Greetings to Folks near and far. I hope your springtime has been lovely. Did you predict the weather accurately? Remember, if any animal turned it's back to the wind, you could expect rain; if you saw flint rock sweating, you could expect rain; if one of your hogs was running around with wood in it's mouth, you could expect rain. For more fun with weather predictions, read my article at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12670.asp.

Other recent articles I hope you enjoy can be read at the following links:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5590.asp

Forever A Song
Back before the days of computers, television, telephones and all these wonders of modern science and technology, the family homes of the common folk were filled with song. Folks taught songs to their children and there was forever a song in the air.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art23768.asp
Visu The Woodsman And The Old Priest
An old tale from Japan

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5666.asp
Message To My Father
I often find myself missing my Dad so very much. The sadness still comes along once in awhile, but the joy in the memories are so dear that it gently pushes aside the sadness.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5589.asp
Little Peachling
An old folk tale from Japan

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7269.asp
Bewitched Canoe
The Bewitched Canoe (La Chasse-galerie) is a French Canadian tale of voyageurs who were unfortunate enough to have made a deal with the Devil, which is never a good thing to do!

I hope you enjoy these articles. And, as always, I appreciate feedback.
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Events around the country:

The SPOKANE FOLKLORE SOCIETY in the Pacific Northwest, Spokane, Washington:
Summer Specials:
Throughout the summer, The Pistol Packin’ Mamas will be providing live music every Saturday morning from 9:30 – 11:30 am at Chaps Restaurant - 4235 S. Cheney-Spokane Road - 509-624-4182. The restaurant is an old refurbished farmhouse. There is a play area for kids. The Pistol Packin’ Mamas play blazin’ bluegrass, heel-kickin’ cowgirl tunes, sizzling blues. For info call LeAnn Cooley - 509-475-4460.
http://www.spokanefolklore.org/month.html

GERMAN FOLKLORE
Los Angeles, USA and Berlin, Germany are sister cities. Find out all about current events and news at http://myweb.lmu.edu/pkonow/CurrentLA.htm

NEW YORK FOLKLORE SOCIETY
Friday, July 3, 2009
Caffè Lena presents Leigh Gibson and Tony Watt 8 p.m. Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, For more information call 518-583-0022 or visit them online at http://www.nyfolklore.org/about/julevents.html
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Summertime is a comin' up fast and that means family picnics. And what is almost every one's favorite picnic food? Good ol' Country Fried Chicken - yup, just can't get enough of it. How do you fix it? Well now, here is an easy way to do it. Find two good fryin' chickens, or more if'n you need more, cut them up and wash them well. Roll the pieces in a mixture of flour, salt and pepper to taste and fry them up in Granny's cast iron skillet. Now that skillet has got to be hot and have about 1/2 inch of fat in it. Place the chicken pieces in, carefully, when the fat is hot and fry till browned, turning often. Reduce heat, cover tightly and cook about 25 minutes or so, till tender and white inside. Cool the chicken and then place it in a plastic container with lid and chill overnight so's it's nice and cold the next day for that picnic. Now don't go throwin' the leavings in the pan away! They are mighty good to make "white sop" (milk gravy) with. You can cook you up some biscuits and sop up the gravy with them for your supper tonight.
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On May 16, we lost a dear and beloved family member when my brother-in-law, Bill, passed away. We miss him so much. He was a wonderful, gentle, kind and loving person. He was my brother, my friend, my mentor, my hero. To his wife, my sister, their three daughters and their families, I send my deepest sympathy, love and prayers. May God hold you in the palm of His hand, Bill, and until we meet again, I will miss you.
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Till next time, Folks, may your home be filled with laughter and may it ring from floor to rafter.
Phyllis
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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=131

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Phyllis Doyle Burns, Folklore Editor
http://folklore.bellaonline.com

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