The Garden Thread - October, 2024

October 1, 2024 | Diana in WI/Greeneyes in Memoriam

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Figured I’d better post this because we didn’t do ANYTHING ‘Halloween’ here this week! Tomorrow morning starts a new thread, already! Note: Some ADULT language in the following missive:

The Irish Origins of the Jack-O’-Lantern

Listen, my children, and you shall hear, of the midnight meddling of Stingy Jack, from whom the jack-o’-lantern derives its name. Or so the story goes.

Here’s the most common version of the 18th-century Irish folktale:

A grumpy b@stard of a blacksmith by the name of Stingy Jack invites the devil for a drink but refuses to pay (hence, the ‘stingy’ descriptor). He convinces the devil to shape-shift into a coin to cover the tab. But when the devil obliges, Jack sticks the coin in his pocket. And much to the devil-coin’s dismay, there is a silver cross in that pocket, preventing him from returning to his original form. A deal is struck. Jack sets the devil free and, in return, the devil agrees A) to bar Jack from entering hell when he dies, and B) to leave Jack alone for a year.

A quick aside: This seems like a bad deal. And it is a bad deal — because guess what? A year later, the devil comes back to mess with Jack. Only Jack is ready for him. He convinces the devil to climb a tree so he might enjoy a delicious piece of fruit. Once the devil is up in the tree, Jack carves a cross into the trunk. The devil can’t come down. Another (bad) deal is struck, although this one does have the advantage of being slightly less bad than the previous one. Jack frees the devil in exchange for ten years of peace.

Jack dies. (Don’t be sad. He was an @sshole.) The devil, true to his word, refuses to let Jack into hell. God, meanwhile, refuses to let Jack into heaven. So, what is Jack’s fate? To wander forever in eternal darkness, of course. But because the devil is not totally heartless (wait…), he tosses Jack a lump of burning coal from hell so he can have a bit of light. Jack carves out a turnip and sticks the coal inside, creating a lantern. Hence, “Jack of the Lantern,” which is later shortened to “Jack O’Lantern.”

The rest, as they say, is folklore.

By which I mean: There’s a lot more to the story.

https://irishmyths.com/2021/09/19/jack-o-lantern-history/

[Diana in Wisconsin]

[FamiliarFace]

I have never heard that story before. Hmmm.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

I am glad it worked out and you are well! Take it easy and do not do anything to pop those stitches! (Think you mentioned that you were done gardening for the year. Also avoid listening to NPR or watching Public Television, but you knew that!!)

Glad you stopped in Mt. Horeb for lunch! (Did wave at the mustard museum as you passed by??)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

The Mustard Museum moved to Middleton. That pretty space in Mount Horeb is now a Duluth Trading Company - and yes, I frequent it often! It’s almost time to buy Beau the new underwear he gets each year from ‘Mrs. Santa.’ ;)

Buck & Honey’s is kitty-corner from The Grumpy Troll - both are really good. They did an AWESOME re-hab of an Historic building:

https://mthoreb.buckandhoneys.com/

The Grumpy Troll. REALLY good hand-crafted beers and their Patty Melt is beyond delicious.

https://thegrumpytroll.com/

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Originated as the Celtic New Year festival of Samhain, it is believed that Halloween is the day when the evil spirits, such as vampires, ghosts and witches, come to Earth and terrify people. In the past, the Celtic people used to paint their faces and wear terrifying costumes to scare off these evil spirits. The tradition has continued to the day, in the form of ‘trick-or-treat’, when children and even adults dress up as witches, ghosts, pirates, etc and go from home to home in groups. They get candies and apples as treat and those who dare not to entertain them get the blunt end of the stick i.e. pranks and tricks are played on them. It’s the day of the devil and the time to unleash the monster within.

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate, The first one said, “Oh my, it’s getting late.” The second one said, “But we don’t care.” The third one said, “I see witches in the air.” The fourth one said, “Let’s run, and run, and run.” The fifth one said, “Get ready for some fun.” Then whoosh went the wind, And out went the lights, And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Mrs. Pete had a good time this evening handing out candy to all the children in the neighborhood who stopped by. We had an actual French Rouge vif d'etamp pumpkin (Cinderella type) bought at Sprouts on the porch. In a good neighborhood, most of the children walked around with their parents or elder siblings, most had costumes. The weather was good, the stars were out.

Good night Diana and Everyone!

All Saints tomorrow, All Souls Saturday!

[Qiviut]

Glad you came through ok & had a good surgeon.

At least it’s not 10 - 14 days during the height of garden season with a passle of puppies to boot!

I’m sure you will find something productive to do despite the restrictions :-)

At the old place tonight, staying next door (across the pasture) at the bros house. Tomorrow I will probably hop on Clyde & cut the side yard - no rain so the grass hasn’t grown much. I have a PU full of trash to take to the dump (just signed up for trash service at the new house - hasn’t started yet). After the dump, I need to pick up various items (pole saw, pressure washer, more lumber, etc ) & pack my clothes. I live in T-shirts & capris so my ‘better’ clothes also need to move. Lots to do while mom runs around town & changes her address with doctor, banks, & puts in a forwarding order with the PO.

We want to head back tomorrow, but it could be Saturday if we get too bogged down - I can drive in the dark, but don’t like to, especially with the trailer in tow.

Got an invite to Thanksgiving dinner - I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we’re in November already & turkey day is just around the corner!

[spankalib]

Ahh! Mt. Horeb, the home of Clarence Gonstead's clinic. If you want a good Chiropractic adjustment, "Gonsteaders" are the best!

So is Speed Queen btw.

(and no, I am not a troll:))

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

End of the old thread!

To link to the new The Garden Thread - November, 2024 click below!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Thanks, Pete!