Potluck & Ulster Folk Park

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The events of the "Twelfth" are fast approaching, which means Orange parades in Newtownstewart. These are a long running tradition in N. Ireland in celebration of William's victory over his son James in the battle of Boyne. I may pop up to discover the historical wonderment.

I have learned some interesting tid bits within the past few days. Please enjoy, but note this is also a selfish memo for posterity's sake.
Jenny Diver, an Irish pickpocket-"cheving the 'roe"-was sent to America in captivity and was later hung in England for her crimes.

Flax was a common crop in Ireland before the famine (or hunger, depending on who you blame) and was commonly spun and weaved into fine linens. The dust caused spinners to later switch to other yarn materials.

The Mellon in Carnegie-Mellon was the son of Thomas Mellon who emigrated to America (as they say here) in 1818 at the wee age of five. His family was wealthy in Ulster, but they soon discovered further wealth in the New World.

Young children are rather noisy, but when you tell them you're going to test them, they hush right up.

The concrete used to seal log cabins in Pittsburgh homes required Black bear blood.

Elephants (especially for Carolina and Nawa) have 8 kneecaps if you include the front legs and are the only species of which all the knees bend in the same direction. (Source: Can Cows Walk Downstairs?)

No one knows the shape of the universe. (Book listed above=love!)

Lovage pesto makes for a fast and easy dinner delight after a bike in the pouring rain.

Quinoa can be grown in N. Ireland and most likely N. America too.

Jam is so easy to make! Ingredient list: berries and sugar.

Marigolds are an excellent companion to tomato plants. Don't grow garlic or onions and beans side by side!

Cuba has an excellent food system as a result of necessity since reaching Peak Oil in the 1990's.

It is possible to build a complete and beautiful home out of recycled materials! In fact, Katie and John of Newtownstewart did just that with Belfast dance-floor wood, hemp, and some fallen trees.

Marella's gooseberry fool gets a big "lummish" from me.

Hazel didn't notice that I did not have an Irish accent. We agreed that the Scottish accent is choice.

Irish trad players at McCann's in Omagh will ask you to play with them if you're really pushy and will obligingly play Mairie's Wedding. This makes me crave quartet.

The Irish don't use dental floss very frequently. It is hard to come by here and is labeled "whitening tape".

Germany came in third place in the World Cup, YAY!

Bangladesh beat Britain in Cricket-whhhoa.

Tree of Life split in two :( beloved.

Peter wants me to continue giving him "jig a jig" music lessons via webcam.

I think I'm going to miss Ireland in a week.

I am an unbelievably boring blogger.