What’s a male peafowl got to do these days to catch a lady’s eyes? Even I, a nonbird, am impressed by such brilliant plumage. She is, in effect, pococurante. Hint: it doesn’t mean “a little bit current.”
Pococurante Peacock
Month: October 2019
Hurtling O’er The Hill
Back before climate change, we had winter, and folks use to ski in water that would freeze and make snow. People used gravity to ski from the top of the snow to the bottom of it. Sometimes they snapped their shins or skied right into a tree and died, but other times, they caught the wind under their skis and soared, ever briefly, high above the crowds, catching the cold crisp air beneath their feet, alighting upon the soft snowy incline and gliding to the stretch.
When Your Sleep Number Is Bananas
S Is For Bridge
Ever seen the likes of this before? Not me. Not around these parts. Maybe it’s a Northern thing. This S bridge in Hendrysburg, Ohio was built with “manholes,” or safety niches where a pedestrian could get out of the way of a runaway team of horses. While many S bridges were generally used for crossing curving streams with uneven banks, this one served a more unique purpose. Motorcars eventually made the bridges obsolete.
The Politics of Pumpkins
New Englanders Live Four Years Longer
Back in the summer of 1932, everyone who was anyone was planning to travel up to New England on account of the boss eclipse that would “never again” happen until the year 2000.
And my favorite part of the ad?
This. They live four years longer. Longer than whom? All the other states?
Well, some New England states still make the top 10 in terms of longevity, but the latest 2018 rankings show folks in Minnesota live the longest: 78.7 years old on average. Mississippi ranked 51st (the study includes Washington, D.C.), where it’s 71.8 years. For results on your state, click here.
In the meantime, if you live in Mississippi, make sure to watch these crucial factors: tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and bad diets. Or get yourself up to New England pronto!
Getting Some Alone Time With The Scarecrow He Made 30 Minutes Ago
We came across this fellow yesterday at a fall fest, chilling with a scarecrow he’d just stuffed. Can’t really tell a gender on a it, but the bag over its head gave it the appearance of cat ears.
Conversation was minimal. No choruses of “If I Only Had A Brain.”
Later, a beanie-donning warlock came by to discuss the possibility of using witchcraft and sorcery to bring the ‘crow to life.
Or at least give it hands and feet.
Winner Of Atlantic City’s First Bathing Beauty Contest
Miss Washington, above, won the title in September of 1921 with knees “daringly bare.”
By 1923, hemlines had shifted to show yet more thigh. Can you even imagine wearing stockings to go swimming?
By 1935, the winner received a crown, robe, scepter, and a moment on the throne.
No wonder Atlantic City has been immortalized in art.
When They Zig, We Zag
Not Jet Blue
Van Wyck Expressway, Queens, NY, early 50s
Boeing 377 Stratocruiser: “A circular staircase led to a lower-deck beverage lounge, and flight attendants prepared hot meals for 50 to 100 people in a state-of-the-art gallery.”
Mini Jack O’ Lanterns
No, this isn’t a Halloween decoration. It’s the Japanese art of hoshigaki, and it starts this month! Last October’s issue of Sunset profiled the Yamanaka family of Northern California, detailing how they dry persimmons. From picking, air drying, and even massaging Hachiya persimmons, the entire family gets in on the action.
Once dried, the persimmons are shriveled but still moist and chewy. The sugary goodness inside will migrate to the edge, forming a white coat. They say the flavors are similar to dates and honey.
I’ve never tried persimmons in my life. What about you? They really do look like tomatoes, don’t they? That last one looks just like the roma in my fridge.
No time like the present; we’re smack dab in the middle of persimmon season. Why, you could even steal Sarah Ward’s recipe for persimmon and apple crumb pie.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and that would make a fine Turkey Day treat!
Last Of The Labor
Welcome back to more ways to be grateful that we live in the air-conditioned world of 2019. We have spent the week, diving into the classified ads of old Cyprus. Let’s cleanse our palate with ladies on looms or doing needlework.
Clothes were important, especially for these deacons in the courtyard of Kykko Monastery, which had fancy new electric lights.
This fine figure was the prelate (not the pre-early) of the Myrtou monastery dedicated to Saint Panteleimon (not pantemime), where he presided as bishop. As to what he is holding, do not ask me.
Less impressive garb was worn by the mountain maids of Platres, a popular summer resort.
The clothes of this young girl working in the bakery seem festive and refined.
But this toddler had the best job of all, grabbing the rear saddle handlebars as she rode her donkey backwards. “Away from Cyprus, mule! Let us be gone!”
I Don't Get It 