PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast
After city dwelling for sixty years I moved into a northern berg. A week after moving into the bungalow on Main Street, I found Roslyn’s Cafe. I walk the block each morning for a cuppajoe, the senior breakfast special, and the hum of human conversation. Over time, I even began to join in.
Tall John, as I call him, always finds the seat next to me. His eyes twinkle and he loves to laugh at my corny jokes. He ribs me about my hats.
In the eighth winter, John invites me to see his home-built sauna.
“Bring a suit!”
[99 words]
Afterword:
For fans of the TV show, Northern Exposure, you know where Roslyn’s Cafe is. An FYI for fans, Prime is now streaming episodes and they include the original music. Oh Happy Day! Those who have tried to buy the DVDs quickly learn that they don’t include the original music because of complications with copyrights. I also recently learned that Darren Burrows, who played Ed Chigliak , has made a documentary, “Return to Cicely.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the bright host of Friday Fictioneers. Great pic to write to, Jen.
Tao Talk 
I liked Northern Exposure but didn’t what it regularly, I might revisit. That was a bit sneaky that ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Randy, I loved the first few seasons I watched it. Now that it’s available on streaming I might see if I can get Prime at least for a bit and watch the whole thing. Thanks. LOL that you see the ending as sneaky :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I gather there’s a reference there. But “bring a suit” worked for me, without understanding it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, the image looks like a steam sauna, and some go into them naked but others wearing a swimsuit. Thanks, Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful, Lisa!
My FAVOURITE show is Northern Exposure. I’ve been watching, I mean re-watching (or is it re-re-re-watching?) them for the past year. We have a cable channel called APTN – which plays only shows/movies in which there is at least one Indigenous character. Needless to say, there are many on this fantabulous show that, to me, broke all sorts of barriers. It’s been playing in a loop every day and I even recorded them to make sure I don’t miss any.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So Awesome, Dale! Do they have the original music in them also? What’s the range of APTN??? Would love to be able to tune in to such a channel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course. All the tunes that Chris spins, the ones that play when he flings the piano, etc. Are you telling me that you can watch episodes and the music doesn’t play? How is that possible?
I think you are S.O.L. I’m pretty sure it’s a Canadian channel. Then again, who knows?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome on the tune Chris plays. The DVDs one can buy don’t have the original music on them, but my understanding is if you stream them on Prime they do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just don’t understand how that works. I mean, they don’t play the full songs on the episodes but how can there be no music on the DVDs?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale, I don’t recall. I do have S1 on DVD. Will have to pull it out and watch it so see what happens. Maybe only certain songs aren’t included?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm… Do let me know. I am too curious now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s some links:
https://www.wired.com/2005/03/copyrights-keep-tv-shows-off-dvd/?currentPage=all
https://shoutfactory.com/products/northern-exposure-the-complete-series
wikipedia says:
Universal Studios Home Entertainment has released all six seasons on DVD in Regions 1, 2 and 4. The Region 1 DVD releases have caused controversy among the show’s fans due to their high prices and the changes to the soundtrack introduced in order to lower their costs. The release of Season 1 contained the original music, but retailed for $60 due to the cost of music licensing. Subsequent seasons replaced most of the music with generic elevator-style music, resulting in a lower-cost release. The first and second seasons were also rereleased together in packaging that matches the third through sixth seasons. On July 21, 2020, “Northern Exposure” was rereleased by Shout Factory, containing all 110 episodes but not with all original music. The R2 editions released in Germany on DVD contain all the original music.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh. Em. Gee… I am speechless. I have never heard of something like this!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe they dubbed parts of what Chris said and substituted other songs?? Now you got me wondering…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am, to be honest, flabbergasted…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know what it always comes down to…. ($$$$)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I guess then, I am rather lucky to have it playing in syndication on this station!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES YOU ARE
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry. Don’t mean to rub it in… HUGS!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3
LikeLiked by 1 person
💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
My wife and I watched every episode of Northern Exposure when it first aired, and definitely would be interested in revisiting Cicely again down the road.😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic, Bruce. I have S1 on DVD so have watched that the most. Would love to watch them all the way through. Also, just finished the last E of S1 of Psych last night. Thanks again for the recommend. Those characters are growing on me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa, so happy those Psych characters are growing on you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ed was my favorite character on that show
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was my favorite also, but I really love all of them.
LikeLike
I know nothing about the show, but your story made me smile. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kerfe it is a wonderful show, but I know you don’t watch much TV. Glad the story made you smile :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved that show a long time ago. I need to watch it again soon.
I’m signing off for tonight…I’m going to watch some TV and relax…I’m also looking to see also if I have Northern Exposure somewhere in my files. I remember Janine Turner well…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a good night, Max. Just got done playing an online game with my kids. I bet you do remember Janine. I always had a crush on Chris.
LikeLike
Very interesting story Li
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure dear friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not too familiar with the show, but enjoyed the sweet relationship nonetheless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know he was clear about “Bring a suit”. That was not the tradition in my family. I remember four things about the sauna in the old homestead: 1) It was built first and the family lived in it while building the house; 2) the babies were birthed there, as it was by far the cleanest space available, being heated to 200º F+ on a regular basis; 3) Men and women used it separately and naked, but a couple of suits were kept on a peg in the changing room for the shy; 4) It was built right next to the lake so it was a quick run from the sauna to the water to cool down…when the lake was frozen, the snow was closer yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Steve, thank you for the tidbits of building and using saunas. Never knew about the birthing babies part but it makes sense. You can hose it out afterwards.
I remember the hotel I stayed at when I took my younger son up north to U had a sauna but never used it. Used to use the ones at a couple of gyms that I went to — always clothed. Never ran outside to icy water or snow, but once in awhile run to the swimming pool to cool off. It’s an intense experience all the way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder, would they need suits if they were fifty years younger?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good question, but I think the suit is moot :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so glad to know this! I remember watching that show, but for some reason, it was hard to get or the timing wasn’t right. I’m looking forward to it. And I love your description of your morning walk for a cuppajoe. Those kinds of routines make me happy. :-)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad I shared it, and me also on the routines.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that show. Kinda ended weird. But I liked it non-the less. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
:) I only watched the first couple of seasons, so looking forward to watching it from beginning to end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think there may have been a few episodes I missed. I like the Doc – played by Rob Morrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jules, Doc used to get on my nerves big time, but now I appreciate him for who he is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see that. And I can recognize that charactor in many real people too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A birthday suit?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Traditionally, that’s all you need.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perhaps that’s what she chooses? :) Good question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, if the suit suits the sauna, it ought suit you … and if no suit suits one better, then, well … it’s a birthday suit … ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, Na’ama, you and Liam were thinking along the same lines. I guess he’ll find out ;) Nice to see you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that was great fun, Lisa! Thanks for putting the bug in my head about Northern Exposure. I really should watch that great show again. Bring a suit, indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:) Thanks, Nancy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lisa – I’ve never heard of Northern Exposure – I feel I am missing out! But I don’t think I needed to know about it as your story stands out on its own 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ange, you’re absolutely right about not needing to have seen NE. Thanks, as always, for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so pleased to Lisa 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful friendship. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you :)
LikeLike
Excellent, Lisa. Glad to see that I was not alone in borrowing from the entertainment world. :-)
Also, I’m always on the lookout for good stuff to entertain me. Thanks for share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks much, Bill. I would like to watch it all when I get a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, that was fun Li. Great story and makes me want to join the fun❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
:) I would *love* to have a steam sauna. It’s on my dream list. Thank you, Cindy.
LikeLike
Dear Lisa,
Although I’ve never watched Northern Exposure I did enjoy your piece which tells a story on its own. Perhaps I should find a place to stream this show. ;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, if you have Amazon Prime you can stream it there. Glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
Dear Lisa,
Now this story makes even more sense as I’m just starting episode 4 of Northern Exposure. I’m hooked. ;) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, so happy to hear you are watching and liking it. You’re welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLiked by 1 person
i have reviewed both the episodes of solo levelling here * animekunn.wordpress.com * please give it a read if you like thanks :)
LikeLike
I watched this when it was originally on network TV but didn’t start until a couple of seasons in. I loved it then and am currently streaming it and loving it again.
Your story fits right in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy to hear it, Dawn. Thanks!
LikeLike
Great show. A fun reminder!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know the show, but I still enjoyed the story, especially the end, the covered end that is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nobbin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a big fan of Northern Exposure and I didn’t pick up on the reference. Joel, like the Nanny, was from Flushing, Queens NY where I went to HS. Darn, I just cancelled prime! I would love a rewatch and will look for that documentary. Thanks for the heads up.
LikeLike
Cool, Someone. Happy to share the info.
LikeLike
Tall John waited eight winters?! And I thought I was bashful! This was a fun story and the comment to bring a suit made me laugh.
I watched Northern Exposure but I never finished the series. Thanks for the notice that it’s available on Prime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tall John believes in friends first. Also not stated is that Tall John’s wife, Tall Mary, had passed away just a few months before she moved to town.
You’re welcome on NE :)
LikeLike
p.s. Thank you, Michael.
LikeLike
Nice title you’ve given there. Your post made me curious to think about giving the show a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, and I hope you do :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not heard of that TV show! I loved your story though Lisa :D it was sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s too bad you haven’t heard of it or seen it. It’s in my top 10 series of all time.
LikeLike