BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008

Subject: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 03:13 PM

Sage pulls up in the gravel parking lot outside the Mudcat Tavern, the drifts of sweet-smelling fallen leaves have been beaten down by several rain storms and icy nights, and it smells like snow. The air is cold and a few flakes are drifting non-committally through the air.

Pushing open the heavy wooden tavern door, she sees a gentle glow emanating from the room. "Good, they cleaned up after themselves the last time," she thinks.

Someone has been here before her--there, in the corner, hangs a beautiful tree. Trees have hung in the tavern before, and this one is using the same block and tackle pulley equipment that has suspended and even swung past trees. Unlike the others that occasionally swung wildly like lethal weapons, discreet guy wires run from the bole to the walls to stabilize this lovely fir. The lights glow and ornaments twinkle. Cats will probably stay free of this trees and ducks will go unnoticed.

Moving around behind the bar, Sage opens the stainless steel door of the large commercial refrigerator and places several pounds of Nova smoked salmon, sent by a friend who found a great Anacortes, WA, fish site online and sent a lifetime supply. This salty smoked salmon will go a long way to treat the holiday visitors who come to drink and sing and cavort in the tavern this holiday season.

Tires crunch on the driveway as another pulls into the lot. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,The Giant Squid
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 05:08 PM

You think only humans know how to type and use html?

Wonderful smells waft from the kitchen as I, moi, le squid gigantic, bakes, yes! bakes fancy little cookies for all of my dear friends in the tavern. I have learned so much through the years.

For example;

There is no cat hair in these cookies. No duck feathers, eider. I can even make puns!

Someone closed down the jello pit again and filled it with another hot tub. That water is a little too warm so I had a 3000 gallon plastic tank delivered to the back door of the tavern. I will retreat to my salty tank when the urge strikes.

Ding! Ah ha! Another batch of spritz ready to cool.

And do try my krumkake. This is a cookie that is particularly suited to my extra limbs. I can roll the cookies at the same time I'm putting the next one on the iron, speeding the process.

Yrs truly,

Squid

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 05:18 PM

Ah, someone opened the right door in the Advent Calendar and found the place again.

I've got a Christmas tit on my tree... although it's masquerading as a chickadee... thanks Jacqui, sorry I missed you!

Pull up a comfy chair, pour me a drink of something cool and fruity and I'll take a little nap.. it's been one of those days.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 05:20 PM

A tiny mouse creeps from under the bar. In his mouth is a large, by comparison, piece of plastic. He climbs up to the bar with a tremendous effort and deposits his gift next to the register - it is Bert's credit card.
Then the little guy scurries back to his hole in the wall gleefully awaiting the crumbs and bits sure to fall his way very soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: ranger1
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 05:56 PM

The Little Ranger staggers in, shaking snow everywhere.

I'll have something of the single-malt persuasion, please.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 06:02 PM

Ah...the place is open already! Where is that guaranteed-nothing-ever-gets-stale black-hole breadbox? OK...over there next to the reefer. I see that Sage brought the lox - here's six dozen hot fresh bagels to go with; two dozen plain, two dozen onion, a dozen green chili and a dozen cinnamon-raisin. That should calm the hunger pangs for a bit. Lets see, there was something else...oh yeah {he reaches into the other pocket of his parka and feels around}...no, that's the jar of olives...here it is. {He pulls out a gallon container of cream cheese (and none of that low-fat crap, either) and puts it into the refrigerator. Is there any Irish Coffee?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 06:41 PM

I have been misinformed. The Perpetrator of the Christmas Tit (or Chickadee) has been identified and thanked personally. Thanks to all involved in its delivery!

To those who are still confused, the US Chickadee is almost identical to the UK Great Tit, a relative of the smaller and more flamboyant Blue Tit, and the shy Coal Tit. Examples of all 3 species have been living in and around my garden for several years now and feature heavily in many threads. None though, appear to be wearing Santa hats... as my new acquisition is.

I hope the chocolate truffles have been delivered, I ordered them online using Bert's card again... he seems to have avoided the Vue BSL scam so far, although he does appear to have seen 'Kung Fu Panda' more times than strictly necessary...

Apparently hairy chests are 'in' this year so I'm off to dream of running barefoot through Sean Connery again...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MAG
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:30 PM

Oh goody; a Tavern. Just what I need. I just got back in from shoveling the walk yet AGAIN and could use congenial company and a nice break.

Here we come a wassailing, anybody? we can do a major pub crawl all right here.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MAG
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 07:35 PM

Oh, yeah, I brought the truffles. and hot steak stew, for those who need to warm up inside.

Although that Irish coffee sounded like a good idea ...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 08:26 PM

Is there any mulled cider here, the kind with a kick? I'll have some of that to sip while I work. (I don't have a giant squid at my place so I have to bake my cookies two-handed one batch at a time.)

It looks like it's snowing a lot harder and sticking. Good thing we have experienced shovelers here. I wonder of MMario is snowed in or if he'll appear and do our heavy duty roasting out back?

Shuffles back out the southwestern door because the timer is going off again. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 08:55 PM

Isn't the southwestern door my door? Ah, that Irish coffee went down good. Herself just came back from a Celtic singing practice with a bunch of leftover pasties for my supper. I thought that they were dessert, but she said, "oh no, they are savory, not sweet". I gather that, in the world of bakers, "savory" means something other than "tastes good"... Anyway, I'll be making use of that door with the movable exit...we are off to Old San Antone mañana to see the new grandkid. Hey squid - do you make snickerdoodles?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 09:02 PM

From the northeast door comes a very cranky Mainiac "from away". F**kin' plow just dumped 3-4 feet of crap in my driveway. No sign of snow slowing. SIGH!

JD on the rocks with a twist and keep them coming.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Janie
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 11:29 PM

Oooh, wonderful tree! Unusual ornaments, too. I've never seen a tree done up in sea creatures before.

Just a nice cup of tea for now please. It was sunny and warm this afternoon in the 'southern part of heaven,' but the temperature has dropped now into the low 50's and the wind is starting to blow.

Why are you glaring at me like that, Sins?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 01:13 AM

Art, it is the same door. But savory should be something to savor, not something to complain about. Savory might go with a nice rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a strong German beer. Do you think you could manage that? I know we have those refreshments here at the Mudcat Tavern.

The tree was up when I came in; I have a few nice kugels that can go on it, but once you point it out I do see a lot of great shells and sea-shapes. It couldn't be that our old friend the gian. . .

Naw, not the squid, do you think?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: open mike
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 02:46 AM

i shall share a treat from sweden...i just had some spread on a hard tack cracker and it makes the rye knäckebröd so much more palatable...
caviar in a tube...squeeze it on!!
http://www.northerner.com/html/mat-fi-abba-kallesrandiga.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Egg_sandwich.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Knaeckebroed.jpg

and as long as we are being so hard on the fish already,
how about some pickled herring??

yum..

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 08:18 AM

I can't manage the twist - will a macarena do?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MMario
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 08:57 AM

Since El Squido sems to have taken over the kitchen; I'm going to relax and have a super-expresso-kalua-mocha and some of those chocolate covered coffee beans. Then a nap.

I'm exhausted - yesterday as ny annual proposal/engagement. Of couse we never get to 1843 which is when the wedding is planned - so will have to repeat the courtship again next Decemeber..

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 09:28 AM

Liz...have you brought some of that gorgeous chocolate and orange desert with you? That was a seriously good pud!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 09:37 AM

My Christmas tit is now hanging on my desk lamp at work, next to my Danish troll and the black and silver jester, just in front of the picture of nekkid Sean Connery... I love my desk!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 11:16 AM

HMMMMMMMMMM Anyone else notice that those ornaments are moving? Live crabs and lobsters - nice touch. But won't they stink when they die?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 12:05 PM

EWWWWW Those garlands are eels. this is just plain nasty. Although the starfish on the top is a nice touch. And the electric eels lights look great.

That tree appears to be a sushi bar. heh heh

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 12:51 PM

Maybe it is meant to be dipped in that tank periodically to keep the critters alive. Interesting concept, Mr. Squid! Unplug the lights before you dip it though, or you'll have instant seafood stew.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 01:02 PM

Those lights are electric eels. Very energy efficient. And that explains the hanging tree. Dip and go. Hope the guy wires hold.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 05:04 PM

But mind the sponges don't suck up all the water first....

Lovely the way the seahorses hang themselves on the branches without needing any of those little plastic hooks.

LTS


















Oh how I wish I had the time and skills to photoshop that image!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 05:08 PM

That's an awful lot of water for sponges, I think the tree will be fine.

That squid can really cook! Did you see the scones he turned out a few minutes ago? Orange a cranberry and he even put orange icing on tope. Amazing. Let me have a snifter of amaretto please and I'll stay on the dessert track for a little while.

Look, there are fresh towels for the hot tub! Nice!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MAG
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 11:28 AM

Hot tub! Oh, hot tub!

It is snowing outside my house again and I NEED to break away to the Tavern for awhile.

2 hours before I have to be at work; getting there should be interesting.

Too cold to sing. Brrr!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: lady penelope
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 02:17 PM

Cider with a shot of green ginger wine in it karbeep!

I can't get to grips with this weather. One minute it's cold, then it's warm, now it's gone cold again.....

I'll finish me nip and get Parker to chase me round the house for a bit... well, a girl's gotta keep warm one way or another.... *G*

Subject: RE:BS:MudcatBleakSquidWinter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Severn
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 03:56 PM

If those are electric eels rather than acoustic ones, how come someone's pointing at the tree and singing "That's A Moray!"? If they think they're gigging for eels, then someone please inform them it's a non-paying gig.....

Wait! The band has struck up a Latin number and all the eels and their elles are on the dance floor and have formed a conger line!

They must've taken some John-The-Congerer-Root and are out to conger the world. And flashing festively to the beat, to boot!

If Eel-eye Manning could only see this.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Severn
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 04:32 PM

The place looks better by electric eel light than it did by a lamp-ray!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: ranger1
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 05:39 PM

After spending all of yesterday shoveling, I'd like a whole bottle of Laphraoig please. As for the sushi tree, make sure those blue mussels get plenty of water, nothing quite smells like mussels that have gone off.

D'ya spose that squid can bake some of those yummy checkerboard Norwegian Christmas cookies? Oh, that answered that question. Thank you Mr. Squid! Oh, and still warm from the oven, too!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 06:11 PM

{A figure enters through the southwest door} Ah, that door does connect to San Antonio. Long drive, but I'm ready to sit and relax for a while. Could I get a slow comfortable screw? Relax, Liz - it's a drink.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 12:21 AM

I know it is... so is Sex on the Beach, and it doesn't get sand in yer crack.

I'm about ready for something to spice me up.. it's 5.30am on Christmas Eve and I'm about to go to work for the last time this year!

And Art, if it was a long drive, you must have come the pretty way... via Ontario! I thought my navigation was bad!

Wassail!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Phot
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 01:40 AM

Helloooo! now the chores are finished, a snifter is called for.......Is there any of that 1989 Dom Perigon about?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 02:38 AM

Phot... you're in my time zone... even *I* think it's a wee bit early for a snifter... and I've been at work for an hour! (Only another 5 to go and that's it for the year- whoo hoo!!!)

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 03:19 AM

WHoa, something happened to fragment my last post. Must be some kind of time warp in the doorway. The squid made some orange and cranberry scones, but it looked like I'd been drinking and couldn't type. On consideration, maybe I had been drinking and couldn't type. . .

I guess it is Christmas eve here, also. I haven't been to bed yet after wearing the 23rd around all day.

Would it be incestuous to ask the squid if he does pickled herring? I was hankering after a jar today and couldn't find it.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Megan L
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 04:08 AM

Ranger1 you should try a packet of crabmeat that has fallen behind a cushion on a sofa for a week, it was so bad even the gulls wouldnt go near it :)

Move over Squid Granny Dom is makin Cog

2 bottles whisky.
2 bottles rum.
1 bottle brandy.
1 bottle port.
1 bottle gin.
12 pints of ale (preferably home brewed but bought ale will suffice).
2-4 pints of Stout.
Sugar.
Mixed Spices.


Empty the ale into a large pot and begin to heat.
Once the ale is warm, add some sugar to taste and begin to add the spirits, taking care not to boil the mixture - this destroys the alcohol.
Add mixed spice to taste.
Ladle the mixture into the awaiting cog to be passed around the guests.

The cog by the way fur the heathens(anybuddy whit disny cum frae Orkney) is simply a circular drinking vessel. Hand-crafted from wood, it is formed from staves held securely by wooden or metal hoops. Two or three long upright handles rise from the brim of the vessel allowing the it to be carried around from guest to guest.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: artbrooks
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 07:55 AM

You mean that isn't a serving for one? Darn.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 05:47 PM

775 accounts later.. and that was just yesterdays' batch.... it was good to leave at 1.00am but I'm absolutely dog tired now.. so much so that for only about the second time in around 35 years I won't be at Midnight Mass....

Merry Christmas all, and to all, a good night!


LTSzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 06:03 PM

I too was up at 5:30AM and off to work at 7:30. LOOOOOng boring day as will be Friday. But I stopped for some champagne and dark chocolates along with seeded rye bread, brie, assorted goodies and...now I am home. Red wine and bed I think. I will save all the goodies for tomorrow.
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night, she mumbles as the ice dam slams into the back porch.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MMario
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 06:13 PM

Finished up the last Day of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles with a PRESIDENTIAL Christmas Revel and Carol Sing. President Polk was there; and quite a nice crowd. we did NOT get the freezing rain promised (threatened?) by the weather service - so it was quite nice.

I'll just take a large hot buttered grog. And could someone pass that tray of turkey salad samwiches? Thank YOu!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MAG
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 08:47 PM

I think this year I'll actually have a slug of that Hennessey's, the non-virtual kind. Had it in the cabinet since 3/17.

Blessings to you and yours, all. I'll be on the horn to people I would rather be hugging tomorrow, and give thanks for cell phones.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 04:56 PM

I missed church again... just seem to be so tired. I can't decide if it's just life catching up with me or if there's a real problem... my manager bought me one of those 'diagnose yourself' books... lists of symptoms and their causes... I could have anything!

Hopefully I can get away with a good long sleep in tomorrow... why is it, if Christmas is a Christian holiday, I, the Christian was the only one doing any work this morning?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:14 PM

Kind of leaning back and letting the lunch settle before taking the dogs for a walk around the tavern parking lot. They would love to come in and do a few tricks for all of you, but you know what happens when we get too many animals in the tavern.

I must say, the fare that Mr. Squid is turning out is nothing short of miraculous. Did you see those fancy little quiche things he made, cheese, sausage, various herbs and veggies in some of them? Whew!

I'll have a mug of hot cider, with, if you have some handy back there.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Dec 08 - 05:51 PM

Quiet day. Just opened a bottle of champagne to sip while I watch ancient reruns of Gunsmoke and Dr. Who.
Merry Christmas all.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 26 Dec 08 - 11:31 AM

Back at work today, sludging through the snow; the Tavern is a nice friendly place to stop in and visit. Car covered in ice this morning; more snow tonight; starts raining tomorrow, thank goodness.

Good to get out and "see" friendly people ...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 08:36 AM

Strangely quiet at the shops today... but I did manage to get a new office chair for Limpit to use, for less than £15, and the mushrooms I forgot on Christmas Eve.

Bliss, now I can have a mushroom and sprout sandwich, that should guarantee me a seat to myself this afternoon!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: GUEST,MAG at work
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 12:28 PM

If this winter continues like it has started out, I think we need to keep the Tavern going as a warm and friendly place to just stop in and say hello.

We are now having a wet, wet weekend, slipping around in several inches of slush. I really hope it all melts before evening, when it will turn to ruts of ice.

MAG, no 'puter athome

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: lady penelope
Date: 27 Dec 08 - 07:15 PM

Down by uz

I believe it's time for the Glayva....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 07:43 AM

The birds love weather like this, because my fire-hugging cats don't go out in it, they get the garden to themselves... had the whole set out there yesterday and today; tits - great, coal and blue, sparrows, robins, blackbirds, pigeon, magpies, gulls and what may have been a thrush (or an extremely scruffy lady blackbird with a pale front)... only ones missing from this years' tally were the green linnet and the wren.

Must remember to replenish their nuts. In the meantime, I feel like I've been steamrollered by very efficient steam roller, so fork over the fruit juice and slice me up a cherry brandy - it's time to fight this bug with vitamin C and chocolate!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Winter Holiday Tavern 2008
From: MAG
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 11:19 AM

Our slush did not freeze; the cats are enjoyinga stroll outside, so it's time for me to visit the Tavern; my cat can't get between me and the screen when he's outside.

We haven't done enough SINGING here this year.

Anybody for the Jubilate round??

jubilate, jubilate ...