Sheep Shenanigans

For a bit of a laugh I thought I'd put the lyrics of "Aunt Martha's Sheep" together with the photos I took when I showed my fellow American cousin (from San Diego) around behind my Nan's house.  We dodged a lot of sheep poop, so it started there, and I don't know if he's heard this song yet, but I've a feeling his father may have gotten around to playing it for him because it's a fun one!

Come gather all around me and I'll sing to you a tale,
About the boys in Carmanville who almost went to jail.
It happened on a November's night when all hands were asleep,
We crept up over Joe Tulk's hill and stole Aunt Martha's sheep.

Fence will keep in the sheep, but not us!

Now if you pay attention I know I'll make you laugh,
They never went to steal the sheep, they went to steal the calf.
The old cow she got angry 'cause they woke her from her sleep,
We couldn't take any chances so we had to steal the sheep.

We can see Placentia from here!

We caught the wooly animal and dragged her from her pen,
She says good-bye to the little lamb she'd never see again.
She knew that those dark strangers soon would take her life,
In less than half an hour she felt that dreadful knife.

What's up here, Cousin Pam?

Aunt Martha she got angry when she heard about the loss,
She said she'd catch the robbers no matter what the cost.
Next morning just at sunrise she to the office went,
And to the R.C.M.P. a telegram she sent.

Harebells and Cinquefoil were along the hill

The Mountie got the message and started in to read,
This is from Aunt Martha telling an awful deed.
Last night my sheep was stolen by whom I cannot tell,
I'd like for you to catch them and take them off to jail.

Harebell playing host to the Northern Blue Plebejus idas - times two!

Just a short time later about twelve o'clock that night,
We had the sheep a'cooking and everyone feeling tight.
The smell of mutton and onions no man could ask for more,
We were chug-luggin' Dominion when a Mountie walked in the door.

Too high up for starfish, but we did see barnacles and snails in the tiny pools

Said sorry boys, your party I really don't mean to wreck.
I smelled the meat a'cookin' and I had to come in and check.
You see the sheep was stolen and the thief is on the loose.
I said come right in and join us, sir, we're having a piece of moose.

These rocks are cool, can I take some home?

He said thanks a lot and he sat right down and I gave him a piece of the sheep.
This is the finest piece of moose I knows I ever eat.
About two o'clock in the morning he bid us all good-day,
If we get any clues on the sheep, sir, we'll phone you right away.

Going back up is a lot of work!

He said thanks a lot, you're a darn fine bunch, and your promise I know you'll keep.
And if everyone was as good as you she wouldn't have lost her sheep.
After he left we had the piece we had in the oven to roast,
We might have stole the sheep, boys, but the Mountie ate the most.

My Grandad's old accordion

I don't remember what songs my Grandad used to play, I'll have to ask around and see if anyone knows.  It's too bad few folks are playing the accordion anymore, but next time we are home I'll get my sister-in-law Theresa to play some for me to share with everyone. In the meantime here's a YouTube skit someone did to go along with the music for "Aunt Martha's Sheep" - I about died laughing when I started watching it.  Anyone who has been to Newfoundland will recognize that the Newfie humor here is spot on as they would say!