BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Yorkshire Tony
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 08:09 AM

The southern hemisphere door opens and a bearded figure and ancient tortoiseshell cat enter with a few Autumn roses for the floral collage, two healthy thirsts and a taste for tuna.

I'll have one of those fruity things please - I need my vitamin C with Winter coming on - and a Bailey's for the cat. Nice drop of rain we've had lately - things have greened up nicely since the bushfires - but the nights are getting chilly.

Hearing the delightful strains of Margarets Waltz, YT tries to organise a dance, while Kishi (aka Camo) curles up on the rug with her Bailey's and tuna.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Peg
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 12:15 PM

I bought some lovely blood orange vinegar at a little Salumeria in the North End in Boston...hmm, I guess it is a bit of a specialty item. the ingredients, however, are blood orange juice and red wine vinegar, so one could easly make it I suppose...or simply make the dressing with blood orange juice and red wine vinegar...necessity is the mother of invention!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 01:41 PM

In case you should want to try some of that blood orange vinegar Peg mentioned, you can find it and quite a wonderful bunch of other goodieshere.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 02:21 PM

Hope Im not too late for one of those smoothies. Brought a large bunch of Daffodils...don't ya just love daff's!!!! Got some Paya and lime here too...nice and refreshing.


Has anyone checked that Liz is not stuck in the Ladies...she doesn't seem to have appeared since the Christmas Tavern....hope she is ok and has plenty of chocolate and alcohol to keep her going!!

Micca enters with a armful of hipflasks filled with some alcoholic concoction which may or may not be hazardous to the drinkers health. On the outside are symbols such as 'for external application only' and 'Not to be taken internally'!!

The Mudcat Chocoladies are all sat in a sunny corner sporting their matching T shirts made by Sorcha...Morty wearing the original! ..eagarly waiting the arrival of the Queen of Chocolate herself (Liz for those who don't know!!)

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 03:01 PM

Liz is over at the bar. No one knows who or what was stuck in the Ladies room but it's gone now. For heaven's sake, don't let anyone light a match near Micca. my but he does look handsome in his kilt. Can't help it - the man is sooooo sexy!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Morticia
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 07:33 PM

Sins darlin', you so need to get out more....

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: MMario
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 07:34 PM

thank God - Micca - give me a couple of those flasks...I have had this coud for FOUR days now - and if *anything* will kill them bugs - it should be in one of your flasks...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: artbrooks
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 09:39 PM

Yeah, give me one, too...I've had this terrible case of athletes' foot for a while now...and is it good for warts?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 10:03 PM

Just finished my Income Taxes, at least the rough forms. NYC partial, NYS partial, Maine partial, Federal, and some SCHEDULES I can't identify. I don't understand it. I made less money this year than ever before and i have at least six times more paper work to file. I am beginning to understand why people just drop out of sight...so I needa JD on the rocks with a twist and a hug from Micca. Wish I could explain it, Morty. Micca and a few others are just irresistible when i am worn out...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Apr 03 - 10:05 PM

But I haven't sunk so low as to be tempted to imbibe...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Allan C.
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 08:00 AM

Now, as always, I am faced with the question of whether to sing or to eat. It is always such a difficult choice...S'pose I'll just have to have a drink while I ponder it. Anybody seen that bottle of #12 Dickel around here lately?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: *daylia*
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:54 AM

Mmmmm, did someone say something about edible ChocoLadies T-shirts? Can I order one over the counter, or do I need a prescription?

Ahh ladies, ladies, sipping those chocolate smoothies so sweetly, Shirts melting so deliciously in the sunlight ... how can I resist? Imbibe, imbibe ...

Now, is that a Chocoholics Anonymous meeting going on on the back porch?
Great! I just love being powerless over chocolate ...

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Dani
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 09:55 AM

Sing, Allan, SING! We'll eat when our voices wear out:

"In heaven there is no beer
that's why we drink it here
and when we are gone from here
Our friends will be drinking all the beer!"

Another thread mentioned Sparky Rucker this morning, and it got me thinking of an old song he does called "The Welcome Table". Anyone know it? Want to join in on the chorus?

"I'm gonna sit at the Welcome Table one of these days"

Allan, after that line, can you come in with a nice, low, "Hallelujah"?

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 05:33 PM

Dunno how I got to the bar, I've been in 'forn parts' for a while.....

Hand us up another haggis juice and sling another Mars Bar in the fryer!

Get yer hand's off my Tshirt, it has a lot of work to do yet!

Now, who's for a nice Gin and Onyx?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Yorkshire Tony
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 07:34 PM

Chocolate T-shirts! Hmm, you could get pretty sticky in a nice close waltz. But I suppose licking the residue off afterwards might be fun.

Gin and Oryx, Liz? Is that some obscure African dish? First catch and clean your Oryx. Marinate in Gin and Juniper berries then roast over a slow fire basting frequently. Sounds pretty good actually.

A gin has another meaning around here of course. Hence the local non-PC version of 'All for me grog': I spent all me tin in the shanty with a gin, now across the Western plains I must wander.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Gloredhel
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 08:09 PM

A blonde kid sulks in. It's been a frustrating day, and she's really hoping that the legal drinking age in this country is not 21. She plonks herself down heavily in a comfy looking armchair, and hopes the nice atmosphere will improve her acid mood before anyone talks to her (she doesn't want to snap at anyone).

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Yorkshire Tony
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 08:33 PM

Well Gloredhel - they serve alcohol to 18 year old cats so I don't see why 18 year old humans should be an exception. I think the Mudcat Tavern is pretty cosmopolitan, so you are probably only constrained by your own preconceptions. Eh bien, aujourdhui nous sommes francais. D'accord?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Alba
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 08:37 PM

Grab a smoothie there Gloredhel and warm yer toes by the fire. You don't have to speak, this place is very tuned in and no-one will disturb you till your chilled.
Try a deep fried Mars Bar.. (oh how I miss those, so good to find them here)... maybe a choco hit is just the thing you need...:>)

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 07 Apr 03 - 11:56 PM

hEloo, waht a is all this aboit? i donyt knoew waht this is about at all.john

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Rustic Rebel
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 12:29 AM

It seems all this talk of food has made me lose my appetite, I need a drink. Strawberry margarita please.
John, just come on in and grab yourself a drink and party on my friend. This is about whatever your mind makes it!
I'm tuned up and tuning up, can't say where that might lead me. Yorkshire, you've made it through the fires! You still have some soot on your ear there, or have you been around the bar-b-que pit?
I see the cats are coming around, makes me want to do a little song...(Willie Dixon)

Well I ain't superstitious, but a black cat crossed my trail,
well, I ain't superstitious but a black cat, just crossed my trail.
Now don't you sweep me with a broom,
that's a sign I'll end up in jail.

Whew-that was fun, need more music, more dancing, more deep-fried candy and more tequila!

So I wonder back to the bar reciting-(Karl Marx)
In flowery grove I lost my way,
where forest spring showers silver spray....

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 01:14 AM

Sage drives up, and after opening the back of her pickup to reach the cooler, takes a pan of brine-soaked salmon ready to cook over to the smoker end of the barbecue. Laying them out carefully in the slow heat and smoke, she looks rather skeptically at the shad.

Allan, is there anything to eat on that boney fish once it's cooked? I know a little ditty about the sorry shad:

Shad roe comes from scarlet shad fish.
Shad fish have a very sorry fate.
Pregnant shad fish is a sad fish,
Got that way without a mate.

Moving indoors, she sees the blenders at work. Did anyone bring raspberries?

Ooooh, nice looking couches, but they're in use. I have my recliner out in the back of the pickup, I'll just roll it up near the fireplace. There's also a hand-crochetted shawl from a Mudcat auction as a light cover for napping, or for this afternoon, leaning back and sipping a smoothie while listening to music and waiting to turn the salmon.

One of the cats stirs and approaches the recliner, picking up the scent of the cat named Clementine who usually naps on this particular chair.

The pussy curls up on the recliner. . .

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: open mike
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 01:40 AM

what there's fires in yourkshire?
is yorkshire tony from some place else?
any other fire fighters here?
I think i'll make some smores on the
hot coals if no one minds..nothin'
a toasdty marshmallow, a couple of
slabs of chocolate and a graham
cracker all sdone up into a sandwich
won't cure! any one else want one?
want to raost your own? like to
catch those litle 'mallows on fire?
be careful with those flaming orbs..
don't want to have to answer to a
911 call in the middle of the party!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Yorkshire Tony
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 02:41 AM

When not frequenting the Mudcat Tavern I am in exile in Australia. 26 years transported but beware. I am coming home for a visit in July. I will be posting my itinerary a bit nearer the date looking for good clubs or sessions.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: artbrooks
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:45 AM

An errant spark from the fire drifts over and sets the Christmas tree alight...somebody suggests the guys could put it out in the time-honored way. but the gals veto the idea...Open Mike says "leave it, so I can toast my smores." Somebody else grabs a couple of abandoned, half-empty smoothies from the bar and extinguishes the flames. The somewhat charred and needleless tree is dragged to the Southwest desert door and tossed through...

A brilliant blue snat comes through the door, climbs up the wall, across the ceiling and down the other side, and curls up in Liz's ample lap and begins to purr.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:05 AM

Er. . . snat?

Wuzzat?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: MMario
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:11 AM

it's that brilliant blue six-legged sticky-pawed felinoid curled up in LtS's lap purring...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:31 AM

Okay. I just hope it doesn't stir up the duck.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Alba
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:55 AM

Don't you worry about the Duck now Sage.....it can handle itself pretty well I'm told in a face off with a felinoid.
The Duck has a personal trainer which it hired from all the money it made on a TV comercial for a backup Insurance plan in the US...so it's all set...could be messy though so I'd put that Snat down if I where you and let them sort it out between themselves...my money is on the Duck though!
Anyone know any good tunes/songs to accompany this spat if it breaks out??:>)
Nothing like a bit of drama to get us all up and playing, we were getting a bit too relaxed here, not that that is a "bad" thing but then all this eating and drinking can do that!!!
Would someone mind closing the window so the smoke from "tree" stays out?
.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 12:37 PM

My calico tarantula-killer Clementine has hopped in my lap and asked if she may visit the tavern through that Southwest door, but I told her she'd end up smelling like singed fir and she'd probably just tangle with the duck and the snat to boot.

Time to go put some more chips under the salmon. Any more fruit smoothies being whipped up, Allan? And what are you going to do with the shad?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Allan C.
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 01:42 PM

To answer your question, SRS, I plan to slow-cook those shad after having pegged them to an oak board. They'll be propped next to the campfire and...Oh, you didn't see the campfire? It is down there near the Southeastern doorway. Just follow the oak and hickory smoke.

Shad planking has somehow evolved into a political event in Virginia. You can read more about that and see photos of an actual shad planking at this slow-to-load site.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 02:35 PM

SINSULL...should I be getting jealeous???...all this calling my Mr Gorgeous and Sexy!!!! but his hugs are good!!!!

I think I'll have one of those deep fried Mars Bars haven't had one of them since I left Yorkshire!!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 03:41 PM

Ebbie bestirs herself from a lazily relaxed doze. Her feet hit the floor. I've been wondering, she says, just what iswhat?

(My smircle is call.)

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:59 PM

Whoaaa. . . that was some nap. . .

Sage pushes the cat off of her comforter and sits up in the lounger.

"Must be something in those fruit smoothies. Maybe the fruit was a tad fermented?"

OHMYGOSH the Salmon!!!

Charging out the door, Sage dashes to the smoker and finds the salmon is exactly right, soft, salty, smokey, and ready to cool before eating.

Glancing back toward the tavern, she sees Naemanson and MMario rolling a big keg of something toward the Northeast door, and sees a figure in female clothes huddled against the outside intersection of the wall and chimney, apparently ripping off bindings of duct tape. She has never met him before, but is downwind of him, and would swear that this figure is none other than Catspaw--in drag! Was this who was trapped in the ladies' loo, not LTS?

Picking up a large platter of warm salmon, she heads back inside to place the fish in the institutional-sized fridge to cool the fish quickly.

Wake up! Come take a look outside by the chimney! I think Spaw came to celebrate spring at the tavern!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 02:08 PM

Well, a spring revel was a nice idea, but I think the sound of CNN's war coverage blaring from the television in the next tavern over has distracted most of the usual visitors. I'll just pack up the cooked salmon and pop it in the freezer for the next time. Better roll the chair back to the pickup also. . .

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 02:58 PM

A vast conspiracy, this is. My post was truncated.   I said, Just what is a deep-fried Mars Bar? Fried in what? Oil seems redundant. I've had a frozen one, though.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: MMario
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 03:04 PM

just waiting for the slow-cooked shad to get done. they are *really* slow cooked...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 03:04 PM

I'd love to help, but I've got this snat curled up on my lap, plus my Dr says I have to take it easy..... could someone just pop my feet up on that pouffe please? And another jug of water would be good....

That salmon smells good, undressed for me please, with a little bit of lettuce?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 03:19 PM

Well, dang! Mario, I was hoping you'd remember to bring along a sauce with which to baste those shad. I've been trying to make do with some olive oil; but they need a little something extra.

SRS, don'tcha be rushin' off in the shank of the afternoon like that. We have only just begun! Here, let me give you a hand unloading that chair...there's a nice spot on the edge of the shade of that corkscrew willow over there.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Alba
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 03:26 PM

There now the TV has been turned down now in the next Tarvern...it so nice to have your request honored gracefully. They also asked if the noise of their Pool table and it's "Team" where disturbing us but I said no......I can hear our music just fine....makes a change though from some of the "Inns" I have played in.
Now Liz...there's your water...and just let me pull that pouffe over for your tootsies.
Right then...onto business...Salmon....Salad and a glass of White Wine...anyone got any suggestions what "White" would be good with the shad?
Better keep that chair here SRS...there's a car full of Folks just pulled up and we may just need it!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 03:28 PM

Me, too, LtS, on the taking it easy bit. This Tavern and its occupants have gone a long way to helping with that bit, though. Just a little more music-making would be nice, though. It sure has been mellow and I purr-lee do appreciate folks being so respectful of that wish. 'course, I think the fainting couches helped and all of the good cookin', those smoothies really do go down smoooth and wh, heck, the pusseens purr real nice like, too. How could a person not be mellow in here?

How about we freshen up the posies with some newly cut sprays of pussy-willows and I've got some potted primroses that smell so delicious! Hmmmm...now just a little livelier and let's hear some of that Justa Picker's hot licks..., esp. that Nazareth Pilgrim Blues. That'll get your toes tapping...c'mon gals, you guys, too, let's dance a little!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: MAG
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 05:20 PM

Atlantic Crossing played here for a pece benefit \appril 1 (Give peace a dance, of course) and I actually danced the first whole dance. I love these fake-cartilege gel injections. Great dance tunes; here's the CD I purchased, unless anyone knows the tunes ...?

Oh, here's my band book. Drowsy Maggie? You Married my Daughter? (and yet ...)

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 05:46 PM

Okay, here is the salmon, ready to go. I'll just leave it on the bar. But watch out for those smoothies! They're too smooth by far!

Thanks for putting my chair by the corkscrew willow, Allan. I've always thought they were lovely trees. Last one I had must have been tasty also--the local beaver munched it off at ground level one night!

That shad does smell good--are the planks ready to eat yet?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: artbrooks
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:11 PM

I picked up a case of St. Michelle Gewertztraminer...anyone care for a taste with the salmon or shad?

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:18 PM

oooooo yes please Art!!!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:37 PM

Is one of those fainting couches available???? The youngest had 104 temp last night and I could use a quick dozzze. A little Salmon, a little wine, and a fond gaze out the southern door where the sun knows how to shine.... Oh and perhaps one of those smoothies to keep my vitamin C up ya know...

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 07:00 PM

Tink, you passing on the Cock o' the North? You must be tired, hon, take my place on the fainting couch, I was only providing a dozing place for a cat anyway.( Which always reminds me of the story of the Chinese Emperor who cut off the sleeve of a priceless silk robe because a kitten was sleeping on it....my cats want him in their next life time).

Allen, I'm not sure I know what shad is, but they smell pretty good...I have never been one to let non-recognition of a food stuff get in my way of trying it...although the story of when I first ate raw fish bears repetition....but only to an adult audience and only when I have had enough smoothies :)

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 07:31 PM

HeyaTink, just lie back and relax, darlin'...smoothie coming right up! Puir dear..how's the child today?

Morteeluv, I'd always thought it was Siddhartha who cut his sleeve off, but when I went looking I found this beautiful little legend. Gather round ya'll...storytime is here, so have one ready, eh? Here ya go:

In the Islamic world, the cat was respected and protected because cats were loved by the prophet Mohammed, the founder of Islam. There is a story that Mohammed's cat Muezza once fell asleep on the sleeve of his master's robe --instead of disturbing his beloved cat when he had to leave, Mohammed cut off the sleeve of his robe so she could continue her catnap. When he came home, Muezza was so grateful that she stood up and bowed to him. Mohammed was deeply touched, and as a reward he granted all cats the ability to land on their feet.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:02 PM

I borrowed some of that Gewürztraminer, mixed it with the olive oil and tossed in some finely chopped shallots along with some roasted garlic and a dash or two of cayenne and nutmeg. It seems to have worked well as a baste for the shad. They are ready to eat now and there is plenty to go around since they each weighed in at nearly seven pounds. I plan to have a taste of it myself along with a wedge of the hubbard squash; but I've been wanting to try a chunk of that salmon, too. Oh, there's still some tuna left if anyone wants some more.

Glad to see that someone else has figured out how to make the smoothies. I'd like some mango and papaya in the next one please.

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:17 PM

JD on the rocks with a twist. I get silly on smoothies.

Not to worry catP. I worship from afar. Micca and I spent a totally platonic week on the road a while back. Alice, on the other hand, was totally enamored of the sweet man and marked her territory, so to speak. You don't want to cross paths with her.

I will have my steak medium with a side of whatever you are basting with butter on the grill.

Mortie...one more word about my diet and I will sit on your sorry little self less 17 lbs. Good for you love. Bet you look great!

Subject: RE: BS: The Respite Tavern - Spring on in
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:05 PM

As only a nine year old can do, his temp is in the low elevations and he's worried about missing soccer practice...Which was cancelled due to snow covered fields...Mom on the other hand is beat.

Now I know there is another bottle of Cock of the North in the Dinning Room, but at the moment we'd have to raise a full expedition to find our way into the room and thorough the mountainous accumulations. Perhaps someone from your side of the pond could bring one in Morti???

Allan, a man after my heart cookin so wonderfully... perhaps a bit of Shad and squash and a bit of the fresh salad with blood orange dressing... Does anyone's neighborhood have fiddleheads yet??? Perhaps the fish will lure a couple of kitties to come purr me a lullabye....