• From: Chillicothe, Ohio
  • Registered: 2010-08-16
  • Posts: 1,013

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

I put my gps away and decided to take a "scenic" route back home yesterday that was shown in my atlas.  It took 10.5 hours to drive home but I enjoyed driving 2-lane roads through some small NY towns.  Checked my odometer when I got home and found my drive to visit my chordie friends totaled a little over 1300 miles (including exploring the area around Amy and Jim's house).  Not bad and a good little test to see how my new knee and old back stood up to a little road trip.

It was a memorable weekend of music, food, meeting new folks and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the Wall family. Amy is such a sweetheart! I'd met Jim before and instantly liked him. My dad always said the measure of a man is his honesty, work ethic, and his love of family and friends. I'm sure dad would have used Jim as an example of what a man should be.  Also, Jim is a lot of fun to sip whisky and swap yarns with ...... lol

Some of the memories from the weekend:

Amy's incredible voice
Conversations with and listening to Amy's dad play/sing
Hanging out with Jim
Getting the chance to talk to Amy and Jim's son Alex about music and playing guitar
Kate waking up Friday morning, walking past everyone else and snuggling up next to me on the couch
Having Stephanie as a tour guide at Fort Stanwix
Thursday and Friday evening's "pickin' sessions"
Jim's back-yard fire Saturday night
The big Sunday morning breakfast in the back yard
Dinner at Gary's (I'll let someone else provide details of that experience)
Roger's unending catalog of ballads and love songs which he sings so well
Thinking Roger's camera lens could be mistaken for a rocket launcher
Conversations with Joe about living a simple country life
Good weather
Pulled pork, venison goulash and sweet corn

Thanks to everyone that was there and made it such a pleasant and memorable xperience.

DE

I want to read my own water, choose my own path, write my own songs

102 Reply by mekidsmom (edited by mekidsmom 2015-08-20 13:46:18)

  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Here's a link to my photos taken over the weekend: Backyard Gathering 2015 Link Click me!
I have some sound files to normalize and such - I'm not sure how they'll end up coming out.  I wasn't paying much attention while recording, and I'm afraid I may have had the mic volume set too low.  sad

THANK YOU Joe, Ken, and Roger for making the trip here! I had a BLAST!  It was a pleasure to meet Roger and Joe for the first time and to see Ken again. I apologize if at any time I seemed a bit high strung - trying to play hostess can have it's downfalls occasionally, however I think everything really went well (except for poor Gary's family, may he RIP - I'm afraid his restaurant will too soon). Mostly, I'm glad that it seems everyone had a good time, and felt comfortable while here.  I know Katie helped out a LOT in that regard!  smile  "here, I picked you a flower... let's cuddle... can you get this for me?"  LOL!

I'm REALLY glad my Chordie Moderator Salary finally came in as well!
(edited to remove photo - it was too HUGE - it's in the photo album tho!)

Joe - the kids ate up half of the "pies", then gave up and moved on to other sweets around the house.  smile We look forward to visiting you in October!

Ken - I'm glad you took the scenic route home, and enjoyed it.  NY has some beautiful country and old towns that people generally don't think of when thinking NY.  smile  I mostly hope you're not too sore after all the walking and riding over the weekend!  Steph LOVED going to Stanwix with "the guys"  big_smile

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

103 Reply by Strummerboy Bill (edited by Strummerboy Bill 2015-08-20 14:13:29)

  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Amy,

Those are some gorgeous pictures of the sunset and of all who took part in your party, but are there any of you anywhere?

All the up close candid's were awesome, and I really liked the tattoo Roger has on his arm. "Being true to our school", are we, Roger?

Need I guess who paid you that salary?

Good close-up of your man, there as well, Amy, those sunglasses suit him. smile

One thing I noticed we have in common: We keep our songs/chords in a notebook. I have my songs printed as boldly and as tall as I can so I don't have to wear my glasses. My regular glasses are tri's and reading glasses don't get me close enough to the music. And of course I can't trust my memory, so large, bold fonts is the way for me to go.

I'm so glad y'all had a great time, Amy, Jim, Steph and company, and that you let us "look in" which was the fun part for me. I am hoping Jim and I get to do "Rolling Stone" together one day, if he doesn't mind my "baying" the song out.

Love you guys and Dondra says, "Great pictures and a great, happy-looking crowd"

Bill

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com

104 Reply by Zurf

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Looks like you folk had a terrific weekend together. Thanks for the report MKM, and especially your amazing photography. Your use of light and depth-of-field is highly commendable. That's a beautiful piece of the good earth you inhabit!

  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Bill - I'd have had to set up a tripod and set my camera on a timer to get one of myself.  My camera is a bit much for "selfies" ha ha! 
TF - thank you very much for the kind photographic comments!   smile

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,205

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

As requested by our Musicator Extraordinair smile

Amy and Steph.


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/20765471621_43110cb45f_k.jpg

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

108 Reply by unclejoesband (edited by unclejoesband 2015-08-21 13:30:00)

  • From: SC Pa
  • Registered: 2014-03-26
  • Posts: 1,348

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

I finally got around to uploading pics. The quality is rather pathetic compared to Roger's but I just have a point-n-shoot.

Upon arrival.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv35286%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B85485%3A349nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv37973%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B85485%3B349nu0mrj

Pickin' on the porch

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv35787%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B854863349nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv34956%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B854865349nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv3%3B2%3A2%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B858%3B39349nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv3956%3A%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B854867349nu0mrj



http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv34552%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B858%3B3%3A349nu0mrj

Our cute little campfire. smile

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv3%3C9%3C9%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B854869349nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv35%3A%3A5%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B854868349nu0mrj

And the rainbow after the rain.

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv37482%3Enu%3D4%3A64%3E6%3B%3B%3E234%3EWSNRCG%3D383%3B858%3B37349nu0mrj

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[b]Today Is Only Yesterdays Tomorrow[/b]
  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Roger Guppy wrote:

As requested by our Musicator Extraordinair smile

Amy and Steph.


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/207 … b45f_k.jpg

Very nice! Thanks!

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com

110 Reply by SouthPaw41L (edited by SouthPaw41L 2015-08-26 12:44:29)

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Looks like a ton of fun, great jams, and big warm grins !
Great photos.

Give everything but up.

111 Reply by Zurf

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

That's a heck of a campfire.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • dino48
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Zurf wrote:

That's a heck of a campfire.

We call those bonfires in the west,looks like a good time was had by all.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • From: East sussex, UK
  • Registered: 2008-01-29
  • Posts: 690

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Nice pics, guys!

" Old Guy is Rocking"
Simon & Patrick Pro Flamed Maple (mmm, nice...)
Norman ST68 acoustic
  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Zurf wrote:

That's a heck of a campfire.

It was just a tiny little fire.  LOL!

Yeah - um... it may have contained an entire wall from the barn we are STILL working on taking down (although most of it is down now).  Bonfire, as Dino says, is more appropriate.  OR, you could call it a tree trimming as well.  Jim may or may not have gotten a little carried away, but it was worth it to see the look on Roger's face.  I'm not sure he's ever seen one so big in a backyard before!  smile

Thank you very much for the photos, UJB!  You are the only one that truly got the "little campfire" in perspective!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • Jandle
  • Jandle
  • Uke-a-lady Moderator
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  • Registered: 2015-07-15
  • Posts: 2,010

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Oh once again it sounds like great fun, so wish i could make it over and join you all.  Mekidsmom, you have made it very welcoming and lots of fun.  I am very impressed with Roger Guppy making it all the way over from Portugal, wow.

Looking forward to hearing about it,  the photos and videos smile

Laugh Lots ... Forgive Much ...  Love one another     smile
Covers and some Originals found over there    ------- >    https://soundcloud.com/ukulelejan
  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,205

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

It was one heck of a swim but at that time of year the water was not too cold lol

Well worth the effort of getting there is was great fun and Chordians are fantastic people.

Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

If you ever decide to visit over here, please do make sure to let me know!  smile 

For anyone peeking about, the thread for this years gathering is located over here:  2016: http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=29491

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • From: SC Pa
  • Registered: 2014-03-26
  • Posts: 1,348

Re: Backyard Gathering 2015 - Chordie Friends

Roger Guppy wrote:

It was one heck of a swim but at that time of year the water was not too cold lol

Roger

And once you get to the Gulf Stream it's downright warm. smile

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[b]Today Is Only Yesterdays Tomorrow[/b]