Auld Lang Syne - Happy New Year!!!

Lily and daughter Smidge

Lily here tonight...Since we live in an area of the country that was settled mainly by Scotch-Irish folks we thought we would post about the origins of the New Years Eve song Auld Lang Syne.

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year's eve, "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland. 

It is often remarked that "Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to. "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, "For auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet."

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to "run about the braes,/ And pou'd the gowans fine" (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and "paidl'd in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine" (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—"seas between us braid hae roar'd" (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and "tak a right guid-willie waught" (a good-will drink).(info from New Year Traditions)

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,

And surely I'll be mine,

And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pou'd the gowans fine,

But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,

Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,

Frae morning sun till dine,

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o thine,

And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,

For auld lang syne.

Happy New Year to all our friends  - May 2012 bring you nothing but happiness, prosperity and health!

Anybody Missing a Chicken?

Woody here today.  Mom went out to feed the whitesters in the cat house this morning and what do you think she saw?  A big white chicken in the back yard hanging around the bird feeders!  I say yes - a big bird for me!

When Mom tried to talk to him (?) he/she ran away into the woods but not before he got the interest of the whitesters.  Who knows who he belongs too?  Anybody know much about chickens?  Why would he be in our yard and eating the bird seed?  The neighbors across the street have chickens but smaller ones and all black.

Come to think of it Mom has noticed the platter she puts bird seed in by the raised garden bed has been on the ground and turned over for a few days this week.  Wonder how long the chicken has been visiting? We will try to find his home but in the meantime - this is fun chicken TV!

Camera Critters

A Sad Farewell to BB

 

Our dear friend Marg has lost another one of her very special cats - BB.  BB was Holly's daughter and looked just like her.  Holly also went to the Bridge a few weeks back so I am sure she was there to welcome her sweet BB home to the beautiful Rainbow Bridge.  Please stop by to offer words of comfort to Marg at her blog Marg's Pets.

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.

Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest.

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was so blessed.

For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,

The fear now all is gone. 

Put now these things out of your thoughts,

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife.

Please do not dwell upon my death,

But celebrate my life.

~ Copyright 1992 Constance Jenkins,

Toesie Tuesday with Yoko

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  We had a quiet one cuz Mom had to work.  Thank you all for all your cards, and holiday wishes! You guys are great!

I am the next to oldest at 18 and have BIG toesies for my size.  Since I have gotten older I have lost some weight but am still a big boned ladycat.  Mom thinks my feets are funny cuz the turn out  like this.  It is just how I am.

I still get around pretty good and easily hop on the sofa, counters (I know I am not supposed to go here)and bed.  I like to sneak on the bed after Pop falls asleep and cuddle next to Mom. I wake her up when I lick her face. I like to lick her a lot and it kinda drives her nuts.  I guess I like the salty skin.  This is just my way of telling her how much I love her!

Do you do anything that drives your beans nuts?