This, yes! "Nobody says, “My God, it’s cold out, I have no feeling in my face,” because (1) this is not a personal experience, everyone else is cold too and (2) God is aware of the cold and is hoping it will make you a better person, which God knows it should."
Exactly. For all the Wisconsin weather - the sub-zero temps, the feet of snow, the howling wind, no one ever commented at all. Not one word! Exactly as I remember it. Perfect!
You have no idea how much I enjoy these stories. Having been a long time listener of Prairie Home Companion and attended live shows, I hear the words in Garrisons voice. Thanks for taking me along for the ride!
Great piece. Reminds me of the good old days when I used to live in the Adirondacks.
I remember we once had a week where the temperature never got above zero. It was minus twenty at night, and warmed up to minus five during the sunny days. Since we heated with a wood stove exclusively, it got a little chilly in the house. A high of fifty degrees in the living room (with the wood stove going all out), and below freezing upstairs. We did not have heat upstairs, but we did have very thick down blankets. Even though we had storm windows upstairs, there was still about a 1/4 inch of ice on the inside of the windows. When you think about it, my move to Southern Mississippi makes a lot of sense.
Finally, speaking of bars, you really need to come down to New Orleans. And if you do, you must go to Kermit Ruffin's Mother-In-Law Lounge for a Monday night show. Its an informal show at a very small and intimate venue that sells bottle beer (watch out for the trombone slide...it might get you!!). For $20 you get to watch Kermit Ruffin, and any one of his talented friends that might just stroll in and start playing, and a pretty good red beans and rice dinner. It is an amazing event and it captures the magic and diversity of a wonderful town. I always recommend it to all of our visitors!!
Anyway, hope to someday see you here in New Orleans. But I guess before that, I will see you in Galveston!!! Take care and travel safe!!!
I have been a full time resident of AZ for more than 20 years and over that time I have had a chance to meet many snowbirds from MN. It seems one of their greatest pleasures at holiday time is to call their relatives back home, and tell them “we just finished a round of golf and now we are sitting around the pool with Margaritas”. Al Waitz in AZ
Warmly wrapping, there is nothing like a sense of home…and history. I’ve been to St Paul once…seemed nice, great science museum, the second best in the world. It’s okay to come in second. The Flogging Mollys were in town…
You are wrapped in a community that serves a shy person well…so not New York, too much bumping, or SF, fogs makes people cool and drippy. Same with Seattle…
And cold is so much more! Real cold, well below zero cold, with wind…if you don’t freeze solid you can slip on the ice…all certain death. And bars are family too…huddle (great word) together.
Another great post. Thanks Garrison. When they are this good they sneak up and tug at some unused heart strings, and it's hard to figure out why (since I've never sat in a cold bar listening to music...). You bring so much to vivid life with your words. THANK YOU!
When GK writes about his memories in Saint Paul, I visualize a well-played album with all the events of his life recorded in the circular groove. He can choose to drop the needle anywhere along the continuous line and we, the readers, are lucky enough to hear the playback.
This, yes! "Nobody says, “My God, it’s cold out, I have no feeling in my face,” because (1) this is not a personal experience, everyone else is cold too and (2) God is aware of the cold and is hoping it will make you a better person, which God knows it should."
Exactly. For all the Wisconsin weather - the sub-zero temps, the feet of snow, the howling wind, no one ever commented at all. Not one word! Exactly as I remember it. Perfect!
Warm wishes for the Christmas Season and thank YOU for the treasured gifts that you give us and have given us for so long ♥.
You have no idea how much I enjoy these stories. Having been a long time listener of Prairie Home Companion and attended live shows, I hear the words in Garrisons voice. Thanks for taking me along for the ride!
Sounds like a lovely evening.
Sounds like a lovely evening. Even better when you can enjoy it an old friend and some old songs.
This is so achingly beautiful. Right now in the dark early morning - a fellow person who has struggled and loved and learned and become, in St. Paul.
Pure beauty. I wish I’d been in that bar that night singing with you and everyone, me and my beautiful bride there inside and out of the bitter cold.
Great piece. Reminds me of the good old days when I used to live in the Adirondacks.
I remember we once had a week where the temperature never got above zero. It was minus twenty at night, and warmed up to minus five during the sunny days. Since we heated with a wood stove exclusively, it got a little chilly in the house. A high of fifty degrees in the living room (with the wood stove going all out), and below freezing upstairs. We did not have heat upstairs, but we did have very thick down blankets. Even though we had storm windows upstairs, there was still about a 1/4 inch of ice on the inside of the windows. When you think about it, my move to Southern Mississippi makes a lot of sense.
Finally, speaking of bars, you really need to come down to New Orleans. And if you do, you must go to Kermit Ruffin's Mother-In-Law Lounge for a Monday night show. Its an informal show at a very small and intimate venue that sells bottle beer (watch out for the trombone slide...it might get you!!). For $20 you get to watch Kermit Ruffin, and any one of his talented friends that might just stroll in and start playing, and a pretty good red beans and rice dinner. It is an amazing event and it captures the magic and diversity of a wonderful town. I always recommend it to all of our visitors!!
Anyway, hope to someday see you here in New Orleans. But I guess before that, I will see you in Galveston!!! Take care and travel safe!!!
I have been a full time resident of AZ for more than 20 years and over that time I have had a chance to meet many snowbirds from MN. It seems one of their greatest pleasures at holiday time is to call their relatives back home, and tell them “we just finished a round of golf and now we are sitting around the pool with Margaritas”. Al Waitz in AZ
Welcome home, Garrison!
Welcome home!
So glad I'm here in Los Angeles and feeling cozy.
Warmly wrapping, there is nothing like a sense of home…and history. I’ve been to St Paul once…seemed nice, great science museum, the second best in the world. It’s okay to come in second. The Flogging Mollys were in town…
You are wrapped in a community that serves a shy person well…so not New York, too much bumping, or SF, fogs makes people cool and drippy. Same with Seattle…
And cold is so much more! Real cold, well below zero cold, with wind…if you don’t freeze solid you can slip on the ice…all certain death. And bars are family too…huddle (great word) together.
Stay safe, stay sane! Thanks! always…
Welcome back GK. Couldn't schedule that gig for June? : )
Another great post. Thanks Garrison. When they are this good they sneak up and tug at some unused heart strings, and it's hard to figure out why (since I've never sat in a cold bar listening to music...). You bring so much to vivid life with your words. THANK YOU!
When GK writes about his memories in Saint Paul, I visualize a well-played album with all the events of his life recorded in the circular groove. He can choose to drop the needle anywhere along the continuous line and we, the readers, are lucky enough to hear the playback.
Thanks! This brings back good memories. Saturday nights are not the same without The Prairie Home Companion.