BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 04:53 AM

The studio was cramped. Six people sat in the outer studio and two people operated the equipment in the booth.

The radiant Duckboots and the lovely Reverend Vicky were in constant motion as they did production magic on the sweet side of the big window. Rick Fielding and Peter T. sat opposite one another accross a big table surrounded by a forest of microphones in the outer studio. There were four onlookers.

One of the onlookers was an old friend of Peter T. Once upon a time, she had produced a documentary film about Tiny Tim. Tiny Tim was a very interesting person. Many people don't know that. If I could remember Peter T.'s friend's name, I could tell you to go talk to her if you wanted to know anything about Tiny Tim. Can't do it. Sorry. But she was very nice and interesting to talk to.

I was among the other onlookers, along with Little Hawk and flattop. flattop was cool and laid back as usual, but with a noticable glint in his eye. Little Hawk looked like a kid who'd just woken up on Christmas morning, all eager to see what was under the tree. His excitement was palpable.

Rick Fielding and Peter T. faced off on their respective sides of the table. Rick's enthusiasm was tempered by the professional demeanor of a long-time veteran of broadcast radio, but his exuberance was clearly evident. Peter T. was aglow. He leaned forward in his seat as he talked, lit up by his love of the subject matter.

I don't remember much of what was said. It was a long time ago and I didn't know much about the subject at hand. But the picture that remains clearly in my mind to this day is the level of sheer joy floating about that studio. And it was joy generated by love of those present for the music of Bob Dylan.

One epiphany followed another as Rick and Peter plumbed the depths and peeled back the layers of this man's huge body of work, with the occasional assistance of the eager Little Hawk. Insights flowed into revelations, each pointing the way down yet another possible avenue of discussion.

From time to time, the discussion was punctuated by Rick's demonstrations of Dylan's technique on the guitar. I didn't need to know anything about Dylan to be able to appreciate what a treat I was experiencing. All eyes and ears were riveted on Rick and his guitar as he performed stringed wonders and we watched in awe and amazement.

This radio show evening was a bubble. Within the bubble, bounded by time and the confines of the studio, magic happened. And the magic went out into the world via the airwaves creating little bubbles of joy throughout the city of Toronto, and wherever the show was heard.

What a night.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 04:52 PM

Well, that was a thrilling moment for me, playing with Rick, and I'm delighted to read your description of it, Carol.

Rick Fielding is a living, breathing archive of all that is folk music, and a good deal more besides. It was almost like playing beside Bob Dylan. No kidding.

Only Rick is a lot taller than Bob...so I got to be the Dylan clone for the night. :-)

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 08:41 PM

I probably should say at this point that I love it when other people post to this thread. I think it really adds a lot of beauty to it. But I like the look of it better when I only post diary entries. I hope people don't think I'm ignoring them. If people post something to which a response seems appropriate, I will put it on the CarolC's Canadian Adventure thread.

Thanks everybody,

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 08:10 PM

Carol, thank you so much for your writing all this. It is capturing the memories of your visit for me too. We miss you already! :(

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:30 PM

Little Hawk and Rick Fielding stood together in the spotlight at the Corner Coffee House in Newmarket. Rick was playing and singing like a dynamo. A virtual whirlwind of music and song.

Little Hawk stood opposite the microphone from Rick. With his eyes closed and an almost beatific look on his face, he swayed in rhythm to the music and waited for the right moment. When the moment arrived, Rick stepped back from the microphone, and Little Hawk stepped in.

Little Hawk's harmonica sang plaintively and soulfully. Rick played furiously. A look of pleasant surprise lit up Rick's face as he recognized a fellow musician up on the stage with him. The two musicians played their hearts out while the rest of us basked in the wonder and amazement of the moment. We were riveted.

After the performance, Rick told Little Hawk he always loves meeting musicians who know how to really listen.

Photo album- page two

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: black walnut
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 02:55 PM

Carol....sorry it didn't work out for you and the rest of Orillia to make it down to a Toronto Song Circle. The weather didn't cooperate, did it? Well, I'm thrilled to say it's spring here now, and it's so hot today that we don't need earmuffs. Next time you're in the area, let's try to connect.

~black walnut

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Mar 01 - 02:45 PM

flattop was on a plane enroute to Toronto from Montreal while hesperis, Little Hawk and I were on our way to Newmarket. We crunched our way from the car to the Corner Coffee House on a mixture of new and old snow. Stubbornly refusing to give up wearing my clogs while in Canada unless I absolutely had to, I had soggy sock-heels by the time the warmth of the coffehouse reached out to draw me in.

The aroma of coffee and dessert combined with the warm tones of the gallery lighting, the colorful artwork covering the walls, and the sounds of people enjoying themselves, to create a richly pleasing environment for the senses. A perfect setting for the first act, a trio of young performers, playing two guitars and a small drum. One of the guitarists was a university student studying classical guitar. His playing served as the focal point of the performance, with the other guitarist and the drummer accompanying him. He was quite good. And anyone who is familiar with classical guitar knows that's saying a lot.

It's kind of hard to pin down this group's sound for the purpose of describing it. It seemed like a fusion of a lot of different genres. A little jazz, a little classical, maybe even a little new age, mixed in with a little bit of a world music sound. They played a lively, jazzed up version of Pachelbel's Canon in D. hesperis said it was her new favorite version of that piece. The lead guitarist played one straight-up classical guitar piece by Heitor Villa-Lobos. It was a mellow piece, not very dynamic, but softly beautiful. And played, as far as I could tell, without a hitch.

flattop arrived a couple of pieces into Rick Fielding's set. As Rick was telling the audience about the piece he was about to play, he directed his gaze into the middle of the audience and said "just like flattop. Hi flattop." And that was the tone of the rest of the evening. flattop, Little Hawk, hesperis, Duckboots and I sat elbow to elbow around three tables pushed together in the middle of the room, surrounded by the rest of the audience. A little Mudcat oasis in the middle of a room full of strangers.

On stage, Rick has a presence that reaches out to the audience like a warm expansive embrace. While he's playing, Rick isn't really performing. He's having a riveting musical experience up there on the stage and he welcomes you into it to share it with him. The term "folkie" is too limiting to describe the kinds of music he plays. He is probably one of the most versatile acoustic musicians I've ever heard. I would be hard pressed to think of a genre of acoustic music he did not dip into at least a little bit, other than maybe classical. He plays with immense feeling and precision, clearly having complete mastery over his instruments and over his music. All of these qualities put together, along with Rick's warm, slightly self-deprecating sense of humor, combine to create a memorable, compelling, and most enjoyable musical experience.

Duckboots' presence off the stage is equally warm and expansive. It's hard to be around Duckboots and Rick for very long without beginning to feel like family. They sweep you up into their world and their life and make you a part of it, even if only for a little while. Aside from her warmth and her radiance, Duckboots' most noticeable quality is an amazing amount of competence. She appears to be an excellent partner for Rick, providing assistance with all of the unglamorous little details that make it possible for a performer to function smoothly and well. They make a good team.

Explaining that he belonged to a "secret society" of people who use fake names, Rick introduced those of us at the Mudcat table to the audience. Part way through the set, he took a break and asked us to pose for some pictures with him. It felt like a party for old friends.

After the performance, Rick asked us to come to his radio show at the University of Toronto's radio station the next day, to witness the zany spectacle one of the "Rick Fielding and Peter T. talk about Dylan" series of shows. How could we refuse...

Photo album- page one

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 09:56 PM

Beautiful telling of a true tale, Carol. Lovely.

Now, are you going to answer my question?

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Mar 01 - 04:58 PM

James (Jim) Hawkins stood tall at the microphone, his puckish smile dimmed a bit by a wistful, almost nostalgic look. He welcomed the audience warmly, and then announced that the ownership of the Corner Coffee House in Newmarket would be passing to new hands. Thus marked the end of an era in the musical life of that small, but culturally rich community.

The story of Jim's involvement with the coffeehouse is an interesting one. A retired Police Commander from the U.K., Jim is now an author with several successful books in publication. Jim's latest series of books, the 'Detective Bliss' series of mystery novels, was written in the back room of the coffeehouse. After he finished writing the books, Jim bought the coffeehouse. Jim's warm, gracious, and easy manner drew people to his venue. He hosted an eclectic mixture of musicians along with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience during his period of ownership.

Next to the coffeehouse was an art gallery, also owned and run by Jim. Both environments provided a rich mixture of interesting and compelling visual stimuli, as well as a warm, comfortable, homelike setting. Patrons and audience members clearly loved being a part of what was happening in that place. Jim's last two evenings as owner and proprietor were filled with wonderful music, laughter, joy, and a little sadness. I was there on only three occasions myself, but I was sorry to see the end of Jim's era.

Jim is off on a tour of Canada, the U.K., and several other countries to promote his books. If James (Jim) Hawkins comes to a book store in your town for a book signing, I urge you to go and meet him. He is a warm, gentle, lovely, and interesting man. (And buy one or several of his books. I've heard excerpts of some of them, and they are good.) You'll be glad you did. And tell him Carol from West Virginia said Hi!

Corner Coffee House in Newmarket (performance area)

P.S. The Corner Coffee House is still there, under new ownership. I wish the new owner and proprietor the best of luck and great success.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 07:23 PM

How many songs have you written, Carol?

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: JohnB
Date: 10 Feb 01 - 08:31 AM

Thanks Carol, boy do you write goodly, not as me. You also ave a grate memory if you remember all those miniscule details as well. Shheesh it took me all my time to remember your second name. Yeah the C part. JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 09 Feb 01 - 10:05 PM

Mike is an awesome guy. He writes about "invisibility" because he's been there, and love and darkness as well.

LH and I went to his birthday party. I love Rice Dream, it's really good to drink, even if you can have milk. Mike was always bugging LH about liking it, though, calling it "Rice Nightmare", so I decided that I'd get him some Rice Dream Ice Cream for his birthday.

We arrived at the house where the party was being held, and I hurried to hide the gift in the freezer.

When dessert was brought out, I gave Mike a bowl of Cherry Vanilla Rice Dream, and told him that it was a special gourmet Ice Cream.

He loved it!

A couple of days later, at La Mezzaluna, LH and I told Mike what it was. He admitted that he actually loved Rice Dream, and he was only bugging LH when he said he hated it. He was very happy about the gift, because he only knew about the drink, and he didn't know about the frozen dessert!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Feb 01 - 08:00 PM

Yes, Mike was the first real friend I made in Orillia, and he is a man full of compassion. He has written hundreds of songs, poems, and longer works, and is a pretty amazing guy.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Feb 01 - 07:36 PM

This diary entry is for Mike Latter. I've only met Mike one time, and very briefly. I know very little about him. But he extended a kindness to a stranger that stands out in my mind as being worthy of mention here.

Mike attends the weekly song circle in Orillia. His voice is deep and growly, with a slight nasal twang. It reminds me a little bit of Leon Redbone. His guitar playing is gentle, with a bouncy little lilt, and a feeling of light hearted optimism. This is paricularly interesting because of the subject matter of his songs.

Mike sings his own songs. They touch, very deeply, the heart of human experience. He sings about loss, and about love. He sings about the people who live invisible lives in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the world of the "normals".

Mike's songs ache with compassion and empathy... but softly, barely stirring the air. They pass through the mind like a fragrant little breeze that plays equally amongst beautiful flowers and brown dead leaves. Joy and pain intermingle throughout the songs, not oppressively or darkly, but expressively, evoking the richness of the experience of life.

At song circle on Monday, Mike approached me and said he had something he wanted to give me. He handed me a CD called Louisiana Moon, by Michael E. Latter. I was told later that he had brought it to song circle just to give to me, someone he'd never even met.

It's a beautiful CD. Mike sounds like a beautiful person.

"I laugh because... there isn't any reason
I laugh because... I love you as you are."

--Michael E. Latter

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 06:04 PM

That was beautiful Carol....really!

Not to take anything away from it, but Hawk......maybe you weren't there. Ya' gotta' lay off that narcotic man........the shit will make you null and void! I've suspected this for a long time starting with Major Tom and culminating with that symbobizarro interpretation of Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts.

Seriously, the times are sounded better all the time!

Enjoy!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 04:52 PM

Boy, Carol, that was such a good description that it was almost better than being there! :-)

You have quite a way with words. Maybe you oughta start writing songs...

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:44 PM

Music is a thread that runs through all of life. When I remember the people who have helped to create the tapestry of my life, music is always there, creating a background of sound and feeling.

Musical instruments were scattered around the sparsely furnished living/dining room. The remains of the mostly eaten ratatouille were sitting on the table. Bellies were full. The subdued lighting set a relaxed mood. Minds were starting to turn to music. Little Hawk played a bluesy but energetic song about life. A departure from the usual folky sound that is his hallmark, the song sparkled, and got the music off to a good start. Little Hawk has an apparently inexhaustible repertoire of songs, many of them his own compositions. They are very good. (Better than Dylan, in my opinion.) flattop requested several of his favorites, and Little Hawk graciously played them all.

Out of its box for the first time, the electronic keyboard was a great fascination for all of us, but especially for hesperis. The one light in the room was dimmed. hesperis stood at the keyboard, moving gracefully like the dancer she is, swaying with the rhythm of her music. She played her original composition, Night Garden. This is a piece that has the ability to transport the listener to other realms. For me, it evoked the ethereal beauty of a moonlit garden with strangely compelling statuary and night-blooming flowers. A poignant sadness blanketed the image of the garden and of wispy, not-quite-seen presences moving about in it. When projected, hesperis' voice has a clear bell-like tone that added an even more haunting feel to the piece.

The Corner Coffee House in Newmarket is a friendly little place with couches and plants scattered amongst the tables and the trays of coffee and coffee fixings. At the music end of the coffehouse, Little Hawk sang several songs. flattop provided harmony on some of them. Little Hawk has a good folk-singer's voice. It is expressive, and it beautifully conveys the mood of each song he sings. flattop has a soft voice. Expressive in its own, way, it has the ability to blend in beautiful harmony with any voice. And flattop understands harmony. flattop's harmonies add richness and texture to whatever is being sung. flattop sang three songs while Little Hawk harmonized, and I accompanied them with basses and chords on my accordion. That was a rollicking good time.

Mudcatter JohnB and his wife Tina were a special treat. They sang traditional songs from their native England. Both are from Manchester, and their singing is flavored with the style and accent of their homeland. JohnB has a good strong voice. He sings masterfully and with the confidence of one who has spent many years steeped in the genre. Tina's voice is beautiful and melodic. Her singing added sweetness and beauty to the earthy tones of JohnB's voice. With voices intertwining beautifully throughout each song, they brought their music vibrantly to life for us in the cozy warmth of the little coffeehouse.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 01:21 AM

Thanks guys!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 12:08 AM

Sounds better all the time Carol........and I think the feelings must be mutual all-round! Keep us posted.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 11:51 PM

Glad you're enjoying your trip Carol.

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 11:34 PM

That stir fry thing was rabbit turd with melted cheddar, hessy. Ask Little Hawk for the recipe.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:58 PM

Oh, hamsters are amazingly smart for their small size... If they were human sized, they'd have taken over the planet by now!

Hmmm........... actually........ they might have already!

(You know, like the rats in HGttG?)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:31 PM

So I've been blaming my Siamese all these years, for getting the hamsters out of their cage and all along the hamsters had brains enough to do it themselves??!! Oy, as Little Neo would say!

Thanks for keeping us updated on your travels and the scenery, Carol. Great story flattop!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:15 PM

Yeah. Someone once said that I wasn't beautiful, (because I'm "not blonde" -her words- and because I was really sick that day. If you're sick as a dog, you're not exactly going to be impressive, even if you're an internationally acclaimed model.) I was really insulted. So I told her that I am beautiful, and I've even stopped traffic.

She kinda stared at me, and I said: "yeah, you know, step out in the street, and start crossing the road, and the traffic'll stop."

The thing is, if you are beautiful, people don't swear at you if you just start crossing the road and they have to stop. They may even gesture for you to continue. That's probably what happened to you, Carol...

(I really have stopped traffic in the normal "guy drops jaw and screetches to a halt" way, too.)

BTW, Carol, what's the recipe for that stir-fry thing you made? It was good.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 06:09 PM

The gently rolling landscape is covered with a thick blanket of snow. More snow is falling. In more southern climates, snow looks and feels like a bit of an aberration. Here, it looks like an essential part of the landscape.

Earlier in the day, the sun was shining. There is ice on the branches of the trees that glints and sparkles when the sun shines on it. The snow and ice aren't really weather. They're just part of life.

Went to the bank yesterday to get some Canadian money. In the U.S., bank lobbies are usually decorated like hotel lobbies. The lobby of the Bank of Nova Scotia (in Orillia)is a serious looking place. Not much decor to speak of. The money was pretty, though.

When I wanted to cross the street to get to the bank, I stepped down from a snow drift onto the road surface. I thought I would wait there at the roadside for a break in the traffic and then cross. The car that was approaching came to a stop and the driver waved me across. That placed me in the middle of the road in between the two lanes of opposing traffic. Again, I figured I would wait for an opening, and finish crossing. The first car coming the other way stopped, and the driver waved me across. Although I was warmed by the kindness of the drivers, I felt a little bad that I had disrupted the flow of traffic by just stepping down off of the snow drift.

It's interesting how assumptions can be called into question when we travel in new places. My automatic assumption is that cars drive past people standing by the side of the road. Now I know that even subtle actions like stepping onto a road surface can have a very different effect here than they do where I live. flattop said that in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, cars will stop for you if you just look across the road.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 05:59 PM

We are about to leave.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 05:03 PM

LOL! They're both a "she", due to the pet store people not knowing what they were doing! (Or me either. But now I know how to tell a female hamster!) Hopefully next time, I can get a male.

It was definitely Sweetie who escaped. Selkie isn't that big yet. And it was around 1 am when we heard that soft-plasticky-sliding thud. She'd been wandering around for about 5 hours before deciding to check out the other room. I guess she was getting thirsty by then, because she was quite pleased even to be picked up that suddenly. I put her back in her cage at around 6 am, and couldn't get back to sleep, of course. When you have a hamster crawl over your feet at 6 am, when you know both the hamsters are supposed to be in safe areas, well, it gives one quite a bit of an adrenalin jolt.

I've just finished a couple hours of intensive napping, so that we can go out to flattop's this evening for dinner. Carol's cooking it, too. I am really looking forward to it, as because of the allergy treatment yesterday, I've only been allowed to eat cooked veggies. So I've had nothing but broccoli for the past 24 hours. *sigh* I really want sweet stuff right now!

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:52 PM

Yikes! Did any progeny result from these nocturnal assignations? If so, what did you call them? "Heisters", perhaps?

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:49 PM

If your hamster is in fact a she, watch her. We had one who used to seduce the local field mice. A real hussy. Even figured out how to open her cage door to let them in.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:07 PM

One of the hamsters decided to make a break for freedom last night! Either I left the cage door open or the little beast pried it open, I'm not sure. Anyway, we heard this "THUMP!" at around 2:00 AM (I think) and wondered what the heck it was...

It was the hamster doing a swan dive from the open cage door down about 3 feet or more down to its landing spot, which fortunately wasn't too hard...or we might have an Ex-hamster to dispose of here.

We couldn't figure out what it was and went back to sleep. Around 6 AM (I think) I felt a rapid succession of tiny footsteps run down the bedcovers over my body. Akkk! What a weird feeling. The hamster had found the mattress, conveniently located on the floor, and may have been trying to wake us, because she was by then extremely THIRSTY! Or maybe she just got lucky. Who knows?

She is back in the cage now, sleeping it off.

flattop - Interesting story about Ms McGill. Don't be so sure that you can avoid your assigned spot in heaven. It's already been set aside for you. They're remarkably tolerant up there, what can I say? There's probably even a McGill close at hand.

Thanks for the kind words, Carol. St. Paul's United in Orillia is one of the few churches I've ever felt truly comfortable in, cos they have open minds there, so I play music for them now and then. Their minister, Paul Browning, is probably the most radical free thinker in any church in Canada...and that's saying a lot.

- LH

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:56 PM

Awww, warm fuzzies!

(Oh, and the announcer and band leader is one of the two very capable Ministers for that Church. He took music at Uni before deciding to become a Minister. Just so people know.)

And everybody who hasn't yet looked at my hamsters, there are pictures here! (The new one is named after Carol, actually. So look!)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:15 PM

The atmosphere in the Church was warm and relaxed. There were fifty to one hundred people seated on stacking chairs and standing around the room. The band at the front was playing beautifully, and the audience watched and listened attentively.

The announcer and band leader turned to a slender, thoughtful looking man with a thick mop of hair, and began asking questions about music and about Cuba. The thoughtful looking man told stories and sang songs, and held the audience in rapt attention for at least a half hour.

Seated in the audience was a beautiful young woman with dark hair and and a vibrant expression on her face, obviously enjoying the moment and the company of those present.

After the performance, I was warmly greeted with a big hug from the young woman who was, indeed, hesperis. She introduced me to the thoughtful looking man... you guessed it, Little Hawk.

What a great way to meet face to face for the first time with my first two buddies in the Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 09:56 AM

Well Susan, you've given me another reason to avoid heaven.

And Spaw, it's good to see you pulling for Carol this morning. For a while I thought you might be jealous. If Carol is awarded a gold-plated McGill at the Atherly Arms this year we should be most proud.

You see, Carol is the first mudcatter and the second musician to be in the running for Ms McGill. The only other musician to win the award was Farley McPherson who was Miss McGill 1998 and also Ms McGill 1999.

Back before 1998, Farley liked to play Charlie Mingus riffs on his double bass while he ice fished. One day in 1998 he was a little hung over from ice fishing the day before when he mistook the McGill that had been polished up to transport Miss McGill in the Christmas parade for a fish hut.

McGills are luxurious toilets, about the size of economy fish huts. If he'd been an accordion player, Farley would have been ok. He would have had a pleasant place to sit and room to move his arms while playing basses against counter-basses with chords and scrumptious melodies. However, being an ample human himself and since his double bass was bigger than a short neck banjo, he got quite stuck. He was able to turn around enough to sit comfortably but he couldn't get out.

Before he could hook live minnows on his spreader and drop it down the hole, Farley discovered that he couldn't budge. This was late in the year and Orillia's Christmas parade was bearing down on us. The parade is one of the many important events that happen in Orillia each year. Orillians line the streets for the parade from Couchiching park, up Mississauga Street, around by Soldiers Memorial Hospital, and back down Coldwater Road, past the McGill attached to the back of Rombo's Restaurant.

Multitudes of women were in the running for Miss McGill that year. Miss McGill was almost as popular as Santa Claus and Farley was stuck in the toilet threatening to sue McGill Environmental for big money. In the spirit of Christmas and in a desperate effort to save the parade for all the children who believe in Santa Claus and all their fathers who believe in Miss McGill, someone suggested making Farley Miss McGill 1998.

Farley enjoyed the parade and he was one of the most popular Miss McGills that we've ever had in Orillia. Seems to have been something to do with the water here and vivid imaginations.

The problem was that they couldn't pry Farley out until several months after the parade. By then he was threatening to sue again. He'd grown tired of being called Miss McGill and didn't feel that it was politically correct. By the time he's lost enough weight to be extricated from the blue plastic toilet, he talked McGill Environmental into changing the title to Ms McGill and making him Ms McGill 1999.

Farley McPherson's had numerous great ideas while he sat those many months on the toilet. Unfortunately, his luck had changed by the time he escaped. His idea of selling McGills and double basses to folks who wanted to lose weight didn't catch on at all even though the acoustics in McGills are superb.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 07:48 AM

Whole toenails or just the clippings? (Do I really want to know?)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 02:20 AM

So have you had time to start your own toenail collection yet?

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:12 AM

LOL!!!! Flattop-- Like I said last week, "They better not turn up in heaven or I'll have to kick their ass!" (It was not a religious condemnation, just a fit of temper over personal biz.)

CarolC, I'm so envious I could spit! (Not joking.)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:28 AM

The Jersey's a nice little cow. Beautiful brown hair. High butterfat content in its milk.

Annamill lives down in Jersey. Years ago, we were drinking tea on the sunporch at my Aunt Kate's house in Port Morris New Jersey when Kate turned to my grandfather and said, "When I go to Hell, I hope I get a job keeping a fire under you."

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 12:02 AM

You can't even spell it!

Canada 411 (www.canada411.sympatico.ca) lists a bunch of Marshalls in Orillia. Take your pick:

MARSHALL, A 263 MILLARD ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, ANDREW 406 MARY ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, ART 24 SHANNON ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, BOULTON S 96 BRANT ST E ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, BRENDA&PAUL 18 COURTNEY CR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, C 210 NOTTAWASAGA ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, C L 3 ESTHER ANNE DR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, CLYDE L 57 FITTONS RD W ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, DON K 434 TALLWOOD DR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, E W 421 WEST ST N ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, G M RR 2 STN MAIN ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, I 12 FERGUSHILL RD ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, J 23 GRACE AVE ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, J G 57 FOURTH ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, JACK RR 3 STN MAIN ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, JAMES A 3474 BRENNAN LINE ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, JEFFREY 2067 MILLWOOD RD ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, KEN 22 ALEXANDER DR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, KENNETH A 14 KING'S CRT ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, L 65 FITTONS RD W ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, L 173 JULIA CR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, LESLIE 4 EDNA ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, M 349 WEST ST N ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, MURRAY S 305 PARK ST ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, P 13 SKYLINE DR ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, R 44 BARRIE RD ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, R 44 BARRIE RD ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, R C 2555 13TH LINE ORILLIA ON [phone] MARSHALL, S D E 73 LAHAY AVE ORILLIA ON [phone]

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: poor lonesome boy
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:52 PM

look under marshall... we own Orilia.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:35 PM

Is mufferaw your maiden name, Joe? I can't find it in the phone book.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: poor lonesome boy
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:29 PM

enjoy Orilia. Say hi to my folks.... and Gord if you see him

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: hesperis
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:21 PM

Chili, with thick chunks of hamburger (--- wait! Why am I playing? It wasn't Carol who set the points here.... and it should be, since it's her thread!)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:14 PM

Mmmmm... pepper steak...

;-P~~~~~~~~

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:13 PM

Mmmmm... pepper steak...

;-P~~~~~~~~

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: GUEST,lost john
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:12 PM

Cows. one point for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: flattop
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 10:49 PM

Anyone who mentions cows instead of pepper spray gets a point. Thanks SINSULL and Clinton.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 10:44 PM

Canada has no mad cow disease... we stopped importing from europe a long time ago...

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 10:30 PM

I misread the title on this thread and thought it said Canadian Dairy. Thought it was about madcow disease. Have a lovely trip Carol. And pass on the hamburgers.

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 06:28 PM

Have fun, Carol. Glad you made it up thar okay....and it is interesting to hear about the scenery etc....thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Canadian Diary (CarolC)
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:37 PM

It was dark by the time I was finished with the border crossing. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to see the part of Canada I was traveling through. The first thing I saw was a great big Tim Horton's billboard. I started counting firsts... first Canadian beer store (called "The Beer Store"), first Canadian dairy store (called "The Milk Store"). I think the U.S. could learn a lot from Canada about being succinct and to the point.

On the way to Orillia from the train station, we stopped at a Tim Horton's. It was not a proper Tim Horton's. I guess it was a sort of bastard Tim Horton's. I had a croissant, and flattop had something that looked like a scone. He called it something else, but I don't remember what.

Orillia has many great sights to see. We checked most of them out at about 2:00 in the morning. flattop said I could probably get a dancing gig at the Atherley Arms while I was in town. We saw maybe four out of the six or eight Tim Horton's in town. Rhombo's was a sight to behold. The McGill man was very friendly. We spent fifteen minutes or so waving back and forth to each other, he and I. He didn't say much. Strong silent type, I guess...