John Prine Drawing

John Prine as drawn by my great nephew, Brayden.

Ain't it cool.  Talented young man he is, 14 years old, and loves to draw.

Brayden was recently hired to do Christmas window art (at $25.00 an hour) in this city in which he resides.

I am proud of him.  His Grampa (my brother, Wes) and Brayden love to play guitar together.  They primarily play John Prine and The Beatles.

Ode To Joy Of Family

John Prine Christmas (additional decor)

Oh Prine Divine - my new christmas tree is.  I have the addition of snowman lights.

Truly, my friends think I am near losing it...but, I am not - no, I am just trying to have me some fun.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It's A John Prine Christmas

Some years back, I made a John Prine Christmas Wreath.  I added stuffola that one would acquaint with a John Prine song.  A turkey, heart, music note, drum, snowman, Christmas tree, etc.

The Christmas Wreath broke.  I took all the ornaments off and turned it into a John Prine Christmas tree.

My John Prine Christmas Tree is adorned with a John Prine ~ can opener, car freshener, and Christmas tree ornament.  Eat A Lot Of Peaches and I'm With Chrusher, pins and an angel topper.  The drum, turkey, heart, music note, Santa, and snowman now adorned a new Prine home.

To complete the décor of the day on my handmade stepstool is my John Prine touque and The Tree Of Forgiveness mug.

Oh how Prine, Divine!

Life On The Mountain Side

Oh my, life on the mountain side is certainly different now.  Since the death of my noisemaker my life is changing each day.  

I have taken to hating the three W's.  Wood, Water, and Widowhood.

The wood is so (curse word) heavy, I think that when I am doing the stacking of it, I will be going up yonder and will meet up with my noisemaker.

The water - good grief, I do not even have the strength to take the (curse word) cap off, let alone pour water from a five gallon jug.

Widowhood - it is a whopper to become acquainted with.  Certainly, you can do things when you want to do them and do what you want to do.  It was the constant banter that noisemaker had and his physical body being there when I returned home that I miss.

Life goes on, one foot in front of the other, and tomorrow is another day.

A very young Noisemaker and I, 20 years ago.  

My Noisemaker, part two . . .

This is the urn that my stepson made for his Dad.  It is a work of art, for sure, a show of craftmanship.

The quilt on the chair was a gift from a friend of mine.  Handmade, another work of art, she made it for me in memory of my Noisemaker.

This is the top of the urn.  A hummingbird.  Noisemakers' favorite bird.  As mentioned, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.  My picture does not do the art justice.

I miss my Noisemaker, oh how very quiet it has become in our mountain side home.

My Noisemaker

Our Granddaughter, My Noisemaker, and Yours Truly.

My Noisemaker has departed and has entered the realms of making noise elsewhere.  

Noisemaker passed away peacefuly, in the early morning hours of September 17th of cardiac arrest.

Twas just another normal morning here on the mountain side.  I awake early and generally let Noisemaker sleep.  On Tuesday, he never stirred at his usual time of 7:30 a.m.  I was not too concerned as he was outside the day before bucking up a tree and doing winterizing on equipment and the yard.

Just after 8:00 a.m. I thought well, that is enough sleeping, I must start making noise; to which I did.  Still, no stirring.  I leaned over his body and said come on, wake up, wake up - we have things to do today.  Still nothing.  I placed my hand on his shoulder to shake him to awaken.  When I did that I felt the coldest of his body on my hand, I knew I was in trouble.

I called to my neighbor, a volunteer fireman with first aid and said, I need your help, I have no response in trying to awaken my husband.  The door is unlocked, walk in, I am hanging up now and dialing 911.

I called 911 and explained I need an ambulance, police, and a coroner.  I cannot wake up my husband...my neighbor is coming over to help.  911 gives me instructions on what to do, but I cannot do anything.  As I am following instructions my neighbor walks in.  911 hears over the line and requests to speak with him...she starts to give instructions to him …  after about 30 seconds, I hear my neighbor say … excuse me, the body has expired.  I walked out of the house to await the authorities to arrive.

I never knew Monday evening would be the last time I would see my husband alive.  Get to speak with him, listen to him bray on about the news of the day.  However, it was.  So sad it is.  Life does go on - you do the best you can each day.  You take one day at a time and make no fast decisions.

For those of you that have loved ones with you - take a moment - tell them you love them.  Smack 'em in the arm or the butt - give a little human touch that shows you care.  Tomorrow, folks they may not be there.

May You Rest In Peace ~ Noisemaker ~ May You Rest In Peace

Noisemaker, Noisemaker you have no complaint

You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't

So listen up buster and listen up good

Stop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood

...John Prine… Dear Abby

John Prine - Vancouver, B.C.

Prine has re-scheduled Vancouver ~ 2020-06-06.

Same venue, Queen Elizabeth - same seats.  

All systems are a GO.  Not sure, as yet, how I will get there but I will be in attendance.

Now all I have to hope for is not to fall between now and then.  I hope that these hell on earth allergies depart from me.  I would also appreciate if my trapezius muscle is back to some sort of normalcy.  I would love to be able to sing a song without the face ripping in two - caused from the allergies.  I would love to be able to clap and jive on up to a tune or two of Prines' without having the pain in the muscle.

On the bright side of the muscle, I have not had a spasm in 3 days.  The doctor and I were more than pleased.  As the doctor states - that is most painful thing on earth … to pull your trapezius.  For once, I am in full agreement with a doctor.  It is pain, extreme pain when spasms happen.

I hope good spirits, good health, and much happiness abound to you all.

John Prine - a young buckeroo

Pull in the reigns and take me to the rodeo!  Oh my look at this young buckaroo in his younger years.  On a recent post I saw some folks were a tad upset to view the photo.  Smucksville not I.  This is pure John Prine, John Hunksville or in simple terms a fine, good looking man.

Now I am off to the range to coral in Bunko, the horse.  Perhaps, I could find me a cowboy to lasso on in....yep, in my dreams.

Photo by Marc Hauser - reposted by Marina Jason and many thanks to you both.

My First Country Fair

I recently entered our local country fair.  To my surprise

I could not believe I won first prize for 'other knitting'.  Second prizes in the category of 'baby' and 'recycling'  I was thrilled and will be entering again next year.

John Prine July 2019

Oh my, the saga of John Prine continues at a rapid pace.  A gait to which I am rather familiar with.  As some of you may know John was hospitalized and today surgery was performed.

Instagram message from his wife, Fiona.

The Vancouver concert on August 6th, will hopefully be re-scheduled.  In speaking with my brother, he and his in-law will now be flying.  Good lord, I am so rural there are no planes, no trains, and no buses.  I will not be hitch-hiking but, eh, I will be Prineing in 2019 in Vancouver soon.  I will get there, you can place a Las Vegas bet on that - lol. 

To all, who come along and read my ramblings-eh  - All The Best ~ Prine On.

My Hair/John Prine

I never knew my locks looked like this...I never see the back side of me.  Yes, it is real, I have not let any chemicals touch my hair in years.

Life on the mountain side has picked up pace.  With the days closing in on John Prine - Vancouver and trying to get all on the same page, busy I have been.

Only 36 more days to Prine for my brother and I.  Hard to believe some 40 years later, we are returning to the same venue we first saw him at.  My brother planes on into Paul McCartney, a month before Prine.  One lucky larue and he deserves it.  I am so happy for him to Prine and McCartney in one year.  He says, holy - if I die in September, I am dying one heck of a happy man.  

Very much enjoying my caretaker job.  The one cat resides in crazycatville, she has one unique personality.  The other cat, is calm - nothing but thunder rattles her.  Bunko, the horse is a big boy for me.  He neighs at me, we run together and I try to give him much activity - yes, I sing Prine to him - lol.  I have great conversations and do much singing with the dog, Sugar.  We are one happy, noisy family on the side of the mountain.  Great Fun!

Over the winter months, I knitted up a few sets of these to take to Prine to give to special folks.  I am in hopes I will finish all prior to Prine ~ to which there are only 36 more sleeps left.  

See more information, tour dates, etc. at https://www.ohboy.com.  Further news and information at www.jpshrine.org/.

Check back regularly, I am soon to Prine and it is imperative to spread the realm of The Tree Of Forgiveness which is located near Paradise/the mountain side...

Last, but not least - Happy Canada Day!

John Prine - Vancouver, B.C. August 2019

Not quite certain on how I am going to see John Prine in concert in Vancouver, B.C. Greyhound Bus is no longer...brother is hemming and hawing.  I will get there come hell or high water.  My greatest fear, a forest fire.

I'm going to get on the old dirt road

Even have I have to drive

August 6th, 2019

I gotta date with John Prine!

My Dearest Lydia

Dear Lydia finally got a make over.  She is very pleased and happy - singing a Prine tune.

She's doing Prine with her friend/caretaker, Bev.

My Friend, Ali

Ali died last night.  Hoping she is resting now in peace with a glass of wine or perhaps a beer.  I will miss you, my friend.

John Prine - 2019.08.06 - Vancouver, BC

eh, here we go folks, John Prine - Vancouver - 2019.08.06

Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Can you believe it!  Geez, when I received the email, I near fell off my chair.  The following hours were spent trying to regain, call my brother - the retired mailman, and learn how to get tickets on line.

I do not mind on line tickets sales.  Smucksville, you possibly could be in trouble if you do not have/own a cell phone.  I have no idea what the outcome is going to be when I do try to purchase tickets for John Prine, Vancouver.  I called to OhBoy Records today and the polite gentleman stated, in my email - I should receive.  I am hoping.

In speaking with my brother, he tells me, yep - I'll be there.  He, his son-in-law and his brother-in-law are trucking on down to pick me up and we will make our way to Prine.  

As mentioned, I do hope I get the on line ticket sales done correctly.  I have folks depending on me to Prine.  To this, I wish upon the Prine Paradise star above with hopes, fingers crossed that toe tappin', head noddin', john prinein' will be happening on August 6th, 2019.

To note, the very first John Prine concert I attended in Vancouver back in 1973(?), yep it was with my brother, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.  In the row in front of us sat, Mrs. Anne Prine, and Johns' brother, Billy.  I will never forget that concert.

Vancouver 2019 - Prine - it will be golden.

The Tree Of Forgiveness - John Prine - World Tour

John Prine - Austin City Limits, continued. . .

Oh, how Prine delightful to be able to view and thanks so much to the special Priners and Prinettes out there.  You are golden.

The show starts off with the Screen Door Song.  Oh folks, I have my own John Prine titles, but I will note the real Prine titles.

Screen Door Song - Knocking On Your Screen Door.  Wow, what a great opening song and a beautiful picture of those 'boots'.  I love John Prine footwear.  John, once again, is at ease - having a good time.  David Jacques, Jason Wilber along with new additions are going to make this fine, easy listening.

Egg Daughter - I seem to get it confused with the Kazoo song.  Such a happy go lucky song.

8:41 Summer's End - major Prine toe tappin' to a very sad, sad song.  

Caravan of Fools - my word, the chaos that one bastard can cause is beyond.  I rather get this title mixed up with the Carousel of Love.  COF could be on the list for a movie song.  You all know the books are out there, the movies will be shortly following.  The stand up bass of David Jacques is outstanding!  The addition violin of Fats Kaplin - eh good move.  

Pluto Song - why has the drummer (Kenneath Blevins) in need of a cell phone?  lol.  Prine has the best educational out of orbit songs.

Fionas' Song - Boundless Love - I get the title mixed up with Aimless Love.

Tyler Childers joins - sings Please Don't Bury Me and solos with Lady May.

Lake Marie - eh, I got a title correct.  Low toe tappin...you can detect John Prine is near ready to burst.  David Jacques - incredible.

When I Get To Heaven or as I call it - The Kazoo Song.  True to Prine song, beautiful one a kind.  Thank you for The Tree of Forgiveness.

Ending with Paradise with Tyler, my all time favorite John Prine song. 

Hope to see you with The Tree Of Forgiveness Tour in 2019 - Vancouver, B.C. 

Thank you John Prine and for all who read my blog - how special and delightful a day on the mountain side is.

John Prine - Austin City Limits October 2018

John Prine on Austin City Limits aired on the 13th of October, 2018 on a 'few' PBS stations.  My PBS station - KCTS9 - Seattle has opted for ditching Austin City Limits.  Trust me, when I received the news I was emailing and telephoning my great displeasure.  

However, some great folks out there were able to view on WTTW, I believe to out of Chicago.  I did see the post of the show days ago, however, if I wanted to view I would be utilizing my bandwidth for near an entire month.

Well, as Prine luck would have it...here I am today on the mountain and yes, I have viewed Austin City Limits - John Prine.  Yeppers, all the planets even Pluto have aligned on up and I am quite certain nearing the full moon has made my day near beyond . . .

Being as I do the Gramma job, I inquired eh, how is your bandwidth - reply - UNLIMITED!  I am thinking I have two weeks and no schedule for Gramma job in sight - but as Prine luck has it and schedules do get changed.

This morning on the mountain side, yeppers, straight out of a fairy tale I sat and viewed John Prine on Austin City Limits.

Sit a spell, don't fall off your perch.  Part two is coming right on up...

John Prine, et al. . .

John Prine by Isaac Denton Art

Photo Credit - Isaac Denton

Capturing John Prine - Isaac Denton nailed it.  The artwork of Isaac Denton is beautiful.  Catch the rest of his artwork on facebook.

...and further news on John Prine.  My northern friends are anticipating (with me, of course) that John Prine will return to Vancouver sometime in the spring/summer/fall of 2019.  Smucksville, we are banking on it.  Yeppers, taking my gramma job funds right to the bank so as I can save for Prine Vancouver.  Oh how delightful it will be.  

Around and around many scenarios play on in my mind.  Travelling with my brother, the retired letter carrier and his son-in-law - lordy...words near fail me.

We hope to stay really close to the venue in one of fancy, big hotels because we are worth it.  It could well be the last time we will see our Johnny in Vancouver.  You know, we are all rather aging 'gracefully'.

This folks, would be Pure Prinesville!

Malahat

We recently spent a few days in Malahat, B.C.  A beautiful place that we had accommodation, good company, and good food.  The views were like no other in the world.  However, the congestion of the traffic was near overwhelming to me.  I suspect folks become accustom to it, however, I am thankful I reside on the mountain side.  

The traffic is unbelievable.  We left Malahat, boarded the ferry and my pee time was NOT getting paid overtime wages.  Smucksville, we did not stop for 161 km.

To each their own on life style, peace, and the well being of ones' mind.  Yeppers, I am going to stay on the mountain side.  

Lydia

My dearest Lydia suffer an attack from a bear.  I am not certain what the bear had in mind, but Lydias' head was severed.  Oh my, it was much stress, indeed.  
The bear had been hanging around for a couple of days, but I never believed he/she would attack my darling Lydia.