A few years ago, I wrote a post about the book many still refer to as the "Great American Novel." Gone With the Wind was published eighty-nine years ago today, on June 30, 1936. Its author, Margaret Mitchell, was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal who'd been sidelined from her job while she recovered from… Continue reading June 30, 1936: Gone…Gone With the Wind
Category: Friendship
…To Absent Friends and Loved Ones, 2024…
Every year, for almost more years than I can count whether we're together or apart, my family has raised a glass each Christmas season to those we love but won’t see again in this world, and to those we love who are still with us, but who are not able to share our celebration, because… Continue reading …To Absent Friends and Loved Ones, 2024…
Have Your (War) Cake and Eat It, Too
To commemorate the 79th anniversary (in the UK) of V-J Day, on August 15, 2024** (funny that it receives barely a mention in the news these days), herewith a couple of family recipes for War Cake, a more-or-less appetizing (de gustibus, and all that) sop to the sweet tooth of the war-weary denizens from the Old… Continue reading Have Your (War) Cake and Eat It, Too
Quote of the Day, June 10, 2024: On Life’s Vicissitudes
Into each life, some rain must fall. But not into ours. Our lives are where the garbage is delivered. — Jenny Today (June 10) is Jenny's birthday, and it's been three years since I first posted this here. In her honor, I'm proud to do so again: Ever have one of those days, weeks, months,… Continue reading Quote of the Day, June 10, 2024: On Life’s Vicissitudes
For I Will Consider Christopher Smart, Who Died 253 Years Ago Today. And, Also, Our Penny
One of the most delightful parts of my weekend is opening my email (yes, really, I know how sad that sounds) on Sunday sometime and discovering Douglas Murray’s latest “Things Worth Remembering” installment for The Free Press. I’m a basic (paid) subscriber to the site, so I get all the links and can read the… Continue reading For I Will Consider Christopher Smart, Who Died 253 Years Ago Today. And, Also, Our Penny
The Snowman Cometh
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Three years ago tomorrow, I wrote a post about the "three snowmen," the last cold-weather intervals of Spring before it's safe to begin serious planting and garden work outside. April 21, 2021 heralded the arrival of the last one for the year. Fast forward three… Continue reading The Snowman Cometh
The Stepmother Diaries, 2024
With very few exceptions over the years, I’ve never minded being defined in terms of my familial relationships. Dad’s daughter. Mr. Right's wife. Peachy’s granny. Sam, Mike and Jenny’s stepmother. I’ve never thought of myself as an appendage or a cipher, nor do I function as anybody’s foil. Although by no means perfect, I’m generally… Continue reading The Stepmother Diaries, 2024
Quote of the Day: From The Wind in the Willows
Independence is all very well, but we animals never allow our friends to make fools of themselves beyond a certain limit; and that limit you've reached. I've written a few posts on friendship and loyalty over the years. Count this as just another one such. Anyone who's ever read the book (those of you who… Continue reading Quote of the Day: From The Wind in the Willows
From Andrew Lloyd Webber to Angora Goats
Thirty-six years ago this month, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera opened in New York, and went on to become the longest-running show in Broadway history. I've never seen it. I don't hold much brief for ALW, and I've only seen two of his musicals over the past fifty-three years. The first was… Continue reading From Andrew Lloyd Webber to Angora Goats
Ave Atque Vale, Bleak Midwinter 2023!
Thursday, December 21 is the first day of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomy notwithstanding, the day of the Winter Solstice is historically recognized in the UK as "Midwinter's Day," just as the Summer Solstice occurs at the time of "Midsummer," never mind that the United States thinks that Summer's just begun. This… Continue reading Ave Atque Vale, Bleak Midwinter 2023!