Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty

Subject: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 12:49 PM

REAL OR VIRTUAL, UP TO YOU:

It's a June Thursday afternoon in the high hills they call mountains in rural north central PA. The low ground is still mushy, but the cows are already grazing on the hill overlooking the red brick farmhouse next to the creek. The barn cats have had two litters already, and the last remaining chicken is teaching the kittens who's who around the place. Soon, in the early evening, the does will bring the fawns down the hill.

Hardiman is just finishing touching up the yard with the little John Deere. Praise and Lemur (her step-daughter), are changing about a dozen cat pans. They have given up struggling to "clean" the house, knowing that the gritty red dust from the gravel road, over across the small cornfield, that goes up the hill, will only settle back in as soon as they're done. The PortaPotties are on the way and the neighbors have been visited to discuss the impending parking problem. The pop-up camper, the back addition, and the spare rooms-- all have been aired and stocked with wildflowers and fresh springwater. Hardiman thinks there'll be room for a couple of dozen tents, too. He's hoping a couple of people will want to go canoeing with him over at the state park.

The dining tables have all been taken out onto the porches. The front porch, right on the hard road where the trucks and ambulances flash by, is set with the summer rocking chairs and the Coleman lanterns. The back porch, with the hill stretching beyond, is wired for amplifiers, and the hill seems to be waiting to bounce sound all over the county. Pillows all over the downstairs of the house await people who want to relax and set a spell, and a fire's been laid in the paneled room for the chilly north PA nights. Just in case there aren't enough afghans and comforters.

The gas grill, dutch ovens, and 24" cast iron fry pan are all scrubbed out and ready to go. All the kitchen counters, the refrigerator, two large freezers, and even the smaller freezer are cleared for whatever food people will bring.

And the songbooks and copier are set out in the dining room, near the PortaStudio and boxes of blank tape. Hardiman comes in, sees all the instruments littering the living room, and says, "The Mudcateers aren't even here yet, and it already looks like a F**king music store! How many d'you think're coming?" Praise replies with a grin. "Well, there are a lot of Mudcatters, lots just in PA and Ohio-- it could be big. But don't fret about it, honey, we can always hit WalMart for more TP. And I'm sure no one'll stay longer than a week, once we show 'em the coldwater outside shower you rigged! Unless we invite one or two to move in! But don't worry-- I am sure that anyone who comes will send us a message first!"

From far away, echoing around the base of the hills surrounding the farm that surrounds their house, Hardiman thinks he hears the sound of an old-timey banjo coming closer. Praise grins, and soon they see a Harley up around the curve. "Is that a boombox, or is someone actually playing while they ride..."

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: MMario
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 01:13 PM

oh - how I wish...had a friend call the other night with an invitation to dinner, and the earliest date we could figure out was mid july!!!! And THAT's only an hour away...

and I still owe you guys a song for worship service...

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 01:16 PM

But Mmario, I need you to run the pillow fights! Ya gotta come!!! Ya gotta!

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:06 PM

Thursday night in June...let's see, there's only one of those left this year... do you mean this Thursday??

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Dulci46
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:24 PM

Sounds like fun and my kind of place...Cows, chickens, kittens, and even a front porch. Must be heaven on earth. You'd never get rid of me!!!

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:31 PM

Animaterra....

Yes, but that is only the beginning. It goes on till school starts in the fall, unless more firewood is brought in....

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Mbo
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:37 PM

And as Dulci & I well know and believe,
"If the world had a front porch, like we did back then
We'd still have our problems, but we'd all be friends.
Treating your neighbor, like he's you next of kin
Wouldn't be gone with the wind
If the world had a front porch, like we did back then.

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:48 PM

Lovely, Mbo. It is still like that, where we live. Just today it was my turn to knock on a stranger's door, for help, to report a road wreck on the way to work. (Not my wreck!!!) Unlocked door, and a new friend calling "come in..."

I knocked on the porch door, see, and was met with welcome before he even got to the door.... and to go in and use the phone, with no fear, and a mutual wish to have a good day...

Sometimes it's our trun to let someone in to make a wreck report, for ours is the only house with lights on late at night, right on the road....

Come see us, we have a good place to share.

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Mbo
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:52 PM

Keep yer fingers crossed, and it may happen! And you know what Oasis says! YOU GOTTA MAKE IT HAPPEN! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!

--Mbo

Subject: Lyr Add: THE ROCKS OF BAWN
From: JenEllen
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 02:57 PM

Allright m'dear....

This girl would arrive walking up the drive, scuffed and dusty, carrying a big bundle of every kind of wildflower from her house to yours. The big black dog at her side would be wishing he had a floppy straw hat to keep the sun away from his face too. She'd be carrying in her pack, amongst various other things, the whiskey starter for the fruitcake she told you about. She'll need help testing it before the night is over, I'm sure. She felt compelled to come, word of world-class pillow fights travels pretty far these days...

As the first evening draws near, she'll sit on the porch, surrounded by a pile of kittens that seemingly materialized out of nowhere, and she'll sing you a song.

Come all you loyal heroes
Wherever you may be
Fair you must rise up early
From clear daylight to dawn
I'm afraid you'll n'er be able
To plow the rocks of Bawn
Oh rise up lovely Sweeney
And gae your horse some hay
I'll give him good feed
Before you go away
Don't feed him on soft turnips
Put him out on your green lawn
For I'm afraid he'll n'er be able
To plow the rocks of Bawn
My shoes are well worn now
My stockings they are thin
My heart is always traveling
I'm afraid I might give in
My heart is always traveling
From clear daylight to dawn
I'm afraid I'll n'er be able
To plow the rocks of Bawn
I wish the queen of England
Would send for me in time
And place me in some regiment
All in my youth and prime
I would fight for Ireland's glory
From clear daylight to dawn
And I never would return again
To plow the rocks of Bawn

~Elle

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: MMario
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:01 PM

JenEllen - you don't know how fast....snicker....peruse this!

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Mbo
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:02 PM

Yeah, love that song, Elle! Hand me some of those kittens, will ye?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: JenEllen
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:13 PM

Okay Mbo, you can have a kitten, but hands off the bottle, eh? Belongs to the lady of the house now. I'll let ya have this little orange tabby if you'll sing with me. Deal? How about The Claddagh Ring?

MMario, tsk tsk..chainmaille pillowcases? Hopefully someone has a first aid kit? It's dacron for me all the way. Granted, none of the splitting and goosefeather theatrics, but for durability, you can't beat it. So, whoever's got the first match-up, I call a roll with the winner! :)

~Elle
GREAT party Praise...

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:14 PM

Rummaging in the pantry.... yep, some of the fruitcake ingredients are there.... but we'll have to make a run to the store for the rest... Mbo and I take off over the hill to fetch 'em... Blossburg Holiday Market, where we also have a quarter of beef on order to pick up...

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: canoer
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:50 PM

Hardiman get your paddle!

We'll take one baking of cornbread from the cast-iron skillet, fresh butter from the churn, 2 PFDs and never look back. "Cruisin' to the state park, on a Thursday afternoon...." Just lovely.

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 03:59 PM

I'll tell Hardi-- time to Armor-All the Bayou Butterfly!

Anyone care to accompany? Hills Creek State Park also has lake swimming, hiking... and a nice shady spot near the parking area to set up for a jam....

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 04:26 PM

Well, if'n I could be there I would treat both of y'all to a stirring rendition of Charlie and Ira's I Like the Christian Life. Maybe virtual....

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 04:34 PM

Wal, LEJ, Ah reckon if virtual You is all we kin git, virtual'll hafta do.... go for it darlin'!

Write yore lonesome self on in, then...

~S~

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Dharmabum
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 04:52 PM

Sorry I'm late guys,but ya know they got route 6 all tore up this side of Galeton. Hellava thunderstorm over there in god's country lastnite. Durn near laid a 60 foot larch cross the hood of ol' Bessie. I threw a couple boughs in the back, we can throw some on the fire later on,keep them Tioga skeeters from eatin us alive. Was talkin to Denny over in Wellsboro the other nite,you remember Denny,he did some electricle work for Hardi a while back,said he might try to stop by. He's still playin that old yamaha I sold him for 25 bucks. Hey where can I put this pan of eggplant parmesean? It's still pretty hot,oughta feed bout a dozen of us. I bought the eggplant offa Fat Albert out there on 6. I'da used my own but that durned ol Potter County woodchuck ate mine fast as it came up. Didn't bring my tent, just figure I'll sleep in the back of ol Bessie, besides, there ain't nothin like layin on your back, lookin up at the stars. Hey ,we got time for a tune b'for supper? I'll go grab the 5 string.

Ron ,comin in from Ulysses.

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 05:58 PM

Dharmabum!!!

R U actually HERE now??????

Where were you Friday night when we jammed then????

Put yer phone number in my personal page so I can invite you good and proper!

~Susan!

Subject: Lyr Add: DO YOU KNOW ANY BOB DYLAN? (Eric Bogle)
From: SDShad
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 06:53 PM

A bear-sized, bearded red-head with a braid down to his waist ambles up to the porch. He seems displaced in space and time, suffering a temporal hangover from a different virtual party.

After getting his bearings and greeting those already assembled, he gently moves a kitten or two aside and takes a seat on the porch, and takes his turn with a song:

DO YOU KNOW ANY BOB DYLAN?
(Eric Bogle)

At the age of nineteen, I was young, I was keen
And I had just one burning ambition:
To be a folksinger, a dope-smoking swinger
Singin' songs that were steeped in tradition
So I bought a guitar and I practiced real hard
I wasn't much good, but I was willin'
Till to my chagrin, my girlfriend came in
And she said: "Can you play any Dylan?"

CHORUS: I said "No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather see my lifeblood spillin'
I'd sing everything, even 'God Save The King'
But I just won't sing any Bob Dylan"

And with my guitar I traveled real far,
Trying to get recognition
I sang 'The Wild Rover' from Dundee to Dover
In pubs, clubs and in seaman's missions (Hullo, sailor)
I travelled the road for seven long years
My pace, it really was killin'
And everywhere I went from Guaya to Gwent
They would say: "Can you play any Dylan?" (Can you?)

CHORUS

Well, I struggled on, but the magic was gone
I only had a deep sense of failure
I thought then I'd go to where all failures go
So I boarded a ship for Australia
When I landed at Sydney the sun it shone down
'Twas a view that was lovely and thrillin'
Till spotting my case with a smile on his face
Custom said: "Can you sing any Dylan?" (man)

CHORUS

And ever since then, again and again,
I've been asked the same bloody question
And I usually reply in me own quiet way
With a totally indecent suggestion
But the last time came on at the local motel
When I had a young girl who was willin'
As she slipped off her dress she said "I'll say yes
If only you sing some Bob Dylan" (Big boy. Big big big boy)

CHORUS

But I tell you my friends, that was the end
Of all my traditional aspirations
If bein' a folkie was gonna cut off my nookie
There was one way to end my frustration
The next night I sang at my local folk club
Where the audience as usual was millin'
Till I took off my coat and I ruptured my throat
And then I sang just like Bob Dylan:

[sung very nasally:]
Gum gavver rou beeble wereveh you roooah!
An' ammit tha th wavver aroun you ha groooah!
An agcebbi tha soon youbee drenge oo th' booah!
Iv yer tie do you is werve shabbih!
So you bevver stog swibbin' or you sig ligea sthoah,
Foah th' ties zhey agga chaiggin!

Well the audience went wild, mans, womans and childs
And they clapped till their raw hands were bleedin'
And said so to speak that my style was unique
And just what this dreary folk scene was needin'
So all you young folkies who bash out the cart
If you want to attain the top billin'
Just murder good prose and sing through your nose
And then you'll sing just like Bob Dylan.

Evenin', all!

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 07:02 PM

OK! Movin in here. Need a little bit of room, tho. Brought the "Circus Tent"--16 x 16 with a 10 x 16 awning fly. Plenty of room inside for a session when it is raining. Garden here is not quite ripe, so somebody else will have to provide tomates, but I do mean onion flowers on the grill. Virtual Sorcha is all you get this summer, but am thinking seriously about next summer. Plan now.....Hardi, let's fiddle around while Himself sets up the Home Away from Home. Lisdoonvarna for starters?

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 07:43 PM

Praise & Hardiman: Sounds like a blast! Unfortunately I have so much going inbetween the Civil War and painting the house that I doubt I'll be able to get there but I wish you the best and when I practice or play at a reenactment, I'll play Rosin the Beau for you, Hardiman and A Soldier's LAment for you both. Fondest reguards, Neil

Subject: Lyr Add: 800-POUND JESUS (Maddox, Thorn)
From: Mbo
Date: 26 Jun 00 - 08:41 PM

I'd like to play a song that I really like...

I saw a garage sale, pulled up in the yard
Found a statue of Jesus that was 8 feet tall
He held out his arms, and He seemed all alone
So I loaded Him up and I drove Him home.
Out by my driveway, He looks down the street
Long hair and sandals made of rebar and concrete
I painted Him white, with a long purple robe
He's the rock of ages on a gravel road

He's an 800 pound Jesus
Standing taller then a tree
He's and 800 pound Jesus
A bigger man than you or me

I thought losing my job was the end of the world
Till my best pal ran off with my best girl
I felt suicidal, with no real friend
So I walked outside with a rope in my hand
Out by the statue, there's a big oak tree
So I hopped on that statue and counted to three
I had every intention of buying the farm
But when I jumped off, He caught me in His arms

I wanted to return the favor to Him
Cause I never had a more solid friend
So I planted some flowers all around His feet
And I bought Him a flock of ceramic sheep!

He's an 800 pound Jesus
Standing taller then a tree
He's and 800 pound Jesus
A bigger man than you or me


--Mbo

Subject: Lyr Add: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (Louvin Brothers)
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 12:41 AM

My buddies shun me since I turned to Jesus
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
But I still love them, and I say with pride
I Like the Christian Life

I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
For what is a friend who wants you to fall?
I'll live without them and walk in the light
I Like the Christian Life

..a-HEM...I'll need another cold beer if I'm to continue...thanks, Praise..

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Mbo
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 12:47 AM

Go for it, EJ!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Sorcha
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 12:50 AM

What? A friend of the man who turned water into wine wants BEER? Oh my, doing a faint here.

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 12:58 AM

Ah shucks, then give me a cold glass of White Zinfandel.

My friends all tell me that I should have waited
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
Others find pleasure in things I despise
I Like the Christian Life

Subject: Lyr Add: CAMPING IN CANAAN'S LAND (A E Brumley)
From: SDShad
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 08:46 AM

A little more old-time, tent-revival gospel:

CAMPING IN CANAAN'S LAND (Albert E. Brumley)

I have left the land of bondage with its earthly treasures
I've journeyed to a place where there is love on every hand
I've exchanged a land of heartaches for a land of pleasures
And I'm camping, I'm camping in Canaan's happy land

Refrain:

Every day I'm camping (camping) in the land of Canaan (Canaan's land)
And with rapture I survey its wondrous beauties grand (O glory)
Glory, hallelujah, I have found the land of promise, and
I'm camping, I'm camping in Canaan's happy land

Out of Egypt I have travelled, thru the darkness dreary
Far over hills and valleys and across the desert sands
But I've landed safe at home where I shall not grow weary
I'm camping, I'm camping in Canaan's happy land

Refrain

Yes, I've reached the land of promise with its scenes of glory
My journey ended in a place so lovely and so grand
I've been led by Jesus to this blessed land of story
I'm camping, I'm camping in Canaan's happy land

Refrain

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 09:28 AM

souds like you live somewhere just off the Jericho road! I am myself in eastern PA about two blocks from the Delaware River (less during floods) just south of Easton PA. I had hoped to get to Annap's last week and didn't make it (youngest daughter gets married in two weeks and four days)

Subject: Lyr Add: FOREVER AND EVER AMEN (Randy Travis)
From: Mbo
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 09:42 AM

Congratulations Pete!!!! Here's a good wedding song for ya!

You may think that I'm talking foolish
You've heard that I'm wild & I'm free
You may wonder how I can promise you now
This love that I'm feeling for you always will be
You're not just time that I'm killing
I'm no longer one of those guys
As sure as I live this love that I give
Is gonna be yours till the day that I die
Oh baby

I'm gonna love you forever, forever & ever, Amen
As long as old men sit & talk about the weather
As long as old women sit & talk about old men
If you wonder how long I'll be faithful
I'll be happy to tell you again
I'm gonna love you forever & ever, forever & ever, Amen

They say that time takes it's toll on a body
Makes the young girl's brown hair turn grey
But honey, I don't care, I'm not in love with your hair
And if it all fell out, well, I'd love you anyway
They say that time can play tricks on a memory
And people forget things that they knew
But it's easy to see it's happening to me
I've already forgotten every woman but you
Oh baby

I'm gonna love you forever, forever & ever, Amen
As long as old men sit & talk about the weather
As long as old women sit & talk about old men
If you wonder how long I'll be faithfull
Just listen to how this song ends
I'm gonna love you forever & ever forever & ever
Forever & ever
Forever & ever
Amen


--Mbo

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 11:13 AM

The tent is all set up, backed up against the corn crib, and various 'Catters of variuous traditions are in there reviving whatever needs reviving, with heavenly help OF COURSE. The laptop in the living room has the printer humming, running off song requests from the DT, while chordmasters work up arrangements to feed to the copier.

The kittens have worked out a yowling good harmony, singing JESUS IS MY AEROPLANE...

"So I'll just dance the shores of Jordan till the angels carry me...."

But it ain't Sunday yet so don't ya be thinkin' we gotta stick to hymns. Oh yeah. Blues, wild folk, whatever. We don't mind. Those of you who have gotten to know us wouldn't be surprised at wehat we play but the rest of you.... well try it, and see! Prolly we already know it!

~S~

Subject: Lyr Add: DRAFT DODGER RAG (Phil Ochs)
From: SDShad
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 03:09 PM

Well, in that case, Praise....

From the great songwriter who was once referred to as "Comrade Ochs" by the American Opinion:

DRAFT DODGER RAG
Written by Phil Ochs
As recorded by Phil Ochs on "I Ain't Marching Anymore" (1965)

1. Oh, I'm just a typical American boy
From a typical American town.
I believe in God and Senator Dodd
And a-keepin' old Castro down,
And when it came my time to serve,
I knew better dead than red,
But when I got to my old draft board,
Buddy, this is what I said:

CHORUS: Sarge, I'm only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen,
And I always carry a purse.
I've got eyes like a bat, and my feet are flat,
And my asthma's gettin' worse.
Yes, think of my career, my sweetheart dear,
My poor old invalid aunt.
Besides, I ain't no fool, I'm a-goin' to school,
And I'm a-workin' in a defense plant.

2. I got a dislocated disc and a racked up back.
I'm allergic to flowers and bugs.
And when the bombshell hits, I get epileptic fits,
And I'm addicted to a thousand drugs.
I got the weakness woes; I can't touch my toes.
I can hardly reach my knees,
And if the enemy came close to me,
Why, I'd probably start to sneeze. CHORUS

3. Ooh, I hate Chou En-lai, and I hope he dies,
But one thing you gotta see:
That someone's gotta go over there,
And that someone isn't me.
So I wish you well, Sarge; give 'em hell.
Kill me a thousand or so,
And if you ever get a war without blood and gore,
I'll be the first to go. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 03:13 PM

Par-TEE! Par-TEE!

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: SDShad
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 03:20 PM

That better be a noun, not a verb you're shouting there, Susan. You start trolling for Rick Fielding like that, and next thing you know he'll show up and start talking about F chords and such.

Wait a minute. That'd be a good thing.

Par-TEE! Par-TEE!

Chris

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 03:22 PM

F us all!

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: SDShad
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 05:45 PM

Well, Geez Louise, Miz Praise. I didn't know it was going to be that kind of a party. And me without my marmot.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU CAN'T STAND UP ALONE (Martha Carson)
From: JenEllen
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 05:54 PM

WAH-HOO there Selma!!! :)

Okay, how's about a little tent-flapping gospel music? Who can I grab for harmony???

I'll go down to the quiet and peacful shore
And I'll cool my feet in those crystal waters and I won't have to work anymore
'Cause my burden has got so heavy, till I can't stand up alone
And trouble, I have seen troubles
All around my door
Go away and leave me old man trouble
'Cause I don't want your trouble no more
And a voice came down just like thunder
And a light all around me shone
A voice said 'LUIS, get up, and grab hold my hand, 'cause you can't stand up alone.'
You can't stand up all by yourself
You can't stand up alone
You need the touch of a mighty hand
You can't stand up alone

Subject: RE: Praise & Hardi Country Houseparty
From: wysiwyg
Date: 27 Jun 00 - 05:59 PM

...ah-loooooone........