Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread

Subject: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 08:48 PM

Charley wanted me to start a thread about my homecoming. Here it is!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 08:51 PM

Yeah, I know, I'm a bad boy. Anyway, the details are that I will be in Maine from March 6 to March 15. I will be in the Houlton area from the 7th to the 12th.

I want to get together with as many of my old friends as I can. Charley said something about a song party at his house on the 12th and another at the Press Room on the next Saturday. Hopefully he will fill in the details.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 09:02 PM

Are you going back to Guam? Or staying in Maine?

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 12:02 AM

Yeah, we want ALL the details, and in this thread, too. Even tho it is in the other thread already.

~S~

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 12:14 AM

I get him first!! While he's still defrosted, too! :>)


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 07:34 AM

I'll have to go back to Guam to defrost my, uh, toes. Besides, I am here on a two year contract and I've only been here eight months.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 12:06 PM

Definitely a party here at my house in Richmond, ME, on Friday, March 12, starting with a potluck at 6 pm and singing till we sing ourselves out. If you need directions to find the house, PM me.

Anyone joining us from Oz?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 05:36 PM

And there will most definitely be a Naemanson Special Session ate the Press Room on Saturday, 13 March from 3:30 to 7:30 PM. Just like a shanty session, but without any song genre limitations. Will you be ready for this one , Kendall?

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Alba
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 06:51 PM

Houlton Brett!!
Well no excuses not to meet for a Jar and a tune I would say:>)
Let me know if we can do this. It will good to have you home for a wee while.
Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 07:24 PM

Sounds good, Alba, your place or mine? Let's PM to make arrangements.

Charley, put me down to bring chips and beer. I can't cook while on the road.

I'll be lugging a couple of photo albums for people to look at while we sing. I may also bring some beads so I can trade with the natives.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JennyO
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 08:43 AM

Charlie and Brett, I really wish I could be there, but alas, it is not to be.

BTW Brett, I sang The Griesly Bride at the session at the Riverview tonight - a couple of stumbles, but I've almost got it. It seems to suit my voice, so I will persevere. It was a big turnout - we were also celebrating Sandra and John's birthdays. Sandra's was last week and John's was yesterday. We even had a cake with candles and everything.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 05:38 PM

Jenny et al-

Miss you folks! But we'll try singing loud enough so you can hear us. We're also sending you a comet with a special message; should be visible in the spring.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JennyO
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 09:41 AM

Ah yes, the comet! We'll look at it and think of you. Make sure you sing really loud now - we'll be listening.

Jenny (missing you all too)

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 12:59 AM

BTW, Charley, no Rebecca at the parites please.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 10:06 PM

Brett-

Running into trouble with Friday for a song party. That evening just happens to be when John Gorka is performing at the Chocolate Church and at least some of the folks around here who'd like to welcome you back have plans to attend the concert. Weird. Do you have an alternative suggestion?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: curmudgeon
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 11:31 AM

Charley -- You'll just have to bring this lot down to the Press Room on Saturday then. John Gorka over Brett? Unthinkable!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 03:38 AM

Well, I don't want to cut short my visit with the family. I probably would never get out of the doghouse if I did that. We'll just get together with whoever shows up. I'm sure we can have a good time even if it's only the three of us.

That all depends on when and if I can get on my way. I was supposed to fly out this morning at 7:10. I only got to the airport an hour early and they wouldn't let me check in. I asked if the plane was still at the gate. Yes, it was. And I have a valid ticket? Yes you do. So there is a seat for me? No, the flight is overbooked and there is no seat. You should have arrived two hours early.

Does anyone else see a problem with this? I have to arrive TWO hours early to get on a plane when I have paid (or in this case the Government has paid) big bucks to fly on their damned airline? Sigh, I really hate the modern world...

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Lana
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 03:26 PM

if it makes you feel better dad, they always tell me to arrive three hours early, flying international is a right b*tch.

lana

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 10:58 PM

Brett-

OK. We'll lock in Friday, March 12th, at our house in Richmond as Welcome Back Brett Day, beginning with a pot luck at 6 pm. We've traded in our John Gorka tickets for Tanglefoot tickets in April. I know Pat plans to come and we'll see who else we can scrape up. I'll give Fred and Julia a call. Anyone else you'd like to see?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 12:09 PM

Oh anyone would be good to see except for one. Jud and Carter would be nice but I'm guessing that John Gorka has them that night. Maybe you could tell them of the Press Room gathering.

I am in San Diego now and taking the class. The instructor is very dynamic and the rest of the class is a fun group. Unfortunately it rained on me when I arrived and more rain is predicted. What have I done to deserve this?

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 06:35 PM

Lets face it Brett, you take the rain with you wherever you go :-)

You wouldn't want to be here in Sydney at the moment, anyway. After many weeks of terrible heat and humidity, it has cooled off and it's p***ing down. It is expected that it will stay that way for a while. After the heat, I'm enjoying it, and so is my garden.

Seeing that I can't be there at your party, I'll have to look forward to your next visit to Oz. We'll try to arrange better weather next time, honest!

BTW Charlie, thanks for the comet!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 12:50 AM

Had a lovely evening with Brett after work today -- we drove by the Star of India and the "Surprise" (the Rose, used as the Surprise in Master and Commander) and looked at downtown a bit, practiced carpentering and drank some wine, sang some songs and then retired relatively early, as it is a work night. Lovely seeing him again!!
And his photo album -- all the scenes in it are just as he describes them in his Guam thread!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 08:39 AM

Glad to hear that you and Amos connected.

Joe Terrieu will be joining us at the party in Richmond. Carter is busy celebrating his anniversary, and, yes, I did suggest there was no better way to celebrate than...

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 01:15 PM

It'll be great to see Joe again. Glad to hear he's still going strong.

Yeah, Amos and I connected all right. He and I created a prodigious pile of sawdust and had fun doing so. Then it was wine and cheese and music. Very nice time. On Friday, or more probably Saturday because of the @#^$!!! rain, we'll go down to the maritime museum to visit the ships including the HMS Surprise.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 11:26 PM

Brett-

Give them a verse or two of "Kicking Up Bob's A-Dying" for old time's sake.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 12:18 AM

How many verses does he know, Charlie? I'm likely to demand all of 'em!!

I'll trade him the "Ballad of High Chin Bob" or summat. We've also been trading accents. It's a pleasure to hear a well-formed Ayuh again!!

:>))

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 08:44 AM

Well, Brett, now you'll have to learn more than the chorus! Hint: do a search for thread discussion.

"High Chin Bob"? You know, Amos, it's time you revisited Maine yourself. There's a lobster with your name on it waiting at the Five Islands Wharf.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:01 AM

I'm not sure I can remember the chorus of Kicking Up, Bob's A Dyin'.

It's raining again here. I thought California was always dry. Last year when I was here I got rained on and this year I'm getting rained on. I'm going to have trouble believing Californians in the future when they complain about dry conditions.

Went out to Bazaar Del Mundo for dinner last night. One of my classmates had a need for Mexican food. We ate at a place called Casa De Pico which was pretty good. It was a good evening with plenty of laughter all around.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST,freda
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:02 PM

hey, Brett - this is good reading. glad to hear you're having fun - enjoy that mexican food & some music

best wishes

fred

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 12:32 AM

Brett:

Casa Bandini, just up the central drag from where you were, is also good gringo-Mexicano food. Maybe we can make it there before your course is finished. We're going to the Maritime Museum Satiddy, now, don't fergit!!


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 09:04 AM

Hey Amos-

There's also a group of Mt. Desert Island loberstermen who would like to meet you here in Maine as co-composer of "The Tale of Lobster Barbie." The VHF chatter said something about taking you out on one of their boats and using you for bait...

Have a wickid good time on Saturday. Give my regards to Capt. Aubrey if you run into him.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 10:43 AM

Charley:

Bait??!!! What got inter'em? I get the feeling my name only came up when you realized it wasn't gonna be a hot hit!! :>)) Aubrey sends his regards and thanks for all the songs!!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 03:57 PM

Too right, Amos! We are going out on the town. Is my date ready? If it leads to romance and marriage you'd have to call me Dad!

Casa De Bandini was our initial target when we went out to dinner the other night but the wait list was too long.

It's almost 1:00 and school is out for the weekend. I am going out to play. I think I'll try to see where the bus system will take me.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 05:17 PM

Brett:

Call me at home or PM me with your damned extension at the Cap'n Kidd. I found out I don't know your last name and don't have the widdle piece of paper with your extension written on it!! 4522040.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 07:45 PM

Amos-

It's Naemanson, of course. Brett Naemanson. Or was it Brett Maringo? Oh, damn, it's been too long.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JudyB
Date: 27 Feb 04 - 07:53 PM

Good grief - PM me or Charley and we'll tell you his last name (at least I will - who knows what Charley might do). I'd post it here, but am afraid I'd be violating some arcane Mudcat rule of confidentiality....

All the best,
JudyB

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 28 Feb 04 - 06:43 PM

Well, what a day -- we not only got to crawl the HMS Surprise (nee Rose) from stays to stern, but we also explored the wool square-rigger Euterpe (now the Star of India), where we got pressed to duty as common able-bodied sailors and chanteymen by, no less, a female bosun! She led the sing well and made us put our backs into it, raising a topmast stays'l with a capstan and hollering "Joyhn Taylor" out at the same time. We wuz winded fair!

We walked the decks of the Berkeley, a ferry from the early San Francisco-Berekely run before the bridges were built, and a very fine luxurious motor yacht with an old two-cylinder expansion steam enginer in her. Then, as a final salute, out of nowhere appears the Lynx from Rockport, Maine, running down on us before the breeze, swings broadside to and fires off a volley right into the flanks of the California one of our state's first revenue cutters. Being tied up and and uncrewed, and all surprised, like, the California did not respond, but we saw her a while later making sail in search of the long-vanished Lynx so it appears she was uinharmed by the volley.

Then we bought some souveniers at the Maritime Museum shop, had some lunch at Seaport Village and did some shopping and last I saw our good Brett her was staggering to his quarters to sleep it all off, his arms loaded up with packages.

I think all told we had a mahvelous toime!!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Feb 04 - 10:50 AM

Amos and Brett-

Sounds like there's an opportunity with the Star of India's bosun for further sea music collaborations. Wish I could have been there.

I understand the Lynx makes a regular practice of harrassing the California. Some dark night you and your gang should consider tracking her to her lair and cutting her out. What joy!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 08:35 AM

Curmudgeon and I toured the Lynx several years ago in Portsmouth, NH harbor -- her first port after leaving the yard in Rockport -- on her way to overwinter in the Caribbean before setting off to California.

Talk about trim! And one of the best ship tours we've ever been on.

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 08:54 AM

Pat's coming for sure. Sounds like Brian and Clare will be coming up from Portland for the friday evening party, and maybe Bunker and Sharon. Fred and Julia are off on major concert swing. Carter is celebrating aniversary. Nor's doing sound at the Chocolate Church but he and Eli may be coming down to the Press Room.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 07:11 PM

I have no access to the internet on the weekends so this is my first visit. As Amos said we had a great day. They've done a nice job changing the Rose around to make her the Surprise. There are lots of pictures from the movie and plenty of "How We Did It." signs below decks. The Star is indeed a lovely reconstruction and a fine example of the immigrant ships. Lots of info there as well. I have a picture of Amos furling sail. He looks pretty scared even though he was only six inches off the deck.

The bosun is indeed interested in chanties but the first mate hates them! I got a name and address and will send her our CD. She seemed pretty excited about getting it.

Amos then took me to a clothing store where I could stock up on appropriately sized clothing. It's hard to get my size in Guam. When I bring my photo album by you'll see what I mean. I tend to loom over the locals.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 08:42 PM

If I looked scared, it was because I was imagining doing it 100 feet aloft instead of six inches off the tweendeck, and in a freezing gale off the Horn rather than in a balmy winter's day of 65-70 degrees tied up to the gentle harbor of San Diego.   

That made it pretty scary -- it comes home to me over and over how tough life was, on average, a mere hundred years back. An2d for men of the sea, brutally so.   I'd say we have a lot to be grateful for.


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Mar 04 - 05:16 PM

As an experienced mariner, Amos, I would expect you to have a vivid imagination of what might be involved. Those of us who are "armchair shantymen" have to work harder, or drink harder, to get that deep an appreciation.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Brían
Date: 02 Mar 04 - 10:23 PM

Thanks for the directions, Charley. With this thread I have the date correct, too. I am all befuddled about what day is what. It must be a Leap Year thing.

Brían

(In the midst of coordinating this darn thing).

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Mar 04 - 01:42 PM

Bad News! My dad is in the hospital again. He seems to be making up for lost time spent with no medical problems. Mom called last night to tell me. I doubt this will impact plans for that weekend though.

This class is really a challenge. I am enjoying it but my cold is interfering with my general enjoyment of everything. It should be gone before too long but I am singing in a much lower register these days.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Mar 04 - 08:59 AM

So sorry to hear about your father, Brett. We know he's a fighter, though, and if the hospital staff knows what's good for them they'll do their very best best.

Keep us informed. Whatever we're planning to do Friday or Saturday can accomodate your plans.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST,Naemanson
Date: 04 Mar 04 - 07:01 PM

I guess Dad's coming home today. Plenty of tests and lots of attention from the hospital staff. I wonder if he watched the Stephen King miniseries last night about the haunted hospital?

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 04 Mar 04 - 07:22 PM

Brett:

Gimme a call soon as ya can for Friday, eh?

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 05 Mar 04 - 11:59 PM

Well folks, he's all yours -- we rambled around looking up old books in used bookstores and drooling over hardwoods in woodworking shops, and tweaking guitars in the Guitar Trader and swapping songs over some home made spaghetts, so we're in mellow condition. I just left Brett at the digs where he will depart at 0440 tomorrow AM to go to the airport for his 630AM flight on Continental for Minneapolis and hence to Points NE.

Warning -- he has some sniffles asd a result of arriving int he moiddle of a rinse cycle, so fill hiom with Vitamin C whebn you get him.

We had a grand time and I am grateful for the loan. He can come back anytime.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 07:07 AM

Oh, Brett, I'm bummed- the fates have been conspiring against me again. I was hoping to go to the Press Room next weekend to see you- but my son drove his car into a guard rail (son's fine) and wrecked the car, so for the next few weeks I have to drive him to work on the weekends AND my daughter has an All-Important Social Event that night and I need to be the chauffeur- I'll be sticking to the home front.

Sorry to miss you!

Allison

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: kendall
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 08:52 AM

I don't dare make any promises, but if I had directions Charlie...
Press room? maybe...

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 10:39 AM

Kendall-

You could carpool to Richmond with Brian Hoye and Claire Putnam, two of the old Portland Folk Club gang. And then you could compose a song about the experience as they get lost in greater Richmond!

I'll send you direction by e-mail as well.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Susan A-R
Date: 06 Mar 04 - 09:32 PM

Anyone going to the Press Room from the Manchestah area? I can hop a bus that gets in there around noon, but I don't know what the Manchester-Concord situation is. I'd also need a floor overnight and a ride back to Manchester (what can I say, I'm high maintanence) but I think it's time for another Mudcat injection, and Brett!!

Susan

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 01:29 PM

I am just back from a sales meeting in Chicago and totally confused. Have I missed Brett? Where is he? Press Room next weekend?
SINS

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 01:37 PM

Sins:

I don't think you've missed him, but then, he hasn't checked in on his own thread since I put him on that plane right behind those three dark strangers in turbans...

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 03:14 PM

Sins-

Brett should be up north with his folks in Houlton by now.

This friday he should be at my house in Richmmond for a potluck/song party that begins at 6 pm and ends later. This saturday the party survivors and Brett should be down at the Press Room in Portsmouth, beginning 3:30 and ending 7:30 pm. Then what's left of Brett we ship back to Guam the next day.

Brian Hoye is planning to run up from Portland to Richmond on Friday if you'd like to contact him for a ride.

E-mail me for more details.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 06:05 PM

I'm here! I am in Houlton. Alba, where are you? Sins, you haven't missed anything. Amos, those turbaned gentlemen were salesmen dealing in lingerie. They had their stock wrapped arounf their heads for safety.

Things are going well here. We finally got Mom's new (used) computer up and running.

We arrived last night and stayed up late into the night. My dad looks good but he is weak and still trying to recover from his last two encounters with the hospital. I finally heard the whole story of his 22 months in the Marines.

Charley, do you remember Dad's photo album of China? If I bring it south with me can we scan all those photos into digital format? I also have pictures he took in Guam.

As for the schedule, I will be here until Friday morning. Then I head to Brunswick to visit with my old co-workers and then up to Richmond for the party. Saturday I am headed for Manchester to put the kids on the plane and thence to Portsmouth. Susan A-R, I can get you to the Press Room from Manchester but not back. I fly out of Manchester on Monday afternoon.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 07:19 PM

Wow, a plan!

We endeavor to comply.

Should be six or so of us for the party in Richmond. Pat, Carter, Brian, Claire, Judy and myself, plus a couple of other friends.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Brían
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 08:29 PM

Charley,
I have been playing phone tag with Claire but will probably be there one way or another. I don't get out of work until 5:30. It would be great to see Sins. Where is Uncle Jaque?

Brían

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Susan A-R
Date: 08 Mar 04 - 09:04 PM

The airport is great, as the bus runs right to it. Now let's see what we can swing on the Sunday/return end of the trip. This just might happen.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 10:45 AM

Brett, If you'd like to see the cool Hogwarts set-up at the UU on Friday when you're down here, let me know. It's really pretty amazing and the kids LOVE it! Looking forward to C&J's!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 01:25 PM

Yes indeed, it is a plan. Now that I am settled into a place that has a computer we will be able to continue planning. Charley, I will give you a call later. I've lost your number but I will look it up and get in touch so we can make plans.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 01:35 PM

Susan -- bus transportation in this state is bizarre. C&J Trailways has a great station at Pease Tradeport (Portsmouth, for all practical purposes, but not downtown Portsmouth), but the buses only go to and from Boston (and Logan) & Newbury, MA. Evidently you can't get to or from Portsmouth by bus from anywhere else in the country (unless routed through Boston and who knows what the connections are like or if they're miles apart as well).

And Manchester is further away from where we live than Portsmouth -- but in the opposite direction -- so we can't help out, either.

I really don't know why we can't have bus service between Portsmouth and Manchester or Concord or Burlington, VT, for that matter.

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 04:52 PM

Don't forget, Brett, that our phone is listed under Judy's name.

I'll be out this evening until about 9 pm but Judy should be in after 7 pm.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Mar 04 - 05:16 PM

I got the phone number. I'll call this evening. I just passed the kids to Sandy so things will be quieter around here. Mom is asleep on the couch and Dad's asleep or reading in his chair. Things are already quieter.

I have a bit of a burp in my plans. I've misplaced my passport. I may have inadvertantly ,ailed it back to Guam. This should spice up the return trip.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 10 Mar 04 - 08:03 PM

Judy Noble, right, Charlie?

Brett, I could go down to that Postal Annex and demand they recover the box, but I doubt it would avail much. Maybe the address owner in Guam could open the box for you and air-mail i5t back if you;re sure it is in there. Otherweise the passport office -- if you'll prove who you are -- will issue you a temporary replacement. Or they used to do that -- these days who knows?

Regards,

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 09:28 AM

HMMMM It has been my experience that people on trips (READ: me) lose things for a reason. Last sales meeting in Chicago, I misplaced my plane ticket, house keys, and wallet before finally getting out the door. Maybe you don't really want to go back to Guam, Brett?


See you Saturday. Friday is a definite maybe at this point

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 04:56 PM

Oh, please, Mr. Customsman,
Let me board my jet,
Though, I've lost my passport,
I'm still me, you can bet.

Oh, please, Mr. Customsman,
Who else could I be?
Sometimes I've got my doubts,
But I think I'm stuck with me.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Susan A-R
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:05 PM

Oh well, It's ten p.m., and I've just finished my second 13 hour day, and will be putting in another tomorrow. Portsmouth is looking like a no go, as I will probably move V-E-R-Y Slowly on Saturday, and getting back did look a little dicey. (Not so much so as trying to return to Guam without a passport, but wait! aren't they one of ours? do you need a passport to go to a US teritory, or is my late night geography failing me?

Susan A-R who will have to wait for Old Songs for her singing fix.

Best wishes Brett. Have fun singing and safe travels.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Brían
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 06:34 PM

Due to a family emergency, Im unable to make it to either event. I am sorry to miss you this time around, Naem' but I hope to see you soon(Maybe sooner if you keep mailing your passport)!

Brían

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 09:14 PM

I talked to Tomudgeon at the session tonight. Apparently, there's something going on at the Press Room that necessitates us stopping at 7 PM instead of 7:30. Getting there at the crack of 3:30 would be good. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 10:55 AM

Our Roll & Go van will include myself, Judy, Brett and Nor. What joy!

We had a nice gathering last evening at my house Jets and his wife were there, Claire from the old Portland Folk Club; Pat, Phil and Judy from the Sidedoor Coffeehouse, and our friend Carrie from Richmond. Lots of good music, stories, food and drink, and photographs to share.

Brett brought a nice digital photo of Amos from his San Diego foray, which I'm planning to rework in Photoshop. Maybe I can transform him into Neptune!

Cheerily,
Charley

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 10:59 AM

Hey, just a minute, there, Sir Noble!! My likeness is intimately tied to my sacred spirit and if you mess me aboot with filters in Photoshop you may be tinkering with cosmic-scale forces of karma!! I can't take responsibility for the consequences, and if that picture starts to talk to you, just don't come running to me about it!! :>))

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 11:26 AM

[This is Brett]

Amos, I am not responsible for what Charlie does to your picture. If some cosmic forces are going to take retribution I hope their aim is accurate.

We had a great time last night. I knew there was a Mrs. Jets out there but last night was my first introduction. She certainly can hold her own against that old goat.

It was great to see everyone. It is so nice that people want to come out to visit with me. I really appreciate it. As of yesterday it has been 9 months since I left. Now I am home for a short visit and able to remind myself of snow and cold. Yesterday I drove through blowing snow out of Houlton and into sunshine when I hit Bangor. Then as I drove farther south the snow on the ground thinned out and things became more springlike. Still no green growing things. That is still a month or so off in the future.

Today we are headed for the Press Room. I am really looking forward to that. I really miss my old buddies. After the music Charley, Judy, and I are looking to go to dinner if anyone wants to join us. We're also looking for suggestions on where to go. We originally thought about Warren's Seafood Restaurant. Then we thought we'd eat at the Press Room. Now we are dithering about where to go.

See you at the Press Room! Look for the bright shirt.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: curmudgeon
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 12:00 PM

What a wonderful afternoon to be looking forward to! The warmth of conviviality and camaraderie will assuredly make up for the ill winds and low temperatures.

Hope we have a good crowd, Kendall, Sinsull, Barry, et al -- Tom

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 01:06 PM

Brett, Charlie, Judy, etc - there are about 500 (slight exaggeration) decent-or-better restaurants within walking distance of the Press Room. I once had a steak at Molly Malone's around the corner that was out of this world. It was fairly expensive (probably normal prices, but I don't get out much), but worth it. Especially since I went with Big Mick, and he paid. I think that was the last time I had steak, and that was [mmmmph] years ago!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 01:43 PM

Well, there's not quite as many restaurants within walking distance of the Press Room as Jeri intimates, (I've told her a million times not to exaggerate!) so I suggest the food at The Press Room -- decent selection, fair prices, AND (most importantly these days) since most stuff is made from scratch, people with special diets (like Tom who is on a very low sodium diet) can be accommodated. I can even get Sabrina to make tartar sauce the way I like it instead of her usual recipe. (Jeeez, I can't be the only person in the world who wants DILL PICKLES not wimpy sweet pickles in their tartar sauce!)

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 10:35 PM

Whaty a wonderful evening. Nice crowd showed up to visit and sing. Bruce and Dave, Alison (not ours), Nor, Dahlin, Jeri, Barbara, Bat Goddess, Curmudgeon, and Charley Noble and spouse. We had a great time singing and talking as the evening swept on by us. The poor waitress, Shannon, was in her second day at work and was the only one working with a big Saturday evening crowd. She ran her feet off.

Thanks so much for coming out to visit during my trip home.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 11:19 PM

And Spouse paid for EVERYBODY'S dinner. (And here I thought her name was Judy!) I left a good tip. My voice wasn't happy with the rapidly changing weather, but I ignored that fact.

I got two photos of Brett before he wiped out the batteries in my camera. I think it must have been the shirt. (I liked that shirt a lot, by the way. It had a very high visual decibel level. Tasteful, though.) Good to see you again!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 11:56 PM

Sorry to have missed ye, Brett - but it sounds like a good time was had by all.

Domestic Management & I are both down with colds (my 3rd of the season so far) which precluded travel.
I won't be able to participate with the 3rd Maine Fife & Drum Corps Sunday either, who are doing a St. Pattie's Day parade down in Lawrence Mass. I loaned out my uniform, "kit", M-1842 musket and knapsack to a new Recruit who has yet to obtain his "issue" so that he can march in stead.

Hopefully will have the voice back by Tuesday, when I've an "Irish" Gig for some St. Pattie's celebrations at a local Senior Center.
They're a great crowd to play for - since it is a "Memory Impaired" Unit (Where my Mom used to live for a while) They don't seem to remember that most of the songs I'm singing are the same stuff I did for 'em the previous Month!

Needless to say, I've been "cramming" my limited repitoire of Irish songs & tunes. Even if I can get away with redundancy, I'd like to give 'em a little fresh material every now and again.

Thanks again Friend Brian, for thinking of me, despite my reclusive tendancies of late; I've gotta get out more... and I miss you guys!

I hope that whatever that "Family" issue was, that it has been satisfactorily resolved by now.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 10:15 AM

Brett's dashing out the door this Sunday morning, heading up to Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, and then over to his sister's house in Monmouth.

We all had a wonderful time at the Press Room gathering. We should to another evening of "foolish songs."

Wish I had my camera this morning to photograph the poor shivering robin I saw on my neighbor's lawn. Would have made a nice photo for Brett to take back to Guam.

Having the damnest time reworking Amos's photo from The Maritime Museum of San Diego; it keeps reverting to black...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 10:23 AM

It knows a Mac user when it sees one, I guess...


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 11:32 AM

Whadya mean, Charley? Re: Foolish Songs. More like "Pour Me Another Tequila, Sheila"? Got plenty of those -- hey, I wanted to do "Aunt Clara" but Tom said it was too long and the clock was ticking away towards 7.

Hmm . . . "Farewell Superior Sperm" about freshwater whaling, "Plum Island National Anthem" & "Why Should I Marry?" by Richard Johnson; "Living In Braintree With You In Methuen (Is Almost Like Living In Lowell) . . .
and I've actually been doing "More To Be Pitied Than Censured" lately at The Press Room (thanks to John Duffy reminding me that I know it and Curmudgeon doing a great harmony). And YOU'VE got plenty -- I just got back from your website looking for the words to the cow falling from the sky song to send to a flatland friend and didn't find it.

Poor waitress! Of course, it could have been worse -- they could have dumped her into a FRIDAY night on her second day.

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 11:52 AM

Linn-

Thanks for your kind words. The tragic song about the cow falling from the sky and sinking the trawler is appropriately titled "A Cowardly Act" and can be found on my personal website:Click here!

I really don't know many "foolish songs" accept for "Fishfingers," "Tattooed Lady," "Old She-Crab," "The Pearl Diver," "Lobster Barbie," "Dead Dog Cider," "Justice en Lieu," well, maybe a few...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 12:09 PM

"Fish Fingers" was great! As was Judy's "Me 'Usband Has No Porridge In 'im!

Tom does "The Lobster" -- the other version of "The Old She-Crab" and several others in the category.

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 01:02 PM

Wasn't there a whole challenge thread on that cow-from-sky-sinks-boat event?

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 06:04 PM

Yes, Amos. The song challenge is what set him off that time.

I'll work on the space shanty I mentioned.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 08:56 PM

Actually, Jeri, I cheated. I had already composed "Cowardly Act" after Dave Berry published his provoking column. When the challenge on Mudcat was posted, I was there in a flash with my prize winning derriere.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 10:17 PM

That Dave Barry!! He always turns up in the final analysis -- like the Wizard of Oz!!


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 12:25 AM

Is it final analysis or final urinalysis?

Hey Amos, I fly out of Manchester for San Diego tomorrow. Want to drop by the airport at midnight to keep me company? [Just kidding] Actually I have a room reserved at the Travelodge. However, you'll be able to tell which plane I'm on because the luggage compartment will be bulging with the purchases I've made since coming to Maine. Sigh, I'll never be able to pare down my belongings if I don't quit buying books and music.

By the way, Jeri, I had a present for you but left it at Charley's house on Saturday. I found it next morning while packing to leave. He will bring it to the next gathering in Portsmouth.

I want to repeat my appreciation for those who came out, those who wanted to but were laid low, and those who were there in spirit. It was a lovely evening and one I will look back on with great fondness. If my friends in Portsmouth can keep the shipyard alive then I may be able to move there once my time in the tropics is done. Otherwise I may have to move to Australia or some other altenative. Of course, if Bush gets another 4 years I may not be back at all. There will be no country to come back to.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 08:42 AM

It's a good thing I have the van, Jeri, for delivering Brett's present. The damn thing has quite an appetite and I hope I can keep it properly fed till next Saturday.

Happy contrails, Brett!
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 08:56 AM

Brett:

What about your passport?


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 05:26 AM

Hi Gang,

I made it home safely without a passport. I actually flew through baggage claim and customs faster than any time before! The only holdup was the customs guy who wanted to know about the cathedral amethyst I bought in Houlton. He hadn't seen one before.

Now I am at the office downloading my deliquent email so I can take it home and sort through it before I go to work tomorrow.

Thanks for the welcome and the music. It was a great trip home which is well because it will probably be over a year before I get back there again. And after 13 hours on planes today it will take a year or longer before I am willing to put up with that again.

Brett

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 08:10 AM

Brett-

Glad to hear you've made it back.

Sorry you missed last night's snow storm, 4 to 6 inches of the fluffy white stuff. The kitty gang is not pleased. The Robins are heading south again.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble et al

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 08:54 AM

Oh, no you don't!

I wanna know if you find the pasport in your packages or not!

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 07:09 PM

I may be able to keep this secret for some time to come....

Amos, you remember the day we mailed that package? It still has not arrived. I will confess when it gets here.

In the meantime there is another package coming, from Maine. I had to pack up all my cold weather gear and the books I bought and ship them home to make room in my luggage for all the clothing I bought. While I am not and never will be a clothes horse I did have to buy a year's worth of clothing because I cannot get my sizes here on the island.

By the way, Amos, I wore that Hawaiian print shirt in Portsmouth last weekend. Jeri says she likes it.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:27 AM

JudyB has posted some stunning digital images of Naemanson/Brett's welcome home parties:Party-Party

Have a virtual party!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:48 AM

Some of those links are broken because they are formed with a backslash. The form should be uniformly:

http://home.gwi.net/~ipbar/brett/brett-021.jpg

for example. Not

http://home.gwi.net/~ipbar/brett\brett-021.jpg which breaks the link.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JudyB
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:49 AM

Thanks, Amos -

Please try it now. You know what I find aggravating (besides the fact that I didn't double-check the code my clever little html-creator created - I know the language and could do it myself, but was trying to save time - ha!) - anyway, my version of IE not only has no trouble with the links, but it shows them as correct when I mouse over them, so unless I view the source code, I can't see that there's anything wrong. Probably helpful for someone casually browsing, but a royal pain for someone trying to check a site quickly! I knew it opened badly constructed links, but didn't realize it didn't even show when there was a slash heading in the wrong direction.

Thanks again!

   JudyB

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:39 PM

Wow, nice pictures. I can't find my roll of film I shot that night and the other roll is still in the camera. I need to use it up so I can get it developed.

Thanks for posting the pictures.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:07 PM

Wal, Judy, they wuk puhfickly!! Couln't be bettah, 'cep fer that white stuff all ovah the las' one. Ya wann 'splain thet?

Nice job indeed.


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:09 PM

Oh, Brett, your film canister is probably with your passport heading toward Siberia, or was that the package that was filled with your dirty laundry?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JudyB
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:56 PM

Well, Amos -

I'd be happy to tell you all about the white stuff - but it's really something you need to experience up close and personal. Charley & I would love to have you visit for a few days - maybe mid-February next year? It might be a little cooler than San Diego - but I'm sure you'd adapt quickly. And we have a little tent you could put up in our back yard - I think that would really help you get to know all about the white stuff on the ground!!

JudyB
(from where the temperature is heading towards zero again tonight)

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:34 PM

Well, Judy, I would almost accept such tribulations, just for the honor of swapping some stories with you and Charlie and seein' Kendall and about 6 other people (half the rest of the state, I guess) in your area. But you can't fool me. I have seen cocaine before and I know it is bad for me, so I will have to pass on the tent in February.

:>))


A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 01:40 AM

I am at the end of my work day here and just getting ready to go swimming. No white stuff here except for the fine white stuff down by the clear blue water.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 08:02 AM

Well, Brett and Amos, some folks go swimming this time in Maine as well, because it's warmer in the ocean. On a morning like this when the temperature's 15 F, 35 F seems pretty warm!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, just another beach day in Maine

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 08:24 AM

Ah, Judy, great pix -- but, uh, you, uh, . . . spelled my name wrong.

L*I*N*N

(It's okay . . . this time ;-)   )

Good pitchers!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: JudyB
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 10:45 AM

Oops - I knew that. I was busy trying to keep the vowels in order in Naemanson, and got distracted by the fact that all 5 of the people I work with who have that name spell it with a y (though with varying amounts of e's).

My deepest apologies. It will not happen again (at least for a while - I've been know to misspell my own name on occasion...).

It's all fixed now.

Judi (I mean Judy) (Judi is the other Judi/y - I'm the one with a y)

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 11:38 AM

Yeah, well, I talked to my brother in North Carolina last night, and it was 72F there during the day. So glad I live in Maine where the temp rises at a GRADUAL pace fit for human consumption. 25F (here this morning) is much more what God/dess intended for this time of year!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 02:05 PM

Judy (Judi, Joodie, Judey . . .) -- And I KNEW you knew. (whew)

'Salright. (thanks)

Linn (who sometimes has to check her driver's license to know what her name IS in the first place!)

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Franz S.
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 10:24 PM

I recollect Charley once telling me about how to walk on water. You go waterskiing on the Maine Coast in May and lose your tow. (Can't go waterskiing before May 'cause the ice doesn't break up 'til then).

And the temp. in my back yard near Monterey Bay is a chilly 71. Coldest it's been in 2 weeks.   Guess I won't put out the tomato plants 'til next week.

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 10:41 PM

71 degrees! Brrr!

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Amos
Date: 23 Mar 04 - 10:47 PM

When I lived on the Eastern seaboard I used to use that "God intended us to live this way" rationalization. "I LIKE four clear seasons", I'd say, as I helped haul some dumb city slicker out of the ditch on the eve of our first snowfall each year, tearing my mittens to shreds on their frozen bumper. I knew all the rationalizations and justifications and self-delusory little buttons to push. It was the only way I could continue to live there!

Which, now, I don't! :>)

78 degrees again today. Pleasant salty breeze off the Pacific -- a little mist in the morning...blue skies by noon.

A

Subject: RE: Naemanson's (Brett) Coming Home Thread
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Mar 04 - 12:30 AM

You can't fool me, Amos. More likely pouring rain and windy.