Sad to report the passing of Allen R - aka El Gato

It is with great sadness that I report the passing last week of  Allen R ... A great friend and contributor to this blog (aka El Gato)  ... and also my dear brother in law, and long time spouse of dear dear sister Kim.

Allen passed after a brief illness, with complications from un-diagnosed conditions -  even after repeated trips to the ER -  Allen was just able to be home for his 98th birthday ... but sadly passed only a few days later.

Our hearts are broken and our deepest condolences go out to Kim in this time of loss and sadness. 

Arrangements pending 

Rest in Peace  ! 

The Recipe Box: Nonsense Popcorn

Nonsense Popcorn

From the recipe box of KimB

Everyone likes a story.

We tell them all the time, and there are many types of stories. Some we make up and others we embellish. Sometimes we play the hero and other times we play the victim. Some stories are funny and others are sad. We tell them about all sorts of topics. Some topics are interesting to us, but not so interesting to others. Many stories are important as they mark significant days in our lives. Birthdays are happy days and Deaths are sad ones.

There are stories about events or universal experiences. Some events that were important fade, like the memories of ancient wars, or even recent ones, as the people with the most direct memory pass from life or from public view. Events that were thought to be momentous turn out to be little remembered, while other events that were overlooked turn out to be pivotal events of the future. We tell them all as stories.

There are stories about every aspect of our lives and our outlook on life or how it changed or didn't. Some stories have kernels of "reality or truth" and others are just "made up from whole cloth".

Stories that are made up are much enjoyed because there isn't any restriction to the imagination. A modern known problem is the "image bearing" story, like movies, video, and drawn graphic works, where your imagination is robbed of your own interpretation and replaced with a synthetic version provided by the movie, video and graphic artist. Music has something similar with sound, generating lots of sound mimicry. Music scores contain mimicry marks intended to produce the same sounds over and over again. Written words direct your imagination to a particular discription but allow you to fill in or remake the description as you prefer.

One's own stories have a private environment and cast list and these can alter in infinite ways; "Did I tell you about..." and "Do you remember..." giving rise to new variations on existing stories. Stories presented as movies get a re-telling when we describe a movie or TV show we watched to others (with or without spoilers). Music has its own imagery and lots of words attempt to capture the effects of sound: fast beat, cressendo, ballad are attempts to tell the story of sounds.

Some stories are just nonsense and have their own attraction: Jabberwocky. These stories may contain a figment of reality but also play havoc with our personal sense of Up and Down.

Twas bryllyg, and y^e slythy toves
Did gyre and gymble in y^e wabe:
All mimsy were y^e borogoves;
And y^e mome raths outgrabe.

Lewis Carroll 1855

In reference to recipes, we have multitude of stories about them. Where, when and how we learned or first tasted a dish. Stories on how to make it using "authentic" methods, along with myriads of stories on how to avoid failed or burned results. Sometimes these stories and the steps given, have a basis in how the ingredients function together: if you make the yeast incorrectly the bread doesn't rise; a practical application of chemistry. Some steps are pure inventions and their explainations have no effect on the outcome of the dish; mind game puzzles in the kitchen.

My story on Nonsense Popcorn is Jabberwocky. It's pure nonsense with perhaps an smidge of reality but it's a fun story I tell myself as I make it.

The Story of Nonsense Popcorn

Pre-COVID the microwave in the kitchen died. I had intended to have it repaired or replaced but SARS-CoV-2 had other things in mind for the planet. So I had to learn or re-learn how to cook sans-microwave, you know, the Old Fashioned Way of putting a pan of water on the cooktop to heat it.

Recently, I took a chance and purchased a countertop microwave. There are number of risks involved besides the costs. The supply chain isn't very stable and I'd already had an experience with a SlowPotPressureCooker that had to be returned, so I wasn't sure it would actually arrive, or work, or for how long. It did, it does and time will tell.

It's now sitting on a counter and I have to relearn how to use it. It's a bit like the old saying about prunes: "Is Three Enough, Is Six Too Many" . Is 1 minute enough or 1 min 30 seconds too much? Which is 90 seconds if you go the fastest way around the key pad.

To celebrate the re-acquisition of this modern necessity, I bought the MOST IMPORTANT item you can have for a microwave: Popcorn Kernels and a Microwave Popcorn Maker. Several hundred dollars plus a $3 jar of kernels spent to make a dish of popcorn. I could have made the popcorn on the the stove top, but I forgot how to do that.

After checking all the latest and greatest gadgets for making popcorn I opted for a $10 borosilicate glass bowl, aka a pyrex style glass bowl, which looks something like a goldfish bowl encased a silicone plastic net with handle.

All keen to have a tasty dish of popcorn, I followed the directions (mostly), put it in the microwave, selected the popcorn option and BAM!

.. pop pop pop pop... sniff sniff... yikes! It burnt ..

Nothing like burnt popcorn to remind you of why you didn't make much of it before COVID. That and the residue hull bits that get stuck in your teeth.

So I set about re-learning about how to make popcorn. There's a lot of information on hows and whys and I picked out the suggestions I thought would work for me and that is how I created My Story of Popcorn: A Nonsense Story

Internet Research

• Some information indicates the moisture content of the kernel determines if it pops.
• Some information states the kernel hull is very hard (aka flint) and impervious to moisture.
• Application of heat, duration and temperature levels, impact the popping.
  • Too cold = no pop
  • Too mild = under popped
  • Too hot = burns
  Like Golidlocks, the temperature has to be Just Right.

I experimented and dinked and tried this and that, to get:

ALL the kernels to pop WITHOUT burning it.

So I put in the required amount kernels and add a tiny bit of water. I think the dryer kernels enjoy something to drink even though the hulls are "impervious to moisture".

I add a pat of butter with a dash of salt or flavor to the top lid on the theory that the results will taste better, which it does.

I also think the few drops of oil will help the kernels to pop better. The reality is most of the salt and oil stay in the glass bowl and only a small amount finds its way onto the popcorn. Popcorn is not a super absorber. It's a fun thought anyway.

Then I do a ritual pre-heat cooking. I give the kernels a jolt of microwaves to wake them up. It does produce some steam inside the bowl which I image helps the popping aspect. Fog in a Bowl.

Then I give the whole thing the Big Jolt and wait for

The Popcorn Oracle to Speak.

• If I get a big flurry of popping and the bowl fills up fast I know there won't be many no-poppers on the bottom but I have to stop the cooking or it will burn. Cancel is Your Friend.
  
  
• If the flurry is pathetic and fills less than half the bowl, I hit Cancel and remove the good stuff before it burns.
  
  In revenge I put the no-poppers back in the microwave with another Big Jolt and challenge those unpopped kernels to see if they can resist THIS JOLT!
  
  I might do this several times before capitulating that the unpopped ones in the bottom are not going to pop.

If The Popcorn Oracle gives a good prophecy I get 3 dishes of popcorn; if it's a poor one: 2 dishes.

The Popcorn Oracle. is always generous; you just have to watch for the burnt ones, or develop a taste for carbonized corn.

Ingredients: Nonsense Popcorn

Popcorn Bowl

2 TBS popcorn kernels
1 tsp water
Microwave Popcorn Glass Bowl

Optional:
1-2 pats of cold butter
sprinkling of salt, sugar, garlic powder or other flavorings

Preparation:

1. Place 2 TBS of popcorn kernels in the popping bowl.
2. Add 1 tsp of water to the popping bowl, stir, let sit 1-5 min.
3. Optional: Place butter in small dish. Sprinkle salt or flavoring on the butter. Stir lightly until flavoring has adhered to the butter pats. Put butter pats on the popper butter lid.
   
4. Microwave 20 seconds. Let sit @30-60 seconds.
5. Microwave 2 minutes. Cancel if the popping stops for 2-3 sec.
6. Remove popped kernels to a dish, leaving unpopped kernels in bowl.
7. Microwave the unpopped kernels 1-2 minutes. Cancel if the popping stops for 2-3 sec.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as needed.

The Popcorn Oracle has Spoken

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 12 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 12

MrsB

Seeing the wild ducks as they come daily to eat the bird seed that falls on the ground under the bird feeder

R. Cane

Thankful for getting this far .. with so many helping hands ... and I have high hopes for 2022 cheers to all all around

KimB

Knitting.

A few months ago MrsB finally got me to agree to let her teach me to knit. It's never been a big item on my list of things to do but with so many hours of nothing to fill I agreed to give it a try. She sent me most of her knitting kit to get me started and even some very red yarn. We talked on the phone and I did look-ups on the internet to figure out what I was supposed to do. I am like all beginners and make a mess of my attempts but that's what being a beginner is about: the joy of imperfection. When we talk I can almost sound like I know what it is I'm doing and I can ask better questions now on how to do different techniques.

It's a lot like Latin. Everything has already been translated, so there's no worries you will miss much.

The main risk is that you don't understand the jargon and miss some pointers but asking the same questions over again there are moments of AH HA! when a LED turns on.

I finished my first project: a scarf. What else? I made a long red scarf and Allen dutifully wears it, even if it's not quite right. It's close to right. It's a beginner's scarf.

I am now on my second project: A full size afghan with 6 colors using Intarsia techniques. Does it sound like I know something?

I cherish the chats with Mom and I try to listen carefully to her instructions:

It's all intuitive!

Until the needles fall off...

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 11 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 11

MrsB

The many friends during my 99 years

KimB

LOTRO - Lord of the Rings Online MMORPG video game.

I've been playing LOTRO since the beta more than a decade ago. The game has changed ownership several times but the story remains the same a JRR Tolkien wrote it. Of course there are many paths across Middle-Earth and that's part of the fun.

During the first part of the COVID19 shutdown they opened all their servers to everyone so they could play for free.

It was a fantastic gesture and gift.

Recently my brother and I have reached the zenith of the books: the Fall of Sauron. Standing with Aragorn as the last of the free peoples are overwhelmed by the hordes pouring out of the Black Gates of Mordor, and engulfing all that stands in the way of their evil master. The deaths of the Lords of Gondor and the Rangers of the North, some who fell at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and the rest in front of the Black Gates.

"No one Is coming" says Aragorn, "but we will stand until the end."

And so shall we stand against the darkness, despair, death and injustice as the ongoing effects of the pandemic play out in real life.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 10 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 10

R. Cane

Actually "WON" a computer game ..!? Lol finished primary LOTRO tale after lo these many years ! ..so .. back to square one/ level 1 .. we "rolled new toons" .. following the instructions on package to .. "repeat"!!?? Lol
[Editor's Note: Lord of the Rings OnLine]

KimB

Life Friends.

Life friends are those people who support you mentally and emotionally, providing insight, comfort and warmth just by being there. Sometimes there are long periods of silence between interactions but they are always there for you when you have need. They cannot do much to change your life or circumstances but their support is invaluable.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 9 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 9

MrsB

Pleasure and Amusement from watching the interaction between our pet dog and pet cat that are very fond of each other.

KimB

The stores, people and friends who have stayed open and helped out people like us who still shelter in place. The online delivery drivers making the rounds with loaves of bread and milk have made it possible for us to stay safe until the pandemic fades and new vaccines and treatments become available. The big box stores and markets carried the biggest burdens but a small specialty store near us took my grocery list over the phone, provided us with fresh veggies, meats, breads, many specialty items and did trunk drops. Without them, things would have been much bleaker.

I first met them when they opened their small market. Hardly 2 aisles but packed top to bottom with wonderful items. They were gracious to explain what the packages were and importantly how to eat the contents. They had meats, fish, deli - fabulous salamis, milk, yogurt, cheese, breads and incredible chocolates. Before COVID19, when I started to regain my health, I got a bicycle. I would bike to their store and get a few items and carried them home in my back pack.

After the pandemic started, they graciously took my panicked orders over the phone and did a trunk drop. Now when I call in the grocery order, they remind me of things I may have forgotten.

There is a difference between on-line computer nagware-suggestions and humans. One doesn't care if you order or not. The other cares that you have something to eat and enough of it to carry you through until the next order.
[Editor's Note: Ararat Market, Clovis, California]

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 8 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 8

R. Cane

Glad me n mum and everyone that comes here has gotten covid19 boosters ..AND the Quad flu shot protecting 16 strains of flu !

KimB

Mom.

MrsB never ceases to amaze. Her creativity is unbounded. Her determination to build a better society and a better America for all has lead her life into some interesting corners of history. Her art reflects not only her own experience but is a mirror to the past, present and future. It is an unbroken line marking every aspect of the country and all of it's best parts.

It's a reminder of what we can be, if we chose to be.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 7 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 7

MrsB

My two children - a son and a daughter

KimB

3 Cats: Each has a story and their antics bring joy and laughter.

Bette Bumpers

Bette is the newest cat and is also 5 years old. She was abandoned when her previous owners moved away and we formally adopted her. She is a lovely black tuxedo with splash white and has the most mesmerizing eyes. She gives great head bumps and is 100% focused on Allen.

This year she finally jumped into Allen's lap and now she has "her spot" sharing his chair with him. She also has decided I may not be such a bad person after all and will let me pet her when she comes for head bumps.

Bette is very fond of Othello but not that keen on Lucky and can put Mr Pesterini in his place when his daredevil stunts get too close.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 6 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 6

R. Cane

Thankful for such a wonderful family extended as they are all over the USA .. and beyond on land sea or air..

KimB

Suspenders

Before COVID19 I purchased some suspenders at a department store. I am not sure why I bought them, perhaps I thought they would be a nice fashion statement. I think they cost $5. I never used them until recently. As I've gotten older it takes a bit more time to bend over and stand up again. I found that I can leave my pants unbuttoned and use the suspenders to hold them up. Now when I have to bend over I don't have to undo the button. It's amazing how many times you have to bend down during the day.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 5 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 5

MrsB

Being born in America

KimB

My spouse ElGato.

Like many things it seems only a short time ago we met. I don't keep track of such things but he tells me it's 41 years. I once told him I knew he was a "good catch" because I never got a cold after kissing him. Our years together have had their ups and downs and in-betweens and all the variety that goes with life. I wouldn't trade even 1 second for anything or anyone else.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 4 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 4

R. Cane

Thankful for home medical visits and deliveries Discovered online ordering and now rarely ever risk going out amonst'em to stores n such

KimB

3 Cats: Each has a story and their antics bring joy and laughter.

Lucky - Mr Pesterini

Lucky was a temporary foster that stayed permanent. He had been abandoned as a tiny kitten in the countryside and rescued by a friend. We agreed to foster him and one thing that is certain about cats: they never leave once they find a good home. Lucky has been with us 5 years now.

He is not really a "pest". He is very curious about what humans are doing and why. Whenever he sees something new or different he is right there with twitching nose to check it out.

Lucky is the Flying Wallenda of cats. He loves jumping up on banisters and tops of bookcases. He has an extraordinarily long tail and chases it regularly. The fun part comes when he catches it.

He has a set of toys which he moves around the house and brings them to "share" with us. He has a plush pumpkin, plush hedgehog and plush mouse.

He is on the hyperactive side of cat activity but recently has been venturing into Lap Cat territory. He has a very short tolerance for Lap Cat but recently decided to try Keyboard Kat.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 3 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 3

MrsB

Living 99 years in extraordinary good health

KimB

My Brother.

R. Cane has a sense of humor bigger than the Pacific Ocean. Mr Punster can go none stop and side splitting laughs are a result. Sometimes it seems that we are far apart in views and temperament but this is only an illusion, because we are the same in all ways that count.

His music flows from within and contains a quality that is ephemeral. It's star light and fire works, filling the world with sounds of harmony and beauty. The sounds remain with you as a reminder that there is beauty to be found if you just listen for it.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 2 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 2

R. Cane

Thankful for reaching 76, and having my dear loving mum and sis and her hubby around too!

KimB

3 Cats: Each has a story and their antics bring joy and laughter.

Othello - Big Daddy.

Othello is the oldest, a sumo heavy weight 10 year old black cat. We got him from a local shelter 9 years ago at Christmas. The shelter waived the adoption fee for the holiday and Othello came to live here. He's an unusual cat and early on had a very feisty nature. Eventually we all found our spots.

Othello's spot is wherever the sunniest and warmest spot is.

12 Days of Gratefulness Day 1 by MrsB, RCane, KimB

[Editor's Note]

During these many months of COVID19, it is sometimes difficult to remember that Good Things Still Happen.

We would like share some of our Good Things both the profound and the mundane, hoping some of them might bring joy to your own lives.

Wishing all a happy, fun and safe holiday season.

MrsB, RCane, KimB


Day 1

MrsB

An excellent memory allowing me to recall my parents, brothers and sisters as well as maternal and paternal relatives

R. Cane

Happy to have 1933 Vintage Delivery Truck project reaching finish line & getting ready for auction in spring!

KimB

Old Friends and Like Family Friends.

Old Friends are wonderful memories. You can remember all the funny situations and escapades and even arguments. They remain with you even when they are not near anymore.

Like Family Friends are people who are like your family. They can be funny, helpful, insightful and they are few in number. They come as needed or as they are able. They help when you are too embarrassed to ask for help. They do not judge you but they are not afraid to tell you to "cool your jets" either. They hold a special place in my heart. Without them things would be very different and much more difficult.

Putting It All In by KimB

I am not a good cook.

I sometimes make edible food and sometimes my attempts result in a Quick Delivery Order from one on the on-line grocery stores. The Quick Delivey Food replacement is far more satisfying than the concoction now gracing the inside of the garbage pail.

When I was much younger I had aspirations to be a Pastry Chef. My career didn't go that direction, which is a good thing. Pastry Chefs have to be very precise. EXACTLY this-amount of A and that-amount of Y and they have special scrapers to scoop every last bit from the bowl into the dessert form.

I am not prescise.

I like precision but I do not like to be precise. I lack the fundamental requirements for a Pastry Chef.

I did have a secret-smile moment when I bought a set bowl scrapers. They aren't real bowl scrapers but I pretend they are. I enjoy the daydream of precision while sort of scraping the bottom of a bowl into a dish.

A set of bowl scrapers does not a Pastry Chef make.

Some years ago, pre-COVID, Allen went to get his hair cut. There were lots of questions about did he want X or Y or Z and how did he want the back of the neck. Allen isn't into fussy and he was very direct:

TAKE IT OFF. JUST TAKE IT OFF. TAKE IT ALL OFF!

The patrons waiting in line had a good laugh and when their turn came, they too said "JUST TAKE IT ALL OFF"!

As I am prepping for another COVID-Turkey Day and all the forthcoming food experiments, it occured to me, that's how I cook.

PUT IT IN. JUST PUT IT IN. PUT IT ALL IN!

Hoping your Turkey San Guibe Day is just as much fun as

PUTTING IT ALL IN!

" .. but I digress .. " ~ A new series by I.M. Forreal ~ Treasure Hunting - Episode 1 - Anno Nymus

 

“.. but I digress ..”

A new series by – I.M Forreal

Treasure Hunting - Episode 1

Treasure hunting has been my life .. even though I didn’t realize it until after I had actually found several great treasures …

Granddad A used to say .. “ if you want rabbits … then go where the rabbits are ! “ … and I have come across many rabbits … by looking in the right places ..

He was himself a great treasure hunter, and in fact sparked my lifelong interest in lost treasures and found riches ! He could see value in everything, and treasures everywhere !

He staked out some mine claims …in Panamint Valley (next door to Death Valley) and sold several mining claims for talc and gypsum. He was a gen-u-wine prospector … but knew his way around collectibles or an antique or two ..

I can recall being rapt when he told tales of the Lost Dutchman mine … and old Spanish Gold Fleets lost in hurricanes … he taught me geology basics .. and for many years I was an avid 'rock-hound' .. collecting many geodes and fine gemstones ...but I digress …

I found my own niche in rare stringed musical instruments. I have collected and possessed some of the rarest .. we never really 'own' these treasures .. just stewards to care for under our watch .. then pass on for others to enjoy.

This series will cover several great instruments that I have had over the years .. all of special interest or note .. and worthy of museums … although my personal sense is that great instruments need to be played not just put in display cases .. or locked away – hidden from use or enjoyment by others !

Great instruments need to be played to keep the woods active, alive and flexible. That’s why great acoustic instruments 'warm up' or 'loosen up' after being brought out of the case and played for 30 minutes or so .. it's almost like they shift into another gear.

I once saw several Stradivarius violins on display beside each other in London in 1971.. each cocooned in a glass box .. you could walk around and see and marvel at the woods and workmanship .. but what you really wanted was to HEAR them!!

The museum did offer tape recordings of each .. you could listen to on funky “old school” pilot style headphones – after pushing a button .. alas, a cassette tape was poor consolation to the real in the room magnificent sounds of the live actual instruments! ( pre digital in 1970's).

I attended a chamber music series in France when I attended University there in the 70's ** .. and the small gatherings of 80-200 people .. allowed me to talk to the players backstage after the concert .. many with Stradivarius or other renowned instruments .. and was pleasantly surprised at how I was urged to play a note or two on those precious instruments .. thus I have actually held and struck a few notes on several Stradivarius violins ..

I once rode the train from LA to Tucson .. and sat next to a concert violinist .. who was traveling .. with a Stradivarius and and Amati and a Guarnieri .. !!! He let me play all 3 !!! .. I have so often been in the right place at the right time !

The first item up in this blog series is a magnificent 'attic' find .. from an estate .. it is rare to find them so completely original .. with the patina and condition virtually untouched from original …albeit some funky old time repairs from the 1920's were done – and whilst looking rough are actually quite sound. The condition is playable, but some elements are fragile .. like the - 'tortoise shell ' pick-guard inlayed into the top – which has shrunken into several pieces and could easily knocked off .. but the mandolin sits just as found.

It even arrived in tune … in an ill fitting wooden case for an electric mandolin .. *** I de - tuned it to remove tension on the top, and it has been on display – but un-played ever since.

I recently put this rare treasure on the market .. and here is the updated synopsis I wrote for the next owner .. 

* * * 

Orville Gibson's Work Shop circa 1903

(note the blond top mandolin on the workbench )

*

1903 Gibson “Artist” F Mandolin

The story of this Gibson Artist 'Florentine' scroll mandolin, made in 1903

Probably the 324th original instrument 'Hand Made' by Orville Gibson?

The Factory Order Number (FON) is 324 !

This came from an estate in New Mexico – I purchased it around 2005 ish – 'as is'-- and it is still … just 'as found'! - I have not even changed the strings .. it even arrived in tune ! A true 'Attic Find' ! The story I was told from the estate manager is as follows...

The owner – a woman - bought this new from a mandolin teacher - who was also the Gibson representative at the time . This is early 1900's .. she was infatuated with the teacher – and took up the mandolin so she could be with him. They took lessons on the front porch so they could be together – as was the proper way back in the day. She was really in love !

She bought it from him, and took lessons – and they eventually married.

Apparently she played it every day – in his memory – after he passed away some years ago ! She played it, I'm told, right up until a few weeks before her passing at the age of 103 !

The fingerboard is well played .. all the way up to 'Florida' over the sound hole !!

She must have been quite a virtuoso... and it is a delightful love story entwined with a wonderful and historic “all original” mandolin ! A rare 'barn find' for sure ! What we all dream of finding .. a genuine treasure !

The modern custom rectangle hard case was acquired separately a few years later. 

It had no original case.***

October 2021

         * * *

I have many other tales of the rare and found .. and the almost caught .. it has been a great adventure …

I tell you, nothing beats the excitement of walking into an old obscure .. forgotten back street pawn shop in the 1960's.. run by a cigar smoking old guy … who says .. I have some old guitars in the back that never got claimed after the war .. take a look and see if anything is of interest ..!? … and brother was there ever !!!! .. watch for that story coming soon...

I have handled some of the most amazing stringed instruments .. which always seem to find me !! ?!!?

I finally had to stop going into old pawn shops .. too much great stuff and never enough money ! .. the pieces that slipped away for lack of $20 to put it on 'hold-layaway' .. oh my .. the stories ..

and yet .. there are plenty of success stores to share .. and here is one that is delightful .. fun .. proves that the great treasures and rarities can still be found .. just by keeping an eye open .. and knowing what you are looking at .. !

I have possessed some of the most iconic electric, and acoustic, stringed instruments sought and known – coveted by many, possessed by few, used by even fewer … man, it's a wonderful world !

The living room in 1969 – Berkeley, California

1939 D-45 .. 1941 and 1944 D-28's ..

1917 - Gibson F4 mandolin (sold to David Crosby as gift for Jerry Garcia)

1939 Dobro - 1930's ca. National 

Fender Jaguar (bought used for $45 1969 – sold for $60 in 1971)

2 Gibson - Teens/ 20's - A mandolins 

SS Stewart Banjo Mandolin - (with all the battles of WW1  written on the head )

Watched the live upside down moon landing on that "ol' Philco" TV - July 1969 ! 

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Footnotes

** footnote : a university of Bordeaux sponsored series of private chamber concerts by famous musicians and classical performers – such as I Solisti di Veneti and others – with well known instruments – Stradivari – Guarnieri – Amati .. etc

*** Footnote - the original cases for these were canvas or tooled leather and had a flap opening on the end – these usually have the stitching rot and ultimately the leather case disintegrates .. intact original cases are super rare – and of course this mandolin's original case suffered same fate and was lost decades ago ..  

Gibson Acoustic Engineer Lloyd Loar holding a 3 point Artist model

He redesigned the mandolin and his signed F-5 Mandolin  instruments made by 

Gibson from 1921-24 command extraordinary prices today .. some north of 

$ 260,000 - and Bill Monroe's in excess of $1 million 

To be continued ... stay tuned .. 

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

KimB

How Does My Garden Grow? Hot, Dry and Red

When I planted the tomato seeds early this year, I didn't expect anything. It was an excercise in excerscise. Then the the plants produced seedlings and that was a happy surprise. The plants grew bigger and things looked hopeful.

• Then came the heat.
• Then came the fires.
• Then came the draught.

Things didn't look promising at all.

We huddled up inside with the A/C on limited service; lots of trips to the fridge for water, ice tea, ice coffee and a blast of cold while the door was open, sneaking in maybe a few more seconds of cold while fiddling with the pitcher.

Outside was out of mind.

Then, I remembered I had the tomato plants on the side yard. They've been on auto-water-drip so I knew they had water but I figured they were just all dried up and dead from the heat. So I went out to see what sort of cleanup I was looking at

AND...

Here is what I found...

Harvest Tomatoes

COVID Year 2 by KimB

COVID Year 2

So many things lost, so many things missed,
So many chances taken, so many chances skipped,
So many rules, so much to lose,
So far to go, yet too soon to choose.

Tomorrow is too far, Today is too soon,
Yesterday is over; echos fading fast,
Now is all we have; moments tracking past.

Just awhile ago; we gathered for a fête,
The words to be told and story to be kept.
The journey didn't end; the promise forhold.
A minor interruption, or so we were told.

Some may be here and others maybe gone,
We remember them all, in the early morning dawn.

Kim Bigelow October 2021

COVID Numbers 10 02 2021
Global Deaths	5,000,000
USA Deaths	700,000
USA New Cases	150,000
USA Active Cases	4,000,000

1933 Helms Coach - First Drive under it's own power in 45 ish years ! by R Cane

Update - September 2021 

This is my 1933 Divco 'Twin Coach' - used by Helms Bakery in LA from 1931 to 1969 when the fleet of 200 was sold off .. most went to scrap .. this is a real survivor - owned by one family for 55 ish years .. I found it in the high California desert last year - goal is to restore to original - including the incredible original wooden drawers for baked goods .. stay tuned .. 

"... on the road again !..." 

Keep On Truckin' !

Chapter 6 -Conclusion - NEVER sell to family ..!!!! by Anno Nymus 6 of 6

 

Chapter 6 - Conclusion

It should be noted ... Pat had a firm rule .. NEVER sell to family ..!!!!

Alas – he was a softy, and he broke it often for mum. Curiously, he never let me make any payments no matter what fancy car I wanted to buy! It was always a gift, or loaner ONLY, but no payments - period!

The 1961 Corvair 'Greenbriar' Van Episode

1961 Corvair Greenbriar Van.

Mum and sis drove it till it wouldn't play anymore and they had to send it back - thru some sleight of hand and hard core horse swapping - mom's brother, uncle Jerry ended up with it.  All this happened .. whilst I was away on my Federal World Tour and Get Away in Vietnam .. what a story goes along with that old Corvair … if the wheels could talk?

The Corvair was another stalwart car that made many long treks, and was a great camping van. It traveled many trips to Mexico, and even to Vancouver, and BC ! Alas, it always leaked a lot of oil .. and we finally had to give it back .. when it was finally in the shop more than on the road ! Pat gripe'd, but made good on his 'warranty'.

Rear mount,  air cooled engine 

A flexible cabin – Easily converted from seating to cargo. 

OK engine, but endless oil leak !

A real " Soldier "

*

He always groused in a friendly way, and said he should never have sold us any cars !! … saying it always cost him tons of money out of pocket to fix our situations. He knew we couldn’t pay on our own with our ultra tight budget .. so he covered it all .. groused a bit along the way of course in his kidding way, but he always made sure we were covered and well taken care of .. and secretly we were all very proud that he did – including him !!!

I think we got a Ford LTD Crown Victoria next – from Uncle Pat of course.

*

When I was 9 he gave me a ukulele for Christmas .. and whilst learning to play it for the next months, I dragged and carried it everywhere I went – in the car, to the park, inside outside .. anyplace but school, shower or the pool.

I plunked on it constantly .. learned and sang all sorts of union organizing, Pete Seeger, and Woodie Guthrie, and general fun campfire songs, like “ the Crawdad Song” .. “Froggie went a Courting” and such like – I mastered basic chords, and chord changes – I was on my way at 9!

Pat was a great uncle ! He always fixed me and the family as best he could. He really got me my start in music .. and kept us in cars … Music was Rockin'!! … Cars was Rollin' !!

Pat made me a genuine ... “Rock-er, 'n … Roll-er” ! ... 

... Bless Uncle Pat Forever - Scoundrel-ism Lives On   !!!

End

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All photos: free, public domain, or by permission

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