Family, History

A Man, A Horse, and a Missionary Woman

The events related here took place a little over seventy years ago. They tell the story of a man and his horse. Together. Alone in the bush. The man, very ill. And afraid. The horse, very tired. He was probably afraid, too. And they tell the story of the extraordinarily brave woman who saved them both.… Continue reading A Man, A Horse, and a Missionary Woman

Food and Drink, Science, Technology

Friday Food and Drink Post: Snacks ‘N ‘At

Actually, I probably should have phrased the title of this post “Weird Snacks ‘N ‘At.” The “‘N ‘At” part is an homage to my nearest (and dearest) metropolitan area, the place I go on the rare occasions when I put on grown-up clothes and shoes, do something about my face, hands and hair (starting with, most unusually,… Continue reading Friday Food and Drink Post: Snacks ‘N ‘At

Food and Drink

Friday Food and Drink Post: The Water of Life

It’s not like this subject hasn’t been discussed before, but this seems like an apt weekend to bring it up again, as it’s the second weekend in July, and therefore time for the annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival in the nearby town of Washington, PA. So it’s a good excuse (not that I ever need much of… Continue reading Friday Food and Drink Post: The Water of Life

Career, Family

Occasional Quote of the Day: “Historia Calamitatum”

The title of this post may look like rather esoteric, bluestocking, or even erotic clickbait, but there’s nothing to that theory. It’s not a feminist take on the story of poor Peter Abelard, and no guy ends up minus an essential piece of equipment at the end of it. No. It’s just a rumination on one… Continue reading Occasional Quote of the Day: “Historia Calamitatum”

Plain Speaking, Politics

Banned in Boston. Oh, Wait. I mean “Restricted on Ravelry.”

It doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, does it?  I mean, we all know what “banned” means.  It means you’re toast.  Your goose is cooked.  You’re fried. (The following interlude is brought to you by the Nasty Little Man Who Sits On My Shoulder, and who keeps whispering: “Remember, this is 2019, and thou art… Continue reading Banned in Boston. Oh, Wait. I mean “Restricted on Ravelry.”