Dublin OH Irish Festival! More Catmobile Midwest fun!

[phesina]

The pipers and dancer are very busy getting ready for the Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival, Aug. 5-7, after their phenomenal success at the Saline Celtic Festival.

Sydney and Bob are learning Uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes).. and we remember reading something like that Ming wants to learn the harp?.. and then there's the bodhran, a single-handed drum. Fiddles, banjos, guitars, and accordions are also good Irish music instruments. (Some of these are probably hard to play properly without thumbs, though.) Franklin, what are your choices?

And just think of how many of these instruments will be just right for the surprise Western festival being planned for Angel Rose! (Shhh.. Don't anyone tell her!)

Irish "sean nós" (a capella singing) is very popular in Irish festivals. Consider the sensation that will be... sean nós with cat yowls!!!!!

Sparkler is quite the accomplished Irish step-dancer now!

The concert program is being planned. It will take place in the Ohio State stadium, to allow for the expected crowds. Since the Michigan artists refuse to play the Ohio State fight song (on principle) or the Michigan fight song (since they would probably be drawn, quartered, and lynched were they to try that in the Ohio State stadium), the USC fight song will be performed, in honor of the California artists and their own alma mater.

And Traveler, the USC horsie mascot, of course will also be along for the show!

[catmandu]

:love::love::love:
I hope that Star Cassandra Josephine Spunkette Ghost Killearn can make it on her first trip as a Found Cat , she will just love it being part of a crowd of Awesome Pets.:love::love::love:

[katladyd]

She will be more than welcome to join them. The kitties always have room for one more! Ming's harp arrived by UPS today. Whose idea was this, anyway? Oh well, once I find room for it, it will probably sound better than the bagpipes. I live in an apartment and I've been getting complaints....:rolleyes:

[momcat]

Well, I got home from work before Soncat today and heard a wierd noise coming from somewhere while picking up the mail. Inside there was a box and packing peanuts everywhere. Groucho was in the living room with a brand new fiddle! I had no idea about this!!! When I asked for an explanation, he looked at me and said, "That's my cell phone Meowmie, gotta go!"

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS FOR CATMOBILE PURRENTS ONLY. KITTIES, YOUR DINNER IS WAITING!

Okay fellow purrents, here's why I sent our kitties to their dinner. In today's Trenton newspaper there was an announcement of an Irish Festival in Mercer County Park on September 10. I felt obligated to clue you in before our kitties hear about it. But that's not all. One of my friends gave me a birthday card that lists a holiday for each day of the year. According to the list, September 17 is The Great Haggis Feast! The Trenton Haggis In A Hurry Shoppe is already making plans for the event. Phesina, you might want to check with your Shoppe about this. So far I've been able to keep both of these events from Groucho. Would you let us know if your Shoppe is planning anything?

[cassiesmom]

Text from Cassie--

Hi Meowm
Used Sophie's CatBerry to check Duke of Perth's Web site for the Great Haggis Feast -- nothing listed there.
I want to be wherever teh kitties are-- Trenton or Michigan!
PS: since you play the flute, Meowm, can I take tin whistle classes?
Lubz,
Cassie

[phesina]

Momcat, I left a message for the CEO of the Haggis In A Hurry Shoppe, LLC, at the world corporate headquarters (i.e., the back of the store) inquiring about this. He just called back to assure me they're on it. They've been negotiating with the city and the University on the necessary arrangements and permits. And he told me that the Ann Arbor mayor and city council have declared September as Great Haggis Feast MONTH!

The Trenton Irish Festival on September 10.. and then the Great Haggis Feast September 17.. perhaps by then a concert trip to the East Coast is in order. Pinot, how has the Ellicott City branch been doing? They should be in on the planning for the Great Haggis Feast too..

The California branches in L.A. and Monterey should also be in on this. Perhaps they could stage a joint Celtic Kitties Ceilidh on or close to the Great Haggis Feast.. Maybe even in the USC stadium!

[lvpets2002]

:) Woo Hoo A Road Trip Party.. We is all a Packing.. Meowmom is going shopping for some goodies & catnip toys to bring..

[phesina]

Lots of Road Trip Parties are being planned!.. as always...

[momcat]

Lots of Road Trip Parties are being planned!.. as always...

Do any of my fellow Catmobile purrents think that maybe...just maybe...WE can go on one of these Catmobile trips and leave the kitties to handle things at home?

[katladyd]

Now THAT'S a great idea! I don't play the bagpipes, though.:(

[astrid]

Do any of my fellow Catmobile purrents think that maybe...just maybe...WE can go on one of these Catmobile trips and leave the kitties to handle things at home?

That would be great! imagine the road trips, shopping, the beautiful places, shopping, the tons of fun, shopping, the food, shopping, all the friends... and shopping... :rolleyes::D
a.s.

[momcat]

Now THAT'S a great idea! I don't play the bagpipes, though.:(

But can you shop?

[katladyd]

With the best of them! You've obviously never seen my closet!:D

[Pinot's Mom]

Posted by Catberry Mobile...

Pinot here; sorry I've been so absent from this thread, but so much planning to do! So much going on!

I've been making contacts with the Ellicott City Haggis in a Hurry shop. They now understand what our kitty clan can do for them, so they're on board to keep us in the loop on all events. This will come in handy when our purrents ground us ;) . I've also been working on one of my meowmie's musical thingies...more to come on that later....first I need to find out how to spell it!

We hit the road in a week, kitties! See you soon!

Purrs, Pinot

[slick]

OK, I'm still at work and received a message on my phone...

Hi Meowmie:
Don't worry if you don't find me when you get home. I've had to go out and purchase something very special for my sweetheart. :love: Oh yes, had to call the credit card company and increase your limit. Hope you don't mind. See you later.
Merlin

Oh my gosh, I'm already in deep trouble with my credit cards. What has that boy done now. :rolleyes: More later.
signed
the purrent

[katladyd]

They're at it again!! I must hide my credit card from Ming.:eek:

[slick]

Hey Pinot: I still have not seen hide nor hair of Merlin, but I know he will come home this weekend because he has not finished packing the suitcase.

I also received a call at work from Amex verifying a $5,000 charge.:eek::eek::eek: I need to have a word with that boy.

I will need to take him to the airport. Where shall I send him and when???

Signed
:rolleyes: purrent

[Pinot's Mom]

Hi Auntie Slick!:love:
Merlin, I think, knows where to be - but I'll clue you in a little. The festival is Aug. 5-7. We need to have all the instruments and players there by the 4th. Plan is to have all meet at BWI (Baltimore, MD) on the 3rd who need to fly in. There are some who are close enough to be picked up by the Catmobile. Some have checked in.

Note to Kitties: check in with me if you haven't - need to make sure noone is missed!! Love ya!!

Purrs, Pinot

[phesina]

I heard on the radio today that a World Harpists' Convention or gathering of some sort is taking place in Vancouver this weekend.

I assume Ming is there, so Merlin, you and he can fly together from Vancouver to BWI! Won't that be fun?!

[slick]

Hello fellow kitties Merlin here:
Yes, I had to go away on a shopping trip for my :love: and while I was downtown I ran into Ming. He's at home wif me right now and we are waiting on Meowmie to get home from w-u-r-k so we thought we should sneak on PT. Wow, you should see how big this harp is. Meowmie's gonna flip when she sees how much room it's taking up, but at least Ming can chime a few tunes and make her feel better.

Ooops, the doorbell is ringing. Ming, can you get that please?

OMG.......Will have to catch you later. I think Ming may have invited the whole convention over. :eek::eek::eek:

[katladyd]

So THAT is where Ming and his harp went off to! Well, at least he's in good company. Slick, isn't that harp HUGE? :eek: I don't know where I'm going to store it, the hall closet is already designated for the bagpipes. Why couldn't he have taken up the flute??:rolleyes:

[slick]

http://eyedealpostcards.com/images/FigCatTuxBandPlaysHarpL657A.jpg

What can I say???????
Excuse me now while I try and get some sleep.

Signed,
tired Meowmie

[phesina]

What a nice picture of Ming and his harp! I bet he will wow them at the Irish festival.

[katladyd]

http://eyedealpostcards.com/images/figcattuxbandplaysharpl657a.jpg

what can i say???????
Excuse me now while i try and get some sleep.

Signed,
tired meowmie

rotflmao!!!!:d

[momcat]

Hi fellow kitties,
Sorry I haven't been around, it has been pretty busy around here this week. The Catmobile will be here tomorrow either late morning or early afternoon so we can get an early start. If anyone is coming in by the Amtrack, take it to Trenton and you'll be picked up at the station. As always, everyone is welcome to stay at my place until we're scheduled to leave. If you're coming into Newark Airport or the one in Philadelphia, be sure to call me on my cell phone so we'll know when and where to pick you up.

My new fiddle sounds great now that I know how to tune it. Soncat says I'm getting pretty good at it and was he impressed when Charlie Daniels called to give me a few pointers.

Pinot, I know how busy you've been planning this trip. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you think we should arrange for a trailer for Ming's harp and the larger instruments?

Okay fellow kitties, we're officially in countdown. If you want to join us and haven't checked in, there's still time. Don't forget your sunglasses! The Haggis In A Hurry Shoppe will be giving discounts to each kitty when they display their tartan collar so don't forget to pack yours too.

Your friend,
Groucho

[phesina]

Meowmie's sister's cat Nelson will be joining the party, as he is a real virtuoso on his bodhran (Irish single-handed drum, which is very hard to play without thumbs, but he does just fine with it :D).

He will be traveling with the Michigan pipers and dancer, and we can't wait for the Catmobile to swing by Ann Arbor on its way to Dublin, Ohio! Please keep us posted on your ETA.

We are all so looking forward to getting together with the gang again and packing out the Ohio State stadium with thousands of brand-new bagpipe aficionados!

We will be bringing along a Great-Dane-size doggie bag from the Haggis in a Hurry Shoppe for all to snack on for the rest of the trip. We all have new sunglasses in frames colored with our clan tartan designs.

[astrid]

Hi fellow kitties,
Sorry I haven't been around, it has been pretty busy around here this week. The Catmobile will be here tomorrow either late morning or early afternoon so we can get an early start. If anyone is coming in by the Amtrack, take it to Trenton and you'll be picked up at the station. As always, everyone is welcome to stay at my place until we're scheduled to leave. If you're coming into Newark Airport or the one in Philadelphia, be sure to call me on my cell phone so we'll know when and where to pick you up.

My new fiddle sounds great now that I know how to tune it. Soncat says I'm getting pretty good at it and was he impressed when Charlie Daniels called to give me a few pointers.

Pinot, I know how busy you've been planning this trip. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you think we should arrange for a trailer for Ming's harp and the larger instruments?

Okay fellow kitties, we're officially in countdown. If you want to join us and haven't checked in, there's still time. Don't forget your sunglasses! The Haggis In A Hurry Shoppe will be giving discounts to each kitty when they display their tartan collar so don't forget to pack yours too.

Your friend,
Groucho


Hi dear Groucho,
I'll arrive tonight at Newark and I have the limo service arranged again, so don't worry about me. I'll be staying at your place, if you don't mind, and I can help with the planning too, we can use the limo to pick up everyone at the airport or train station.. call me!

See you later,
Sophie
--posted via CatBerry Mobile

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Hi fellow kitties,

My new fiddle sounds great now that I know how to tune it. Soncat says I'm getting pretty good at it and was he impressed when Charlie Daniels called to give me a few pointers.

Your friend,
Groucho

pssst Groucho. I'll dust of my guitar and maybe we can surprise everyone with a number at Angel's party!!! You lead and I'll jump in and follow!!! ;):love:

[cassiesmom]

Hi Auntie Slick!:love:
Merlin, I think, knows where to be - but I'll clue you in a little. The festival is Aug. 5-7. We need to have all the instruments and players there by the 4th. Plan is to have all meet at BWI (Baltimore, MD) on the 3rd who need to fly in. There are some who are close enough to be picked up by the Catmobile. Some have checked in.

Note to Kitties: check in with me if you haven't - need to make sure noone is missed!! Love ya!!

Purrs, Pinot

Dear Pinot,

My meowmie said I can go from Midway to BWI on the 3rd of August. I'll meet everyone there.

Thank you,
Cassie

[slick]

Dear Pinot:
Mewomie will be taking myself and Ming to the airport tonight. We'll be landing in MD around noon on the 3rd. She had to book us on the redeye because they needed part of the cargo space for that big harp and the bagpipes. By the way Ming had the opportunity to play at a wedding on Sunday night. There is a recreation complex across the street from our apartment and weddings take place there all the time. On Sunday Ming was out in the courtyard practicing when a wedding party drove up. They loved his playing so much that the bride wanted him to pipe her into the hall. For that task, we were rewarded with the most scrumptious crab and shrimp. Yummy! OK, gotta go and finish packing. See you tomorrow.

Your furrends, Ming and Merlin.

[Pinot's Mom]

Oh, I'm so excited! Cassie, Merlin, Ming,Star Cassandra Josephine Spunkette Ghost Killearn, lvpets crew from Texas, I'll be at the airport to greet you. As far as I know, the rest of the gang will be meeting at Groucho's and they'll pick us up in the Catmobile. I have learned an instrument! I wanted to make sure I could play before I announced it - I'll show you when we meet!;)

Side note: don't forget the cowboy gear, too, for where we're going after this weekend! ;)

See you all soon! Love ya!

Purrs, Pinot

...respectfully posted via Catberry Mobile...

[katladyd]

Slick, thank you for keeping me updated on Ming's antics, er..adventures! Mac and Kimba will be arriving in MD. tonight, no instruments, thank God! Our Catmobile group is sure growing by leaps and bounds, isn't it?:D

[phesina]

My gang want to remind the driver of the Catmobile that on the drive from Baltimore to Dublin, to be sure and swing by Ann Arbor to pick up Bob and Sydney with their Uilleann pipes, Sparkler with her dancing (Scottish, Irish, and square) shoes, Nelson with his bodhran, and the other four with ...what? anything? (I seem to be hearing the sounds of flutes and tinwhistles around the apartment lately)...

[momcat]

Oh, I'm so excited about this trip! The Catmobile is here and ready to go. Soncat is on his way to pick up our cheezburgers right now. Sophie arrived safe and sound, have any of you seen her limo???? That is one sweet ride! Last night Sophie spent a lot of time talking with Meowmie. Every time I walked by they stopped talking, could something be up?

This afternoon Inka and Sophie went shopping at Quakerbridge Mall. They came back with so many packages they had to take a taxi. I'm not sure of what all they got but there's a big trunk here. Several of our other fellow kitties arrived a short while ago so now we'll start to party.

Okay everyone, charge your cell phones tonight and make sure they're on in the morning. We'll be getting an early start and will call you when we get to your neighborhood. Pinot, I'll check in with you later.

Your friend,
Groucho

[slick]

I dropped off the furbabies at the airport at 10pm last night. They could not get a direct flight to MD so right now I guess they are sitting in the Chicago airport waiting on the next leg of the journey. Should be there by noon.

It was an absolute pleasure having Ming here. He's so polite and so talented. He tried to show Merlin how to play up the bagpipes; the neighbours knocked on my door to see if everything was OK. :rolleyes::eek:

I told Merlin to text often but not sure if he will follow through as his head was in the clouds at the thought of seeing Sparkler again.:love:

[astrid]

Hi mom!
I'm staying at Groucho's but today we'll pick everyone up in the catmobile. I went shopping with Inka yesterday and bought a lot of great things and gifts and party supplies and a little something for my bfff Chels (btw, where is she?).... I used your Platinum credit card, hope you don't mind..

Bye!
Sophie
--posted via CatBerry Mobile

[dehlers43]

Chels and Franklin are on their way. Things have not been good here - my dad had a stroke, died 2 weeks later and then my mom died 5 days after dad. I needed the comfort only kitties can provide....:love:
However, life goes on so I told The Princess and Franklin to get their gear together and get on that plane. They made all the arrangements so I'm not sure about their itinerary but I did hear bits of conversation, mostly stuff about Sophie, Ming, BBQ and bagpipes....:D

[katladyd]

I am so sorry for your losses.:( Yes, kitties are the best cheer-you-up medicine there is. I hope things get better for you very soon.:love:

[phesina]

I'm so sorry, Diane, to learn of your two losses, the one following the other so closely.

My kitties with all their paraphernalia are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Catmobile. I'm sure all kitties at both the Irish Fest and the Surprise Birthday Party will have you in their minds and be sending you purrs of comfort and peace.

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} and ~~~~~~~PURRS~~~~~~~ and :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:,

Pat and the kitties

[Pinot's Mom]

Diane, I'm sorry about all that's happened....prayers...:love:

Sophie, don't worry, Chels made it to MD and you should all be together by now. I'm sure I'll get an update soon....will let you all know. Update purrents!

[slick]

Diane, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Yes life goes on, but at the same time you need time to grieve. It's amazing what kitty love can do, isn't it? I offer up these {{{hugs}}} until your babies return from the trip. :love:

[katladyd]

Diane, I will tell Ming to be extra nice to the Princess and Franklin.:love:

[astrid]

yes! Chels and Franklin are here! Cassie and Inka planned a nice afternoon together to cheer them up, they found this lovely cafe and we'll spend some time there.. and then, maybe, we'll go shopping, but I'm not sure.. I don't know if they want...

bye for now!
Sophie
--posted via CatBerry Mobile

[phesina]

The Ann Arbor kitties were all picked up and are on their way!

I was over at my sister's last evening. Nelson was very excited, looking forward to the adventure, but he was also a bit nervous. He is quite shy, and he was afraid the other cats might not like him. I assured him, they'll LOVE you!, and I told my seven to watch out for him to be sure he's all right.

I don't think he will have any trouble, though. He is a handsome solid-brown tabby and looks much like Bob (except Nelson doesn't wobble). He has a sweet, charming personality, too. As a musician, he is an ACE on the bodhran.. and while I was there he gave a demonstration of his skill at Sean Nos (Irish a capella) singing.. perfect!

Who knows, maybe he will even find Romance during this big adventure, as so many other kitties have done!

[momcat]

I just got a call from Groucho and Inka. The Catmobile is on the way and everything is going great. There's plenty of food and the jokes are flying. Pat, everyone absolutely adores Nelson! Groucho says he's officially one of the guys and can tell a joke with the best of them. Inka, Sophie, and Chels said he's so handsome and charming. Nelson has connected with the Quartet and did very well at their practice session plus he and Sparkler reaaly have their rhythm down solid. The other Catmobile kitties have already asked him to join in on future trips. Please let us know if you hear from Nelson?

[katladyd]

Mac and Ming just texted me: Met Nelson, he is great! Can we trade Kimba? Just kidding. Be home soon. The Boys.

[catmandu]

Our Awesome Angels are headed into Hamilton and area for the next two weeks, so that anyone who wants to take a Canadian side trip is more than welcome to join us enjoying the Golden Horse Shoe:love::love::love::cool:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Don't forget Angel's birthday party on the 13th. We are having quite a time keeping it from miss nosie britches!!! ;):D

[phesina]

I e-mailed my sister this morning to check out Nelson's Catmobile adventure. I got this response from her:

------------------->
Nelson called home collect and told us (in Sean Nos) what a great time he’s having! He said ALL the other kitties have been so sweet, and he’s totally smitten with one of the unattached ladies but he won’t say who. And he loves the Catmobile. He wants me to get a Jag, he says it’s the only way he’ll ever let me take him to the vet now.

I’ve never heard Nelson so bubbly. Please thank all the others for welcoming him so kindly. And perhaps one day, the object of his feline romantic dreams will agree to share the proud Fortenberry* name (from Tabbyssinian royalty).

But please tell Katyladyd, better cancel the trade and hang on to Kimba. Nelson’s using his company manners for Mac and Ming. They should only see him at home.
--------------------

*His full name is Nelson J. Fortenberry.

[momcat]

I'm so glad that Nelson is having such a wonderful time meeting and getting to know his new kitty pals. Groucho mentioned something about getting him sunglasses and a cell phone along the way. Hmm, I can't wait to find out the kitty girl who has caught his eye but we Catmobile purrents know the kitties will never tell. What happens in the Catmobile etcetera and so on.....

[slick]

Text from Merlin:

Hi Meowmie:
Have increased your credit card limit.
Merlin

Should I be worried? :eek::rolleyes:

[phesina]

Tonight is concert night!!!!!

Traffic is jammed for miles around in central Ohio... southern Michigan... eastern Indiana... western Pennsylvania... northern West Virginia and Kentucky...

Planes are backed up waiting to land at the Ohio State University Airport..

I hope everyone will be able to get into the Stadium to see the Ultimate Performance of Irish Music and Dance tonight!!!!!

[momcat]

Text from Merlin:

Hi Meowmie:
Have increased your credit card limit.
Merlin

Should I be worried? :eek::rolleyes:


Slick, be afraid.....be very afraid

[phesina]

My musicians checked in: "Meowmie, we were FANTASTIC!! We brought down the house! And Nelson had the whole stadium in tears with his heartfelt Sean Nos singing.

"Off to Kansas now, for a very important Surprise.. for a very important Someone... sshhhhhhh, don't say a word.."

My sister said Nelson had SUCH a wonderful time! He said to thank you all, and he can't wait for the next adventure... "Where's Kansas?" he asked.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Please tell Nelson he is very welcome to come with you and see Kansas for himself and party with us. :love: