Happy St Patrick's Day to all you Irish Smuggers

Barry Ziegler,Dennis Wells,Hazel St.Amand, Leah Ziegler, Joanne Lord

After singing "Happy Birthday" to Leah this morning we honoured the Irish with a new rendition of "Toora Loora Loora" to be kept on file for a repeat next year at the same time.Lots of laughs and a good time was had by all there. We spent the rest of the morning drinking coffee and preparing for the Lions Club Seniors' Day in Hunter River next Saturday.

The Leprechauns on Parade

Half The Gang Having Good Fun

Another very small turnout at SMUG this morning as only about half our number were in attendance....an opportunity to snap some quick photos and closeups of those who were enjoying the participation. We had great biscuits, our very favourite,made specially for us by Hazel, and someone said the coffee was above reproach....I knew it was! A great morning but next time out it is time to get back to serious business.

SPRING PROGRAM AT 501 QUEEN

A few photos from our fifth appearance at 501 Queen.

ALEXANDRA BAPTIST HYMN SING

SMUG had a wonderful time tonight, and so did the congregation at Alexandra Baptist Church in Alexandra PEI, when they had their monthly Hymn Sing in January. Along with SMUG were the Retrofrets, a group of seven Smuggers who are enjoying playing at some of our local venues.Tonight was really their first appearance as The Retrofrets and we hope they will often perform with SMUG at concerts in the future. A string trio of Norma and Ann on violin and Darlene on bass were also on tap to lend some violin instrumental music to the evening in a selection that Pastor Dennis referred to as four strings by three.Pastor Dennis and his charming wife, Kathleen, treated us to a great lunch at the end of the service and we were encouraged by all present to make a return. As it was such a fun filled evening,and as Pastor Dennis is a stalwart member of SMUG we hope we might be invited at some time to make a return visit to Alexandra, a lovely country church on the south shore of Queens County, Prince Edward Island.
Word has just reached my ears that many Smuggers stayed after the 8 o'clock finish of service until 9:30 and had a great Jam with Ann on the piano. Sounds like another bunch of fun and some of us are very sorry we missed it.

The Retrofrets in Concert

Pastor Dennis is completely relaxed waiting for the service to begin

Waiting for the Hymn Sing to Begin

A 2012 Debut at Andrews of Charlottetown

Our first performance for 2012 happened last night at Andrews of Charlottetown. While SMUG has very often been a regular performer at the Stratford facility, it was our first at the Charlottetown home. While Hazel and Ann, as well as the "Yuletide Ukes", now renamed "The Retrofrets", have often entertained at the Charlottetown site, it was SMUG's first invitation. Almost everyone in the home came out for the performance and we were well received. Many of the residents made a point to come and give us thanks for our appearance. Both Ann's brother and mother-in-law were in the audience.

Hazel took over directing duties for a portion of the Traditional Section of our program. Her great smile and easy demeanor always engage an audience.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS" TO ALL AND TO ALL "HAPPY NEW YEAR"

Yesterday, December 21, 2011, SMUG performed our last program for 2011 at Andrews of Stratford. Sharon , the activity director, is good at her job in every way and especially at taking photos, so many are attached here for all to view as we leave 2011 and another great year for SMUG.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SANDPIPER STUDIOS

Attached is a Christmas present from Martin and Sandpiper Studios, taken yesterday at out 2011 Christmas Party.Thanks Martin....beautifully done.