Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party

Subject: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Apr 01 - 05:51 PM

Okay, it's time to make it official, though I've mentioned months ago to several Mudcatters to pencil it in on their calendars.

Curmudgeon and I have a mostly annual Tune It Or Die Music Party and Ladyslipper Festival every Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend -- and this year, that's Sunday, May 27th. The ladyslippers are in bloom, the blackflies are at least thinking about leaving, and we've got a fighting chance of the weather being good. (Unfortunately it was overcast and cool last year -- but whole summer was overcast, rainy and cool!)

The drill is to bring food, drinkables, voices, instruments, good spirits, etc. Folding chairs are useful. Our cats prefer you leave your dogs at home.

I'll post directions and more information as needed. We're on 33 acres of mostly trees in Nottingham, NH which is midway between Portsmouth and Concord on Rte. 4.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: bill\sables
Date: 30 Apr 01 - 05:54 PM

What a pity it is not on 31st, You would have had 3 UK catters attending.
Bill

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: bigchuck
Date: 30 Apr 01 - 06:08 PM

Damn! I'd love to be there. We 'chucks are playing in Lisbon, NH that day, and Ludlow Vt. the next, which would make it dicey.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 01 May 01 - 09:59 AM

I am originally from the lovely city of Nottingham, England. On my USA trips I have often looked for ' American Nottingham's' but never found any. I'm so pleased to know there is one in NH. How about elsewhere?. You can bet if I ever get to NH at the right time I'll be over to your party. Have a good time. Burl

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:20 AM

Okay -- would Monday, May 28th be better? We've traditionally done the Sunday of the long weekend so we'd have Monday to, ah, recover and clean up ('tho there usually isn't much of a mess -- just getting left over beer into the fridge, etc.) and feed whomever spent the night in the guestroom (singular) or on the floor. (Actually, there seems to be less of that the past few years -- less staying up to the wee hours.)

It's back to work on Tuesday (and Curmudgeon has to get up at 5 a.m.)

I'm open to suggestions -- and I'llhave to check with the locals (the rest of the Great Bay Company including Jeri, Angel Band, our, ah, "groupies" etc.).

Hey, Burl! When you're in the vicinity we make it a point to have a party!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:35 AM

Bill!

I just re-read Dan Milner's post on the Barry Finn thread, and I think you're thinking our party is the day before the TRADITIONAL Memorial Day date, not the "new" style celebrated date. Anywho, I believe you are being dragged (kicking and screaming?) to the Press Room in Portsmouth, NH to join us (Curmudgeon, Jeri, etc. and me) at the session Friday night on your way up to Brett's.

See you then!
Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 May 01 - 09:00 PM

Have a great time! Hosting a MudEvent is like nothing else! Let me know if I can help in any way. Wish I could be there!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:15 PM

Me mum is turning 75 that weekend, and I've promised her a weekend just the two of us. I don't think this is the kind of event she would truly love, but if we end early I might try to zip over to N'ham if it's Monday, as she lives in Concord!

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 May 01 - 11:32 AM

Okay -- I still need input about what date to have the party -- Sunday, May 27th or Monday, May 28th.

I'm polling the rest of the gang at the session at The Press Room tonight and will keep you all posted.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 May 01 - 12:23 PM

I'll be there whichever date you choose. I like Sunday better but if Monday will bring in the better/bigger crew then that is the one for me.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Jeri
Date: 04 May 01 - 05:49 PM

Well, this gang member won't be polled because I feel like crap and stayed home. Either day is fine for me. Both days are also fine. In fact, when we get done at the shanty sing, we could all form up, convoy to your house and start there sometime on Sat night.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 May 01 - 11:11 PM

Jeri, I like that idea! Just keep the party going!

Missed you at the Press Room tonight. Sorry you weren't feeling up to it, we could have used another strong voice. (Yes, I mean you!)

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: GUEST,Dan Schatz
Date: 05 May 01 - 01:11 AM

So sorry I'll have to miss it; I'm booked both days. Sometime maybe I'll have folks up to Tamworth (in the Southern Mt. Washington Valley)....

Dan

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Sourdough
Date: 05 May 01 - 02:07 AM

Dan Schatz:

Are you from Tamworth? I used to work for Frances Cleveland at the Barnstormers in summer stock.

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 May 01 - 10:32 AM

Sorry I've been away from the computer for a coupla days. Polled the crew Friday night at The Press Room and the preferred date is...

The envelope please...

Sunday, May 27th, starting at noon (unless the Portland Shanty Sing Convoy arrives earlier! what a concept!). We are conveniently located in the middle of the woods between Rte. 4 and Rte. 152 about midway between Portsmouth and Concord, NH. I'll post specific directions closer to party time.

The drill is bring voices, instruments, good spirits, food to share, drinkables, bug stuff (the blackflies just arrived yesterday), and a chair may be useful as well. (We've got chairs, but there never seems to be enough.) Mortimer, the cat about the place, prefers dogs be left at home. I don't know where we're going to stow the kittens for the day; they can't go outside cuz, oh it's a long story.

And the ladyslippers surrounded by star flowers and false lily of the valley should be in bloom. Hope the weather cooperates!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 May 01 - 11:18 AM

Jeri et al. If I make it to the shanty sing, can I join the convoy to Bat Goddesses? I will be flying back to NYC either Sunday PM or Monday AM depending on who can get me to an airport or a bus to an airport? PM me . I know I can fly into Portland but where will I fly out of? I believe I will have lemon bars with me. If it is not too hot, I'll make some bourbon balls but they don't hold up well in humidity.
Mary

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 May 01 - 11:29 AM

Sins, see my PM.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 May 01 - 12:39 PM

Further to my earlier posting on this thread regarding 'any other Nottingham's' in America'. I've since heard that there is one somewhere in Pennsylvania, but surely there are others? Anybody know any places called Nottingham in the USA? And just to prove that this isn't entirely a thread creep - Bat Godess, I'll let you know when I'm next over there and I do hope it's at the right time for one of your gatherings. Best wishes, BURL.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 May 01 - 02:22 PM

Burl --

Having you in the vicinity will be a GREAT excuse (we need an excuse?!?) for a party!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 15 May 01 - 08:39 PM

Since I've been getting PMs about the party, it's probably time to revive this thread -- unfortunately I don't have the time right this minute to add anything. But if it's refreshed, I can update it maybe tomorrow (good lord willing and the creek don't rise).

By the way, counted 16 or 17 ladyslippers as I drove down the driveway last night.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Midchuck
Date: 15 May 01 - 08:57 PM

Drat the luck, we're double-booked that weekend (well, actually that's a good thing, but you know what I mean). Sunday afternoon we're playing in Lisbon, NH, which puts us in your state, but farther away from you than if we were at home. Then we're playing in VT at 1:30 on Monday afternoon, so coming late and staying over isn't a very bright idea. Maybe next time.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Jeri
Date: 15 May 01 - 09:09 PM

I can add more. I think she invited about 150 more people this weekend.

Burl, do you know about Nottingham in Maryland?

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 May 01 - 09:02 AM

Let's see, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and quite possibly England, not to mention New Hampshirites, will be represented.

Sorry, gotta run again. Back later.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:13 PM

It's been quite a dance this week and I've been dancing as fast as I can. I just took some time out of my paying work to get directions of our place in Nottingham ready to PM to anyone who needs them (have gotten them to a few people already, and Naemanson already knows the way having been here at New Year's and Jeri lives about 4 miles around the corner).

Herfe's the short version of events again. May 27, Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend "Tune It or Die" Music Party and Ladyslipper Festival (18 at last count). Starts at noon. It's potluck and Sinsull's already told me what she's bringing. Don't know what Tom's going to be making yet. We'll have "starter" beer & soda, but it's a good idea to bring along what you want to drink. Bug stuff will come in handy. The blackflies arrived last Sunday. They'll probably be gone by the party -- chased away by the mosquitoes. Lawnchairs or something to sit on is also a good idea. Seems we never have enough seating. The guestroom bed and the couch are already booked, but there's room on the floor for sleeping bags and some room outside for tents. (We're in the middle of the woods on the side of a hill.)

The best things to bring are good spirits and voices and instruments if you feel you must. (Do I sound like a singer?) There should be some great music, not to mention conversation, food, etc.
PM me for directions!!!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:09 PM

Thanks Jeri, that's another one for my list. BURL

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:23 PM

No togas????

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 May 01 - 09:56 AM

Togas? Well, okay, but remember not to cut the strings off your bikinis or you'll lose your mittens.

Speaking of togas, Burl, did you get my info about the nudist colony in Nottingham, NH? Sorry, guys, it's not that close to our place. We're closer to the recycling center (oldest in the US).

Oh, and Kendall, you mentioned something about a level spot to park. Uh, we've got 33 acres -- on the side of a hill. I'm not sure the house is level. I know the driveway isn't!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 May 01 - 03:32 PM

Darn!!! I have a lovely weekend with me mum planned, in northern VT. Don't see my way to getting to this party. I keep threatening to do the same in Keene, and may just have to do so before too long! Have a great time and think of me in VT!

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 May 01 - 07:50 PM

Sure would be nice if we had a nifty little time portal between Nottingham and various Vermont locations, so you and your Mom and the Woodchucks could drift in for a sip and some music and still get to your gig or whatever on time. Where is modern technology when you need it anyway?!

As far as I know, no squid will be served at the party (see the eels in the refrigerator thread), but my world famous collection of rubber squid will be on display and postcards suitable for framing will be available (or not as the case may be).

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 May 01 - 09:56 PM

Rats! I'll be in Wisconsin over the weekend. Us Vermonters are NOT pulling our weight on this one, and I'd love to sing with you again. I keep having fragments of "Poour Me Another Tequila Shiela" popping into my head at totally inappropriate moments.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 May 01 - 09:59 PM

Is there an APPROPRIATE time for "Pour Me Another Tequila Shiela"?

Of course there is and we will see it next week.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 May 01 - 10:14 PM

And I'll miss it. Bother!! The only consolation is that the Barrymans are the entertainment at WisCon this year. I'll make do and look forward to other New England gatherings.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 May 01 - 10:21 AM

Hey, Susan -- did you know I'm from Wisconsin originally? My great grandfather homesteaded the oldest farm in Clark County. One of the reasons I sing "Lovely Agnes" as well as "Tequila Sheila." (Maybe I'll have to sing you a coupla choruses over the phone til we can get together again!)

Yeah, I agree, you Vermonters seem to be sloughing off on this one. Guess that means we'll just have to do another gathering later in the summer -- hey! maybe the main deck will be rebuilt by then!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 May 01 - 02:53 PM

Looks like we'll have smoked trout pate at the party. The trout were fresh caught Wednesday morning and are in the freezer til the end of the week when Curmudgeon will smoke them (on the grill! on the grill!) and make them into pate. See the Eel/Refrigerator thread for the recipe.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 21 May 01 - 02:43 PM

Thank you so much you Godess you. I have thoroughly enjoyed the information on Nottingham NH, especially the pictures. I will definitely make a trip there when next I cross the Atlantic. Been a bit busy lately, but will pp you in due course with more thoughts on Nottingham NH. Have a great party, Burl.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 May 01 - 08:42 AM

It's not easy being a goddess -- especially to bats!

I have a lot on my plate this week (work, etc. -- how it interfers with music!) and in between I'm trying to tame both the interior and exterior of the house in preparation for the party. The bats aren't helping, but then again, they're not hindering either. Haven't seen or heard from them lately. (That happens the first week in July when the adolescent Little Brown Bats go out on their own for the first time -- and get lost.)

I usually end up apologising for the state of the house. This time it looks like I'll have to apologise for the state of the flower beds!

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 May 01 - 06:57 PM

Does anyone else need directions?

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Jeri
Date: 23 May 01 - 07:07 PM

Brett, if you're in the guest room, don't leave your pants laying around! *snort/giggle* People who say "I have a bat in my pants" in Bat Goddess's house are NOT speaking euphemistically.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 May 01 - 07:41 PM

I don't know but what that might be fun! It would be the most fun I've had in my pants since I was...

I guess I won't finish that sentence.

I'm sleeping in the wagon unless I get a better offer.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: kendall
Date: 23 May 01 - 07:59 PM

A vampire bat returned to the cave covered with fresh blood, and all the other bats flocked around him and demanded to know where he found the blood. Reluctantly, he told them, "Come with me." they flew through the forest for a ways, then finally, he landed on a big boulder. The other bats mobbed him, demanding to know the source of the blood. Finally, he said, "You all see that big oak tree over there?" they answered, "Yes, yes" and the old bat said "I didn't."

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 May 01 - 10:03 PM

I will be in the guest room and if I find bats or anything else in my pants, Naemanson et al are invited to share the room and take turns watching.
Careful, Kendall. I am getting very sensitive about "Old Bat" jokes.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:28 AM

Sinsull, the bats will be ABOVE you -- in between the ceiling and the roof. You may hear them coming home (with hobnailed boots and talking to each other about the night's adventures) around dawn, but you probably won't see them or have them sharing the guest room with you. (In July the adolescents sometimes get lost and find themselves inside the house -- and sometimes need assistance getting outside again. Sigh. I plugged up their entry just below the roof's peak on the front side of the house, but the ladder doesn't reach in the back.)

Besides, the bats in the pants were in my employ (I paid them off in mosquitoes) -- I was trying to encourage what seemed like a permanent lodger (again!) to find an apartment. (Gee. Now you know why I don't have kids!)

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:53 AM

You are lucky to have bats around. How about putting bat houses (dont paint them) then strew moth balls around in the attic.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 May 01 - 12:55 PM

I feel very privileged to have a nursery colony of Little Brown Bats, but I would like to encourage them into the bat house rather than continuing to set up housekeeping (and nursery facilities) in the space between the roof and the ceiling of the second floor. (Sorry, Kendall -- no attic, which complicates things.) We have to wait (again) until they leave in August or September before we again try to stop up their access.

Hey Jeri, if I recall correctly, you personally have never had a bat experience in our guestroom and you've spent a lot of time over the years living in it! (And you never left your pants on the floor, either!)
Okay, guys, you have to come to the party to hear the rest of the bat in the pants story. (And the banjo player who experienced it will be there!)

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 May 01 - 01:04 PM

No fear of bats here. My sister-in-law has one occasionally in her house. Would prefer not to have one in my pants but that applies to a variety of species - let's see what Spaw makes of that comment. See you Sunday!!!!
SINS

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Jeri
Date: 24 May 01 - 05:54 PM

I just brought up the bats-in-pants thing because...well, I can't remember laughing quite so hysterically in a long time. (I was on the phone to BG when it happened. She calmly stated "X just said there was a bat in his pants." I lost it.)

I think there needs to be a tune called "The Bat in the Banjo Players Pants" or something.

I never personally had a bat experience, but I moved out before they moved in for the summer. I did have the opportunity to shoot at flying squirrels with rubber bands, though.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:15 PM

So what do you think -- should I apply for a government grant as a wildlife refuge? (I mean, apart from the musicians...)

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: kendall
Date: 24 May 01 - 07:32 PM

I'm trying to decide what to bring for the pot. I make a fish chowdah that will blow your socks off! How much demand would there be? Otherwise, I could just bring a couple of old dead hens from the market rotisserie.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 May 01 - 10:13 PM

I think the chowdah would be preferable, Kendall.

Subject: RE: Nottingham, NH Mudcat Party
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 May 01 - 07:35 AM

Chowdah sounds grand!

Right this minute I(having absoutely nothing to do with chowder) I'm trying to catch my 2 feral and painfully shy year old kittens in an attempt to get them to their date with the vet and spayings (and, incidently, be boarded over the weekend so they won't escape during the party). Creamsicle actually came up on the bed within 6 inches of my hand before bouncing off and hiding. They like to play in the cat carrier and I'm trying to catch one or both inside, preferably Creamsicle. Banjo I can probably catch later, since she'll actually let me pet her (at least when she's on the bed). AND I have to get a couple files to the printer in Portsmouth, add copy that the client can't seem to find time to get to me despite the deadline, etcet etcet. Oh, and a few other errands before connecting with Curmudgeon so we can go to the session at The Press Room in one car. (Deep breath.)

Everything will be just fine. Everything will be just fine. Everything will be just fine.

Looking forward to the chowdah, Kendall!

Bat Goddess