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Americans Abroad
On July 21, 2021 by ElyseNow that the world is opening up to tourists, I’m spinning a globe, scrolling through TripAdvisor and planning my next jaunt. Rotterdam? Switzerland? Seattle? The possibilities are endless. I’m surely not the only one. However, after more than a year of sitting at home, some of my compatriots might benefit from a refresher on how
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Clip of the Week: July 14, 2021
On July 14, 2021 by ElyseAn amusing incident (says the New Zealand Times) occurred in connection with Mr Buchanan’s banquet at Carterton last Saturday, when a conscientious doorkeeper refused admittance to Mr Scobie Mackenzie, M.H.R., who arrived on the scene unarmed with a ticket of admission. Mr Mackenzie is alleged to have said—“Don’t you know who I am? I am
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Elephants Gone Wild, Part 2
On July 7, 2021 by ElyseWhat makes an elephant turn to a life of crime? Nature? Nurture? Second Glance History’s guide to pickpocketing? We may never be sure, but what we do know is there are enough incidents of mammoth misconduct for a full season of “CSI: Ele-felony.” Last time, elephant bad boys Peanut and Basil impersonated a sea serpent
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Clip of the Week: June 30, 2021
On June 30, 2021 by ElyseAt Willingdon, near Eastbourne, an inquest was held on the body of Edwin Mockett, who died suddenly after eating three cooked mussels. The medical evidence showed that irritant poisoning followed the eating, and a verdict of death from misadventure through mussel eating was returned. – The Western Mail, April 14, 1891 Some coroner’s career peaked
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Tattoos to Undo
On June 9, 2021 by ElyseStay tuned until the end for some shameless self-promotion! I’m way too old for teenage rebellion, but that didn’t stop me from walking into a tattoo studio recently. As I nervously contemplated which design I would spend the rest of my life staring at, I had no shortage of options. Did I want an inspirational
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Snarky in Seattle
On May 26, 2021 by ElyseSome people say, “Take a trip and forget your unhappy love affair.” What! Forget it now, only to remember it all the more later on? Never! . . . Better let your heart bleed for several days in succession and then heal itself than to staunch it by a few weeks’ trip somewhere only to
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How to Get Vaccinated
On April 28, 2021 by ElyseBy the time you read this, I expect to be shivering under a pile of blankets and sipping chicken noodle soup with a fever, chills, aches and a sore arm to boot. Happy Second Bill Gates’ Microchip Installation Day to me! I intend to celebrate in two weeks by running around and licking every doorknob
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On This Day
On April 14, 2021 by ElyseDog detectives. Petrified preachers. Horrid husbands. Bashful brides. No, this is not my sad attempt at transitioning from blogging to poetry. Rather, these were the headlines on the April 14ths of years gone by. I don’t know about you, but I could use a break from today’s pandemics and politics. Scroll down to catch up
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Easter Eggnog and Passover Potables
On March 31, 2021 by ElyseNew holidays, new opportunities to revive the wholesome traditions of yesteryear. . . or count our lucky stars we’re celebrating on Zoom this year: This is an Easter reminiscence: A downtown family, wishing to celebrate the day by appropriate libations of eggnog, sat about preparing a large bowl of that seductive beverage, from time immemorial