TIDBITS

It is interesting, especially now with the internet, how one thing leads to another. Taylor finds some amazing things washed a shore along the Columbia River. The other day he found the paddle type object pictured in the heading of this entry. What could it be? It seemed to be a paddle of some type, so off I went to google. It is too short to be a regular canoe paddle. I learned more about paddles than I ever need to know. There are ceremonial paddles among the native coastal people of the Pacific Northwest and among the Polynesians of the Island countries. The wooden paddle, or oar, has been a military traditional gift for sailors to show appreciation for many years, also appropriate for retirements, command transfers, anniversaries, and awards just to name a few. The fraternity and sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing brother or sister hood and is given according to the local chapter’s traditions. In the past they were used for hazing but not so much today. Yet, Taylor’s paddle didn’t fit any of these, in its once water logged, now dried out along the bank, condition.

Polynesian Ceremony Paddle
Nigerian Ceremony Paddle
Navy appreciation paddle
Tlingit Dance Paddle

Fraternity Paddles

Finding the object along the river got us off on a wrong start. It was late, I was tired, and in my mind I thought I I should know what that object is. I learned a lot about paddles but went to bed not knowing. The next morning, one look and I knew what Taylor’s find is: Its a cricket bat, plain and simple. I bet you knew right off when you saw that first photo.

I mostly watch British TV shows and they play lots of Cricket in those shows.

ANOTHER TIDBIT: MUSHROOMS:

Autumn mushroom season is on. Taylor produced a chanterelle he found in the woods the other day, and presented it along with a beef steak. I cooked them both up for a delicious meal. Right beside my front entry door are the most disgusting looking mushrooms. They have been showing up there for four years now. I finally did some serious research and was able to identify them. They are often identified with the morel group and are called, “Elfin Saddles,” Their stalks start out white but turn gray as they get older. The ones by my door are about two weeks old now and the stalks are almost black.

Chanterelle
Elfin Saddle
I have no plans of cooking them up.

I had a pretty Chrysanthemum bush in the garden covered with white blooms. The rains arrived in torrents smashing the plant to the ground. I had hoped it would pop back up when the rain stopped but that was not to be. I decided to cut the blooms, wash them off, and put them in bouquets for the house. They were lovely.

Livingroom bouquet
Kitchen bouquet
Bathroom bouquet

A FEW MORE TIDBITS: About 25 years ago when I was teaching 7th and 8th grade students I announced I would teach anyone who wanted to learn how to fold paper cranes if they wanted something to do durning noon breaks on rainy, cold, miserable days. I was surprised at the number of kids who attend those sessions, especially the number of boys. We decided to have a challenge of who could fold the smallest crane. The kids really got into it as did I. I won having used stick pins to do the folding. My crane was one inch by one inch. I put the crane on the eraser of my pencil but eventually it disappeared, never to be seen again. Until about two weeks ago, I was strolling across my front driveway and there was that little crane laying in the gravel. Where it came from or had been hiding for 25 years I have no idea. It now sits on top of Taylor’s rock owl on the kitchen window.

THE LITTLE WHITE CRANE IS ONE INCH BY ONE INCH

After Latah’s birthday I made strawberry cakes for Rosemary and me to go with our luncheon which we have on Tuesdays. My cat Teach is already bored being inside so much as it has been pouring rain. To entertain her I got out the, “Go Fish,” game for little kids. She loved it, batting the fish out of their holes as they went around, and then attacked them on the floor.

Another strange happening. Coming out of Mass one Sunday morning Emmett asked, “Bonnie, where did you hit that bird hanging under your truck?” The parking lot slants up so when you come down the steps of the church you can see under people’s cars parked there. Sure enough there was a big bird hanging next to the tire under the truck. I had no idea it was there. Everyone decided it was a quail. I left the bird until I got home and removed it. That bird must have been there for a long time. It was completely dried out as it seemed to have no weight at all. Poor thing. I have no idea when I hit it. It seemed caught by its neck as I didn’t actually run over it.

MOVING ON: Heather, Teagan, and Latah just returned from New York City today where they had attend great grandma Rita’s funeral. May her soul rest in eternal peace. She was over 100 and was a grand lady. I had the honor of meeting her several times. About that same time Jason’s work took him to Amsterdam in Holland. He is still there but will return home on Thursday. He sent a few photos of his hotel area and sights enjoyed. He was pleased to be able to spend a bit of time with his long time friend Norbert who grew up and lives there with his wife and three boys.

Jason’s hotel at Zaandam, North Holland, Netherlands
His room
View from the window
A historical area he visited

Sunday I drove to Pebble Creek to return tools I had borrowed. I am so pleased as Sam presented me with a book he snagged at the local library from a table of free books. It is a lovely book on grasslands and prairies. Sam knows I love those kind of places. Thank you so much Sam for thinking of me. Taylor asked me, “Mom, where did you get this great book?” While there Sophie took a photo of the sunset. It was strange as the color was very intense but located in a small area. It was beautiful but different looking.

My favorite photo from my gift from Sam
Sophie’s sunset taken from the living room Sunday evening.