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.