BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:05 PM

Believe it or not I've met people who just don't get it. I always say The essence of Maine humor is that which is NOT said. And as my old pal, Marshall Dodge of Bert & I said "It takes more than a teaspoon full of brains...well, he didn't say that, I did, but he could have.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:06 PM

I've heard that anecdote about Samuel Clemens and the speaking engagement in Maine, so grasped the essence of your jest, Cap'n.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:05 PM

I enjoy Maine humour greatly. I just don't get enough.

SINS is right about the humdiditty. Hopefully we'll have a dry spell for a respite soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:00 PM

By the way, my above post is in jest; for those of you who don't get Maine humor.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 12:25 PM

The humidity here is brutal, folks. Everyone is having trouble breathing. Take it slow, Captain. It will help.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: kendall
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM

Dave, I should get my glasses changed; at first glance it looked like you wrote ...jacqui is a THREAT, and then ..catch her in PRISON.

You are right about her. Sometimes when I think about all she means to me it's all I can do to not tell her.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM

Thank you for those kind words guys. now I've got all embarrassed!

We had a bit of a scare yesterday. Kendall phoned to tell me that he was having some trouble breathing and that I might need to come home. I suggested that he contact his local ENT to check that all was well. I got his doctor involved, rang his daughters, who went with him to the ENT appointment yesterday afternoon and just waited. Deb reported back that things seemed to be OK and, by this morning, he was breathing better, has an appointment with his primary care doctor tomorrow and has let DR Z know what is going on. Right now I'm holding off making plans to head home until next week.

We finally reached LA and booked into an Econolodge, which is relatively cheap but has large rooms and comfortable beds. We're not too far from LAX so have planes going over regularly, but that didn't stop any of us sleeping last night.

Yesterday, on Mary Katherine's advice, we stopped in Santa Barbara at the oldest mission in California. Lunch in a beautiful open space in front of the mission and then a tour of the premises, which held the interest of the whole party. Thanks for that MK - I can't think of a nicer place that we could have broken the journey.

We've now experienced the LA freeways - Steve is doing an amazing job with the driving, considering that he's wrong side of the car and the road and driving an automatic. He handled the traffic like a pro.

Last night we stood on the balcony of the hotel looking up at a clear sky and seeing a sliver of moon with Venus shining brightly to its right. Above the buildings the tops of palm trees could be seen and the lights of LA shone brightly. With the cool breeze it was wonderful to stand there.

we are having lunch today with Mary Katherine and taking Lewis to the beach at Santa Monica. There's also a pier with amusements - little boy heaven, which he deserves after being so good on the trip down from San Francisco. He's also been promised a big ice cream, when we can find a good place.

More later............

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:09 PM

Good to see Jacqui is getting some singing in - She IS worth hearing

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dave Swan
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:40 PM

Once again the Mudcat experience of running into an old friend you just haven't met yet proved itself with Jacqui. Laughing, discovering loads of shared interests, catching each other up on M'cats we know in common and enjoying the moment all came as naturally with Jacqui as with Mick, Pat, Rick, Amos, hg, and Wyo among others. Thanks to Max another friend was made.

Hanging out at the Starry Plough and getting to hear Jacqui sing was a real treat. Jacqui is talented, funny, irreverent, gracious and a treat to be around.

Catch her in person, coming soon to a town out West near you.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 01:59 PM

I am enjoying the updates. Looking forward to pics.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 12:51 PM

Another L.A. resource for "what's on"(on the music front): Folkworks ("Folk Happenings" is the calendar link).

Have fun!

~ Becky in Long Beach
about to drive back to Tucson today, flying to NJ on Saturday

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 11:13 AM

A long day yesterday, driving down Highway 1, the scenic route. Once we were on it really wasn't practical to try to get to 101 and so we had a very long drive! Steve is now my hero - he did all the driving and managed the winding roads excellently.

We stopped at Carmel By The Sea and went for a paddle in the Pacific. This is a beautiful little town with architecture ranging from Spanish to Olde English. It looked quite an expensive place - lots of little boutique type shops as we drove down.

We took photos of a very fat squirrel that seems to live in a dead tree by the seashore - I'll try and get some photos onto flickr when I can. Further down we stopped at an elephant seal rookery - those are amazing creatures! Sharon told Lewis that one of them looked like Daddy when he was asleep.

The scenery was amazing - such a wild looking coast line and with the hills stretching up on the other side. We saw a mailbox with the number 77000 - miles away, it seemed, from anywhere and wondered who delivered the mail and how often. The occasional house down toward the sea got us wondering about the logistics of living in such a place - having to travel for hours just to get the basic groceries necessary for daily living.

Lewis was amazed to see a helicopter hovering over the ocean, but lower in the sky than the road we were travelling. With stops we spent about seven hours in the car yesterday but he was brilliant, enjoying the passing scenery all the way down.

I must admit that we all breathed a bit of a sigh of relief to get to flat straight roads at last and to finally settle into a Travelodge in San Luis Obispo for the night.

Today we travel on to LA - we still have to book a hotel there, but are taking advice from Mary Katherine re suitable areas.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM

Hi! Just heard from Chris and Hope. They will visit the last week in July so I will have a baby of my own to show off. Prince pATRICK IS COMING TO mAINE.
lol
sEAMUS WILL BE WITH ME THIS WEEKEND. tHOUGHT HE COULD USE SOME FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP.
dAMN cAPSLOCK!
Wonder how he will react to no Oed to torment him. Air conditioner installed in sunroom so he will have a comfortable bed.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Mary Katherine
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:30 AM

Jacqui: Holler if you have time for a visit while you're here in L.A. Also, if you have time for any live music, there's lots on my web site at www.aliveandpicking.com
And of course the young one will enjoy Disneyland, but you'll need to mortgage Kendall to pay for the admission tickets.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM

Here we are chez ClaireBear, having enjoyed wonderful hospitality and a good night's sleep.

Lewis slept in the meadow with Martin, a real adventure for my little kid, who enjoyed the event.

We have been copiously wined and dined and Claire and I had a chance to catch up after everyone else had gone to bed.

We're just getting ready to go to breakfast with the Bears and then off for a train ride into the redwoods before continuing the journey south.

Right now we're still looking to find suitable accommodation in LA, but should be able to sort that out today.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: GUEST,KOKO
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 10:13 AM

I pay big bucks for sweaty Irish man. Yum Yum!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 09:44 AM

All sounds really great!!!

BTW Jacqui.....You do realize of course that El Swanno as a founding partner in Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan....Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire rendered his services to you without the normal charges, not even the special Mudcat rate. I'd appreciate it if you would keep up the fine publicity for our services as we need more time doing nothing and what with the economy and all, fewer folks are willing to pay for us to do nothing for them. Even Rick's billable hours are down and being deceased he's available anytime and anywhere, even multiple places at once! So tell your friends and all you might meet that you have been well cared for by:

Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan
Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire
"When doing sweet damn all is simply too damn much, call LFPS
We do nothing for you...Its the least we can do....the very least"


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 08:05 AM

LOL Claire - she's not wearing the black leather jacket is she?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 04:41 AM

If they drove off the Golden Gate Bridge, they must have driven back on again, because the entire party converged upon my house just in time for appetizers.

Right now Lewis and Martin are tucked all snuggily buggily ruggily, as we like to say, in sleeping bags and cots in the outdoor bedroom in the meadow (Lewis' first campout!); Jacqui, Sharon and Steve are ensconced in the guest house; and I've just finished my day's work, an hour of which had to wait until everyone else had toddled off to sleep. Now it's me for the meadow and my own humble cot. I can assure Jacqui's devoted following that she is being well cared for and will be returned to Maine in top form -- that's if my husband will let her leave; I believe he quite fancies her!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:31 PM

WOW I read that as "it's out to drive off the Golden Gate Bridge." LOL
Did you get to go down Lombard Street? All esses and steep turns.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM

He sure can Amos. I hope one day he can make it to Maine and we can return the hospitality.

Right now we're trying to book the rest of our trip, with accommodation in La, flights to LV and hotel accommodation at the Excalibur in LV. It all has to be tied in - a bit of a juggling act altogether!

After that, it's off to drive out to the Golden Gate Bridge and then head for Santa Cruz.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:32 PM

I can think of worse company to share a cellar with Jacqui !!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM

That Swanno can be a real gent when he puts his mind to it, eh?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM

SINS, LF. CELLAR!!!!!

Last day in San Francisco today. We're heading out to the airport to pick up a hire car and then on to ClaireBear's where we will be staying tonight. I think that we will try to get some form of transport across the Golden Gate Bridge before we leave the city - maybe using the commuter buses, as we can leave our luggage to the hotel while we do that.

We spent the day walking the Fishermans Wharf area, taking in the sights and buying souvenirs. We went to the Maritime Park and looked over the ships there, including the Balclutha, which had three separate careers, and the Eureka - formerly a ferry across the Bay. We rode a cable car and got a taxi back to the hotel, up and down some really steep streets. Both rides were a real experience!

Last night I got to go out with Dave Swan to a session at the Plough, run by Chantyranger. I've acquired a new CD by Riggy Rackin, that I shall be listening to very soon and chatted with Lani Herman. There was another young lady, whose name I didn't get, but who was at the Press Room in June for Barry's sing. She's playing Hamlet on Alcatraz in October so we had a chat about Shakespeare. Altogether a very enjoyable evening. Many thanks to Dave for being kind enough to go way out of his way bring me right back to the hotel last night.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 09:03 AM

WE are not amused.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:59 AM

Sorry SINS ! Beat you to it ! LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:49 AM

Looks like Lewis is going to have a LOT of memories Jacqui ! Aint catters nice Folk ??

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:07 AM

100!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:06 AM

100

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:44 AM

Sounds like you're having adventures every stop along the way! Good for you!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:59 PM

I know Lewis would have loved it but please tell me you did not spend the night in the pokey. You'll all be deported. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:53 PM

I think not, therefore I ain't.

Back to the travels

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:22 PM

I must say, Jacqui has a fine arm for hoisting a protest sign, much to her daughter's mortified chagrin. We were "swept up" by Chanteyranger and my friend Jim in the verbal fray between longshoremen and unionbusters yesterday at the Hyde Street Pier. I am pleased to report that jacqui and I held our own, to the tune of "Solidarity forever," against the figuratively slime-coated (technically frock-coated) vintage 1901 corporate lawyer who had the temerity to accuse the union supporters of being lazy and shiftless. Chanteyranger, Jim, Jacqui, Martin, and ClaireBear, lazy and shiftless? I think not!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:19 PM

good to know you are all having a fine time.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:42 AM

As it happened the cloud cover peeled off and we had an absolutely balmy afternoon. I did a weddnin' in Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Poifect!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:32 AM

Sins - we inspected the pole but stayed a healthy distance away.

We had a great day out with Claire and Martin, who is a matter of three months older than Lewis. The boys got on extremely well and had a terrific time at the Exploratorium, as did Steve, in particular.

It was lovely to spend some time with Claire - we've been hatching plans for the Getaway already. We made use of the trams - an experience in itself as they get stuffed so full that no one else can get on. Getting off at one stop was impossible as we couldn't fight our way through the crowd before the driver took off from the stop!

We waited for Dan, Claire's husband, to join us in the courtyard of the Cannery, where a guy murdered quite a number of folk tunes on harmonica and flute, using his foot to bang little cymbals. Dan asked if we should reward him for his efforts (coming in late he hadn't heard much of the performance) but we told him no - don't encourage such 'talent'.

We found a great restaurant, serving amazingly good food, and were treated to dinner by Claire and Dan before finding our way back to the tram stop to take us back downtown.

Lewis is eagerly looking forward to meeting up with Martin again on Monday, when we break our journey south to stay with Claire overnight. Right now he's tucked up in bed fast asleep after his long day, and I won't be long following his example.

Night all.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 08:09 PM

Toured the fire station???? Did you get to slide down the pole? I am jealous.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 07:12 PM

If I recall correctly, ClaireBear is just blocks from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. Amazing place.

Just accross the street is a free park called the Rose Garden, a nice place to eat a bag lunch.

San Jose also has the Winchester Mysterey House, if you want the city's ultimate turist trap.

A visit to the Performing Arts Center, which looks a bit like a German cake, costs nothing. It was designed by Fran Lloyd Wright's firm. You can pet a carved rock bear by Benny Bufano.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 01:02 PM

Jacqui, if you get back to Fisherman's Wharf, come over to the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. it's living History day today. You'll find me in 1901 period clothing, leading a strike of sdailors (reenactment of 1901 SF waterfront strike).Just ask a ranger and they'll point me out to you, and come over aqnd say hello.

Chanteyranger (Peter)

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:50 PM

In spite of the cold weather this morning we had a great day.

We started out on a tour bus that took us all around the Downtown area and to Fisherman's Wharf. That gave us an idea of what was around and we then hopped on and off the buses, finishing up at Fisherman's Wharf looking at tacky souvenirs and warmer clothing!

We spent the afternoon in Piedmont with Dave Swann, who took one very delighted kid (and three equally delighted adults) to his fire station for a full tour and a ride in a big red fire engine. The view from the top deck of the fire station was amazing - right across the bay to San Francisco and up into the hills. Such a beautiful view and such a quiet spot. Lewis ended up with lots of goodies to do with the Piedmont fire station - some of which will be shared with his class at school. Many thanks to Dave and his mates for such a terrific time.

We ended up having a drink with Dave before heading back into SF for food and a rest.

Lewis, who has been bouncing off the walls, having had a large coke and chocolate this afternoon, has just fallen asleep and I probably won't be long following his example.

Tomorrow we're out with ClaireBear and son - it's amazing how many wonderful people the 'Cat has let me meet.

Good night all.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM

From today's news:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38135809/ns/travel-destination_travel/

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:09 AM

The weather report says it should start warming up later on and tomorrow in earnest (although I am sure you've heard that famous Mark Twain quip about the coldest winter he ever spent being a summer in San Francisco).

Definitely a place for which dressing in layers is advisable!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM

I don't think we'll need sunscreen - just checked the weather report and it looks like it's a good thing we brought sweaters!

It seems that even San Diego had a record low temperature yesterday and my son-in-law is making noises about getting a pair of jeans to wear, instead of the shorts that were packed!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:36 AM

Stay cool! Use your sunscreen! Have fun!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 11:05 PM

Hooray, you're here! I'll call you in the morning. Pleasant dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Janie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:43 PM

And so it begins....Jacqui's (and grandson's et. al.) excellent adventure!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:36 PM

We're in the hotel - Lewis and I are watching Harry Potter and trying to stay awake for a while longer to get in sync with West Coast time.

We had a great cab ride with a running commentary from the mad taxi driver - cheaper than the shuttle and much more fun.

The hotel is old, small rooms, but clean and comfortable. We found food and wine so we're all fairly happy right now.

Tomorrow we're looking at the tour bus - one complete trip and then go round again, hopping off as takes the fancy.

Amos - it doesn't look as if we'll make it down to San Diego - we'll most likely fly from LA to Las Vegas. Trying to fit in all that it would be good to do would take more time than we have.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Alice
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:09 PM

Plenty of room at the hotel California
Any time of year, you can find it here.

Have FUN!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:43 PM

Welcome to California, sistah Jacqui!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:50 AM

And so it begins. Happy, happy, Jacqui.