atk/kimball -fannie farmer last supper

Respect the hell out of her but don't get too revved up about the Fannie Farmer Cookbook have to say. The slightly prickly, though v v knowledgable to be sure, Chris Kimball of America's Test Kitchen took the time to investigate and recreate one of Fannie Farmer's menus: a 12-course Christmas dinner that she served at the end of the 19th century. Close to twenty different recipes made on a wood stove, without food processor or oven thermometer -done in about 3 hours...

The PBS special will be out this fall but he also wrote a book about the experience. Fannie’s Last Supper includes the sourcing of the unusual ingredients and implements, bizarre tastings, and would be a hit w/ readers interested in food and the Victorian era. The dishes from the dinner are there plus revised and updated recipes from Fannie's Boston Cooking School Cookbook.

This particular era of food is not my bag honestly but Kimball and co. are a huge resource and force for preservation of techniques and knowledge. Plus jealous as hell of his VT digs/barn/sugar shed/Indian motorcycle etc...

dinner "bell"

Dinner is starting soon, want one of these. Handmade by Matt the Norwegian of MountainStreamForge in Canby, OR. Different sizes; $12 to $37.

dis-union suit

Somewhere somehow I bet you picked up or where given a union suit. May have been a real or imagined need, or a present. Damn me if they are not uncomfortable though (wedgie) and impractical (sweaty cold cotton/poopshoot). A thermal undershirt though -that might get some use. Dis-join the suit below the rear button (you know, for a feature...) in an arc. Still long enough to tuck in, and then some.

Like staring down the barrel of a gun...
the backflap button and reinforcing tab.
Interior contrsuction of that area -double layer flap.

Stitch it down.
Final back. 'Shoot button left at bottom.
Just throw a red flannel on top and you are ready for the spring drive.
Or could sew the placket up the front and make it more like this.

peru fair look -2010

screengrab from vtweb.com
The annual (except 2 blips, and 29th) Peru Fair, in the township of Peru, southern VT will go ahead rain or shine on Saturday September 25th. Over 100 crafty and food vendors will be there as well as an estimated 6,000 attendees. A motley and hokey/fantastic parade starts at 9:45am, feel free to join in kids...

If you are from the area it is a yearly chance to bump into everyone you know pretty much, though part of the draw is definitely the pig roast -a 3 pig spitroast, cooked overnight, served w/ the usual trimmings of applesauce, b&b and coleslaw. Yum. Get there by 2 though or it will be gone. One year the meat locker forgot to deliver them split. No problem for the forestry boys... Read my further thoughts on the Fair or get updates via their facespace which is being managed by my Sis.


Levis x Filson shooting shirt. They even have some left...

Levis jacket. Mine. Already bleached when I got it from the Thrifty, but only on the front. Not sure if the owner got dowsed with chemicals or what… 2 pockets; the only way to go.

Work gloves from Brookville or Northstar or someone - in case you want to help the Fire Dept with the pig roast.

Large canvas bag to haul your loot – by TB&W.

Mocs. Arrow w/ crepe soles.

Miner’s pants from Orvis by Rising Sun.

Write down the names of people you meet in your County Fair notebook. Then tip your cap.



Me and the mannie learn clogging.
Wow, we were young here...
Pig remnants in background.

whisky galore -more

Captain Wagget is almost the star of the picture... never realised till reviewing. Want that large plaid tie. Great stuff. Further reading.

they don't make them like this anymore

That's what the cobbler [Kings, Bennington VT] said about these shoes. Technically right, since the company is no longer in existence. Not sure if he was just BS-ing me... but no need since the bill was sub $50 for Keystone leather soles and new heels. Never heard of Keystone till I searched.


BTW not much beats getting your shoes back resoled. Class A dapper opiates. Take something that is a favorite and make it better? Out of sight. Like when Tom Waits released Bone Machine and you got it as a matter of course cause you will buy anything of his but then wham -he took it to another level. Almost can't bring myself to wear these now... geeking out. Repair/reuse/recycle.