Wait--- MUDCAT FUNDRAISER! Breed dogs at the Gatherings.... oh yeah, BYO bitch/stud, let 'em loose, and let the Folk Process take care of the rest! Big bucks for your very own MudPuppy!

No......? Oh, OK, so I'm sleep deprived....

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 15 May 02 - 04:30 PM

You MUST be kidding??? With ME in attendance? Colonel Clip-Snip of the Spayannooter Brigade?

~Jen
(our receptionist used to tell clients that I loved neuter days: "She always says-- "A day without testicles is like a day without sunshine."--clients leaving looking rather confused)

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: MMario
Date: 15 May 02 - 04:36 PM

*wince*

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 May 02 - 04:47 PM

Well, yeah.... it was just a passing thought....

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 16 May 02 - 12:39 AM

Well, I certainly agree with that sentiment!!! But...ummm...maybe ...hmmmm...maybe that's not what it means, huh?...aw, shit... excuse me... I think I have a phone call or sumpon...yeh...I'm sure of it....

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Genie
Date: 16 May 02 - 03:05 AM

Piece of cake from where I stay in Seattle, Jen (by the Ship Canal Bridge). Sounds like you're only about 70 miles from Issaquah--right? (I could pick up some Krispy Kremes on the way.)

Aw, Susan, ya gotta find a way to get out here!

Genie

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 16 May 02 - 04:09 AM

We're from the South West (of Canada, that is: New Westminster, BC), but can we come anyway? We promise to sing nothing but ballads(or is that a threat?).

Jon Bartlett/Rika Ruebsaat

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 May 02 - 08:23 AM

Mudcat Fundraiser! Who will kick in a coupla bucks to fly me to Jen's? Ante up everyone.... Anything over airfare goes to Mudcat! *G*

Sponsors! We need sponsors! AA and cropwalks get em, why can't we?

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 16 May 02 - 01:12 PM

And what should we bring with us to assist in the grand gathering?

Steve

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 16 May 02 - 01:33 PM

From the looks of things, an extra-large economy size sens eof humor would be best!

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 16 May 02 - 01:53 PM

She doesn't charge for the pleasure of her company...she is a wonderful hostess...but I just imagine helping out for the supper and drinks and such would be in order...

How is everyone for spicy foods?

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amos
Date: 16 May 02 - 02:55 PM

She doesn't charge for the pleasure of her company...

Amergin:

If I may inject a gratuitious comment ...uh...well... it seems a bit odd to point this fact out at all, if ya see what I mean. Considering the alternatives implied.

A

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 May 02 - 04:22 PM

Semi-standard BYO list for Gatherings (YMMV).

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: JenEllen
Date: 16 May 02 - 05:52 PM

Nice listing, Sooz. Here is an altered version for the NWGather:

Sleeping gear: Bags and tents are welcome, and there are two spare beds in the house up for grabs. There is also a 'guest' room (it has a door) for privacy needers. I've got spare sheets and pillows and such, so if you forget your own, no stress.

Cute jammies: The less I know about this, the better.

Warm things to wear: Ellensburg is also known as 'the big windy'...it can get chilly at night, be prepared, but once again, I've got extras.

Towel, washcloth, toiletries: If you are terribly fond of hot water, be sure to get up early *g*

Digital camera: very helpful, mine is a piece of crap (as can be seen in last gathering's photos)

Portable tape player or minidisc recorder: I have a mini-disc, if you want to use it for your own copies, bring spare discs.

Your own folding chair (bring a sunhat)

Whatever day-starter you are addicted to: Sorry, but this is a TEA house. I'll have a coffeemaker and coffee, but if you like it, you'd best be prepared to make it yourself, or lose the lining of your stomach were I to brew it.

Snacky and sandwichy stuff: The plan is buffet-style grazing throughout the day. If you have any favourites or specialities, by all means bring them. Bagged ice, paper goods and tinfoil are good too. ***Be Warned*** My 'good hostess' qualities have been highly overrated. If you are shy, you will more than likely starve to death, and I take no responsibility for that. If you don't see something you want/need, cupboard poking and drawer diving are encouraged.

People who want to go fishing: You catch'em, you clean'em. *bg*

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 16 May 02 - 06:22 PM

I'll offer myself and Ms. J to do the "Go to the store" for what we need thingy. I think you'll find that Janet and I come from a long line of "Leave it better than you found it" folks. So if there is something special you would prefer we do - let us know -

Steve

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 16 May 02 - 06:41 PM

Cute jammies? does this mean we actually have to wear something to bed?

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: GUEST,Wrestling Hardi away from the puder!
Date: 16 May 02 - 06:53 PM

No, that's for getting up in the AM to make the coffee, so you don't scare the other early risers.

Another tip for the host-- leave your cabinets ajar so people can see where you keep stuff without feeling shy about looking!

~S~

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Amergin
Date: 16 May 02 - 07:19 PM

or shy about asking....

Subject: RE: Pacific Northwest 'Catter Gathers 2002
From: Genie
Date: 17 May 02 - 01:29 AM

Susan, what's your air fare? I could chip in a few bucks--how many of us would it take. (Too bad Southwest doesn't fly from PA to WA; they're offering a two-for-one package this summer.)

Amergin, if we all bring bean dip, we can have "mother nature's music."

Susan and Jen, thanks for the list. Very helpful.

But "cute jammies?" Ya mean good-lookin' folks to play and sing with?

Genie