Well, it’s official. Autumn is here!

Summer certainly flew by and while I occasionally wish we had just one more month to squeeze in all of the things I had hoped to do, I realized that I had a very eventful three months.

1. I worked full time @ Powell’s Supermarket in Carbonear. In the beginning I was in the Deli dept… gotta say those girls( Debbie Juanita, Marilyn, Judy and Paula work hard ,then I went to the Meat room …had a blast with the guys ( Jerry, Michael from Greeley's Reel, Chris) then somewhere along the way I ended up on Cash ( Kelly , Jeff, Christine, Michelle, Alexis, Mary , Rhonda and I’m sure I’m missing someone. Overall it was a great experience a great bunch to work for.

2.   Caught up with an old friend I haven’t seen in years. It has been a while since the two of us have had a coffee session together. What can I say …Life gets in the ways sometimes. When we did finally meet it was as if we had seen each other last week. It’s great that strong friendships can survive such gaps.   She’s the first friend I remember having as a kid … yup it’s been that long and we  look so young..lol!

Lynnanne, Roxanne, & Me

3. Went on a walking tour of old town buildings in Carbonear

Roake's Shed

Train station

Old Post Office

4    Had some pretty awesome BBQ’s (Thanks Hubby!)

How was your summer? I hope it was full of excitement!

Even though we still have some days that still felt like summer, I’ve happily welcomed the season with the changing leaves. The afternoons are warm and the evenings are cool, things begin to turn different shades of red and gold all around you and the light is just perfect. Like summer, I have a large list of things I want to do in the next month or so.

My list includes:

• take lots of fall photos

• start carrying tissues

• start drinking tea to stay warm ( Earl grey is my favorite but I’d like to try Lipton’s Island Mango & peach)

• get and massage & take a nap

• Going on a hayride.

• Celebrate Halloween.

Keep your eyes on the horizon, everything is about to change. It’s going to be a great season! I can tell. What are some things you’re hoping to do this autumn?

Greeley's Reel ~ 3rd CD ~ Live at O' Reilly's

Greeley's Reel Review

Recently received my copy of Greeley’s Reel 3rd CD “Live at O’Reilly’s” and since I know a couple of da boys I thought I’d write a blog .Tony is married to a childhood friend of mine Tracy Button- Menchions and I work with Michael .

About Greeley's Reel

Since 1999, this group of musicians that have been going around playing music for the young and old, and everyone who enjoys some good old fashioned Irish Newfoundland Music. Greeley's Reel has evolved from a kitchen/basement band in Upper Island Cove, NL, to one of the most enjoyable party bands on the Avalon Peninsula. The band consists of Justin Greeley- Mandolin, Accordion, Bodhran, Vocals and also acts as General Manager & booking agent for the band------ Tom Greeley- Guitar, Vocals------- Jack Smith- Bass, Vocals------ Michael Greeley- Guitar, Vocals------ Aubrey Greeley- Fiddle, Accordion, Vocals------ Tony Menchions- Banjo, Harmonica, and Vocals------and there’s Steven Greeley – who sometimes joins the band playing Mandolin but is not a full time member.

Their first CD was released in 2005, simply called Greeley’s Reel, their second album; entitled “The Valley Road Sessions” was released in 2008. In November, 2010, the band recorded their third album, in front of a live audience at O’Reilly’s Irish Pub in St. John’s, NL. The CD was released in June, 2011, and is fast becoming the most successful to date. Greeley's Reel performed with the Ennis Sisters at The Music Industry Association Awards Gala and have shared the stage with such names as Rex Goudie, Trooper, Honeymoon Suite, Shanneyganock, The Fables, The Masterless Men, The Irish Descendants, The Celtic Connection, Dermot O'Reilly, Fergus O'Byrne, The Punters, and the list goes on. They have also become regulars at O'Reilly’s Irish Pub on George Street in St. John's, NL.

About the CD

These are just my thoughts as I listened to the CD and I encourage everyone to take a listen and judge for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. Disclaimer: I am no music expert… couldn’t even carry a tune in a wheel barrel as the old saying goes but I know what I like and I really like this CD. Also I have no connection to this band or its web site and receive no money from them. It’s my view for whatever its worth.

Track 1 -Mermaid- a tale of love between a mermaid and a mortal… a grand clever song, very catchy and well sung.

Track 2 -Barley Mow- The verses of "The Barley Mow" wish good luck to various sizes of vessels of alcoholic beverages ( English measurements), and lastly to the barley mow, one of beer's key ingredients. These are sung in descending order from largest (barrel) to smallest (round bowl).Da ‘boys do a top notch job… it’s definitely a tongue twister… Lots of Fun!

Track 3- Black Velvet Band - There are several versions of the Black Velvet Band to be found all across the world from Ireland to America and on to Newfoundland. This one is true to the original and Greeley’s Reel does a wonderful job.

Track 4- Grandpa was a Carpenter – an upbeat two step feel, hard swinging rhythm, distinctive vocal voice…Well done guys!

Track 5- The Good Ship Kangaroo-challenging but traditional shanty, Maritime music with flair. These guys are a talented bunch who can sing bloody well.

Track 6- Red Rose Café – Superb! This definitely is my favorite. Well worth listening to over and over again! Great Voice!

Track 7- Hot Asphalt- Wonderful rendition. Loved it!

Track 8- Wagon Wheel- Words can’t describe how good this is! So I won’t even try.

Track 9- Donegal Danny - about a crew of fishermen who were drowned at sea. A sad but lovely song and sung very well… very moving!

Track 10 Golden Jubilee- Another great tune!

Track 11- Black & Tans- This is real Irish stuff… sounding pretty darn good without the drink…

Track 12- Barrett’s Privateers - really feeling the music (or the drink…lol)! Nice job.

The boys really know how to make their voices grab you and make you listen. This Irish band is highly entertaining and a real crowd pleaser. Run out and get your copy today!

Also a Big shout out to the band for producing an environmentally friendly CD.

All pictures are courtesy of Greeley’s Reel.

  Click here to check out their website