Normally people take books and people drop books off at just about the same rate, but over the past couple weeks, it’s started to look a little sad….
So I’m putting the call out to Book Box fans in Long Branch. That doesn’t mean I’m asking you to drop off bags of books nobody wants to read….no no no. I’m asking you to check out your shelves and pick out one or two choice books for the community. I know I can count on you! That’s why Long Branch rocks!
While Tuffy P was at the CNE last night, I was at a banjo workshop, learning from Bruce Molsky, one of the best old time banjo players, fiddle players and guitar pickers around. I heard about the workshops through the Toronto Stringband email list.
The workshop was done by ear. Bruce would show us a phrase, we’d try to play it, we’d repeat it a few times, try another phrase, put them together and so on. I found stringing all these phrases together and keeping them from draining out of my little brain – and doing it in a group setting – was both challenging and exciting.
We worked on a couple different tunes – Walking in the Parlor and more briefly, Mississippi Sawyer. For me, Mississippi Sawyer was easier because I knew the melody well and already played a version of it. Overall it was a very worthwhile experience. It was fantastic to meet Bruce Molsky and learn from him and it was great to meet the other participants as well.
Bruce Molsky played the Summerfolk Festival up in Owen Sound on the weekend, and tonight he’s playing at Hugh’s Room here in Toronto. My brother the trout, Salvelinas Fontinalis is venturing out of farm country for this one and is joining me. He’s bringing his dog Vibe down to visit with Georgie and Memphis and Tuffy P for the evening. I’m looking forward to a rare evening out with my brother, and to the show which promises to be fantastic.
The Ex takes the cake for me every year – crazy food, guess your age, midway colours, spinning sound of the crown and anchor game, choosing fudge, best in show flowers, the Bandshell shows, moving through the strollers, the dating couples, the seniors, the ‘Sweepas’, the ribs, looking for an open Tiny Tom’s on the way out. Tonight delivered me from evil- and Chubby Checker Twisted us crazy in the cool breezy night.
Memphis is recovering very well from her surgery (for those not aware, our Newf Memphis had two knee surgeries). She’s started doing short walks and is handling them very well and with great enthusiasm. I’d say she’s feeling good! 
This ‘Candlestick’ Moth can only be spotted in Long Branch! Destined to fly into the garden tomorrow before sundown. From Long Branch Mosaics.
George was such a good dog in the woods today, I took a little side trip so he could go for a swim….he didn’t want to leave the water.
How it’s done….first find some fresh chicken of the woods. The chickens I found today were young and tender. Just perfect. I sauteed them for a couple minutes, seasoned with a little steak seasoning, then added a little water and the spinach, and cooked off the water. Then a little fresh ground pepper and a wee sprinkle of salt. It doesn’t get much better.
27th Street 