Oysterville Cannon Fire, 2006
Apparently, as I lay whimpering (actually, snuffling) in my bed yesterday, there was a movement afoot among the neighbors to organize a cannon salute at high noon today to welcome in the New Year. They (that would be Betsy) spoke to the General (that would be Nyel) about it but he neglected to tell them that his Aide-de-Camp (that would be me) was down for the count and would be unable to muster the troops (that would be The Honorary Oysterville Militia) for a big bang.
Nor did the General breathe a word of this plan to his Aide-de-Camp and it wasn’t until late in the day that she learned, via the virtual magic of email, that such an idea was being considered. Too late. Plan aborted. (In defense of the General, he was busy making soup in the Infirmary Kitchen.)
The Honorary Oysterville Militia, 2004
Not that we’ve ever greeted the New Year in Oysterville with cannon fire. It’s one of those out-of-sight-out-of-mind things. During all other years since the cannon was acquired (that would be by us in 2004, just in the nick of time for Oysterville’s Sesquicentennial) it has always spent its winters safely tucked away in our garage.
This year, though, when tucking time came, Nyel was bed bound and the cannon remained outdoors. I worried a bit about that, but the General said that cannons are made to withstand the weather and cited the cannons that we have seen at Gettysburg and Fort Vancouver and other National Parks. Still, I’ll feel better about firing it when the General and designated Militia Members have an opportunity to swab out the barrel and check the breech for water or rust or whatever else our rainy season might bring.
Soup’s On!
In the meantime, Nyel has a huge pot of African Peanut Soup warming on the stove. At high noon we plan to salute the New Year with our spoons full and hope that our little corner of the world will survive yet another year’s beginning in simmering quietude. Anyway, to me it seems more in keeping with the village character than does a noisy explosion.
What a treat to read your first post! And to know that you will be enjoying African Peanut Soup, introduced to me by my niece Sedem. Methinks it will insure a speedy recovery for my dear, long time friend. New Years greetings to you and Nyel, to all of O’Ville. While I am “at it” why not make a wish for the entire planet.:May all beings be released from suffering.
Really enjoy your writing Sydney. It was a nice way to start my New Year’s morning with that first cup of coffee.
Thank you for the richness you add to so many lives as you open your arms and invite us all in.
I have many wonderful memories that you have played a part in.
Good health and vitality for both you and Nyel in 2015.
Best wishes for a year filled with health and happiness!
“Soup, it’s what’s for dinner”. We saw the old year out with Manhattan clam chowder. Is the peanut soup recipe in the soup cookbook? I’ve been meaning to pick one up at Adelaide’s. Hope you’re feeling better Sydney. Happy new year to you both.
Yes, it’s the African Peanut Soup recipe from Maggie’s book that we use. It is fabulous! I highly recommend it… and the entire book, for that matter!
Peanut soup. Sounds delicious. Bet it’s good for what ails you too.
Hope you are feeling better, Sydney!