BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean

Subject: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 04:49 AM

Welcome to the Tavern folks. Today is Candlemas Day (Imbolc, Groundhog Day, nearly Chinese New Year, whatever) and officially the festival of Christmas is over for another year.

It's time to take down that dessicated bit of holly, put the baubles back in the loft, pick the remaining pine needles out of the carpet and eat the last chocolates.

Before we start that mad spring clean or decorating, let's have a little sit down and reflect on the year past, over a beer or six.

The fire is stoked (although today is a bright and gloriously sunny day in the UK), the comfy chairs are suitably arranged (bet you didn't expect them!) and there are cats available for laps that want them.

Now then. What was your best moment from last year?

Mine is fulfilling 2 items on my 'Life To Do' list - I went to Italy, and I got to share my favourite view with my best friend. I got a little farther with my family history, met some more relatives and a couple more Mudcatters.

What about you?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:27 AM

Last year was a good one for me, as I feel I got properly back into the folk scene after years away from it. I guess the best part of last year was meeting all the great folk artists and friendly folk in the audience at various gigs (both mine and others). I met many of my personal musical/singing/songwriting heroes (some extremely well known, and some not so well known) for the first time, even though in many cases I'd been to their gigs before, and in some cases I'd played their records for decades. No names, too many to list, and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.

Having my son get established in his first proper job since university, and move out into his own home (not that he owns it, but you know what I mean) was good too - Mrs Scrump and I have enjoyed getting our own space back again for the first time in 23 years!

Oh, and meeting you of course LTS, even though you don't remember me :-)

Btw, what ale do you have here? I'm a bit suspicious of anywhere called a 'tavern' - it does have real ale, doesn't it? Tell me it does! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,The Ghost of Christmas Past
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:33 AM

WHOOOOOOOO.....OOOOO
Oh, sorry, I'd dropped off for a while there. Looks like Spring outside?
I'll get my wreath, then.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:45 AM

We have no children of our own & the youngest of my nephews reached the age of majority at the beginning of last year meaning no children in the family at all.
Then I recieved a 'phone call from my younger brother,shortly before Christmas informing me that he is to become a father for the first time making me an uncle for the third time.
THEN I recieved a 'phone call from my elder brother informing me that HE is to be a Grandfather for the first time making me a Great Uncle for the first time.
IT GETS better!
Scan shows its a Great NIECE,first girl to be born into the family for,at least,7 generations.
COSMIC!!! :-p

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:29 AM

Scrump - One of the good things about the Mudcat Tavern is that ALL the beer is just What YOU want , the choice of spirits is as wide as you would wish , there is an IV Coffee machine , and provided yoy DONT sit on the Squid , the jello pit is always available !
And Bert's card is still behind the bar !

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:47 AM

Wahey, mine's a pint of Bluebird, specially flown in by helicopter from the Black Bull in Coniston (not that inferior Oxfordshire version). Cheers, Bert! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:50 AM

well Liz, I'll tell you - last year was a rough one - the best part for me is it is over; as I know that this year *has* to be better.

I'm gonna claim the leather recliner with the IV caffiene drip. There any leftover mocha cappacino ice cream sandwiches in the fridge?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:57 AM

Thanks, I enjoyed that pint. You can send the helicopter to the Drunken Duck now, for a pint of Taglag. Ta (burp).

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Amos
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:59 AM

Best of all was my grandson's birth. Other highlights -- starting pilot training, finishing the waterfall, Barky getting invited to first chair at a local symphony orchestra in San Jose, and writing the final pieces to a long novel. Getaway 2006 was phenomenal. Decking out the living room with new easy chairs. Doing the Mankind Project weekend in September. All in all a busy and productive year.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 09:09 AM

Well, I met Amos and found that he's all he's cracked up to be.

I'll have a big glass of Sheep Dip, please.

My FIL died and was buried in Arlington. Went into the hospital within 24 hours of returning from a visit out here and never came out alive. I don't think that it was cause and effect, however.

My brother Tony had a small stroke that's left him without right side peripheral vision. And I found that I need hearing aids.

Please make that about a gallon of Sheep Dip.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 10:18 AM

I'll have a quart or two of the sheep dip too, and leave the sheep in it thanks!
G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 10:43 AM

On a stick, or sliced into the glass?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Gizmo
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 11:05 AM

I joined mudcat - which I beleive is a huge thing. Especially as there are incredibly bad influences on here, naming no names, Leadfingers, Marryf, Kendall and KT plus others.

Mines a good pint of the Old Mill Ale from the Old Mill in Plumstead thanks.

Secondly, I went to my first ever folk festival - way hey, and accidently lost Squeaks lamp. (I will replace it this year).

Mmmm nice ale. I think I'll have a pint of Gin and tonic next.

I started my holistic massage therapy course, which is going very well, and I've already sterted on my case studies (5 people with 4 full body massages each).

I also started a sculpture course, my wood carving of a hare (Inspired I am ashamed to say by the Wicker man, I have named it the Rowan Morrison project) is still looking very much like a lump of wood, but the wood size has reduced tremendously.

My son turned 10, and is the fourth generation to get into the Woolwich district gang show.

I also became a memebr of the school PTA, and managed to raise lots of funds so far for the kids at the school.

Chin chin and all that. I might go play atune on the virtual pub piano.

Another burp pi-hic cup-nt of G n' T pleashe.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 12:00 PM

The Taglag was Ok, but as it's nearing the end of the afternoon I think it's time to move up a gear.

Helicopter pilot - make haste to Stockport and bring me back a pint of Old Tom...

... no, as you were. Make that a gallon, please. I may well fancy a few more pints this evening, and I'm thinking of the environment. The fewer flights, the better it is for global warming.

And while you're up there, a packet of Seabrook's plain crisps, please.

Now, make it snappy - a bloke could die of thirst round here!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 12:04 PM

scrump that's why most of us just hook up IV's from the tanker trucks out back.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 12:07 PM

Bah! Now you tell me.

Hey, this Old Tom is good stuff. Time for another one...

Cheers!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 12:09 PM

And why others of us sneak out and change the hoses around.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 01:07 PM

And why the sneaky buggers like me bring our own Hip Barrells !

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: lady penelope
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:14 PM

Well high points - unexpectedly got back into horse riding after a break of 20 years (!!!!) and started driving lessons. Down side, discovering my weak ankle is too weak to cope with the horse riding, but I'm now gewtting it sorted.

Another pint of G&T over here dear....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:45 PM

Yes, more Sheep Dip.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 05:48 PM

Towards the end of the year I got a hearing aid. That's good news. maybe needing a hearing aid isn't that good news, but getting one, that's great. I can now understand friends who've been rumbling along incomprehensibly for years. I can now disagree with them instead of just nodding along. And I'm stopped driving my wife crazy mishearing what she says, and trying to convince her it wasn't intended.

Doesn't seem to make much difference with the music, but it does with the words.

I'll have a pint of Old Peculier.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:22 PM

Lady P... the horse is supposed to go under you, not you under the horse!

MMario - hope things improve, you sure deserve it.

Now would the person who hooked up the Bud to the Gents urinals please swap them back?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 06:32 PM

More Old Tom!

Drink! Drink!

It's feckin' good stuff!

Thud!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: artbrooks
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:13 PM

It was a good year, 2006. We went to our first Getaway, and put faces (and bellies) to a few MudNames. I finished one interminable yard project and started another. Hit 60...a bit of bad in every good year.

I'd like a pint of Old Frothingslosh, please...with an Arrogant Bastard chaser. Did anyone ever notice that Old F has a picture of Our Liz on it? One the other hand, just make it a pitcher of Ballard Bitter...and I don't need a glass, thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Joe_F
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:48 PM

During 2006 I decayed less gracefully.
Ballarat ale for me. That would take me back 50 years.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MAG
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 09:12 PM

I quit the band that was a major reason I was in a major ddepression.

I got gel shots in my knees (hyaluric acid -- animal-derived cartilage) and now have a lot of function restored to my knees, not to mention the knees being pain-free. What a difference!

and I brought this bottle of Hennessey's; as long as it's virtual I can have anything. Mocha cappucino ice cream sandwiches?? lemme at 'em.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 12:10 AM

I'll have a magarita but hold the salt...oh hell it's virtual, pile it on...can't have a good magarita without a salt lick to go with it!

I finished up one year of post-heart surgery by starting a consistent exercise program; kept getting better and better, even found my old self, and wrote a novel that I like in twnety-five days! Took on watching my three-year old grandson (congrats, Amos!) full-time last Fall and been having a blast each day. And, we managed to buy a second house for him and his mom to move into; not sure how but we did!

Best of all, with the renewed, restored energy, I had supper on the table the other night when Rog came home, for the first time in about ten years. And, it was good!**bg** Baked salmon, green beans, rice and made-from-scratch baking powder biscuits. My aunt says my granddad called them "dough-gawds!"

How about someone singing an old cow song for me...my dad'd like that...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Bert
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 01:20 AM

...Now would the person who hooked up the Bud to the Gents urinals please swap them back?...

How the hell did anyone notice the difference?

And I'll have a pint of trophy SEEIN' AS 'OW I'M PAYIN'!!!!

Listen up folks, Kat especially and I'll sing 'Ace down in a hole' for Sparky.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 03:16 AM

I've swapped back the Bud & the Gents urinals stuff Bert,though I'm mystified as to how anyone could tell the difference.
I'll just stick with the Old Peculier.
Anyone object if I fire up the briar?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 06:45 AM

The swapped Bud was getting them higher quicker... I think it was the egg nogg causing the blisters though.

Bert my dear, thank you for your generosity in leaving your card here and not closing the account. You are a scholar and a gentleman but if you do that with your other hand again, you'll get such a slap!

Art - I'm NOT that woman on the Old F label... I'm in this picture.

Alec - I won't object to that briar if you don't object to this eggy fart.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 07:07 AM

Fart away better out than in.
The 'Baccy is Clan BTW.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 08:30 AM

Would someone disconnect the barrel of gin from Venus's toilet and let us all have some?

Scrump - we do't usually bother with surface transport at the Tavern. You can usually find a wormhole in space and time behind one of the doors or cupboards which gets to the correct locaion.
Here, I'll show you..

Whoops! Anyone fancy this pint of fermented Yak's Milk?

Quack!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 08:41 AM

Ah.. that explains the smell then.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 08:45 AM

A subtle blend of Vanilla & PlayDoh

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 10:20 AM

Ah....thanks, Bertdarlin...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 11:36 AM

I'll have something nice and full bodied, from a properly battered tankard, whilst in one of those comfy seats , with the rugby on quietly on the radio, and I intend do nothing for an hour or two. And then I might have relaxed enough to do nothing at all properly....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 12:34 PM

nice and full bodied? That'd be me then.... Brace yourself Bunny!!

(launches herself from the overhead beams, pulls a triple twist with pike and lands in Bunny's lap)

Pour us a beer whilst you're there Barkeep!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 02:46 PM

Ah, but which one in the picture are you, LtS? But if you'd like to peek, here's a picture of me -- I'm the guy at the piano.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Gizmo
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 06:25 PM

Bog off Rapaire,

I was at the piano first. And I know that I'm cushiony, but I don't appreciate being sat on thanks.

For your cheek(s) I'll have a proper scrumpy please (the stuff that will turn to vinegar in an hour if not drunk).

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Mingulay
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 08:11 PM

Just had a PM from the Squid, he apologises for not being present for the clean up but apparently he goes on holiday every year at this time to avoid migrating whales. Never seen one in the Tavern m'self but then I tend not to immerse myself in the jello pit. Never did get along with fresh horse crap somehow.

Any road up (Northern English vernaculat for anyway) while I'm here I think a pint or two of Owd Roger would not come amiss. In a dimpled pint glass with handle, not a sleeve. Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MAG
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 09:04 PM

Ahhh, first real weekend in about a month. I think I will sleep all day tomorrow.

Forthose of you doing quality wine, here's a bottle from WallaWalla.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 11:19 PM

Spent the day cleaning the spare bedroom. Still didn't take down the last bit of holly that I missed on 12th night. Ah well, it'll have to stay there now.

Sling another Barbie on the fire mate!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 11:30 PM

This cleaning lark is bad news you know... been awake since 2.00am (it's now 4.30am) so I can only blame the tidying.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 03:21 PM

Doesn't anybody drink wine here? Dig around under the bar and see if there's a clean glass and something that's red.

I wish I could think of something outstanding to add to the accomplishments people have mentioned. By way of explanation, while I don't formally make resolutions each year, I did decide in early January that just finishing many of the projects I started in the last five years would be a good thing. So, I've made progress on putting down the tile floor in the front hall, and after that I hope to finish some painting, redo a couple of walls in the living room (before I moved in some fool put that "cottage cheese" stuff on the wall above the picture rail instead of leaving it flat plaster), and pull up some ugly linoleum and put down some more tile in the bathrooms.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: lady penelope
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 03:30 PM

By 'eck Liz. I didn't know you'd been modelling again? So do toilets pay much?

My beloved husband has decided to give me a filthy...... cold for the weekend and I am now sorely tempted to try mu father's remedy for... well for most things really, and drink large amoutns of whiskey. The down side is that it's sunday night and I have to do the work thing tomorrow....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 03:33 PM

Have a bottle of Chateau Angelus on me SRS & a Chivas Regal for you Lady Penelope.Salud.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 04:24 PM

OOh Lady P, just think of all those samples you can contaminate!

Funnily enough, I'm finishing off things this year too... completed a cross stitch picture just after Christmas and I've done a fair amount of work on a second. Managed to get the first framed today and it's sitting waiting for a suitable wall to become vacant.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 05:05 PM

I've not so much been cleaning, as throwing stuff out. Found a bottle of Duval amongst the junk. As it's the tavern I'll make that a case or two of ten year old stuff. Enjoy....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 08:45 PM

Ah! I came in through a new browser and had to back out again to get logged in. That's a wonderful offer on the wine--I've made a particular point of drinking French wines since Dubya went on his "Freedom Fries" crusade. It's Sunday night, so one glass is my limit. I also have to do the work thing tomorrow. And I need to finish the income tax thing tonight. :-/

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 02:54 PM

Hi All. Can't stop long, I'm up to my eyeballs in debris after the garage wall blew out in high winds a couple of weeks back. Just moved some boxes out of the shed to make room for garage contents. unfortunately discovered that ther is damp in the shed and a load of sci-fi books I had in boxes are going nasty. I'm working through to decide which I can rescue and which are off to the dump.
I'll join whoever had the Owd Roger, if that is okay then take a leap out through the hypertext portal and see where it takes me.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 03:32 PM

Just tapwater please. Had a heavy weekend.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Mingulay
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 04:50 PM

It's a pint of Tetley's for Scrump then lol.

Passes Geoff an Owd Roger, cheers mate.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 10:31 AM

Tapwater? I must be mad. I could have had the most expensive poncey mineral water from some foreign country, flown here at great expense.

Ah well, at least I was doing my bit for the environment.

Tell yer what - I'll have a pint of the original Ruddles County, from Rutland, 5% abv, vintage 1975 or thereabouts. Not to be confused with the stuff sold by Greene King under that name, which bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the original stuff, apart from the sadly abused name, which is an insult to a great beer.

...ahhhhhhhhhhh, that's good stuff, just as I remember it. I'll have to try a few more of these ales from yesteryear.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 10:32 AM

GEOFF! SF books biting the dust? that is disastrous!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 11:35 AM

Scrump - I'll join you in a few pints of proper County (sighs heavily) a lovely little brewery in a lovely little village with a lovely samplng bar. The best pint of County you could get. Living not far from Langham I managed to make several visits.

I wouldn't mind a few more pints of Melbourne's from Stamford while we're digging up long dead beers.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 11:39 AM

someone toss another bodrhan on the fire, please - it's COLD out!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: lady penelope
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 04:52 PM

Pint of Glayva over here. It's for medicinal purposes you know.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 05:06 PM

Does that count as solid food? I'm off solid food at the moment... don't ask.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Joe_F
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 09:10 PM

This scene bears a certain resemblance to the mucking of Geordie's byre.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 10:33 AM

"I wouldn't mind a few more pints of Melbourne's from Stamford while we're digging up long dead beers. "

GUEST,Mingulay at work - good idea mate, I'll join you.

Cheers!

...And for the next round I think I'll have a 1970s pint of Young's Special, before they tampered with the recipe and 'dumbed it down', to make it appeal to a wider market, thereby losing nearly all its character. And of course, more recently, they've stopped making it altogether (the stuff you get now is brewed in Bedford, and rebadged as Young's- yuk!)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 05:29 PM

Well, the UK is all settled in for a blizzard tonight - we've already had dire warnings of distress from the train companies. I've done all my ironing, scraped a table out from under the piles of paper and assorted crap, cleared the litter tray and finally found an address I've been needing since last December. We've sorted the spare room so MudGuard has somewhre to sleep tomorrow without having to share with a box of teddy bears and the Christmas decorations. I think it's time to settle back into a comfy chair with a bottle of something and the cross stitch I'm attempting to finish before my birthday.

Make it une bootey de Pineau de Charentes silver plate!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 05:32 PM

Hope there are plenty of winter ales in the cellar.

I'll start with a pint of Brickwood's Winter Royal, 1960s vintage.

Cheers!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 05:33 PM

Agh! I meant Brickwood's Pompey Royal. I was getting mixed up with Wethered's Winter Royal (1970s). Tell yer what - I'll have a pint of each, please!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 05:52 AM

The book damage isn't as bad as first feared, about 30 totally trashed, but only a couple which wouldn't be replaceable. The one which made most impact is one called Fury, by Henry Kuttner, but I've just checked on Amazon and it's available so I may be in a position to sort out a new old copy.
I'll have a pint of Riggwelter to celebrate. Cheers.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 08:07 AM

As it's still snowing, I'm gonna have a pint of original 1970s Young's Winter Warmer (not the feeble rubbish made in Bedford today).

Cheers!... ah, that's warmed me up already.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 03:24 PM

I don't believe it.. you spend days sorting out and cleaning a room and the bloody guest goes and gets snowed out!

Ah well, time for a non-alcoholic beverage before he gets here.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 03:28 PM

It's not snowing up here so I think I'll have a Rum Collins to get me in a summery mood.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Schantieman
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 03:45 PM

No snow to speak of here. :-(

"I've done all my ironing" Liz - you'll have to explain that concept to me.   And clearing the table as well, come to think of it.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 07:41 PM

They are fairly new concepts and now of course, my drawers don't shut. I don't think I've ever had ALL of my clothes (except the ones I'm actually wearing now) clean and ironed all at the same time.

Clearing the table is easy... clearing the stuff off the sofa isn't.

Another hour or so and my recalcitrant guest will be here so line me up a pinot for then!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 09:18 PM

Liz, before your guest arrives, could I have a glass of that Pineau De Charentes you mentioned earlier? It's lovely stuff - nectar of the gods!

I first had some when visiting my brother in France. Unfortunately it's very hard to come by down here in the Antipodes :-( he brought a couple of bottles when he visited in July, but - well- that was July.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 09:43 AM

my drawers don't shut

Ooerr, LTS - too much information! :D

As it's a Friday afternoon, I might start early. Let's see now, how about a pint of the original, real, genuine Hartleys XB from Ulverston (not the Robinson's stuff they flog nowadays).

...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. What a pint. Cheers!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 09:54 AM

Liz, maybe we should hire the squid to come in and clear out clutter for us? All of those arms should allow for effective multi-tasking. I have a couch and a table that are the match of what you describe. (Clean laundry dumped on the couch for folding, table has accumulation of mail and unread newspapers).

Let's start the weekend early--I'll order a tray of something savory and a California zinfandel to wash it down. I wonder if MMario is cooking up anything out back?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 10:01 AM

It's spring cleaning time in the tavern kitchen as well. There's a big pot of soup/stew simmering; and a casserole or ten in the oven. If someone's a bit peckish I can reheat the brontosaurus ribs, but I don't think there's any sauce left to go with them.

And I had to toss the elasmosaurus. It was definately "off"

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 11:18 AM

Hey, I hadn't thought of retro food as well as ales.

Is there any of that curried mammoth left? :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 11:20 AM

It's still frozen, Scrump.

Extinct Epicurean delights are the 'specialitie de maison' as it were.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Geoff the Duck
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 03:48 PM

MMario, old chap.
This weekend on British Telly there is a new "adventure" programme starting. It is called Primeval and would appear to based around a rift in time letting dinosaurs and the like escape into modern day England.
It's not the result of your "shopping" trips is it?

If not, would you like to forward us a list of beasts you would like to try, and I'll keep an eye out for them...
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 03:51 PM

I don't *think* so, Geoff.

Of course there was that unfortunate incident of the Pterydactyl that followed me back to Warwickshire, but that was in 1586 and it ran afoul of a herd of wild hay bales.

NO one noticed it except the ratcatcher. And he was drunk, so no one paid him never mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 10 Feb 07 - 04:19 AM

The rain is coming sideways & Spring seems a long way away.
I believe I shall have the full English & a double espresso to cheer myself up.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: lady penelope
Date: 10 Feb 07 - 11:45 AM

Oooh, my leg and ankle are smarting from the trip to the osteopath....need mucle relaxant..... Oh hurrah! there's still some heather ale.....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 03:01 PM

I dunno... a few days away and no-one bothers to do anything here!

Squiddy ~ saw a relative of yours in the Portaferry aquarium. She would have sent her love but she was busy pressing her bottom against the glass.

Never did get to open the Pinot - picked up a 6'4" Bavarian at 1.15am and got him to bed at about 2am. As we left at 8.30am later that morning, we didn't get time to drink it. I will rectify that shortly.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 03:05 PM

wow, Liz! You're stronger then I thought. Or the bavarian is a light-weight.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 05:09 PM

I come up to his armpit - I used the car!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Gizmo
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 05:18 PM

I think I'll have some Fecking Whiskey - just pour it in.

Fecking EEC rules stated that I could not take the Fecking whiskey into Fecking England, via duty free airport. Fecking rules and fecking country and fecking EEC for that too.

Fecking whiskey here - right fecking now!

GTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 05:23 PM

Not a brand I know - is it single malt or blended?
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 06:19 PM

Who the feck knows?!

It's available in Ireland but not made it across the water yet, possibly because it contravenes several Health and Safety rules, breaks the Geneva convention governing hazardous waste and makes your guitar break out in shiny spots.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Gizmo
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 06:47 PM

...And accordians.

GTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 04:04 AM

Ah yes... the Iron Lung got a touch, didn't it.

Off to the museum in a bit so pass me the Icelandic 'Black Death'.... if you can find who snaffled the bottle!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 05:15 AM

I thought that the Geneva convention was that you had to put juniper berries in everything!
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Feb 07 - 01:54 PM

No, that's the Jenever convention.

Besides, cranberries are tastier.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Sick Squid
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:00 AM

LtS, how do you KNOW it was her BOTTOM??? Such knowledge is normally confined to other cephalopods and the (very) odd marine biologist.

Psssttt!!! wanna see some squid porn?

By the way is there any of that Pussies Rum left?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:04 AM

A hot buttered rum and hot ruttered bum, please. It's cold here.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 10:04 AM

A bottle of vintage 1977 Thomas Hardy Ale, please. It's a bit early, but what the hell. You only live once. Unless you're a cat of course. Which I'm not. At least, if I am, how come I don't have a tail? I'm not from the Isle of Man. That's the only island I know that proves that know-all Donne wrong.

Ah... lovely stuff. Ta!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 11:06 AM

I'll have one of what Rapaire is having. It's cold here, also. Geez, I'm getting tired of this. Why bother living in Texas if the weather is just like Idaho? Brrrr!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 12:28 PM

Squiddy - her eyes were at the other end.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Mingulay
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 02:42 PM

Scrump

You now have me drooling big time. I was once the proud owner of 2 dozen Hardy Ales and not one of them opened. They disappeared in a move 20 years ago and would have been nicely matured by now.

Still reduces me to tears. Just have to settle for a pint of Batemens XXXB instead.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 04:44 PM

Mingulay... we have a matched pair in our cellar...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MAG
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:36 PM

My shoulder's out (of where it should be), I've had the painkillers and the acupuncturist, my little band is supposed to play for a school, tomorrow, and I'm gonna open this here NPR (National Public Radio) show recommended La Boca chardonnay, and chill for awhile ...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 10:01 AM

Mingulay... we have a matched pair in our cellar...

Put them both into a pint glass please LTS. I believe a new crate is being delivered as we speak.

Cheers!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Mingulay
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:20 PM

Lts, how much do you want for the house..............













...............and contents?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Mingulay
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:23 PM

Oooooooooooonnnnnneeeeeeeeeee huuuuuuuunnnddddrrrreeeedddddddddddd.

Bloody squid just slithered over my keyboard.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:24 PM

Peaked a little early as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:26 PM

Doncha hate cross-postings? :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:30 PM

And slimy keyboards.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:33 PM

Right.Calamares it is then.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Sick Squid
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 03:52 AM

I just happened to pass Mingulay's boat while taking a short cut up the canal and thought I'd go pay a visit. Fine welcome indeed!! Anyone would think that seeing a sqid suddenly appear was unusual in this day and age.

Mingulay, if you wouldn't mind old chap, I seem to have misplaced a tentacle somewhere, probably in your bilge. Wondered if you could have a little look for me?

Alec, not funny mate, right? There are laws against squidism you know.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Alec
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 03:56 AM

Just a joke sicky.That Captain Nemo was looking for you earlier.
I told him you were wintering off Lanzarote.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 04:56 AM

I FINALLY got my glass of Pinot de Charantes... and it were bloody lovely - all snuggled up in my fluffy dressing gown - all I lacked was the hairy chested stud and the chocolate sauce.

Off to clean the cat litter tray now.. my life is one long round of hedonistic pleasures!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 08:29 AM

Don't bother LTS, get the Cat Litter Cleaner you just happen to have employed, to empty the litter tray for you. Then you can relax and enjoy your drink.

Talking of drink... I think I'll have a pint of original Eldridge Pope (Dorchester), 1976 recipe, draught Royal Oak, please.

Glad to see you serve it straight from the cask by gravity dispense.

Lovely stuff... cheers! Good idea to stock all these legendary ales, no longer obtainable anywhere else.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 10:44 AM

Oh Scrump, you bugger, you've discovered my secret stash!

Although, in 1976, I was 12 and had reached only the heady delights of Babycham, it would only be a mere 6 years before I was introduced to the chestnut brew of my own home town.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 11:14 AM

Scrump.

I think we should start up a virtual beer off selling only ales from the past. Wonder if Paypal would accept proper £sd on their system.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: MMario
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:46 AM

anyone know if "our" giant swuid is an Architeuthis or a Mesonychoteuthis?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:53 AM

Sorry for delay, only just got back here.

I was introduced to the chestnut brew of my own home town.

hey that's interesting LTS - I never saw a beer made from chestnuts before.

...I'll get me coat. After I reply to this:

I think we should start up a virtual beer off selling only ales from the past. Wonder if Paypal would accept proper £sd on their system.

Good idea Mingulay at work (or may I call you Maw for short?). But I think we might as well charge modern prices for these vintage ales, not give them away at silly 1970s prices (Aagh! I remember when beer went up to 30p a pint in one pub and I thought it was a ripoff!). In fact, we should charge more. Vintage wines go up in value every year, so why not ale?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:22 AM

I hope they don't find traces of green jello on their record-breaker. Now that would be sad!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: GUEST,Mingulay at work
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 11:56 AM

Scrump, just call me Ming. I can remember beer at 1/6d a pint, good stuff too. That was at the time the fizzy stuff started to appear but we didn't drink it, not at 1/9d!!

Shall we start at £5/pint for a vintage cooking bitter?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 05:09 AM

See that squid is making waves again... can't he keep his relatives under control?!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern Spring Clean
From: Scrump
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 07:25 AM

Scrump, just call me Ming. I can remember beer at 1/6d a pint, good stuff too. That was at the time the fizzy stuff started to appear but we didn't drink it, not at 1/9d!!

Shall we start at £5/pint for a vintage cooking bitter?

OK Ming, but as long as we don't have to pay those prices here ourselves. I thought the ale was free in this boozer?

1/6 is the cheapest I remember too, but at the time that was cheaper than average. 2 bob was more typical. This was the late 1960s.

And in them days, I sometimes used to drink shandy because it was cheaper than beer. I was shocked when I went to London and found in some pubs they charged more for shandy, because of the time it took to pour out. I never drink shandy these days though, it's too sweet for me.

Hmmm, Friday lunchtime... time for a pint I think. All this typing makes me thirsty. I'll start with summat light I think. What about a pint of 1970s Young's 'Ordinary' Bitter, brewed in Wandsworth as the Good Lord intended, to the 1970s recipe, long before the Young's accountants decreed that it should be dumbed down to give it broader appeal? [I've heard some pretty uncomplimentary comments about the new Bedford version of it too :-( ]

...Cheers!