Oh finally, recognition. About to dance with joy. (USPD/Commons.wikimediaa.org)
Sudden popularity – (OMG, could this mean deemed worthy of the elusive “trendy”?) – always thrilling.
(Inset: awkward shuffling accompanied by embarrassed “Gee-gollies”)
You try and try. Then, once hope’s gone, completely unexpected, that rare nod.
Then visitors – stylish ones – those reclusive elegant elites – like an Award show runway.
It’s just so rewarding.
A well-tended garden staged doesn’t guarantee they will come.
(Should I offer refreshments? A gnat or two? Might appear a little too overly eager…I’ll just step back. Available, but not slobberingly gracious…)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Ambassador from the famous Emerald City of Oz? No doubt sent ahead to judge garden suitability. (© image)
Something of a fan dancer himself, he’s encouraging his girlfriend hiding on the other side to stop being so shy. A fine tango on a fan palm. What could be a finer on a Spring stage? (© image)
Even as the sun sets, another. A recluse arrives: an elegant large Yellow-crowned Night Heron perched in crepe myrtle branches.(© image)
Oh, my! He’s evaluating available tree branches. Our tree branches are being considered! It’s nesting time. Obviously his proposal was considered decent and accepted. Now the must keep her favor and build that mansion in the sky as he promised. All the male night herons may promise to select only superior branches and construct exquisite nests for their chosen mates, but she picked him! No stolen twigs from lesser bird nests or squirrels for her. Only the freshest and best. He shall not disappoint.(© image)
His selection made. Now to get it back in one piece for the grand presentation. Careful beak – she’ll notice dents, bends, or cracks that might prove too weak and too dangerous to weave in. It may take days, but he’ll earn the right to be called a proper dad and provider.(© image)
For lovely pictures, their bird calls, and interesting facts:
Houston Audubon’s bird gallery here.
All about birds by Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Yellow-crowned Night Heron here.
Luckily overlooked and unseen, some bits have learned to hide in plain sight. (1915 fairy tale from Ukraine/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
A little bit of magic shouldn’t have to be looking for sanctuary.
The grandfather was having to hustle – and watch not tripping in the pasture – but he was able to keep up with the two young kids holding either of his hands – maybe working his shoulders a bit like a see-saw fulcrum – but certainly keeping up with the Running of the Littles. “Pamplona’s bulls had nothing on them,” he thought.
Yet he went down. Clutching his chest.
“Run, Addie. Run get mom. Now,” screamed the five year old boy as he shoved his younger sister back up the the hill.
Purposefully, he rubbed his hands together until warm, then wiggled them over his grandfather’s heart. “It will be OK, Paw-paw. Our hearts will beat as one. Beat together. As one. It’s gonna be OK, ” he said closing his eyes and feeling the sun in his cheeks.
His mother somehow avoided the numerous gopher holes as she flew down the hill followed closely behind by two men. The older man’s eyes were open and he seemed calm – objecting a bit to being loaded onto a rough canvas stretcher. Much slower did he ascend the hill suspended between the two men.
The little boy’s mom pulled the little boy back as the followed. “What happened?” she asked with concern.
“What did you do?”
He struggled to twist free of her hold as he answered, “Paw-paw fell and made a terrible noise and then was sort of breathing like a fish on the dock. I just told him to wait – you were coming. It would be OK.”
“What else?”
“I rubbed my hands together until they were really hot – like when Grandmother does when she says her eyes are very tired – then puts her warmed palms over her closed eyes and says they feel better. I rubbed my hands together really hard and put my hands under his hoping to make him feel better.”
“Anything else? Did you see anything when you closed your eyes? Was it like when the tiny kitten got kicked by the horse? Did you say anything?”
He thought for a minute. Uncomfortable in the tight grip on his shoulders. “Just the sun – it was really, really bright. As hot as summer. I said ‘Our hearts beat as one’. I have a very good heart, Mom.”
“Yes, you do,” she replied kissing the top of his head and releasing him. She watched as he raced up the hill and worried. How could she tell him? Make him understand. How to keep him safe. The world was changing. Knowledge was dangerous. “Yes, you have a good heart – and it will probably be what betrays you.”
Surely there’s sanctuary for this little bit of magic somewhere.
Someplace where little miracles can wait until called.(1909 Russian Empire fairy tale/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
I never know whether to hope no one ever finds the shelter or to hope someone does.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Until the World comes searching after realizing what was lost. (Russian Fed.1927 Fairy tale, ill. Ivan Billibin/USPD/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
All dressed up and nowhere to crow. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Druthers”
Totally hick word. Hated it when mom used it. Especially when friends were around. So embarrassing.
“If I had my druthers….”
- The word is a shortening of ‘would rathers’. The phrase seems to be from late 19th century America – earliest use possibly in January, 1870’s edition of Overland monthly and Out West magazine’s story “Centrepole Bill” by George F. Emery.
- Mark Twain frequently used the common dialect in Tom Sawyer, Detective for conversations between Huck and Tom.
- It’s not supposed to suggest a lack of sophistication or education, but listen to it!
“If I’ve got my druthers, I druther not.”
- This double usage became common usage from the American cartoonist Al Capp’s popular, long-running Li’l Abner comic strip.
- The dialect phrase was also featured in the song “If I Had my Druthers” in Li’l Abner: The Musical (1956).
- In the story, curiously, Senator Fogbound, Dogpatch’s U.S. congressman, tells the locals that Congress has declared their town of Dogpatch the most unnecessary town in the U.S., so it’s got to be evacuated as Congress has decided to use the area as a nuclear bomb test site.
.
Talk about government overreach and elites being totally out of touch and casually deciding what is good for the “little people”.
Geesch. Rinse and repeat.
-
“Yes, I am a quack. How astute of you, a city person, to notice. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
- Back to the story:
- Enter “Yokumberry Tonic”, made from the one-of-a-kind Yokumberry tree…Suddenly, the Pentagon sees a possible military use…Will the tonic a redeeming factor for Dogpatch and save the community?
- (Short summary here)
Of course, despite some universal themes and timeless characters “à la manière de” Blazing Saddles, Li’l Abner, would probably be canceled now: stereotyping, insulting, and condescending to rural life and country folks.
And then, through wit, being too close to reality with government and elected officials…Facebook and twitter would be quick to protect the public.
Especially as there’s a hint of government scandal and a “dastardly scheme” involving femme fatale, Appassionata Von Climax. FAKE NEWS. It’s fake news – look away!
Not sure I’d make it through the entire musical, but this smooth song from the show sits well:
Hick or not, I’d druther be laughin’ than finger waggin’.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Mysterious Spring beauty…you don’t think she’s grown tired over the winter of her aging husband and loosened the bolts on the garage door opener because she met someone new? Spring makes many wishfully think of changing. Irrational, I know, but Spring fever and all…”(Newberry postcard collection: Spring Novelties/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Just like those giant metal springs that lift and lower your garaged door, Spring is heavily loaded…and dangerous if not handled carefully….especially with all the stresses.
That powerful garage metal coil is pretty singularly focused and fine with mechanical restraints even with their over-abundance of poised energy.
The Spring season? With high expectations, heady enticing weather, and human biorhythms….be prepared to duck. (We won’t even mention the pollen or picnics. Or shedding of restraining winter clothing. Or refusal of some to realize ‘It’s bedtime, I don’t care if the sun is still shining and kids are in the pool next door!”)
No holding back either: loose garage springs or humans on the loose.
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
So heed the warnings: “The March 2022 equinox arrived on March 20 at 10:33 a.m. Central Daylight Time (15:33 UTC).” Whether you are hemispherically warm or cool to that, you can read more here.
Nothing like a vernal equinox….as if adjusting the clocks to Daylight Saving Time, a general feeling of “Love is in the air”, and a reluctant ending to Spring Break wasn’t enough for people to cope with.
Exhausting for sure. (Naps are good in any hemisphere.)
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”(Rainer Rilike)
Time to load up as the world turns (on short sleeves, sun glasses, tissues (Is it allergies or is it covid? HAHA), and those cleaning supplies (in prep for Spring cleaning…not husband mysterious disappearance evidence …it’s a joke..LAUGH…cleans winter cobwebs out of the brain)
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”(
And who would want to.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Wouldn’t be a post without some weird collected factoid: “Death came in the Spring: New evidence shows when the KIller struck.” So it it looks like the avians got lucky, while fish, not so. And you thought pollen was bad.
If she’s telling Winter’s cold shoulder, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out”, I’m fine with that. Otherwise, it’s just so Spring. (“Spring saying goodbye to winter in the Netherlands” from Newbury’s John High Collection/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“There is a war between the living and the dead, and the Irish stories keep harping upon it.” (William Butler Yeats)
“Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” (William Butler Yeats)
St. Patrick’s day greeting from 1927.(USPD/Commons.,wikimedia.org)
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” (George Bernard Shaw)
“Books, the children of the brain.” (Jonathan Swift)
“A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart.”(Jonathon Swift)
St Patrick’s Day wish. (1908.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” (Jonathan Swift)
“People who lean on logic and philosophy and rational exposition end by starving the best part of the mind.”(William Butler Yeats)
St. Patrick’s Day postcard.(USPD/ Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own.” (Jonathon Swift)
“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” (Oscar Wilde)
Postcard, 1908. Good luck with that one.(USPD/Commons.,wikimedia.org)
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” (Oscar Wilde)
“Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.” (George Bernard Shaw)
The more things change, the more they stay the same. St. Patrick’s Day print of wounded from the Front in hospital at a Pietermartizburg ward during Boer War. Wounded Irishman being offered a shamrock by visiting lady, April 1900.(Wellcome Trust Iconic Collections/ Wellcome Collection Gallery, UK)
“Poetry is what we do to break bread with the dead.”( Seamus Heaney, a poet who also wrote “Anyone born and bred in Northern Ireland can’t be too optimistic.” Now that’s Irish.)
“In a war situation or where violence and injustice are prevalent, poetry is called upon to be something more than a thing of beauty.” (Seamus Heaney)
“Poetry is more a threshold than a path.” (Seamus Heaney)
St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland, 1890 litho.print (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Come Fairies, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame!” (William Butler Yeats)
Presenting: Cromwell’s Bridge Glengariff postcard.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven
half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead”
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Yep, smiling eyes today for one and all.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Oh, the drama. Did you get it? Want a second take?(1895.Baaatten/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Which one is worse?
A breakdown or a breakup
An experiment. Ah yes, there’s the ticket. An attempt to figure out which is the most wicked:
Take two sticks approximately the same diameter – without any branching left or right as each tends to rip sight. Hold one high in the air and snap in half. Then try the alternative holding one low close to ground, snap go.
So after analysis and examination, which is easier: breaking up or breaking down?
Directional words gone rogue.
Some say Down with people. Others sing Up with People,
But, really, just how do you take those?
Wouldn’t you get physically tired doing either?
(Or maybe you do a lot of push ups or pull ups creating vast amount of armed strength. I simply run out of energy.)
The ups and downs breaking could really all about cheers or jeers.
Extremes are so in now.
“Up your chances” they suggest.
Like holding a lottery ticket in the air is really going to do any good…unless that’s meant as an appeal or an exhibition of worship. Not raised in that approach.
Reaching out. A Mexican Fan palm hopes you’ll notice her Spring coiffure: platinum curls. So Marylyn Monroe beachy, right?(© image)
Spring Break is here.
(You can tell: the first day was blustery with chilling wind – breaking some beach goers’ hearts.)
But I always wonder do you recover faster from a spring break than from a winter one?
Do bones actually heal faster?
Bound to be medical research on that, if I bothered to look it up.
Not to be outdone, Her sister sports a windswept look of blond tendrils. (© image)
What’s left to say, my achy brakey hart? (Please break the habit of unexpectedly leaping across roads. People this week will be half asleep at the wheel.)
Springing ahead is madness without caution
Seriously one of the best laughs today: local traffic girl suggesting “It will seem to be brighter on your drive to work on Monday now we are in Daylight Savings Time. Stay safe and clean your windshield ’cause the dirt reflects/refracts light and makes it even brighter and harder to see if you are bleary!”
Dirt on the windshield always makes it harder to see – any time. Duh. Can’t do anything without being told. Break down of commonsense: Learned helplessness.)
Break dancing. Gleefully.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Little sister is not to be left behind. “Mom, can’t you cornrow braid this and maybe put some add some beads? Bo Derek style? Please? Huh? Species appropriation? Oh, my.” (© image)
“I feel pretty. Oh, so pretty.” Costumed alpaca at Houston Rodeo (Houstonrodeo.com)
Some attendees are not sheepish about why they came: it’s all about the outfits…or something to get your heart racing…or simply the shear excitement.
Oh, OK, but the Wild West never looked like this.
Whoo. Hope the landing is a s soft as this fleece. Mutton bustin’ contestant who practiced up riding her dad around the living room. (Houston Rodeo 2022)
Don’t worry.
They wash and fluff each lamb before its’ run…and they do run – right to their flock a short distance ahead.
Also waiting ahead is an army of volunteers who pretty much whisk each rider up into the air no matter how long the ride.
Watch couple of the contestants shown here and here.
Two kids in cowboy hats watching rodeo parade. Dreams in the making. (Screenshot.ABC13)
Pretty in pink! I love this little escaramuza confidently riding sidesaddle in her traditional sweeping skirt and sombrero. Gloves? It was cold! (Houston rodeo/ABC13)
Here’s a great short article on Charreadas (Mexican rodeos) traditions for women and little girls. Those sweeping skirts and the riders’ swift maneuvers has historical roots in their role during the Mexican Revolution.
“San Antonio team keeps tradition of Mexican rodeo alive”
The young boys are not left out either! Absolutely thrilled to see these twirling ropes with such skill. Always wanted to do those rope tricks, but all I got was tripped up and rope pokes. (You can watch them if you click the parade link below. Jump to about 1:06:44 -)
Trick roper in traditional Charro/Vaquero dress. (Houston rodeo)
Rodeo parade flag bearer on horseback(Screenshot.View some amazing horses around 1:02:00 or 1:07:00 in the parade link below.)
Part of the deal with the parade and rodeo is keeping Western heritage and local traditions alive…and we have a whole bunch of different heritages to share.
Texas has always been sort of mutt county – which is great: lots of festivals, different types of food, and stories. A little bit of everything mixed in. As everyone always says, “Mutts are always the best”
Rodeo time is like St. Patrick’s Day: everyone is a cowboy or cowgirl.
Hawaii ‘s Rodeo Queen in parade (ABC13./Houston Rodeo.com)
Hawaiian cowboys or “paniolo” have been riding and ropin’ with Rodeo’s best since the early 1900s.
The Parker Ranch, a working ranch since 1847, has always been a blend of the American Wild West and Hawaiian traditions and philosophy.
- Read more about the history of the Parker Ranch and the story of a 19 year old man who jumped ship and became part of the royal family here
- Ranching there all started in 1793 with five cows brought to the islands as a gift to King Kamehameha I …and left as protected pets to roam at will…..until shortly, serious cows gone wild!!!
- In 1833, Mexican vaqueros hired from California arrived to help Hawaiians get a rope around cow management. The Espanol speaking vaqueros contributed greatly to the “paniolo” culture. Of course that includes some singing cowboys, no doubt, as the vaqueros also brought along the guitar to the islands (source here)
- There or here, cowgirls are at home at the rodeo. So “Howdy, y’all.” (Oh, they have mutton bustin’ events at Hawaiian rodeos, too. One of the mutton contestants recently here was from Hawaii.)
Eight Hawaiian rodeo princesses on horseback each dressed in different colors to represent one of the eight Hawaiian islands. Each rider and horse is wearing leis from specific flowers of one particular island. The flowers were carefully packed and transported with the leis crafted once they arrive in Houston. (Rodeo Houston/ABC13)
Taipei, Taiwan and Shenzhen, China are two of Houston’s sister cities.
This rodeo wagon had several diplomats on it. One guy from Taiwan was so thrilled to be in the parade and wearing a cowboy hat he was grinning from to ear and just beside himself with happiness. Who wouldn’t be? A great day and in a rodeo parade!(Rodeo Houston/ABC13)
Skirting the issue of just how diverse this area is. Took tough hardy people to settle this area – and Scotland offered a few. St Thomas’ high school band with bagpipes, drums, and kids in kilts…I always worry about the mosquito bites on those knees. Toughness and dedication, still demonstrated. (Rodeo Houston/ABC13)
The cavalry really is coming! A&M calvary corps. Being in that group takes a whole lot of dedication. Calvary training was a part of the military curriculum until the 1930’s. Read more about the Parsons Mounted Cavalry Corps here. (rodeohouston/ABC13)
A&M cadets with their cannon in Rodeo Parade (rodeohouston/ABC13)
What’s a parade without a cannon? It’s just so Texas.
- After gaining their independence from Spain, Mexico had encouraged the local towns to set up militias to fight Indian raids, so Gonzales’ (just outside San Antonio) militia was given a cannon by Mexican officials.
- When Mexican General Santa Anna ordered that all militias be disarmed, the army came to take back the cannon. But the cannon was hidden away as the settlers said they really needed the cannon to defend against the fierce native tribes that traveled back and forth between Mexico and Canada – frequently burning homesteads, running off with livestock, and kidnapping small children and women.
(Side note: Many of the Native Americans lived peacefully among the settlers like the tribal village next door to our family’s homestead. But both the neighbors feared and fought the fierce tribes who raided everyone. These raiders were one reason Mexico had trouble getting people to settle in the what is now Texas. Oh, my homesteading relatives were Mexican citizens, spoke Spanish, were Catholic, and paid money to the Mexican government for the land, so don’t start…)
- The local volunteer militia fought off the troops. Then the bulk of the Mexican troops in Texas moved to San Antonio de Bexar in response. Gonzales is often called the beginning of Texas Independence.
“On October 2, 1835, Texans led by John H. Moore resisted Mexican dragoons sent to retrieve the town cannon. Challenging the Mexicans to “come and take it,” the Texans rallied around the gun and fought the Battle of Gonzales, the first skirmish of the Texas Revolution…” (more here from Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas online)
Prairie View Trail riders in Houston Rodeo 2022 parade. One of the oldest trail rides, started in 1957, now has some families of 3 generation riding along. Video about them here. Article about this historical group of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls here in Texas Monthly.
You can watch the entire parade here.
Get a glimpse of the most beautiful horses – groups riding not only quarter horses or using draft horses, but prancing horses from Andalusia and Portugal – breeds that were foundation stock for the Western mustangs. (Gotta love those flowing manes and that elegant horse heritage bling. Enough to make a Palomino gold turn green.)
Once, you could show up the night before the parade at the trail rides’ camp grounds and try and talk your way onto a wagon. If you managed to do that, you not only got to ride in the parade (without enduring the hardships and always miserable weather of the actual trail ride),but you also got into the rodeo for free. At that time, the parade was routed right into the rodeo grounds, circled and spiraled all around the arena to open the first performance.
A moocho mucho fun time? You betcha.
And the rodeo continues – until March 20th. Tejano entertainment tonight. Performers from all genre scheduled. That should be music to your ears. Includes Marshmellow‘s electronic music? Well, if that alone isn’t enough to git the cows to dance with you until they head home…
Big time fun requires a big lot bunch of time. (Oh, let’s avoid that word “lot” out of respect for cows. Might spook the herd.)
Time to saddle up and mosey on.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Remember the Alamo. And remember Ukraine.
Lost causes may have an impact far beyond what was ever expected.
Oyster boat being unloaded by men in 1938 Louisiana/Gulf of Mexico. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Last year I went fishing with Salvador Dali. He was using a dotted line. He caught every other fish.
(Comedian Steven Wright)
John Forbes Kerry, the first United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, would be happy about this…He no doubt loves sustainably sourced products, organic stuff, probably anything with an exclusive label like “prestige” and a classy meal…although not necessarily in that order.
(Stop rolling your eyes. I know he is taking heat for while people are dying in Ukraine, he is fretting over how people may get distracted from climate change and green energy…in between flights on his private jet.)
But this shell game is a pretty big deal:
“San Leon oyster company, Prestige Oysters is the only sustainable oyster fishery in all the Americas, and one of only six in the world, certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.” A rare honor – which comes after thought, care, and hard work by the company and Prestige Oysters’ Raz Halili
“Sustainability comes from nurturing the reefs: rebuilding them with rock and shell during the off season; and harvesting just enough to give younger oysters the time and room to grow…more here (Video and article)
Notably these oyster beds are the only ones not closed by The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife during the state’s ‘oyster-season’ out of concern that aren’t enough mature oysters in the Gulf’s public waters.
While they are not fishing for compliments, cheers and well deserved to the guys just down the road.
“Hey, I’ve got a line on a few things, but do not understand why people are so excited about being on the net. All I see is lots of entanglement.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
All men are equal before fish. (Herbert Hoover)
Yesterday, things started out a little fishy.
If you’re been a reader for long, you already know I fought – for some 8 years – a woman trying to steal my vote during elections. It involved mailed voter registration cards that were repeatedly stolen (postal workers involved) and forgeries. A post about it here.
So when there in the mail box was an updated new voter registration card for me, but not one for Sr. Staff. Odd. The cards always arrive together. Noooooo! What are the odds lightning’s gonna strike twice.
Luckily later, a neighbor came by with the missing card that had been put in their mailbox. He was fuming, “This is how easy voter fraud happens.”
Frequent topics among neighbors on the block? 1) why does the state persist in mailing out voter registrations in postcard form (so easy recognize and to read/steal identities), and 2) if you keep getting other people’s mail, you know other people are getting your mail, too.
(We all wonder if we should ask to get the worker’s salary and divide it among ourselves because we sort and deliver misdirected items so often.)
Stinks like old fish.
Being a fish out of water is tough, but that’s how you evolve.
(Comedian Kumail Nanjiani)
Actually the blog is 11 years and 1 week old. It was just a little nuts last week….or as chaotic as usual…Orderly and predictable currently only a wishful dream ….but then again that might be boring, so there’s that.
Not trying to be a cold fish.
Please accept my apologies for not being around much / erratic posting schedule / commenting infrequently recently – dealing with some serious medical conditions of Sr. Staff. Not really funny – and as the old relatives always said, “Everyone has their crosses to bear – don’t bore people with yours.” We are managing, and that’s enough right now.
Laughter is the best medicine.
So I really appreciate all of you who wander through the meandering thoughts here, laugh (and cry) along with the Realm’s cast of characters, and add so many grins with your comments when you sit down to chat. You make my world so much more fun.
And just because we all can use more smirks laughter right now, I’ll leave you with this instructional quip…
A quote RC Cat used to muttered frequently:
Remember, a dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream.
(W.C.Fields)
We can all do that, right?
(Molly Malamute was supposed to add a paw wave and a witty howl, but she is totally crashed out after running in the fields with friends in the sun most of today after an entire week of rain ….She is still totally annoyed Staff hasn’t added a furry partner in grime to play with…although that large, older, Scottish Deerhound down the block tried to apply for the opening…made it into the garage when Staff realized he was terribly, terribly hungry. (and he was really sorry he ripped into the neighbor’s garbage bag…”Could you smooth that over a little for me, please?”) ..and maybe he had been abandoned and left behind?…But his person’s car finally did show up ….Staff is still keeping an eye on his unstable situation…and Molly is keeping her paws crossed in hope. She is enchanted. The older gentleman is quite handsome with a sweet disposition, but his heart has already been given no matter the circumstances he find himself in….We’ll see…like Staff needs one more thing to worry about or deal with right now.)
Everyone into the pool! Onward!
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Now this is cute. She’s as elegant as a water bird…although her partner seems to be grimacing a bit. Hey, who wouldn’t be? Just pick it up, and carry on. Works for many things.(Florida Cypress Gardens 1970’s.USPD/Archives Florida State Library)
Founded in 1926 by Dick and Julie Pope, Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park. In 1941, it was proclaimed the Water Ski Capitol of the World and became the birthplace for performance water skiing. Probably a popular place for Spring Break, Easter, or summer vacations. Florida Cypress Gardens theme park closed on Sept 23, 2009.
Woman with postcards – a display for sure, but proud of a collection or her shoplifting style? Oh, no this postcard not risqué- the postcards have that covered. Besides it’s French. (1910’s /USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It not exactly Facebook, is it?
Humans don’t seem to change behavior much – only their communication formats do.
Promises. Promises. (postcard of a post card. 1900’s. USPD/Commoins.wikimedia.org)
“Oh, it’s not that I’ve forgotten or replaced don’t miss you”
(An aside: Thank you for refreshing my drink, Dahling. You are such a dear.)
“You won’t believe all the museums and hysterical historical sights.”
(Oh? they are doing the rumba around the pool? One moment and I’ll join you)
“Wish you were here!”
(But I’ll just have to make do. Make new friends. And keep the old..)
There. Stamp and obligation fulfilled. Guilt free.
1910’s World’s biggest card case. Postcard collections were quite the thing: showing personal popularity, enviable travel destinations and dominance in the “keeping up with the neighbors” competition. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
A primitive version of Social Media.
“Look how many followers I have. See how many subscribers signed up for my Twitter/blog feed?”
Old school proof to show you really were there
No, of course not done to rub it in or make anyone jealous
Selfies rock!
Apparently true love meant spending money on postcards as well as diamonds. Hope they’ve already had lunch as his pockets look empty and so many places didn’t take IOU’s or credit cards… (Couple at postcard stand. 1910 -. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Woman buying postcard – and sending a message. I don’t know about you but that salesman looks a bit creepy…like Rasputin creepy (1910- Curt Teich postcard/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Warning or yearning
Pushy broad or naïve young thing
Wonder if her grand gesture was well received?
(and was he worth it)
Elegant man reading postcard…apparently on his way out the door. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but you have to wonder. (1900’s postcard. /USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
You have to hope they ended up like this happy couple.
Any written words they posted on the back of this card probably as entertaining as their posed antics.
Postcard of man and woman playfully posing for camera. Personalized postcards, a popular tourist souvenir in the 1900’s.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Postcards were quite the fad at one time.
You can view surviving postcards now sheltered in museums and university libraries online.
Marketed heavily by multiple companies, eagerly kept in collections as well as sent to people, and with some of the weirdest topics and images.
I get the images of different areas and wonders of the Chicago World’s Fair, National Parks, scenic highways, famous restaurants and colorful locals, but…
Baffled by the postcards of the hangings. (All ethnic/religious groups). Why would anyone want take home a souvenir of that? Who would send it to anyone? What would you say: “Wish you were here”? (with a couple of ways to interpret that penned message.)
Hmmm, the original owners of vintage postcards might surprised that their postcards not only survived, but are still enjoyed.
Mailing it in with a few smiles
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
You can feel the excitement. I keep expecting them to break into song….”Wings of a Century” postcard Chicago Open-air Pageant of Transportation. (1930’s/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
I knew NASA was on a tight budget, but resorting to garage sales? (© Image)
Well, that’s certainly down to earth.
Local street signs like “Gemini”, “Saturn”, “Space Center Blvd” and “NASA Road 1” hardly get a glance, but now there’s this one.
Just what can you expect to see if you turn at the signal?
Recycled rockets?
Last year’s model of astronaut space suits?
Refurbished JSC Mission Control room computers?
A really, really, really, big “Big Lots” type store with out-of-this-world bargains and items?
(Is that moon dust on your feet from aisle 3 – or just tree pollen?)
It’s just a shopping center with some economical restaurants, a couple of big box stores, Goodwill donation center and store, and a poker club, but some commercial developers won’t miss a chance to hitch their star onto something cool. If you update a shopping area, ya gotta give it some sparkle, right?
There’s a good deal of sparkle and star power going on around here this time of year
- “Homeowner’s Nest doorbell cam captures meteor” – Our cam caught the meteor’s big flash as it burned up. Didn’t wake the dog though.
- Rodeo Houston is staging and about ready to giddy-up out of the chutes . Trail Rides traveling from all directions towards the city. Monday night one ride will be camped out at the end of the day among the rocket men on the NASA grounds. Carnival and food vendors are setting up on the rodeo grounds. The legendary barbecue cook-off starts shortly. The entertainment line up of stars are grabbing their outfits and instruments. Of course all the kids hoping to win and earn scholarship money (over 800 awarded) are having heart to heart talks with their animals and art entires (Of course there are scholarships for that) Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the city’s best traditions…”since 1932, more than $550 million has been committed to the youth of Texas and education” with grants, scholarships, graduate assistantships…even during the COVID pandemic. The educational commitments were kept despite the show not going on.
- Also, Galveston’s Mardi Gras is already in full swing. Mardi Gras was first publicly observed on Galveston Island in 1867. Following a break in 1941 due to war and challenging times, Mardi Gras Galveston was revived in 1985. It’s the largest celebration of its kind in Texas and the third largest in the nation.
“OK, I made it down. Now, the whole world is watching. Please, no leg cramps, stepping on my skirt, losing a shoe, or falling over. My life would be over.” (Duchess of Knights of Momus Ball, Galveston, TX/ PapercityMag Image screenshot.)
Speaking of down to earth, these lovelies who were invited to be a Mardi Gras Duchess are dipping into history.
Participants may be daughters of Krewe members, from rich families, or often accomplished young women from local area high schools. Being chosen is quite an honor (and a little expensive as those dresses that are made just for you to fit a theme, all the parties must be attended, and there’s the travel to and from the dress fittings and the lessons.)
Yes, there are lessons.
A Mardi Gras Duchess is expected to do the “Texas Debutante Dip” when presented. Not an easy, quick skill to learn.
Basically, without assistance, the girl must step forward and sink gracefully down like a swan to the ground in one fluid motion with a her head up, with a composed relaxed smile on her face before rising – without assistance. An accomplished debutant will be able lower her forehead to touch her leg which is extended out front before rising…all with a smile and no assistance. All in one fluid motion…no wobbles, halting or lurching awkwardly.
She’s off to a good start performing the Texas Debutant Dip. Sinking gracefully with back straight and extended relaxed arms with “pretty hands”. (Mardi Gras gala 2022. screenshot image; houston.culturemap.com)
It is quite a trick. Only the skilled – and strong – survive it.
Yesterday, the local morning news showed some Mardi Gras footage from events of the night before. At one gala was a Duchess in a green gown who performed the most beautiful Texas Dips I’ve ever seen: one continuous motion sinking down, then floating effortlessly back up. It was smooth, exquisite, and perfect.
Unfortunately the new-from-out-of-town anchor called it “The Texas Bow”. It’s not a “bow”. Men bow – bend from the waist which, by comparison, ain’t all that hard.
Whether it’s a sign or a comment on social graces, words matter.
Wanna see or try The Texas Debutant Dip yourself? Here’s an instructional video. (And a close to perfect rise here.)
I dare you. Ha-Ha.
Well, busy traveling through the year’s time and space
Let whimsy drive and serendipity help as you dip and soar.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
It’s the Barkus & Meox parade – the most fun Mardi Gras event of them all. (Image: Galveston Convention and Visitor’s Center).
It’s difficult to find just the right Valentine:
The message, the art work, the quality of the paper, even the company brand for some.
Is it enough? too much?
Too sappy sweet – too waaay past romantic.
Too bland and “one card fits all” generic
Too close to insulting
Too delicate when it should be bold.
Too, I just don’t know!
Or realistically too obvious: “I had to grab what was left”
A glance at some vintage Valentines for your amusement and fun
(Although, it’s probably just me, but the Valentine series name is a bit spooky in this day and age as it it inadvertently summons up Zodiac Killer– and that’s not really the emotions you want connected with lovey-dovie Valentines Day! Purely coincidence. The postcard series’ name simply an innocent victim of this modern era.)
Valentines given hoping for a kiss from a January miss? You gotta love her outfit. Oddly modern-ish with the overskirt sagging low like so many jeans and pants stylishly worn now. It’s cold – and vintage – so let the chick have her fur chic. Everything considered, guessing she wasn’t really dressed for the sport of serious snowshoeing…other sporting planned perhaps. (1900’s Zodiac Valentines series by Dwiggins/ USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
1900’s Valentine for a frolicking May gal. Flighty attitude indeed. She certainly is stepping lively – as people once did during that May fêtes, around May poles and May Days with pretty posies instead of politics grim.(Zodiac series by Dwiggins /Tuck & Sons/ USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
June Valentine postcard from the 1900’s Zodiac series by Dwiggins. How fair is this? Summer birthdays always get the good stuff: bigger birthday parties as it’s never on a school day as well as all their stuff has pretty flowers and spring colors. Sigh. Autumn’s browns and gold no match for romantic June’s pinks and pale greens. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Now who’s the turkey, Valentine? Really? A hatchet on a Valentine postcard….shiver: stalking and luring. Far too many susceptible to abusive relationship suggestions – and here’s one in print? Sigh. In any case, an example how some just can’t escape the food means love connection. All seems to cuts into the heart-full feeling somehow. (1900’s Nov. from Zodiac series by Dwiggins /USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Did Santa not bring what was wanted? Or was the sender on the Naughty List and now, repentant, asking for another chance? No, it is not your imagination. She looks like a mermaid…that was the “perfect” body shape of the era…but the outfit might have been considered a little risqué and suggestive? (postcard Clare Victor Dwiggins’ Zodiac Valentines series/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Social Influencer or shopper heading out to some after Christmas sales? Dressed so fashionably, she appears to be oblivious and skating on thin ice. (1900’s Valentines postcard from the Zodiac series by Dwiggins/ USPD//Commons.wikimedia.org)
Like a play within a play, a 1910 Valentine postcard with delivery by Cupid. A whiff of suspicion or wry sense of humor? (Nat. Lib of NZ./USPD./Flickr/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Elegant embossed Valentine postcard with a hand holding a dove. The Household Journal’s “new” postcard offerings from 1910. Now this style is more what many expect.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
No matter the Valentine’s era, the style chosen, or the message printed, best seal it with a kiss. (1920-1929.Curt Teich postcard/ USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Red hearts – the construction paper kind – to you
Happy Valentines Day!
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Curious?
- “Forgotten today, Dwig was one of the most productive cartoonists and illustrators of his generation. In addition to dozens of comic strip series published in American newspapers, Dwig created interesting and graceful art for hundreds of postcards, books and magazines articles and covers. “
Read more here: “Dead cats at moonlight – The Art of Clare Victor Dwiggins” (The Comic Journal)
Oh, the cats thing. An explanation: “There was a time when childhood in America meant using dead cats at moonlight to get rid of a wart. It meant throwing things at the teacher when her back was turned. It meant firecrackers in ant piles.The early American newspaper comics celebrated this wild aspect of childhood…”
“That stupid cat Walter. All about who you know. He gets a media contract – and no doubt a trailer on set with a star on the door and buffet as requested inside – and I get stuck in a Game of Thrones type location and yelled at for wet paws once patrol is completed and the back door opens. Where’s the justice?” (© image)
They say the grass is always greener
But how can that be if no grass to be seen…the underfoot kind….
A mountain-facing balcony vs a Pave Stone deck around a backyard pool
Sitting there on which – with an afternoon glass of wine
As each offering a bit of cool – all thing considered
Is there a shelf life when one is better than the other?
We dodged a frigid bullet here with only a few days of grey and frost.
Today unwrapped the grumpy, delicate tropical plants
Then luxuriated in the sunny warmth.
The yard crews playing catch-up with their mowing and trims
Will shortly be close to 70F and sunny – our winter’s whims
Not out of the ordinary or unexpected at all.
For as far as I can remember, it might snow around Valentines if we got it – or much winter at all
The sequence is always: New Years’ beach, then Rodeo and Car Shows’ sleet, then fingers crossed for Spring Break warmth, until the last cold front just before Easter no matter when that is.
Alternating tank tops with sweatshirts
The wild flowers are in the wings. Plant stores risking early arrivals to put in before the summer roast.
Strawberries are being picked.
Everyone outside. Sing birds. Scramble squirrels.
The grass is always greener
Until you have to mow it or shovel it.
c’est la vie
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Just makes me sleepy. A quandary: is 4+ months of extreme heat, humidity, and temps hot enough to actually fry an egg on the car hood a fair trade for about the same amount of time with ice, sleet, snow and below freezing temperatures? Oh to be a monarch, a snow goose, or one with generous relatives with big houses in each weather zone! HaHa….There’s always the “three days – fishy stink” issue to circumvent …just how much are those cute little travel vans anyway? (© image. Not where we are, but sent to entice: “Come on up!” Hmmm. Let me think about that.)
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will stop Walter from the swift completion of his appointed rounds. (Screenshot Chevrolet 2022 commercial)
We had a Walter. (You know Walter? No other has a chance against Walter)
It was a Little Ugly. A daughter of Ugly.
Don’t blame me for the names – those cats ruled Sr. Staff and that Realm long before me.
Ugly, the matriarch, showed up on the doorstep in the middle of the worst winter storm with “Oh, by the way I’m pregnant and going to have my kittens in your closet among your shoes while you’re looking for a dry towel.” (Don’t tell me she hadn’t done some reconnoissance, picked the perfect soft hearted compassionate target individual and deliberately timed it all. I may not be a cat person, but it sounded awfully suspicious.)
Pleased with the return of her pre-motherhood figure (and quietly relieved she once assured by the vet that she could cat around without ever having kitten consequences ever again), Ugly and Little Ugly’s siblings all found forever homes quickly.
Little Ugly quickly became the RC of the Realm which included K.C.(Kitty Cat) a large Old Gentleman cat who always wore an expression of total surprise, and Kitty-kitty (I told you about the names. Totally innocent.) who was the mysterious, aloof diva of long ballerina legs, exotic eyes and elegant calico costume (and I swear she was more than just of a delicate sensitive nature…bipolar more like it…maybe even schizophrenic..it couldn’t have all been a manipulative act – or could it? Cats.)
Leader of the pack! In the eye of the tiger.(screenshot Chevrolet 2022 commercial)
Little Ugly, a small, ordinary, easy-to-overlook tiger cat, was the smart one. She figured stuff out. Probably would have excelled as a Cirque du Soleil performer.
If running a bit late from work, no problem. Little Ugly would leap vertically from counter to the top of a “modern” cabinet suspended between two posts. Then acrobatically, she’d jumped across the kitchen aisle grabbing the U-shaped handle of the cabinet above the refrigerator. Using trapeze skills she would swing across pulling the door open. Returning to her starting route, she’d next broad jump into the open cabinet, shoulder the bag of food to the edge, then, kick it to the floor where the other two cats waited to assist in opening the bag and serving themselves. Kitty-Kitty delicately sitting back from the pile and reaching out with one long leg to pull one piece at a time towards her before eating the tidbit. The old gentleman cat just settled in crouching down totally happy to be surrounded by all he could eat. (I hope they did thank Little Ugly for her efforts on their behalf.)
While easy to overlook, Little Ugly was the bold explorer. Not content to lounge among the lush tropical jungle on our apartment’s second floor balcony like the other cats, she scaled the wooden posts, pull herself up on top of the red wood slatted porch roof and freely roamed the complex roof. Maybe she was training for a triathlon? Everyone knew her: the tiger cat on the roof. She’d sit on the roof corner closest to the parking lot watching. Spotting me she’d chirp loudly “Hi Mom! Glad you’re home! Race you to the living room.” By the time I got in the door they were sitting in a line: KC with his quizzical face, Kitty-kitty looking bored, and Little Ugly looking pleased with herself.
Attack cat Walter, the ultimate RC, defending his person and his Realm.(Screenshot Chevrolet 2022 commercial)
While she enjoyed her hiking and climbing hobbies, she was not about to forget her realm duties: protect and defend. One day, Sr Staff got a call from the apartment manager – who could hardly stop laughing. The maintenance guy went up to fix something, but after unlocking the door he was met by a HUGE snarling and growling cat with GIANT teeth sideway dancing and blocking the way…with a couple of other cats providing backup. Shaken he backed out of the apartment. (In reality, she was a very small cat. She must have been channeling The Hulk that day.)
Another time, the Realm’s Old Gentleman cat was a supervising some grilling in the courtyard – something he loved to do. (I always suspected he really just wanted to roll in the grass, but he was a quite serious that his presence was necessary if some grilling was going on. If for nothing else he felt it was his duty to escort Sr. Staff up and down the stairs. “Must make sure he doesn’t get distracted and wander off,” K.C. would say. “Has nothing to do with salmon cooking and the possibility of small bits falling on the ground…”) This particular day, a new resident also had her large cat out to get some fresh air. Not a good plan. The new guy’s yowls and territorial threats quickly filled the air…bad move. Little Ugly, who had been keeping watch from the roof, launched herself straight down off the second story roof to assist her buddy (We all knew K.C. was big, but totally useless for defense unless he lay on his side like a sand dune to block the road.) The new cat never knew what hit him…literally….it came down out of the sky – just like a horror movie! He scrambled back inside. He never ventured out again as far as we know. Once the grilling was done, there was a short parade up the stairs to our apartment.
Tiger cats like Walter and Little Ugly: quiet, analytical, decisive.
You can depend on them to pull it out when it’s needed.
And to be humble about it all.
They know who they are – and not afraid to be just that.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
If you haven’t met Walter, let me introduce you:
Do not trifle with the overlords. (PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Nothing more appropriate: why nots and what fors.
- Atheists ought to be thrilled. That next lightening bolt out of the sky won’t come from God. “Chinese satellite observed grappling and pulling another satellite out of its’ orbit” Oh, it’s just that thoughtful country which has constantly demonstrated their real concern for Earth’s environmental woes and climate change doing it’s part to pick up the litter…in space.
Why not?….learning some very real spacey skills and maneuvers that might come in handy sometime…like when it’s cheaper and more effective than using tanks, missiles, or jets. Meanwhile the USA appears to be more worried about dodging incoming lightning strikes over pronouns and yawn retro skin color outrage. Science is not a follower. Boldly goeth with or without personal internal guidance system. Works for the NBA
- It’s a mantra, a rallying cry, not a lifestyle: that “Follow the science” phrase. Instead of sending every household a depressing
one timeN95 mask and afrequently faulty, outdated variantCOVID test, why not send everyone a exercise bike/treadmill/rowing machine instead? Might be more helpful and healthful.
Even a jump rope or some “Waits” – you know those things that used to be called “dumb belles” until someone decided the name was hate speech towards Southern girls with hour glass figures. So the items re-fashioned as “waits” – as in “wait until you drop this on your foot” or “wait until it crashes through the floor to the apartment below” or “wait just a little longer until you can go outside or to the gym.” Seems like Mr. Data would approve of stuff that encourages breathing productively instead or just spewing out hot air…climate change and all that.
Just think of it like that campaign promise “A chicken in every pot!” Actually candidate Herbert Hoover (1920’s) never said that. Henri IV may have said it in 16th century France, but like so much attributed to people long ago, who actually knows what happened and in what context.
“No putting that back together again. You already look scrambled…or way past shelf life.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.or
- March. Yep expect to hear that. Ukraine and Russia – not a new thing. Been at it since before Peter the Great. Traditionally, campaigns backed off in the winter due to weather. Weather in March is much easier for moving troops once things start defrosting. But with cold hardy drones and missiles, things may be different now. Unless Vladimir did promise to go to the Olympic Games and not to distract from his friend-who-is-also-my-enemy’s showcase.
Somehow Biden missed NATO’s event’s sign-up sheet? You know like those with school / office parties. If you get there too late, all the easy items/tasks are already spoken for. Germany gets to send the helmets. Biden too busy choosing ice cream flavors and the US is getting stuck again with sending the soldiers? DRAT!
Why not instead of air lifting/shipping any promised US military support, what if they just handed over a receipt for all the military items left after the last military action in Afghanistan and say – “It’s all yours, help yourself!” Really might help alleviate supply chain delays both here and there. Hate to see things go to waste. Recycle and re-home is good.
- The Honey’s no longer crisp, yet still the Envy of the Gala. Apple: you know what happens with tempting fruit. Once the anti-establishment, go-against-the-herd crowd, the free thinking rebels, the out-of-the-boxers, the unfettered explorers and creators, Apple offered a place for everyone at the computer desks. Freedom’s champion. A maverick spit in the lock-step, obedient, dull eyes. The early image: “people into the idea of being rebels fighting against a greater evil.”
For what? Now one of the biggest of the Big Boxers. Hotel California stye. Nightman paid off, but still can’t kill the beast.
Visit the video
What for?
Iconic and Ironic: “You’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984”
Why not the apple of my “I”
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Production note: Why so dark? Tied up in knots here. Explanation shortly. Will be in and out of the blogging office. Thanks for your patience.
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 