On The Sly

I agree with Lisa Z. I read your blog every week (from LA) and it makes me miss home so much I am actually moving back. Sorry to have missed the Meron's get together :(

Foxy - with a little more advanced notice, I'm sure you'd have had even more "Who's Whos" at Merons. Although I would not be considered as an entry for the "Who's Who", I certainly would have enjoyed running into some of the bloggers who not only entertain me while away from what I still consider to be my "home" but who also rekindle some of the best memories from my life. I look forward to trying for next year's party (hopefully with Miney, Stan and John if they can make it!) and wish you the best until then! Keep up the GREAT work!

Carver ... no, Grace does not ban my Dad from the bar at the other end of Bailey. Grandma Grace threw him out because while the band was on break one or more of his buddies went up and started using their instruments; she thought it was my Dad. If you look in the outer room you'll see a raised floor section, where the 'jukebox' is - they used to have live music there decades ago. But I don't think it was a lifelong 'ban' on the part of Mrs. Meron, just a one-timer to make a point - which she could make. But hey, better to be merely thrown out than have ol Pierre sicced on you like I did. Pierre, who used to live on the premises, was what I think is called a Standard Poodle, I mean the BIG ones they used to use for hunting. Pierre was a Bad Dude, and everytime I went there with Bobby LaMarche he'd sic Pierre on me. Grace would keep him at bay, but Pierre would glare at me everytime I came around - this is like being glared at by bad, bad LeRoy Brown when you're dancing with his girl while she's mad at him and flirting with you; you knew you may be trashed at any moment and it caused me to be in a constant state of extreme anxiety.

Ah, the carver, serving up words of wisdom. As far as going on tour with me, the Goose and I go back almost 5 decades, so I know he has the utmost trust in me. The Foxman, well he will always follow blood. So the Gagnon Boys will be traveling at least one weekend in early August into the wilds of the Standish/Wolf Pond/Loon Lake/Mt. View topographical Zone. The Carver is welcome, but maybe the pace will be too slow for such a fast living man of the new millenium. The aforementioned "Flukie" could guide him thru the wilds if need be.
As for the "Grove" incident there are way too many versions of the story out there and that is something that should be kept to the individuals who suffered thru such an ordeal. For the full and complete truth, do not seek it from me, as I was only called in to take care of the survivors and retrieve supplies, keys and purses.
Bullet

Bullet.. As much as it hurts to agree with you, your point on letting people remain anonymous is a good one and it adds a little something to the blog....but as far as other rules go...foxy rules!
I hope all those that missed this year's reunion will try to make it next year...despite "old timer", "the Donald", "Vin Scully" and Jim Carr all vieing for the same seat it was an absolute blast! Miney wish your father would have stopped in.. I was looking forward to finding out if his ban was still in effect!
and foxy I stongly suggest you refain from participating in "Bullet" and "Old Timers" invitation to the elbow...ask "Bullet" what happened in the 60's up that way when him "Flukie", "Carp" and several others you know well ran into a little trouble at "The Grove"... and with "Bullet" at your side, it would be more like "Fox on the Crawl"

Foxy,
Hopefully I can bring this "rules" matter to closure. I am a firm believer in the "Golden Rule", and certainly have complete faith in your judgement as I have always respected you in whatever role you took part in. The only concern I have with any of our fellow bloggers is to use discretion so as not to "OUT" any one who wishes to remain anonymous.
To the "Old Timer", if there was a party in December, why not one in August, maybe at the barbaric "Roast". I have introduced many friends to the North Country by crashing such a feast and was only treated the best. I will begin plans to get the Gagnon Boys over Elbow.
Bullet

(Foxy's note: Bullet, not sure what Goose and I would be getting into, but it sure does sound like it might be a blog-worthy event ... or maybe a show for "Fox on the Run.")

Well, Foxy bloggers ... I would love nothing more than to have celebrated the start of the Christmas season with you all at Merons!

As for rules ... I remember what my DuBois ancestors would have said .... RULES? ... RULES! Mais non! FIE!

I was recently hired to create advertising layouts for a local magazine, so hopefully, I'll have the means to get back to Plattsburgh next year.

You're good to go for at least another ten years! Your blog helps keep me in touch with all the goings-on in the 'Burgh.

Lynda

As a long time student of "Grand Master Forkey " I was wondering if his students might be welcome ? I myself have not " Heard the sound of one lip drinking " But he tells me it shall be very soon !

Foxy. . .I wish I could have been there! It sounded like a blast! Congrats on your one year anniversary! I check it almost every day. . .it helps get me over the occasional homesickness. I'll be home for Christmas so we should get together for a drink or two or three!

(Foxy's note: Yes, Kelly, and how about a "Fox on the Run" interview about your great CD?)

Rules are mere formalities that guide those who opt to follow them, deter those who challenge their integrity, and provide opportunities to impose a sanction or discipline those who contravene. The “Golden Rule” has always, along with my strong moral and ethical beliefs, been an enduring factor in how I choose to live my life.

I obstinately agree with Mr. Zatonski. If it were not for the sincere and vivacious wisdom and knowledge he imparted upon me, I would still be an ignorant boy that beliefs I is a goodest english student, and that Casius ‘Longhorn’ Clay wrote “Huck Sawyer”, and ain’t related to Samual Clemens, that guy who changed his name and became da’ boxer-dude! Or whatever. You is a good English teacher too, Foxy!

I'm like Fred, sorry I couldn't make it this year - too much work on Friday. But next year's party is on my calendar - Woody, Stan & John? The carver has that right about 50 pounds ago, but those of us who sought our fortune elsewhere did leave our hearts in the North Country. I'm dreaming of the day I can retire & come back to join my friends. Foxy, thanks much for this blog - don't worry about rules Man, it's your blog - you rule. Dibs on my old seat - right next to Mr. Downs. I miss those steak & eggs in a can breakfasts and the paper - of course Maynard had to get up and let us in.

So sorry that I was unable to make the 1st Foxy Blog/Carver Party, it sounds like it was a rousing success and that Carver did a wonderful job it putting everything together, even with Gracie in the buildingl.

I was out of town this year but will be in town next year, as stated earlier by "Fearless Fred Forkey"; "be there or be square." Fred always had a way with words.

I concur with The Master Skip Z." We have enough rules. The Bullet must think that Sr. Genevieve is still watching his every move. I think the Carver and "W" should have a sit down with the Bullet and settle this rules issue with him. If they cannot ease his concerns maybe you and I along with Skip Z can sit down with Bullet over some Foxy Bloody Mary's, I have heard that you can solve all your problems with these type of meetings.

Wishing you, Goose and everyone on your highly successful blog a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2007 will be a year of growth for the blog after your highly successful 2006.

The Old Timer got caught speaking too quickly and had a senior moment thrown in. I certainly remember the reign of Cliff Sr. followed by the inaugaration of Ambrose. However I thought that the coup by The Pope had been successful, my error. I do remember when the Bullet would lead a raiding party to the annual barbaric "Roast" on our side of the mountain. You would always show up with a very distinguished cast of followers. Little brother stopped by a few weeks ago for a weigh-in. Our side of the mountains is not nearly as organized or as civil as is Inman Station. We operate mostly as small renegade out camps with 3 or 4 meeting places of which you are quite familar. Even the evasive Fred Forkey has been noted in attendance at a few of these. Last meeting was held at Belly's two weeks ago and was well attended, meeting lasted way too long. You, most certainly are always welcome to all meetings and maybe you should start planning for the annual roast in August. Friday night with a band has been added. Maybe you can add the Carver, along with The Fox and The Goose to the long list of notables you used to bring. We don't have a bucket of wings, but just about everything else. Thanks for clearing up the political situation over at Inman.

I'm with Skip on the rules thing. If we had rules we would have to sign a contract so that we wouldn't break the rules just like high school athletes sign a contract and don't break the rules. Hmmm..... I wonder if it would work the same?

Hey "Old Timer", You better sharpen up on your Northern Adirondacks Politics. Inman Station is run by a unique system called the "O & W". This combination of Oldest and Wisest took over the position upon the unforunate death of the previous "O & W". After the passing of Cliff "Senior" Staves, Nick the Pope attempted a coup but was shot down. A rebellion on Waite Road supported Ambrose "The Boss" Kipp for the position and he still rules the "Station" with an iron fist. The chances of me making it to oldest and wisest at one time seem very remote. How are politics taken care of on the Wolf Pond Road area. There is certainly a list of characters in that neck of the woods.

Bullet

Foxy,

I hope some of Friday night’s attendees were taking notes as the stories told should be preserved! I am glad it was a success and am very sorry I missed it. Cheers to you and your fellow bloggers! It’s get-togethers like these that remind me that, no matter where in the world I am living, Plattsburgh will always be Home.

(Foxy's note: Hope to see you next year!)

Well Foxy, to say the least quite a cast of characters were on hand at Meron's Friday night!...hard to imagine having that much fun all in one night...many bloggers (some known, some unknown)
were there filling the room full past memories and stories...maybe even more impressive were the many guests on hand that have been mentioned in blogs from the past regarding our many discussions on not only the best athletes from yester year...but more importantly some of the best people and friends I know....that's what made the night most enjoyable for me ! I think about half the 69 legion state champs were on hand, and I know I counted at least 30 or 40 of the folks that we read about in the weekly "flashback" section of the sports page ...10 ,20,30,40,50 years ago or as I like to call it 10,20,30,40,50 lbs ago today!!!...We also need to mention the many absolutely gorgeous ladies that were in attendance! for some reason the women don't seem to age as fast as the men ...special thanks go to Merideth O, Carol H, Gracie B, Beth F, the Mercurio boys, the Dergham Bros and the Santas for providing the delicious food and snacks...might take the whole year to recover but I'll be ready for next year! same time..same station...and by the way Mr Carr owes me $200 those were $100 each!

Foxy you were right about the Friday night party at Meron's, it was fun. When you get a group like that together it HAS to be fun. As for me paying $100 for a seat, well I have two things to say....
1. Certain seats are better for collecting information and I like to keep abreast of things. 2. Tell carver the check will bounce

Good job Foxy. Keep up the good work on this blog. It has the attention of ALL the folks who like to party. I missed this get together because of 130 miles and some crappy weather. No excuses though. Save me a spot next year at Meron's. I will be there. As they say, "Be there or be square"

Foxy --

You've hit on one of the aspects of Blogging that make it both fun and controversial ... the lack of generally agreed upon rules. I think that since it's your blog, the rules are essentially up to you. If you have the time, try reading a variety of other blogs to see what they do. Many bloggers put up links to their own favorite blogs, so once you start exploring, it's easy to get linked to a really wide variety of them.

Please, do keep "On The Sly" going for at least another year!

What a night!!!. What a crowd!!!. What fun!!!. The Carver certainly did himself proud. Celebrating the first year of the Sly was more than anyone thought it could be. It was great to see Foxy and Goose mixing with so many of their fans. The conversations were many and enlightening to say the least and I am sure that Foxy picked up a few topics for future blogs. Did I notice the Bullet in a deep talk with The Donald. Could a race for the mayor of Inman Station be in his future plans. One J. Carr did seem to hold onto his seat for the whole evening. The food was excellent. Thanks to all those who prepared and presented the goodies. I know that the Carver has already started on next year's celebration and for those that were unlucky in not being able to attend this gala. Make sure you will be there next year. Good Luck Foxy for another great year.

Foxy,

Congratulations on an excellent first year for "On the Sly". It has taken on a life of its own. Also, kudos to those who have taken time to utilize this venue as a way to communicate, educate and simply just have fun. Just bringing back old memories has brought hundreds of smiles to my aging face. It is also quite amusing to see the generations challenging one another, what with the "old timer" and the "carver" parrying over facts of yester year.
Another great feature is the large number of former North Country natives who have come on board. Great to hear from them and especially their comments and enjoyable memories. One great one was from "Swiney", oops Miney who did make a mistake in 1969 with Post 20. Even though that team did well they may have done even better with his potent bat in that lineup. Well, Foxy, in ending, just to let you know the name Bullet did not come from speed but just the opposite. As my old baseball coach used to say "Take that piano off your back" as I rounded first base. Good luck in your second year.

Bullet

Wow! A whole city's worth of legends in one room. I would have been too overwhelmed and in total awe to consume a fine beverage. However, with the swift-thinking assistance of Grace, in the form of a quick smack in the back of the head, I would have been fine.

I’m sorry I missed out. Maybe next time. No! Definitely next time.

Foxy!!!!!! We have too many Rules!!!! We have rules of the road, rules of poker, golf rules, rules of the house, etc. I suppose those were instituted to prevent chaos and havoc amongst those people who are involved in such activities.
Rather than have a set of rules for an enjoyable pasttime of blogging; We are all responsible adults (well, some of us), and we all understand the one rule that we must follow. It's the GOLDEN RULE "Do unto others as ... " Can't we just do that???

Obviously, there should be no defamation, slander, or any mean spirited demeanor towards fellow bloggers.

There are many fun ribbings and jibes that are not offensive and actually quite fun to read. To institute a handbook of RULES will diminish the intent of the Blog, especially this one.
So, as I conclude, I wish to state for public record that when considering Rules - that only one should prevail ---- Common sense and decency.