No. 107
Wunderkind Katie Kromie has submitted, via her Onkel Jack, the newest work of Kinder Kunst. Who would have guessed that beneath her sweet exterior such primal power was lurking. Gerhard Richter couldn’t have done it better.
Untitled, Finger Paints on Canvas, The Stamford Collection, 2009
Our thanks to Katie Cromie for sharing her talent and to her Onkel Jack for forwarding Kate’s submission.
More to follow…
LC
No. 106
Pamela Gibney Swagart Moore
July 16, 1947 – September 23, 2009
Friend and neighbor of several members of the family, 
Gibney Moore passed away last Wednesday. Always bright, vibrant, and when appropriate, sassy, Gibney will be sorely missed by her husband Jack, her family and her many friends.
To me, one word best described Gibney – style. With her broad brimmed colorful hats Gibney always reminded me of my favorite vocalist, Anita O’Day. In honor of both I’d like to post this amazing performance by Anita at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. This is from a fabulous film by Bert Stern called Jazz on a Summer’s Day. For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Gibney you will gain a sense of her from this clip from another time and place…
Gibney’s memorial service was held at the St Louis Cathedral Basilica on Sept 28th. Her friend, Monsignor Jim Telthorst, celebrated the funeral mass and delivered the eulogy with characteristic insight. The Gospel of John, he noted, unlike the synoptic Gospels, repeatedly and explicitly puts Jesus ‘in charge’. And, as Fr Telthorst pointed out, so was Gibney.
Indeed, ‘No gal made, had a shade on… Pamela Gibney Swagart Moore.‘
LC
No. 105
While I don’t know German, I wish I did. Therefore for no better reason I will use this thread as an opportunity to learn some. The title of this post is supposed to mean “children’s art”. But I am happy to stand corrected if German speaking family members will only provide a little instruction.
Anyhow, in addition to learning Deutsch, I’ve also long wanted to offer a forum to display the artistic talents of our children, grandchildren, or indeed family members of any age. Here is a wonderful drawing by Jack McClelland which I have called “The Chorus Line”. It’s clear he has a sister and a cousin who are ballerinas. I’m not sure who are tossing all the bouquets (Sträuße) but they are well deserved.
The Chorus Line
Now I expect some submissions of artwork, either Kinder Kunst or your very own childlike adult art. Just scan it or photo it and send it as an email attachment and we’ll post it. I know there’s both talent and an appreciative audience out there. In addition, it’ll help me learn a little German.
auf Wiedersehen
LC
No. 104
Concerned about the food supply during the economic downturn? Just take a look at what the Skinners in San Francisco are up to:
Mobile Chicken Coop
Tenants
Main Entry Elevation
Hollywood Model
and
Satisfied Tenant
Note the handles at each end of the Coop. While this design preceded the invention of the wheel, it is still very serviceable. Also the main entry meets ADA specifications for ease of access for disabled Galli domestici.
Ok, so sustainable agriculture is fine but – how about fresh eggs? That’s the real payout! Here’s an average AM collection at the Skinners…Not bad, eh?
What if you’re not into ‘green’? How about ‘brown’, perhaps the most under-celebrated hue. We here in rural Missouri have not been idle in our quest for sustainable supplies of essential brown foods:
Here’s an average AM collection in Augusta…Not bad either, eh?
Happy eating!
LC
Addendum: When done be sure to follow-up with our fitness sponsor Tron.
No. 103
The Wines of Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma, CA)
After many weekends exploring Napa and Sonoma (so great to be only 45 minutes away) Anne and I discovered the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. Dry Creek is one of those places that produce top quality wines (mostly Zinfandel, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon) but without the worldwide reputation of Napa or other parts of Sonoma. As a result, prices there are lower. Dry Creek is warmer than other appellations of Sonoma so the wines tend to be big, sometimes “fruit bombs” but with delightful character and a little spice.
The wineries here are refreshing. Tourist hordes are at a minimum and the winemakers are often known personally by wine club members and visitors.
It’s the type of environment that is very conducive to learning about wines and being relaxed. Anne and I love Zinfandel so Dry Creek was immediately appealing. We have never been interested before in wine ‘futures’, which offer future delivery of 2010/2011 vintages, but after tasting wine by Mazzocco, a boutique Zinfandel producer in Dry Creek, we were hooked and placed an order on the spot. The beautiful mustard was in full bloom at the time (see photo).
Try to find Dry Creek Zinfandel, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend) in your local wine store, or just try something from Dry Creek (known for red, not white wine) and see if you like it.
Wineries tried and tested
This is a most wonderful addition to the OurRumpus arsenal – the clan extends its appreciation to David and Anne and look forward to future tips and advice from our West Coast vinologists.
LC