BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone

Subject: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 08:45 AM

Please can I call for the opening of the Mudcat tavern in a peaceful rural location (the middle of some woods, maybe)where I and others can leave behind the TV and other media for a few weeks, and enjoy sitting out in the sun listening to the wildlife, with long glasses of something refreshing, and in my case sparkling and possibly gingery.

Come the evening and the arrival of any bugs, skeeters, clegs or whatever your local nasties are, let's retire inside for some songs and tunes, but all without any electricity, PA or so-called news.

Anyone care to join me?

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Will Fly
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 09:04 AM

I'm with you - mandolin in one hand and guitar in the other. The beers are on me...

I looked at the Radio Times TV schedules last night - and kept the damned thing switched off. I don't watch much TV, but I'll be watching even less.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 11:23 AM

YES!! lemme in (please)

I'll be missing a lot of good radio next week (I don't have a TV) due to the bloody Olympics!

A retreat with my folkie friends is what I need. As it's a bit wintery here (probably summer-like according to some of you northern hemisphere types) I'd prefer somewhere a bit sheltered, with lovely winter sun.

Would someone squeeze a heap of lemons & provide some sparkling mineral water & I'll make my own cool drink.

I've recently discovered japanese peanut mochi do you have any in the tavern, or do I bring my own? Maybe I'd better bring as many boxes as I can find to share them around, tho if you all get addicted as I am ...

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 01:11 PM

Sheltered and sunny sounds good to me - you can share the lemons I'm using, Sandra. I'm pretty sure the bar provides whatever we order or want to make, but I'd like to check with one of the regulars if they show up.
I'll see what there is in the way of salads and hot weather food in a bit.

For the moment I'm just happy to sit and listen to the silence, but some music later would be good. I'll check out my upright bass - haven't played it for months - otherwise it's Northumbrian pipes in that funny key we all use.

Ah, peace and quiet.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 01:13 PM

Is all this because the American team defeated Chelsea FC in the recent tournament? heh heh

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 02:56 AM

Sweet. My fantasy comes true: Since I was a kid I have often pretended that I'm walking through a forest and come upon a home away from home. There are flowers, there is sun and shade and there is no witch.

Food, drink and music. Just the ticket.

Is the door unlocked?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:01 AM

Seems to be, Ebbie. And the last users have left it reasonably clean and tidy, so maybe just opening up to air off, dust a little and let the breeze do the rest.

There's a stack of loungers in one of the back rooms, so there's room for plenty more folk, and plenty of corners to stack instruments safely out of the way in case anyone should arrive in a tearing hurry.

I've just taken delivery of a stock of my favourite refreshing drink:
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/1746/Buderim-Ginger-Refresher

which I mix up with sparkling water and ice - what can I order in for others?

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:06 AM

Oh, PLEASE may I come in too? What a lovely sanctuary from all this dreadful hype and razzmatazz. I'd like a small glass of lemonade with fresh orange juice please. I'll bring some of my Eton Mess (crushed meringue, cream and strawberries all jumbled together, with fresh cream on top) and I'd really enjoy the folk songs. Bliss!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:19 AM

Yes please. A pint of Deuchars, and a singsong will suit me fine.

Slainthé


(Don't you just hate pubs with TV's?)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: gnu
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 06:15 AM

Not very sporting of you.

Enjoy it!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 08:55 AM

I hate to say it, Paws, but your dream sounds exactly like my house on Mondays, when we have our Live Free and Pie jam! We live in the woods, in the one spot in North America apparently that is having just enough rain, coolish summer temps, and a goodly population of kindly, musical folks who would rather sit on our porch and play tunes for hours on end (with occasional breaks for pie) than stare at a tube and watch people run around a field (the universal expression amongst our friends when confronted with a potential threat, er, discussion around sports is "What shape is the ball in that one?").
You bring the ginger and/or lemonade drinks, I'll make pie. Come on in!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 10:06 AM

YES!! It's open!!! And all of the sports are on the greensward, where do not have to participate or watch and which is under a Dome Of Silence. But there are some interesting "venues," such as: javelin catching, the discus dodge, low jumps, pole waltzing, roller tennis, the equestrian scoop, synchronizing spinning, lawn boweling, skateboard sabre, tossing the cookies, sh*t put, footbowel, mosey racing, and for the really adventurous, the napathon. And these don't even include the "Spaw Specials!"

Inside, of course, is the jello pit (Hi, Squiddy!) and rest of the usual features. No television and no electronic reception of any kind. Just the murmur of conversation, the sound of drinks poured and consumed, the occasional scream from the jello pit, and the click of chips, the dealing of cards, and the random gunshot when someone has been caught stacking the deck.

Barwench, a pint of Bad Frog, please.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 10:08 AM

I forgot to mention the ever-popular sport of shooting at butts.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 11:28 AM

I took the mention of Spaw to mean there will be butt sh**ting.


"Lear.
Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! rage! blow!        
You cataracts and hurricanoes, spout        
Till you have drench'd our steeples, drown'd the cocks!        
You sulphurous and thought-executing fires,        
Vaunt-couriers to oak-cleaving thunderbolts,        
Singe my white head! And thou, all-shaking thunder,        
Strike flat the thick rotundity o' the world!        
Crack nature's moulds, all germens spill at once"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 11:57 AM

Please sir... may we play tiddley-winks in here as we sip genteel beverages?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 12:20 PM

Crash! Splash!
SINSULL flies thru the door in her stolen Dove of Peace costume on a stolen bicycle, slams thru the door, over Rap and directly into the Jell-O pit!
That'll teach 'em to leave out the Morris Dancers!
JD on the rocks with a twist of Wolfie's lemon zest.
Then I'll fly to the ceiling and roost with the DUCK!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 12:22 PM

Chess is not a sport, is it? And it is quiet... I wouldn't mind a game or two in a quiet corner.

Allison A, I read that as "LiveR Free and Pie jam". How about removing that anomalous image from my mind?

Did anyone notice that veranda out back? As the day warms, I think I might take my glass out there. I noticed some comfy chairs.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Bert
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 12:38 PM

Middle of some woods maybe perhaps here at Waggoners Wells where I used to live as a kid. I'll go down to the stream and pick some wild watercress and we can make some cheese sandwiches.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 01:07 PM

Watercress and cucumber sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) for tea, please.

Tiddley Winks is okay as long as you don't put an eye out. Chess...I dunno...that game usually ends in an orgy of mating.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 01:26 PM

Ah, good, it's getting lively. I like to laze about watching other people having fun.

Chess, tiddlywinks and morris dancing (in moderation) are all fine by me, but if you want to shoot something or talk about guns, please go to another thread and do it there. There's plenty to choose from. I guess its something about being this side of the pond.

My dogs'll see off any wildlife that ambles too near.
http://www.irishdogs.ie/galleries/irish-wolfhound-picture-gallery/viewimage-1892.html

Break out the gin and lime, I'm enjoying this. Pie later is good, AllisonA. I do a reasonable chocolate torte:
http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/chocolate/truffle-torte.html

which is good for when it cools off a bit, though I put more Amaretto in than the recipe, and occasionally add ginger.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 01:37 PM

Sounds TOO good to be true ! As long as I can get my Torygraph crossword , as a change from the good music ,

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 04:07 PM

Okay folks, you heard the man! This is a sports fee zone! So watch how much you drink, 'cause hurling isn't allowed!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 04:21 PM

G'day sport

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ed T
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:43 PM

It is a sad time indeed for a person with not a bit of interest in sports.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: JennieG
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 06:09 PM

Sad indeed, Ed T! Especially when said person is wed to a sports fan.....ah well.
May I please join you in the tavern? I don't drink much alcohol, but I will bring some freshly ground coffee and my French press, and some freshly-baked-by-me goodies. In the other hand I will be bringing my ukulele, while strapped on my back will be a guitar or two. I bring goodwill, and no desire to argue or fight.....just the desire to chill out.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 07:54 PM

Shooting at butts is a good, old-time, very English sport. Indeed, in the past it was required by law. Here is an actual film of some of the guys who used to do this.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 10:43 PM

Ah. This is peace. I think I may just stay a few days- does anyone know if there are any bedrooms attached to this tavern?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 10:49 PM

Take the elevator in the north by northeast corner, Ebbie. You can chose your floor and room; it's all on Bert's card. There's even running water, especially on the top floor under the ceiling leaks.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 11:53 PM

Ebbie, you could head out to the edge of the veranda, there are some hammocks strung between the trees. Just be careful not to sit on any of the big dogs out there. It seems to be a freak of nature that this happened. Dropped on the tavern by a derecho, perhaps.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Bert
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 12:22 AM

Of course there are bedrooms. This tavern is modeled on Hindhead Youth Hostel.

There is a huge inglenook fireplace with a boiling kettle hanging on a hook.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 05:31 AM

Seems like a few of us are happy with this venue - me, I'm staying till the early autumn / fall. A hammock would do nicely, or one of the rooms near the top, with a view, if they're not already taken.

Then I can watch any passing wildlife as well as enjoy the scenery, the company, and the music.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 06:18 AM

No-one wants their butt shot at thank you. Morris dancing would have me drooling, 'cos I adore it. JennieG, your home-made goodies sound very nice, yes please! Of course there would be accommodation. I'd like a bed for four weeks please. And serendaing each morning with George Formby songs on somebody's ukulele.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:48 AM

Tavern life is becoming very comfortable

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Will Fly
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:56 AM

Pimms this afternoon!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 09:41 AM

In the top floor rooms you can see for miles...light years, in fact, because of the holes in the roof. And walls. And floor (but if you lower a bucket on a rope they'll fill it with your favorite beverage).

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ed T
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 10:32 AM

Sports or no sports:
"whatever gets it up for you".

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 10:45 AM

I ain't lowering a bucket anywhere near Spaw!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 29 Jul 12 - 06:29 PM

BARWRENCH!!! A hogshead of Sheep Dip and a long straw! I've had a LOUSY day and it's only gonna get worse!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: JennieG
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 12:05 AM

Yesterday afternoon I made a chocolate slice (bar/square in the US and Canada) and there is rather a lot, so plenty to share! All we need is a sheltered spot to sit, not right out in the hot sun and not too cool in the shade. Don't want to get sunburnt or melt the chocolate!

I may move in permanently.....

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 03:59 AM

JennieG, that's just what I was thinkin'. Did you realize that we can even regulate the temperatures here? I LOVE balmy mornings and velvety late evenings, crisp nights and lazy days. I even like misty days and the occasional downpour. I do NOT like white-hot sun and glaring sands or stifling buildings; all of these stipulations will be on my needs list.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 04:15 AM

I made a huge summer veg & cheesy casserole last evening and there's plenty to share. Anyone care for a bowlful to go with a glass or two of light red wine?

Onions, broad beans, aubergine, courgettes, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers and mushrooms all baked in layers with some pasta, and some garlic and coriander (this time - herbs variable to taste) then topped with cheese and browned under the grill with parmesan on top.

Sorry, no recipe, I just do it - but I feel well fed just thinking about it.

A light shower of rain overnight to refresh the mornings would be good sometimes: otherwise I think I'd like to join the permanent residents. Oh and not too many biting stinging things if we sit out of an evening.

Delightful.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 06:27 AM

Would anyone think me terribly greedy if I had a little of all your delicious-sounding food? My mouth is watering! I too would like to be a permanent resident here. Sheer bliss!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:39 AM

Not sure where MMario is but since it's breakfast time here in the US, I will put on some bacon and scramble some eggs. Semolina toast; fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices.
The best part of this is I just have to say I will do it and it is done.
Coffee's ready.
Now back up to the rafters with the DUCK!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:40 AM

DUCK????? No jump! Somebody's butt shooting again.
Not before breakfast guys.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 10:52 AM

Eliza, you are welcome, find yourself a comfy spot, get a glass/cup of something to go with your casserole & relax!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 12:39 PM

Late last evening I partook of Paws' delectable concoction; (Congratulations on a taste and color-balanced meal!)this morning I will have Sins' brekkie.

I spent the night on a hammock in the backyard. With just a light coverlet to hold off the dew I slept deliciously. (Not to say, deliriously.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 12:53 PM

Thank you Sandra! Isn't this lovely? And no mention of the dreaded 'O' word!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 01:35 PM

Ebbie, I hope the dog was rescued from legs through the hammock before you slept on it?

Has the giant squid come by yet? He usually turns up when people arrive at the tavern. I know his habitat is the deep ocean, but he seems to like the time away from dodging sperm whales.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 01:46 PM

Yeah, Squiddy is over in the jello pit, or was the last time I saw him/her.

I have discovered something that I think you all should know: this is a sport-free zone, right? It's also a sporting house at times. So, y'all decide....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat tavern - sport free zone
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jul 12 - 02:16 PM

Only the lambs do sport and play.