Opossum or Not Opossum, That Is the Question

"A possum by any other name would still be a possum."

William Shakespeare

Today is a glum, grey, very still and quiet day. We've had several inches of rain, with the possibility of snow tonight or tomorrow. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Everyone I know is ready for SPRING. So, where is it? Ah, Spring! I see thee not, and yet I crave thee still! Willie S. said that.

So, it looks like we're talking about the Bard of Avon.

Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1590 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the sixteenth century. He then wrote mainly tragedies, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, until around 1609 when he penned his most renowned work, MacPossum, a dazzling work of brooding gothic drama which set the standard for all literature to come. That's why possums, all and sundry, can be heard to mutter, "Double, double, toil and trouble." as they fumble around the countryside, looking for some style of mischief to get into.

Here in Alabama, we are most fortunate to have in residence possums of the highest literary nature. Just a few nights ago, upon hearing a little marsupialesque voice quavering "Oh, do not swear by the MOON!" I looked out my back door to see who spake thus. Sure enough, my eyes were blessed with the sight of two little bardies, munching on cat food as they carried on such an urbane and sophisticated discourse! Who could not love a possum?

Back to the Bard; Shakespeare biographers have documented the indisputable fact that people were barely able to walk around the Globe Theatre without stepping on the tails of Shakespeare's many pet possums, who hung around the place, and were, at that time, believed to bring good luck to actors, writers, and artists.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

A Delightful Man With a Funny Name

There's a book out there somewhere titled No, I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub. Though I haven't read it, I believe it's written by a middle-aged woman taking a stand against getting involved with all the fun stuff we get involved with as we mature.

Well, I am a member of a book club, I must admit. Called The Bookmarkers, we are twelve-or-so ladies who love to read good books, and we get together every so often to talk about the books we read. Now, doesn't that sound like fun? Everyone should join a bookclub; it's a brain-stretching activity.

The book we'll be reading next is Down the Garden Path by a fellow named Beverley Nichols.

Beverley Nichols was a multitalented British socialite who is apparently best remembered for his garden writings. Handsome, urbane, and possessed of a delightful sense of humor, Nichols has emerged as one of the most enduring garden writers of the previous century. He starred in movies in the 1920s, wrote music and songs for the theater, reported for newspapers, and wrote his own memoirs early on, plus numerous novels, mysteries, cat books, and biographies. Lucky for us, he loved plants, gardens, and the eccentric personalities associated with them.

Here's a wonderful Beverley Nichols website to click and view. Look at the Black Kitties!

http://www.timberpress.com/beverleynichols/index.cfm

The True Meaning of Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day
This is it! Valentine's Day Eve. Have you done all your shopping? Personally, I'm running a little behind schedule, but I do believe my heart's in the right place!

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to give big kisses to all the possums in your life. And remember, when you drive your car along those long and winding country roads, slow down and give the odd possum time to cross the road unmolested. He'd do the same for you.

Some Valentine's Day History:

In the Middle Ages, there was a belief that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St. Valentine's Day would become your spouse. Valentine's Day cards gained popularity in America during the Revolutionary War. Mass production of Valentine cards started in the early 1900s. And here in Alabama, the Valentine Possum visits every home, bringing candy, flowers and greeting cards for all those who have true and eternal affection for our magnificent marsupials.

So, I hope everyone has a truly joyous Valentine's Day 2009. The possumabilities are endless!

The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music

Here's Roy Burkett on YouTube, performing Equal, from the Hidden Tracks album. He does not live in Colorado.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEcU6f31Koc

Oh, Sweet Swingin' Sphere

It's February Fool's Day! I hope everyone has had a truly blessed and memorable February Fool's Day. I celebrated by (1) having a car wreck in which no one was hurt except the front of my car, and (2) watching Third Rock From the Sun episodes, the entire first season. When that show ended its run on TV, it was like losing part of my family.

Look, here's the whole crew. Tommy, Dick, Sally and Harry. French Stewart (Harry) was my idol. I loved his furry jacket. Funny thing: in one of the episodes, Harry dreamed about Martha Stewart. So I wonder if they're kin? Could it run in the family?