Getaway Memories 2006

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 07:59 PM

DAMN it. I'm REALLY GOOD at Runaround Sue, and HATE that I couldn't be there. Who knew I had such an ugly jealous streak?!

I used to feel so sorry for the sad few who waited dockside for the return of the weary singers, and hated to gloat about how wonderfully magically fun every minute was, but did it anyway.

And I'm glad you're doing it now, 'cause it'll help me work things out in a different way next year.

Dani

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 10:32 PM

Oh! Quiet Carmen,(Allan C's better half)brought out her autoharp and played and sang. It was wonderful to have you join in, Carmen.

I finally worked up the nerve to sing the only song I have ever written "Little Sally Walker Down in New Orleans" (well, it is partly mine), and was relieved and gratified that it was well received in the Friday night open sing.

Mmario and Gorgeous Gary both sang songs written by Alaska Mike, and we toasted Mike and Tawmmie and offered up thoughts and well wishes for his recovery.

Tinker says I didn't snore too badly. No one in Sinsull's room had the nerve to comment on 'She Who does Not Snore."

Unlike Barry, I was not particularly happy with the Nature Center. It felt cold and class-roomy to me, and the tables were an obstacle.

I'll try to get my pictures up on the Pic thread Friday.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 11:23 PM

We had a Getaway "debriefing" tonight; very rewarding. We talked about workshop locations, quiet cabins, food and more for next year, and of course discussed the suggestions that have been made for changes. Next year there should be a new dining hall. That means the spaces for workshops, etc will change. This meeting was a good start.

Now back to memories. The Sunday night sings in the Retreat Center were the very best times I had all weekend. I stayed about an hour at the "Raise the Roof" sing Barry started in the main room, then stayed til 5 am at a quieter jam & sing in the lounge. Enjoyed 'em both but some of the moments in the lounge were the highlights of my weekend. Hearing John LaPrelle's harmonica, then his guitar version of "Little Beggarman," was maybe best of the best.

It was pretty late, so I'm afraid a lot of what I can remember clearly and specifically are songs I led. A fantastic jam on a song that moves me a lot, "Un Canadien Errant." Edmund, Keith B, Sandy and John LaPrelle joined in singing, with David S on harp, Ron D on viola, Keith on guitar, can't remember if we had concertina and piano. Also -- same crew, plus John R on concertina and George W on piano, for "Dumbarton's Drums" and "Rose of Allendale," two of my longtime Getaway favorites for slow chorus songs.

I would love for anyone who was there to remind me of more of what was played and sung during that session. It was sooooo good musically.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Micca
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 11:51 PM

More memories of the w/e
The vote of thanks due to the Committee for bringing off a move to another site, that was like British beer , slightly gassy, induced inebriation(of the cerebral kind) and was flat and warm!!
the singing of many people, and their friendship also was priceless, I can honestly say I lost all track and idea of wether they were "FSGW" or "mudcat" but was treated and, I hope, treated them in the same way, I would like to thank those who came and supported me at my mini concert it was an honour and a privelage to sing for you. To those Who asked, I wish I HAD written "the Gladiator"!!!! The "Late night extra" sing in the Auction Hall was AMAZING!! like the best of the spontaneous after hours sings at British folk festivals, and the singers, to whom we owe a big debt of thanks (in no particular order) Ron Davies, Barry Finn, Bill,Day, Dick Greenhaus, John Roberts, Edmund,and anyone else who sang that I havent listed, it was a magical ending, and one that could not have been planned for. to use the Inuit (so I am told) greeting, "sometime again"

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Anglo
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 12:43 AM

Well, millions of names on this thread of mudcatters I never met or recognized, though I did finally meet Joe Offer. Had a wonderful time, stayed up till 6 playing music, (made one breakfast out of three), and it was the first Getaway I'd been to in about 30 years. Thanks, all, for a wonderful time.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 11:16 AM

Janie - I used earplugs so the loud sleeping noises from 'She Who Does Not Snore' didn't bother me.

I think that MY snoring may have kept the others awake, but they should have brought earplugs too.

That Sunday night sing in the auction room was incredible.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:41 PM

Next year I will stop and pick up a box of wax earplugs and sell them at cost to help folks. I wondered why no one had done this. They are inexpensive and for sale in most drug stores.

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:47 PM

In some years past, the Getaway committee has remembered to buy a wholesale-sized box of earplugs and distribute them for free at the registration table. Reminder to the Getaway Committee: put this on the list for next year.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:53 PM

Oops, no cookie yet. Ferrara here.

There was a great remark made on Sunday morning, and in lots of ways it sums it all up: "This is great. It's been a long time since I got to be part of a musical tribe." Yeah.

I guess that's why the labels of "Mudcat" and "FSGW" have stopped being noticed much at the Getaway. We're all members of the Getaway tribe and welcomed as members when we can come back to another Getaway. Even if it's been 30 years. Maybe especially when it's been 30 years.

Let's do it again next year.

Rita F

ps Actually if I could have my 'druthrers, we would do it ALL again next year. Same weather, same program, same workshop leaders, so I could get to some of the stuff I missed. But maybe better food.

BTW has everybody seen the "Couldn't-Getaway Tavern 2006" thread in the BS section. Wonderful idea, WYSIWYG.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 02:56 PM

Okay. Now I have my cookie back. Bill is still setting up this "temporary" computer with some of the necessary software.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Janie
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:01 PM

New photos up on pic thread from Jacqui and me. See Mick's link at beginning of this thread if you can't spot the thread yerself.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:24 PM

I dunno if it is the sensory overload, the residual hangover, the sleep deprivation, or, most likely, the sheer volume of good cheer and good comapny, but I am still sorting through flashbacks and sentimental recollections of the weekend. Thanks again to those who made it happen, who have done hero's duty in a good cause!

If there are recordings anyone would like to see collected onto one CD I would be happy to undertake the duty using MP3s, MiniDisks, tapes, or other CDs as input. Just let me know. As usual I was too transfixed by the excitement to bother setting up my recorder. I am going to get something much easier to use for next time.


A

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:24 PM

I noticed several cell phones in use to record various songs.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:38 PM

Yeah, Darriel recorded several using his new cell phone. (Early Christmas present.)

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:59 PM

Rita, my darling love, you have described what I was trying to say at the Sunday night concert. Thanks for capturing it so perfectly!!! Here we are, we have had a wedding on the way to Getaway (with the reception at the Getaway), we have babies we all celebrate (Goober Schatz on the way, Bodhi Spiegel here), we have babies raised at Getaway (Dan and Ken Schatz, Darriel Day), all the kids we see running around. I remember buying them all pennywhistles... where did those little rugrats go????). We have two young couples we have seen go from the dating stage to the married stage. We have friends from around this country, and around the world who come, or are planning to come....... how is this not a community? How is it not a tribe? It is like our own participatory Woodstock that happens every year. This event is a must do, and one day, when they write the book on folk history, someone will mention this amazing gathering. We owe it all to FSGW, and the work of its wonderful volunteer members. Sure, Mudcatters have put some spice in it and become part of the community. But you folks are who we owe the debt to. I, for one, just want to thank you for changing my musical life. This year, in particular, you may have had a bigger impact than you could ever imagine. I am inspired to sing again, and it has been well over a year since that has been the case.

Yep, it's a tribe. I love being a member of it.

One last thing. If you aren't a member of FSGW, why not join? You will get reduced rates on Getaway, and a wonderful newsletter. And if you are in the area, more activities than you can imagine.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 04:26 PM

awww...durn, Mick....you're hired as permanant chair of the Publicity & Shmooozing committee...(same wages as you got as temporary chairman..).

Now that I'm half-way awake, I want to comment especially about a couple of workshops I attended. The tribute to The Copper Family was amazing...just wallowing in those songs, led by folks who had sung them for years, and who had known the Coppers personally, was 'almost' as good as the two occasions I got to hear them in person. John Roberts and Heather Wood and Andy Wallace and Sussex Carole...thank you for the 'feel' and energy, as well as for wonderful choices! (Would that we had 2 more hours)

Even though I don't play a squeeze-box, I enjoyed tremendously the knowlege and versatility on display...many different styles of instrument and a great set of tunes....wow...

By helping Jacqui lead Comic songs, I had to listen to ummmm...got to hear "The Gladiator" twice! And Georgous Gary reprised "When I Was a Boy"....one of those tour-de-farces that knocks your socks off. (He posted the words sometime in the past...search)...and more other funny stuff was sung than I dare try to remember.

finally...as one who is continually fretting about the nuts & bolts running of this circus, I want to thank the various folks who just DID stuff to help out....setting up chairs for the Sunday concert, cleaning things in the small kitchen, moving tables about in both the dining hall and the retreat center, helping other folks load & unload...etc...etc...I'm sure many good deeds were done that I never even saw. It sure makes it all happen easier.

Yeah, sure...let's do it again.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: MMario
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 06:42 PM

We owe it all to FSGW, and the work of its wonderful volunteer members. It can't be said often enough.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 07:23 PM

Jill Rogoff's mini-concert and this song in particular keeps coming to me in quiet moments.


RACHELI © 2002

In memory of Rachel Levi, 17, who was killed by a suicide-bomber in Jerusalem on March 29, 2002. She was a friend and class-mate of our older daughter. 'Shabbat' is the Hebrew word for the Jewish Sabbath, which begins on a Friday evening at sunset. The third verse refers to Racheli's brief bout with bulimia, which she had successfully overcome. The song is on The King's Well.

Racheli walks to the store on a Friday afternoon:
Just another little chore and Shabbat will be here soon.
She likes to help out when she can --
Today she's time on her hands;
And she thinks she'll buy some flowers to brighten up the room.


When she goes down to the square, sometimes her brother tags along,
They link hands and swing their arms and sing a marching song;
Though they're ten years apart,
They laugh and sing with the same heart;
But today she's going alone -- one quick dash, then straight back home.


Racheli walks to the store a few minutes down the street;
The centre's full of passersby; the spring air tastes so sweet;
She's feeling stronger every day --
Her friends have helped her find a way --
And she's looking t'ward the future and the challenges she'll meet.


She doesn't see the other girl with a package 'round her waist,
Or the women selling herbs who leave the place in haste:
She's thinking "sugar, eggs, flowers" and "Shabbat, in a few hours".
She nears the entrance of the store...
She doesn't live here any more.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 08:17 PM

Oh my Tinker, thank you for posting that song. Oh my.

We were blessed this year in having four wonderful Israeli visitors: Amiel Schotz and Margo (sorry Margo, don't remember your last name and my Getaway data is on the fried computer), Jill Rogoff and Sandy Cash. All of them contributed wonderful things to the program and the weekend. Wow.

First heard Jill early in the weekend when she sang a beautiful farewell she had written to one of her friends. Glorious voice too.

Sandy Cash sent chills down my spine and tears down my face with her song in the Sunday concert about "Jorge Pulanska," an Italian in Spain during WWII who posed as the Polish Ambassador to help over 3000 Jews escape from Spain. This song was doubly special to me because I have heard other stories of Italians helping Jews to escape from occupied France.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:13 AM

Rita--
It's Margo Tepper-Schotz

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:15 AM

Giorgio Perlasca
by Sandy Cash

Italy was far behind me even if I could be warned
Just a hot-head would-be soldier underage
And half-informed
I'd signed up for Franco's army
In the Spanish Civil War
Mousolini's thundering speeches
Like an anvil to my sword

But by the time I'd crawled home
Old enough to have some doubts
Il Duce took my native land
And sold it to the Krauts
The whole north of the country
Gone to pay the Devil's due
I took a job in Budapest to see the Blue Danube

They had gathered at the river
When into this place I came
From Giorgio to Jorge
I'd never be the same
Raised to rally to the truth I could not well deny
The death-defying logic found in living out a lie

There weren't many free states left in 1942
The work was hard but legal
And thank God I was no Jew
But when the country's jack-boot-licking
Leaders came for me
I dodged the labor camps
Inside the Spanish embassy

His Excellency took me in with little left to lose
He'd made himself a nuisance
With his sympathy for Jews
They'd seen him at the brickworks
And beside the eastbound trains
With freshly-printed papers
Showing family links to Spain

But just before the gendarmes
Strung him up for what he did
He vanished from the city
And resurfaced in Madrid
Forgotten in my hiding place
I haunted the halls through
Echoes of the rifles rising up from the Danube

They had chased them to the river
When into this place I came
From Giorgio to Jorge
I'd never be the same
Raised to rally to the truth I could not well deny
The death-defying logic found in living out a lie

An oaken desk a golden pen
And stamps that bore his name
The phone rang for a morning
Then fell silent once again
They'd laid their stores in well -
It would be a week or two
Before I had to weigh the risk
To starve or make a move

The shots along the riverbank
More frequent day by day
As I sat and watched his mirrors
Turn my olive skin to grey
They say that if the shoe fits
It should certainly be worn
The clothes he left all fit me
As if to the manner born

The day I stepped outside my thoughts
Went drifting back to Spain
A stranger in that fight and now
A stranger once again
A pen and paper soldier
I performed the work of war
As Don Jorge Perlasca - Spanish Ambassador

They had left them in the river
When into this place I came
And those along the riverbanks
Would never be the same
Raised to rally to the truth I could not well deny
The death-defying logic found in living out a lie
This story should be told until the Blue Danube runs dry
Of how Giorgio Perlasca dared to question: Why?

-----

More about Giorgio Perlasca at http://www.giorgioperlasca.it/inglese/intro.html

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:36 AM

My indelible Getaway memory from this year may well come from a moment very laste on Sunday night/Monday morning, in the Retreat Center lounge. John Roberts was singing Nic Jones's version of Sir Patrick Spens accompanying himself on concertina. David Scheim played an elaborate counterpoint on his harp and George Ward was at the piano--three consummate musicians improvising what turned into an arrangement that was worthy of a professional recording. Instead, it is only recorded in memories by the cloudy half-asleep midnight minds of a few of us.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 12:18 PM

Yes! Sir Patrick Spens. What a wonderful evening that was.

Charlie, thank you for posting Sandy C's song and the link. Just read the whole web site about Giorgio Perlasca. Incredible. He went back to Italy and told no one what he had done, until some people he had rescued managed to locate him.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:18 PM

Just curious as to whether anyone, outside of the denizens of the room, can identify the people described back in post #7 "The Ballad o' 102".

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:22 PM

I absolutely love that bit of wordcraft, Ernie!! Especially the last line.......ROFLMAO!!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:34 PM

I was a little perturbed about the snoring crack....









Usually, it's the woman I sleep with that gets the blame for that.
(Good thing she doesn't read Mudcat...)
[grin]

(I have to admit it's a great song, LEJ)

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 01:35 PM

LEJ, verses 2 and 4 are TOO easy! Will PM you with my theories about Verse 5 but I have no clue about 1 & 3. And yes, that last line is a killer. As Carole and I were rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably, Bill said, "You got that far, huh?"

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 02:15 PM

Well Joe's post shoots holes in my theory about Verse #5.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 02:26 PM

Well, LEJ is being kind, but the truth is that on the rare occasions when all the residents were in there asleep, the snoring sounded like a bloody four-way cross-fire in a firefight between mad ducks and badly-tuned tractor-trailer rigs having it out. So Joe doesn't need to carry ALL the blame! :D

A

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 02:27 PM

Okay, LEJ, I wasn't there, but I've got all but verse #1 figured out. Great post, LEJ!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: georgeward
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 02:44 PM

"it is only recorded in memories by the cloudy half-asleep midnight minds of a few of us."

As the best things always are (as you well know), Charlie. We can't build monuments to 'em, and if we try too hard to do that it diverts us far too much IMHO from our purpose in this life.

And didn't Crane Driver and Sussex Carole say that so much better than I just did - and just the right way and in just the right place - in that same session with Sean Mone's gem of a song:

    "...There's more friendship poured out in one bottle of stout than you'll find in statute or sermon."

That was my peak momen....well, a peak...well, one of.....Aw hell, It was all wonderful.

What a brilliant Getaway! Or is it "Getaways"? These threads always make clear that we live different ones and that somehow they all intersect. That's magic enough for me.

So here's one more "thank you!" to you FSGW magicians who put it all together.

- George

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:16 PM

George, it was a real pleasure to see you there - although I still swear I met you somewhere before.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:24 PM

Yeah, second that. Among all the fabulous memories, finally meeting George Ward ranks near the top. Funny you should say that, Joe. I found myself feeling like I knew him from someplace. He is damn near a deadringer for a very close friend of mine, but that ain't it.

Sitting and singing with John Roberts and Dick Greenhaus until 6:00 AM ranks right up there too.

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 04:33 PM

(psssttt..Dick G. cheats! I think he naps!)

Anyway, he has always outlasted us 'young' ones...*grumble*

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Tinker
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 05:28 PM

EJ I have to say the first one stumped me too, although I thought there were only 5 of you in the room. So if that remains unchanged I can figure it out by default, but if it upped to six I'm stumped.

tinker

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 06:08 PM

Mick I'm glad you got to keep up with the big kids for at least 1 night anyway.

Barry

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:35 PM

Tinker

You're missing the main guy in the room!

LEJ

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Nov 06 - 07:57 PM

I Lost the Lights

I lost the lights, Lord
I lost the lights
I'm driving along with no dashboard in sight
My tail-lights kaput
and a Drunk on my Right
Praise the Lord
I lost the lights!

The headlights are working
the pavement is bright
My buddies are laughing
No sorrow in sight
when a look in the rearview
Filled me with fright
Christ on a Crumpet
I saw the Lights!

License, registration
car rental shite
kid with the badge got me feelin uptight
breathin my whiskey breath
off to the right
Shout Hallelujah!
I switched on the lights

Now We've got the lights
Lord we're filled with Might!
Big Package Liquors up on the right
with a Jug fer the Folkies
We head back through the Night
Glory to Heaven!
We got the Light!

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: SussexCarole
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 12:14 PM

Wonderful memeories... We're home and just surfaced after 16 hours catch up sleep! We'll post our memories when our brains stop going around with the baggage carousel.......

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 12:19 PM

*big smile*...We'll be waiting, Carole! Glad you home safe.

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 12:40 PM

Glad you are home safe, Carole. Did you leave a CD of photos for Judy and Charlie? I can't find them.
SINS

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Amos
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 12:49 PM

LOL LEJ -- seems I'm not the only one who had too much fun at the Getaway!!!

I am really glad you preserved appearances during your temporary interruption on that jug run.

Tink, Room 102 had many comings and going in the night so it may be a moving target to count heads. The residents had overlapping schedules. I recall Mick coming in to go to bed shortly before breakfast, one morning.

There were green Pater Nosters, and scarlet roars
Some humpy-backed sorrows and a lot of snores
There were mugs and jugs and wakey-wakes,
It's sad but it's true...
There was wild times happening in Room 102.

A

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 01:20 PM

Two nights in a row, Amos, old buddy. I noticed one night I came in and the four part harmony was going, and you had a flashlight and were busy transcribing it. Sounded to me like a class of beginning Uilleann Pipers.

Mick

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Crane Driver
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 06:02 PM

Our Getaway spanned a whole week so our memories stretch beyond West River Camp. It'll take weeks to get it all sorted, but this is a brief summary of it all.

Bill & Rita put us up (put up with us?) from the Thursday night when we arrived tired and bedraggled from fighting our way through US Immigration (the Global War on Tourism?) until after the Getaway. Wonderful people, with an amazing house the size of an aircraft hanger (but much cosier).

We arrived at West River with Bill and his craft goods, and then it was hugs with all our friends as they turned up. Suddenly the last Getaway seemed like only yesterday. The Friday evening sing was a great foretaste of what was to come - remembering the voices and songs from our previous visits.

West River is a wonderful venue with heated cabins, comfy beds, picturesque waterside location, great venues for workshops and sings without losing the charm of Ramblewood.

The Workshops were so varied it was difficult to work out how to be in two or more places at the same time. That cloning workshop is a good idea, but we'd probably never fit it in.

Saturday night's concert - we did our Kipling song (Do you like Kipling? Don't know, I've never Kipled) and Carole yet again allowed herself to be costumed by Sinsull (thankfully customs didn't look into the luggage on the way home, as we bought two costumes for our local folk club Christmas party)! - Will we ever learn? Probably not.

Sunday night! Wow! We had a really superb time - first another great concert, then tremendous chorus songs in the auction room and finally a quieter sing into the early hours.

Monday was a relatively quiet day but we had out first chance to visit an American eat all you want Chinese buffet with Bill & Rita. The words "I'm full" still echo in our ears amidst Rita's & Carole's uncontrollable giggles.

Tuesday night Bill & Rita took us to the shanty sing at Wheaton where we were given a very friendly welcome, met Getaway friends again and had a great time. Andrew was delighted when two of the locals sang one of his songs.

We flew up to Boston on Wednesday & were hosted by Mary Sinsull and the Maine-iacs. Thanks again for wonderful hospitality.

Thursday we were given a tour of Portland by Charley Noble & Judy B. Then that night Sinsull hosted a party for us. It was our first meeting with Seamus the mad Labrador, who showed an unexpected talent for the kazoo and an inexplicable passion for Micca, but the photos can be suppressed for a fee.

Then, far too soon, it was time to go home. We must do this again! So many thank you's to all our friends xxxx

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 06:50 PM

Whew, just in time! - this thread was getting ready to drop off the page. I'm a late-comer with my comments, but they are nonetheless heartfelt.

At first I was really homesick for Ramblewood - the only "home" I have ever had for the Getaway. But West River really grew on me. It is really (probably more) beautiful in its own way. And the welcoming fire in the fireplace!

It was great to see Rita and Lisa Null and others looking rested and refreshed all weekend and going to everything, even at 4 AM - since they didn't have to deal with the constant mountaineering and cold-weather issues.

I did find the dining hall comparatively cramped-feeling, and very hot on Saturday. I spent much of the Saturday night concert sticking my nose in the crack of the doors trying to breathe some cooler air, and was headachy, groggy and couldn't hold a tune till about 3 AM, when I finally perked up. But next year sounds like it will be greatly improved in that regard, with a new dining hall and us learning how to work the heating system better. My poor old flamingo was a-droopin' (I couldn't get the hang of operating the battery pack) and I'd felt about the same. But the skit, now of course an honored tradition, was as hysterical to participate in as last year. You will note that I held my reins in the correct, learned-at-day-camp-position at all times.

As usual, I loved all the workshops and concertizing. Special, special highlights were (in no particular order) the Copper Family workshop, Dan Schatz's concert, especially the song, "Deeper Down" about well-digging and a song in a later workshop about apples, and the chance to play Gutbucketeer's tuned-ten-tin-can drum for half an hour in the jugband workshop. Not quite jamming, but as close as I'm likely to get!

Surprises this year were the workshops I didn't plan to go to, but which I dropped into for a minute and couldn't bear to leave- like one of the guitar workshops, learning about upbeats and downbeats--it explained a lot. Also, going to my Peace cabin for a shower or changing coats and finding that hey! Dan Schatz or Lisa Null are sitting in your "living room" and doing really remarkable stuff! I've never actually gotten to Lisa Null's Vocal Clinic before and I learned SO much.

Also delightful was meeting new-to-me people; Carl Zebooker, John Roberts and the Shivers and Brookses, and getting to sit down and talk over several days with lots of people I'd said "Hi" to many times before but never had had a real conversation with. Maybe the new setting fostered that kind of interraction, or maybe I was still in my 40th Reunion mode and more open to just talking to anybody whether I "knew" them or not.

Sunday night's sing in the Registration area! Wow! To see Barry Finn bellowing away again at full voice- a real lift to the heart! And then the quieter sing in the fireplace room until about 5 AM (couldn't quite stay up till dawn). That sing will keep me warm all winter.

I missed a lot of folks that couldn't come this year, including Ebbie, and Theresa Tooley, my inspiriation from last year. So many thanks to the Program Committee and everybody who worked so hard and so creatively to put this together. Till next time…….

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Tinker
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 08:46 PM

So when are we getting the definative posting of the inmates of 102 ??

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 09:46 PM

And one more latecomer...

I had an absolutely wonderful time! Since I'm too lazy to cut, paste, and re-write, I'll simply leave a pointer to my LiveJournal comments. Then add a few more highlights:

-- Getting to hear CraneDriver & SussexCarole in the Friday Night open sing and Saturday concert. Picked up both CD's, largely thanks to "Lifeboat Horses" and "Shirley's Little Sunburnt Spot", respectively.

-- Getting to hear Micca do the Gladiator Song. (Even if it's still earworming me over a week later....)

-- Chatting with Judy Goddard and family, Art & Jenn Brooks, Joe Offer, Micca, John & Sandy LaPrelle and many others

-- Concerts by Jill Rogoff, Dan Schatz, Micca and John Roberts

And probably several more things I'm forgetting. Meanwhile, I owe Big Mick a song, so maybe I should actually go work on it! *grin*

-- Gary

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Susan A-R
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:45 PM

Just got back home to the computer after a week of visiting family in the DC area, and so am posting late. It was a great one for me this year. Lots of amazing songs (I may have even gotten some of them on my little tune sucker) Lots of new wonderful people, and friends from previous Getaways, a chance to play a real range of stuff I don't normally do, Old timey, jazz, hearing George Ward and John Roberts and Joe Newbury and even getting my traditional "last fiddle in the sun" with David the glorious harper. My only regret is that I didn't stay on until Monday. Next year it'll be the whole nine yards!

Great to see and hear Mary, Barry, Annie, Janie, Jim Bunch (please don't get so much stuff that I don't fit in your car next year) Big Mick, Mmario (glad you liked the bathroom music), Jacqui, Joe, Edmond (I am in Montpelier, let me know when you and Charmion are coming through next time) and so many more. What a joy!

Thank You to all of you who make this happen so that those of us from far away can just come, sing, play and be part of the tribe.

Susan

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:46 AM

So, Tinker, give us your guess as to the inmates of Cell 102, and we'll tell you if you're right. LEJ gave you some pretty darn good hints.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Getaway Memories 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 02:06 AM

What's all the fuss about the inmates of #102/

Barry