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Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE
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Subject: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: JenEllen Date: 10 Jul 02 - 06:41 PM Continuation of THIS THREAD |
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Subject: Greetings From Camp Runamuck From: JenEllen Date: 10 Jul 02 - 06:58 PM We roll on! The camp computer is up and running, the tapestry is on the loom. Last weekend was the first of the weary camp travelers, our Homeless and his darling lady were the first of the 'Catters to pass through the sagebrush gates of Camp Runamuck. LOVELY couple of folks. Lots of singing and playing in sunny spots on the floor, hiking and relaxing and general all-purpose kicking back. Granted, Homeless did NOT earn his Camp Runamuck merit badge for paddleboat mastery, but they both left beautiful artworks on the gallery wall, as well as earning their badges for hiking in the desert without complaining. Not only do they do dishes, but they also spoil dogs, and are now lifetime members of the "Friends of Angus Society". Travel safely, my friends, and hurry back. Today, I got an early phone call from our Amos. He blazed through after leaving Mudlark's welcoming porch and pooches, and drove into Ellensburg in the wee hours (really, it's the only time to see Ellensburg, in the wee). After a pot of tea and some down time, I put his sorry ass to work. He mowed his 40 acres and took the dog on a boat tour of the pond--another FOA member in the making! (Amos also earned his Camp Runamuck merit badge in wildlife management following a particularly strange rodent incident this morning. Sheesh) More music and good company followed, then when the poor sod was good and tuckered out from yardwork he begged the mercy of the camp staff, so as he could go back to his hotel and take a much deserved nap! They are saying that the weekend is going to be warm (low 90's) so all of you soon-to-be-Runamuckers, remember the sunscreen and lawnchairs. Travel safely, and sing with you soon!
I love to Runamuck ~JE
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Barbara Date: 11 Jul 02 - 01:48 AM JenEllen and all, I am sorry that I can't make it up there this weekend,(I'll be out of town) but let me remind yawl that if you've still got music left in you after a rousing weekend at Runamuck, we'll be hosting our annual Portland Folklore gathering the following weekend (20-21) at our farm 50 miles west of Portland, OR. Francy and Sandy Bob and Mudjack have all made it other years, some other catters too, I b'lieve. A woman whose MC name is right there on the tip of my tongue... dang, and staying there. PM me and I'll send directions/info. Blessings, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Mudlark Date: 11 Jul 02 - 02:56 AM Wish I could be there, but I sure enjoyed having Amos. If I'd known he could be tempted to mow I would have had him up on the tractor....but maybe not...it would have been a waste of good porch pickin' time. Have fun, you guys. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amergin Date: 11 Jul 02 - 10:45 PM just pushing this up to the top....and Barbara...I wish i could make it there...but I have that four letter word that starts with a w.....or maybe I can show up after that four letter word.... |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: rangeroger Date: 12 Jul 02 - 03:22 AM Well, I just got home about an hour ago after flying in from Portland. As I said earlier my new job has me working down there. The worksite is in Salem and I've been working 10-12 hourdays. I fly down on Monday morning and back Thurs. evenings.There is absolurely no extra time for me. I am really looking forward to the weekend to runamuck and get some Angus loving.Oh,also to see JenEllen and Amos again and to meet Mudcat friends and play music. I would really like to get down to Barbara's the next weekend but I don't think I can string two back to back, what with the longer drive. Anyhowsomever,I'll either e-mail or call you,Jenny, sometime tommorrow. rr Oh, to top every thing off, it turns out my sister and brother-in-law are flying up this weekend from San Ramon,California, to visit my other sister and family. I'll be at Camp Runamuck playing music with my other family |
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Subject: Runamuck Update From: JenEllen Date: 12 Jul 02 - 05:38 PM First of the tents are pitched, the dock finally got built, and lots of lazy picking and singing have been done. Angus is about ready to burst from all of the 'people food' treats and scratching he's been getting (spoiled mutt), and Amos got his picture taken with the famous Ellensburg Bull. Life is good. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: mousethief Date: 12 Jul 02 - 06:29 PM Well I ain't got no lawnchair but I got a pretty good hat, and a guitar that doesn't leap from my hands when I try to play it. Hope that'll suffice. See you tomorrow, all. Alex |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amergin Date: 12 Jul 02 - 06:41 PM well hell almost makes me want to head out tonight....but i got last minute things to do....sigh....late night...early morning... |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: katlaughing Date: 12 Jul 02 - 11:52 PM Have fun ya'll! |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: rangeroger Date: 13 Jul 02 - 02:47 AM I'll be headed that way in the AM also.Went ahead and saw my sister at my sister's.I mean it was only 12 miles to go there. Got my guitars ready and Angus-loving ready to go.I hope to be there before noon. rr |
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Subject: Runamuck Update From: JenEllen Date: 13 Jul 02 - 01:31 PM Wow. Stayed up until 430am just singing and laughing away the hours (now we all look like microwaved death, but are still grinnin' like dogs with mouthfuls of bees) What a real treat to actually hear Genie's songs, and our MudJack is about the sweetest soul to ever walk, powerful voice too. Good stuff. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Deda Date: 13 Jul 02 - 04:56 PM Amergin has a what? a WART? or maybe a wasp. Surely not a wimp. Anyway it all sounds delightful and I'm so glad that Amos is having this great musical adventure, before he has to go back to Dilbert land. I hope some of the music is being recorded. Wish I could hear it. I had a fantasy of dashing up there with my son, but not this year. Another time. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: katlaughing Date: 13 Jul 02 - 05:47 PM Sorry I had to get off the phone so quickly, JenEllen. It was the mailman with a package at the door. Then all hell broke loose when Rue called to say the UHAUL truck had broken down! Fortunately she is only a couple of miles from Rawlins (WY) and they are sending someone out asap, but whatta day to get caught out by incompetent blankety-blanks who don't service their vehicles properly! Too hot!! Genie, you have a beautiful speaking voice, would love to hear you sing! Have fun runnin'amok, ya'll!:-) |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Steve in Idaho Date: 13 Jul 02 - 06:29 PM I am going to miss this - but can't do it - maybe we had too much fun the last couple of weeks on the mtorcycles. And we've lost all of our e-mail addys, two computers in as many weeks. Have fun guys!
Steve |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Áine Date: 14 Jul 02 - 10:45 PM Well -- What've y'all been up to today??? Enquiring Minds (i.e. 'jealous buggers who couldn't make it up there') want to know . . . ;-) Hopeing y'all had a real good time! -- Áine |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: wysiwyg Date: 14 Jul 02 - 11:22 PM Aren't you guys winding down yet? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Mudjack Date: 15 Jul 02 - 01:03 AM Had a wonderful time and the catters that were there are the greatest. Our hostess JenEllen is marvelous and a credit to the Mudcat society. Heard some absolutly great music all the way around. I was greated by Amos Sat morn about nine or ten, being especially quiet since there was little going on and the silence was peaceful. Well, going to bed at 4:30AM explains it all. Once everyone got themselves awake, the music and getting to know one another began. Some came later but my Saturday Catday was a memorable one and glad to meet some Cats for the first time and see some old cats from the past. I should have stayed there through the evening as the Yakima Folklife served up the same dish as the night before. Mudjack |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: rangeroger Date: 15 Jul 02 - 01:16 AM It was good to meet you, Jack. For the rest of the Mudcatters it turned out that Mudjack and I have a lot of mutual acquaitances from San Diego and especially from the San Bernardino area of 30 years ago. Saturday night didn't go on as long as I understand Fri. did, but it was still alot of fun.To top it off there was a Maxfield Parrish sunset that was spectacular as seen from Jen's almost mountaintop retreat. In between songs Amergin gave us some really poignant poetry readings that were spell binding.I finally had to leave about 2:30 Sunday afternoon, but it sure was a fun time. Sorry I'm going to miss the August one,but there will be time for more. rr |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MAG Date: 15 Jul 02 - 01:56 AM Just checking in. I got back to the superslab by way of route 10, as I know how scenic that stretch is. a bit bummed out by less than encouraging news about my diabetic kitty whom I have to board when I leave town so she can get her shots. I'll know more tomorrow. I had a wonderful time. Thank you all. -- Mary Ann |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: JenEllen Date: 15 Jul 02 - 12:06 PM The remaining stragglers hit the road this morning, but it's good to hear that the rest of you got home safe and sound. Whadda weekend.
Best stuff for me: Also, you Sunday morning people have completely ruined that spider on the wall outside. One serenade of Itsy-Bitsy Spider and now he seems to think he's entitled to entertainment... I'll start slogging through the recordings this week to see if there's anything good. Same deal as last time. If you want a copy of it, send Max a donation and PM me your address, I'll send you a copy. 5 weeks until 'the Return of Runamuck'. Y'all mark your calendars and we'll see ya then. ~JE |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: mousethief Date: 15 Jul 02 - 12:22 PM What a great weekend! Great hospitality (thanks again, JenEllen -- you're surely the hostess with the mostest!), great folks, GREAT music. JenEllen's place is on the side of a hill overlooking the beautiful Cle Elum River Valley (or is it the Yakima? I forget). The wind howling through perpetually, sagebrush and desert just outside the door, hot and dry during the day and cool and dry at night (my favourite weather!). Although Jen didn't play guitar for us, she did sing along while others did, and quite beautifully I thought. She allowed Amos and myself to butcher a couple of song lyrics she wrote, and we had a great time doing it. The food was plentiful and delicious, and the little ranch home was a delightful setting for a weekend getaway. Both JenEllen and Amos recorded a good deal of the proceedings with their minidisc recorders. I managed to get 2 hours of cassette tapes recorded, but I can't be sure of the quality -- my microphone is one of those lips-on-the-wind-screen types, and wasn't picking up people across the room enough to make the LED's on the recorder blink very often. I haven't listened to the tapes -- we'll see exactly what I got. If it's at all salvageable, I will make it available to all and sundry. And the sunset, by the way, knocked Maxfield Parrish into a cocked hat. To say it was glorious is to say nothing at all. Words fail. What a sunset! And now to catalog my wonderful companions for this delightful (I'm over-using that word, but I refuse to apologize. It is warranted) weekend: Amos has a lovely Gordon-Bok-quality singing voice and an amazing command of the fretboard! I really enjoyed singing silly doo-wop duets with him (once on Saturday and once on Sunday!). I wish you lived closer. MudJack and RangeRoger were no slouches either, charming us all with good singing, great playing, and a wonderful selection of songs. But of course once they got started on their mutual acquaintances, the rest of us were kind of lost! :) Amergin's poetry just keeps getting better, as has already been pointed out. He even sang the choruses to some of his new pieces! Great, great stuff. Mag's voice and playing were as good as ever, and that's saying quite a bit. And I always enjoy singing "Acres of Clams." But the person who blew me away was Genie, who was a veritable walking encyclopaedia of folk music, a git-picker worthy of the Carters, and a voice non pareil. Not to mention a songwriter of unmistakable genius! What a treat to get to meet you! Please, please let me know when you're playing Seattle in future and I'll try to make the gigs if at all possible! And I, who was clearly waaaaaay out of my league, was made to feel welcomed and appreciated by all there, which in itself is no mean feat. Sooooo -- Thanks, everyone, for the best weekend I've spent in a month of Sundays! Alex |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MAG Date: 15 Jul 02 - 02:13 PM You were hardly out of your league, Alex. Your original songs are copyrightable, and you can extemporize way out of my league. Delight, indeed. ah. I agree about Genie. She must have had the words to anything anyone mentioned. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: mousethief Date: 15 Jul 02 - 02:23 PM You're very kind, Mag. I should also note that I followed Mag to Cle Elum along SR 10 and it was one of the loveliest drives it has ever been my pleasure to drive! All that was wanting was a winery with a "Free Wine Tasting" sign out at the road -- but even without that it was simply loverly. Alex |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Genie Date: 15 Jul 02 - 05:46 PM You were way out of your league? Yeah, right, Alex. Don't listen to him, fo'ks, he's got a gorgeous baritone voice that can even sing some bass parts, he's a fan-folkin-tastic guitar picker (who can even fingerpick in slow motion and keep a steady beat, and that's HARD), and he writes silly songs like nobody's business--plus he knows the words to just about every doo-wop and early rock and popular folk song ever recorded, and he's a mean impromptu dancer! Thanks so much for the compliments, folks. There was no shortage of talent at Jen's this weekend. Jack, Amos, Mary Ann, Jen, Roger, Amergin, -- all of 'em put on a great show, storytelling (ask Alex to tell you the ventriloquist joke sometime), pickin', singin', harmonizing, etc. And Jen is a marvelous hostess who makes wonderful blackberry pies from her own blackberries. I gotta say, though, that all our human talents pale in comparison to Angus The Spoiled Rotten Singing Mutt. Have you ever heard a dog that can say "Oreo" and do back-up barking on "Proud Mary"-- (singing "Rowl-in! Row-lin!)? Between Angus and Jen's two mischievous/mysterious cats who survey the crowd from the rafters in unpredictable locations, we were well entertained by the quadriped contingent. I had to miss the really big group sing on Saturday evening, but I got to hear and sing with everyone in smaller groups at one time or another. And my hat's off to Amos for driving all the way from San Diego. I had already met him down there, and I'm so glad some of you NW catters got to meet and hear him, too, 'cuz the lad do have a great folk voice and guitar style, and he even does dishes (not to mention mending gutters and fish ponds)! Any of you folks who can make it in August, really, do come! Genie |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Genie Date: 15 Jul 02 - 05:49 PM BTW, Kat I didn't go on line over the weekend, and I forgot who I was supposed to hug for you--so I just hugged everybody. OK? |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: mousethief Date: 15 Jul 02 - 05:55 PM Ooooh! I missed the blackberry pie? Rats. Alex |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: JenEllen Date: 15 Jul 02 - 06:38 PM ...Just reached the 'Sunday Morning' bit in the recordings....DO NOT LET ALEX KID YOU!!! The guy is a real treasure. Who else could begin a song medly starting with the Itsy-Bitsy Spider, follow through with doo-wop, slide through the Cars, and end up with a rousing version of Roller Derby Queen? Had to change my shorts. And as for butchering my songs? Hardly. He gets the Camp Runamuck CPR merit badge for breathing life into dead lyrics. Thank you my friend. Genie, whadda woman. The earlier comment about encyclopedic knowledge? It's no joke. If the gal ain't got it in her skull, it's in her notebook. In addition to all of the songs she knows, there's a few real gems that she's written herself. Not to mention giving wonderful instruction on augmenteds and diminisheds at three in the morning. Spot on, gal, the door is always open. ~J |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amergin Date: 15 Jul 02 - 07:09 PM Well..I had a fabulous time there....the singing was fabulous....and it was wonderufl to finally meet Old Amos...and Genie...and Roger...and to see mag and alex and JE again....and of course i was blown away by the amount of talent these folks have....the electricity flowing from their fingers...and magic carried in their voices...music and song is true power...it can break hearts and make them lighter...thank you everyone...and thanks JE.... |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MAG Date: 15 Jul 02 - 07:23 PM Let us not forget the Sad Ballad of Tornado, the Lovesick Bull ... |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: JenEllen Date: 15 Jul 02 - 10:23 PM Oh wait! I know this one! It's Will You Still Love Me To-Moooooo-Row, right? *g* |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Lyrical Lady Date: 15 Jul 02 - 11:36 PM Well now, aren't I feeling sorry for myself!!! I'm so glad that you all had a wonderful time, I'm really sorry that I didn't come. I so wanted to meet Roger...along with the rest of you,,especially you Alex.,......Maybe....just maybe...if all goes well.... I can join you all in August! Hope there is a recording! LL |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: wysiwyg Date: 15 Jul 02 - 11:47 PM I'm feeling so sorry for myself I'm practically MUTE. ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Genie Date: 15 Jul 02 - 11:48 PM Yeah, Jen, let's face it, some gals just got a way with the male animal, right? ;-) Actually, I'd forgotten about that slipping back into the ol' lecturer role in the wee hours of the AM. It's all Henry Weinhardt's fault, y'know. But I'm glad some of you folks stayed up late, since I didn't get back from Seattle on Sat. till after 11 PM. Roger indulged me by doing duets with me on "Till I Gain Control Again" and "Cornflower Blue" and "Gulf Coast Highway" as lullabyes for Alex, Jen, and Amergin. Nice to have someone else (who plays and sings so well) to do the schmaltz numbers with. BTW, Jen, I drove back to PDX via 97 and I 84, and it took just about the same time as the I 90 and I-5 route does, and it's a beautiful drive--especially after you get to Goldendale. I highly recommend that route to those coming from Oregon (except maybe Nathan, who kinda lives across the Columbia from Longview, WA), as long as it's not raining, sleeting, fogging, or snowing. If it's hot, it's probably cooler to go through the gorge and central WA--up to Goldendale, that is. Also, all you city cats, Jen's got lots more stars visible overhead than we do. Genie |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Genie Date: 16 Jul 02 - 01:01 AM Áine, we were all terribly sorry that you couldn't make the gathering. But Jen and I did persuade brother Amos to sing "The Moon On The Hill" for us Friday night in your honor. Great song!
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: mousethief Date: 16 Jul 02 - 12:09 PM Susan, you, mute? Wow, now that's some pity party! :-P You guys are too kind with your compliments. But I'll reiterate that I had a wonnnnnnnnnderful time. Alex |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: wysiwyg Date: 16 Jul 02 - 12:26 PM O yes, reading every word and suffering in silence. I couldda been a contender! *G* ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amos Date: 16 Jul 02 - 01:47 PM You'll always be a contender, Susan!! I pulled into the old home camp at about 0630 Tuesday morning, demonstrating that it really is possible to drive from Ellensburg to San Diego in 23.6 hours, single-handed. This is important for Jern Ellen to know in case she ever has to make a run for the Mexican border! Guys I cannot thank you all enough for a real whooptidoo bash -- I ain't had so much fun since the pigs ate my other sister! What talents these guys are!! Alex, you are a master showman and I LOVE your songs; Mudjack's incredible voice, singing "Roll on Columnbia" I will never forget; doing harmony with Jen on "King of Mercy Canyon" and listening to Mag's a cappella and hearing Amergin sing and dropping my jaw at the amazing repertory of Genie, listeniing to Angus' special version of "Proud Mary" and his "Early Morning Pain" rooster song, and RangerRoger's heart-stopping version of that "Alleluia" song whose name I never got. Wow. Camp Runamuck was a pure-dee whangeroo success, mates. (And Amergin was entirely right about our Jen :>)) Then there was cruising and drooling over strings, picks, guitars and violins at Ellenburg's only music store, which is a string-instrument paradise, and counting the amazing Fiberglass Cow art-works on sundry corners in town (no, really!!), and mowing and dancing with Angus, chasing mice and meeting Cleatus. Oh, and finally meeting the renowned Mister Ellensburg Bull, who is obviously one of Jen's great inspirations and is known around town as someone who keeps things under his hat!! :>) I only wish Rosie coulda made it to see the day!! Many, many thanks, O She-Who-Dances-With-Drainpipes!! It was a gas!! ****bbbbg**** A |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MMario Date: 16 Jul 02 - 01:55 PM Cletus was there? |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Genie Date: 16 Jul 02 - 02:40 PM Jen, are those the same Cows that just got herded off the streets of Portland a week or two ago? They're fantastick! And, Roger, was the "Hallelujah" song you did the one by Leonard Cohen or was it something else. If you did the LC song, now I'm REALLY sorry I had to make that trip to Seattle on Sat. evening. Amos, you got the Runamok Choir singing "Roll On, Columbia" on mini-disk, didn't you? Gotta send that to Dick or whoever collects those things. And, folks, you shoulda heard Jen and Amos doing John Prine's "In Spite Of Ourselves" --the duet that Prine did with, I think, Iris Dement. Hope you got that on disk, too, Amos. Glad you made it back to SD in one piece and so quickly, Amos. And, Mary Ann, I want to get the words to that song you sang about "I'm a strong woman," etc. You did such a great song on it and it's such a great song. Genie |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MMario Date: 16 Jul 02 - 03:18 PM Is King of Mercy Canyon the same song as here shown as "Annie's Lover"? |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Deda Date: 16 Jul 02 - 03:35 PM OK, now I'm seriously jealous. Haven't been so jealous since, oh, maybe an hour or so before the pigs ate my other sister. Well, Susan, I'm suffering with you in a community wallowing of pity and regret. Poor poor pitiful us. Oh, well, Adam (Bull Am) and I were sitting on my friend Mary's deck, eating (my) birthday cake and singing with our friends, when Amos and the NW mudcatters were singing to the same stars. So a good time WAS had by all anyway. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MMario Date: 16 Jul 02 - 03:47 PM someday someone will have to tell us the story of the pigs and the other sister. Maybe we can get the younger generation to elucidate? |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amos Date: 16 Jul 02 - 04:25 PM MM: PM me your fax number. Yes, "King of Mercy Canyon" is the same as "Annie's Lover", a beautiful song. Deda and I are just doing a variation on an old hillbilly crack: "I ain't been so happy since the pigs ate my little sister!". I just didn't want anyone thinking that Deda had been eaten by pigs!! LOL! While we do have another sister, she has not been eaten by pigs as far as I know...but then, what do I know??? :>) A |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MMario Date: 16 Jul 02 - 04:35 PM Dang it Amos! You shoulda made sompthin' up! I am *so* disappointed now. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: wysiwyg Date: 16 Jul 02 - 04:45 PM Hey, he just got in and woke up from a nap. Give the man a break! ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: Amos Date: 16 Jul 02 - 07:26 PM LOL!!! Well, y'see, MM, it was this way...out on the canebreak as a boy, usn's useter raise them razorbacks to hep mek ends meet. An' I useter slop 'em. So we hed this big slop barrel outside the galley an' Ma ud alwez keep it full from cooking fer the hands an' all. But then one Friday night Ah had an adventure with some white lightning and the next morning I was staggerin' around but naccherly I didn't want Ma to know. Come about 9 AM Sa'ddy, I was stumbling around an' realized I didn't know if I hed done mah chores er not I was so bumfuzzled fum thet likker. So went over an' hefted the barrel. It felt like there musta been fifty or a hunnert pounds of slops in there! Dang!! Thet's how I knew I hedn't slopped them hogs yet! So I jes' swung thet barrel up on mah shoulder an went ovuh tuh where them razorbacks were kept. Aimin' to ketch up on mah chore before ma found out, ya see. Them canebreak razorbacks, now they somethin' else annyhoo -- dunno ef you ever see'd one or two when they get cranky but they as like as gore you as look atchoo if they is in a Mood, an' these 'uns were cuz it was special hot thet day. Now I didn't reckon on a couple of thangs on account I had been outta commission a tad late that morning. One is that Deda and Maisy hed been shooed outen the house by Maw and hed been trying to pass some time playin' Allie-In-Free down by the stock area, an the other was that Deda was supposed ter be "Iyut" an' count to a hunnert but she always did get kinder hung up on those eleventies so she was goin' back to one and startin' over to get it right and meanwhile Maisy, she not thinkin' just clambered right on inter that slop barrel which was empoty because, see, I really HAD done mah chore before I woke up to wonderin' 'bout it. But once she was in there, the fumes kinder got to her -- them slops are potent, down thet way -- and she had kinder curled up and fallen asleep in the bottom and no one finding her on account Deda was still goin' "Eleventy one....no...lesseee...two, three...." over an over. So when I tipped that slop barrel, ol' King Eye, the biggest meanest canebreak razorback ever born, came galloping over, and Miss Fish Queen, the second orneriest was right behine, and they tuck tuh fighting and stompin' , so a course the other thirty-'leven of 'em had to jump in and scrap some too, and afore anyone knew from a goose there was Maisy all hoof-cut and diced up and then she was gone right along with the first rasher of slops! So I 'splained it to Ma and she said it was okay cuz I was at least tryin tuh do mah job and no man could ask for any more'n thet, so noboddy felt too bad an' Deda an' I split her rations at dinner so hit was okay I reckon. Anyhoo that's how it happened, an' I hope yore satisfied!! Oh -- and don't be mixing our Mudcat Cletus up with Cleatus up in Ellensberg, what is a Ford-engine-blue Cleat whut I made an' installed on the back of the Whassup Dock down on Jen Ellen's lake, see, where the rowboat is. Cleatus the cleat, different from Cletus the unknown species, huh? Cleatus is modeled after a world class cleat I saw one time at a Marine Parts store called Cleat R Us, but that's another tale.... Regards, A |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: katlaughing Date: 16 Jul 02 - 07:49 PM MMario, it is a gorgeous song...I was just singing along with the CD I have of it...have you heard the tune? |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: MMario Date: 16 Jul 02 - 09:05 PM Much better Amos - knew we'd get the 'true story' out of you. Glad that Cleatus is NOT Cletus! I was really worried there for a while. Nope kat - I haven't heard it. Sometimes a title is a pretty good "hook" though. |
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Subject: RE: Pacific NW 'Catter Gather: PART THREE From: GUEST,Sonja Date: 16 Jul 02 - 10:01 PM Thank you for sharing, Amos. |
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