Vagabond Phil

Party Time

2010-03-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

We talked and talked and after an hour or so decided to get a snack and a pop. I got a Dr. Pepper for me, a Mountain Dew for Pheel and an Orange Crush for Punx.

Next we picked snacks from the vending machine which took a bit of teamwork.

We loved the M&M's and the cheesy crackers.

Cousin Punx

2010-03-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Pheel and I were sitting in the window seat which over-looked the square and catching up on old times when we heard a tiny knock at the door.

Happily the news had gotten around that we were hanging at the Boone and our little cousin Punx took the bus down from Richmond to join in our weekend. He's a city hog as we call our distant relatives. They tend to be a bit on the smaller side but are spiffy dressers.

Back Home in Berea

2010-03-13T19:13:00.001-08:00

Well after that fun, but exhausting, Groundhog's Day festivities, I took a bit of a retreat back to Berea and met up with some relatives. It was nice to be back at the Boone Tavern where they treat all guests, including us marmots, just fine. Pheel, my long lost brother, was in town as well. We were separated as young hoglets but serendipitously we managed to be back at the same time. We ate like pigs, had a few too many toasts and then slept for a least a week or two. Hibernation comes back to you when you have enough down time.

We're gonna spend a few more days catching up on old times then I'm off to wander once more.

GHD 2010 Celebration

2010-02-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

I had a heckava time at Chaw Pappy's Grits & Grog Cafe for the annual Groundhog's Day Celebration. It was a bit belated due to the PETA protests on Groundhog's Day but we persevered and gathered at CPG&G's for free beer and pizza night with an open mike and Dorothy's exquisite buffet. Luckily there was no groundhog stew on the menu. That always makes me nervous!

Gizmo and Trinket displayed their sweet little GH kiss and then the night was filled with music. I was on hand to deliver the man of the year award to Alvis and Queen Wendy announced the new 2010 Queen - Ms. Forever Young. A grand time was had by all.

Tomorrow I will be packing my bags for a trip north to Montreal. I hear they have a great winter festival and there will be sugaring going on!

Back from the Boonies

2010-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I spent the last part of 2009 visiting family and friends and as you can tell from my lack of blogging, not one of them had an internet connection. Am I the only groundhog who has come into the 21st century?

Nonetheless we had a happy holiday. I spent Christmas at the home of my cousin Chucky and helped decorating their cozy little nest. We made some peanut brittle, cookies and of course, fruit cake. Chucky has a recipe that is out of this world. I'm afraid to ask where some of the ingredients are gathered but it is so tasty that I just don't think about it. My trip there was fairly short as their whole family had trouble staying awake. I personally think hibernation is over-rated but I, too, found myself napping more than usual.

To ring in the new year I traveled to Ohio to share good food, good friends and amazing music at a ceilidh. I made a new friend named Joe who bears a strange resemblance to my buddy Blind Joe Jefferson who is a mean harmonica wizard and plays with the Urban Owls. We harmonized on Hard Traveling, something I know lots about.

Well, let me end this blog by saying Happy New Year to you all. I have lots of travels and adventures planned for 2010 and hopefully more of my destinations will have internet.

Kitchen Remodeling

2009-11-20T05:05:00.000-08:00

Spent last weekend working with some friends putting in a new vinyl floor and cabinets in their kitchen. We had to heat up the old tiles with a steamer and then pull. Boy, did my fur get sticky! The cabinets were a lot easier to install. I can see why everyone loves IKEA so much!

Looking for more adventures this weekend!

This Kitten's Got New Mittens

2009-11-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

How surprised and pleased was I to receive a pair of red & white mittens from my friend, Carol, who I met in Berea. I can't wait for the snowflakes to fall! I tried them with my new purple sweater but I'm not sure how the color combination works. If all goes well, there might be a sweater and scarf in my future before Jack Frost shows up.

Fantastic Fall

2009-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

I could not have ordered better weather than we had this weekend in the Midwest. I've been staying with some friends and pitched in working in the yard. Never has leaf raking been so enjoyable. Got some of the leaves and old tomato plants together and started a compost. My friend Baylee added a paw and we enjoyed a productive day.

It' been so pleasant that I don't mind waiting a bit longer for winter. These nice days can stay for awhile.

Happy Trolling

2009-10-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dressed in my pink, punk, troll costume, I made my way to the local Halloween party. I even took a turn as guest celebrity DJ since a few folks recognized me, even in drag.

I cued up a few tunes that I knew would get the party started and dialed in the PA. With the music pumping I led the crowd in the Electric Slide and then we all paid tribute to MJ with a rousing rendition of Thriller, complete with choreography. My pink hair was wild and wonderful.

The dancing was exhausting and, boy, did I work up a sincere and monumental thirst.

I headed for the refreshment table to scare up a snack and a cold brew. Sadly, no brew, that will have to wait until the witching hour. But I was delighted to find one of my favorite snacks.

Pretzels! Ummmm, nice and crunchy.

Sleeping In

2009-10-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yaaaawwwn. I have to sleep in this morning. It was a very late night at the theater. Couldn't get any zzzz's after all the excitement. I kept singing those songs all night long. "...you can light my candle...."

Rent

2009-10-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

Stopped off in Cincinnati and enjoyed an evening at the Aronoff. Lucky me, the show was RENT, one of my favorites....."I wanna go out tonight"

On the road, in the rain

2009-10-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

I'm up early and ready to head out. A nice couple I met at a craft store has offered me a ride. Not quite sure where we're going, I think Ohio, but its the best way to find places I would not normally visit.

Took a shower, brushed my teeth and packed my bag. Now I'm just waiting for my breakfast.

Chat with ya soon!

Out and About in Berea

2009-10-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Checked the local weather station which warned me to take an umbrella on my travels around Berea today.

All through the town were students scurrying back and forth to classes as well as large hands painted in different motifs and colors. This one was a great big fish! I wonder

if any town does groundhogs?

The craft stores were amazing but I resisted the temptation to purchase anything today. I've vowed to travel light.

Coffee Time

2009-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

This hotel has a coffee machine right in the room! How cool is that! I appreciate having my morning beverage in the privacy of my own room. Folks tend to stare when I sit in the dining room. Thank goodness for room service.

Berea, Kentucky

2009-10-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well it rained most of the day so I didn't get much sightseeing done. I made the best of it and was able to catch up on emails and blogs. I'm looking forward to a clear day tomorrow with cool temperatures.

Boone Tavern Hotel

2009-10-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

We'll, I've checked into the Boone Tavern which is an historic hotel in downtown Berea, Kentucky. I've got a few snacks and plan to make myself comfortable for a few days.

Hey there!

2009-10-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

For many years I served as the official Puxatawney Phil and worked only one day a year, February 2nd. Living in that stump eventually was too boring so I've hit the road to see the world.