I am taking a break from posting and following on WordPress. My website and I need to be refreshed.
Best wishes to all my readers and friends for the upcoming holiday season.
Kerry
The Wendish Heritage Museum
In my second last post, Netflix and other stories, I touched on a German series that I watched – Close to home: Murder in the Coalfield. The series was set in Lusatia in Eastern Germany. In Lusatia there is an indigenous population, the Sorbs (aka Wends), a Slavic minority community, who speak a unique language. The Upper Sorbian language is more closely related to Polish and Lower Sorbian to Czech. On a whim, I researched where Sorbian people migrated to in the USA. To my surprise, a large group settled in the Texas countryside, west of where we live, and named the place, Serbin. Then I spotted the Wendish Museum online and immediately booked a little trip. My curiosity was piqued!
The group who founded the community of Serbin were seeking religious freedom. In 1854, Pastor Kilian led the group of nearly 600 Lutheran settlers from 65 villages in Prussia and Saxony to their new home. The journey was fraught with danger. They departed Europe on a ship, the Ben Nevis, from Liverpool in England, where there was an outbreak of Cholera. The ship had to be quarantined and sadly 55 settlers died. When they arrived in Galveston, Texas, there was an outbreak of Yellow Fever. By the time they left Galveston, 78 of the group had died including the 55 who perished from cholera. When they arrived in Texas they purchased over 4000 acres in central Texas and had a long journey to the settlement that would be named Serbin – a 164-mile trip. The community built a church, one of Texas’ beautiful painted churches, and a school. The settlement was divided into equitable lots where each family had access to water.
The museum was gifted the most extraordinary book pictured below. The book, a third volume of Martin Luther’s writings (Wittenburg edition), was printed in 1550. This must be so precious to the Lutheran community of Serbin. I was astounded to see an original volume of Martin Luther’s writings in a tiny little place in the middle of Texas.
The Wends (an old English word) refers to various groups of Slavic tribes in the area of east Germany and surrounds. Other texts refer to Sorbs, so I was a little confused during my research. Sorb and Wend are now interchangeable terms.
One of the docents from the museum had visited their homeland in Germany and was surprised at how similar the communities were. They transplanted their lifestyle, culture and religion to central Texas and lived their dream. Most of the land in the area is still owned by Wendish people who never threw anything out. The museum is a treasure trove of information, photos, dolls, books and costumes.
My eye was drawn to the books of folklore and the ‘little ones’. It is believed that some German folk tales originated in the Wendish tales.
Tales of Little People seem to be universal.
The Easter Eggs reminded me of the intricate painting on Russian and Ukrainian folk art and dolls.
The Texas Wendish Heritage Museum is one of the most unique museums I have been to in Texas and would thoroughly recommend a visit. We stayed in a hotel in La Grange but it could be a day trip from Houston, Dallas or Austin.
The Wendish Museum, Serbin, Texas – click on link to see more about the museum, the Wends and Serbin.
ref: Wikipedia, texaswendish.org
Brahmin Beau
Isn’t he handsome? I love Brahmin cattle with their floppy ears and unusual shape. This lovely fellow was scraping his hump on the low hanging tree bough. His family group looked liked Hereford cattle. It was very hot and they were sheltering under a tree. Everyone does that in Texas. I will predate a car park for a tree with shade.
This photo was taken in La Grange, a small county town in central Texas. Yes, that’s right, we finally left the house after an endlessly scorching summer. It has been 100 F plus since June but the weather finally broke with a fantastic thunderstorm that soaked the ground and forest. The weather has hovered in the low 90’s so we took our chance with a road trip to La Grange and Brenham.
The weather was perfect, the food good and the scenery bucolic. More posts to come.
The White Cemetery
We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on a dark and dreary afternoon but this white cemetery glowed like a beacon. On our last day we finally walked to it. The Cementerio General de San Jose – built in 1845.
Although there were some large and impressive family crypts, I was touched by these simple stacked crypts. Some of the markers were handwritten.
In memory of our dear: ‘Percy’. Those who forget die, but you will always live in our hearts. We love you. Your family.
The words touched me deeply, as did his smiling face. May he rest in peace.
The vivid Tai plants drew me to this large family grave.
The cemetery was an oasis of peace just a short distance from bustling city streets. It is a beautiful location to visit and be interred. Blue skies, green grass and mountains.
The groundskeepers were a friendly group, happily greeting us while they had their lunch. They should have been very proud of how well the Cementerio General was maintained.
It’s hot out there…
Suddenly there was a flash of feathers and some sweet little chirrups. We looked out the window and a little flock of house sparrows had arrived. There must have been 20 birds – males, females and babies. We don’t see sparrows very often and their numbers have dropped globally.
Our usual guests seemed a tad overwhelmed. Fat Mama squirrel kept digging holes to lie in. The Carolina wren snapped at one of the sparrows who ate her peanut. It was 104 F/ 40 C outside so all the little sparrows were thirsty. Not all our garden guests like the bird bath but they loved it. Our baby blue jay feels unsteady on it and prefers to bathe in one of the ground bowls.
I keep wondering how people and animals are surviving in these constant high temperatures but they are managing with a little help. Teddy is volunteering at the wolf sanctuary covered from head to toe, like a Bedouin. The wolves have a misting system to help cool them.
Today (still 104 F), I decided to change the blown light bulbs in the garage. Lord knows what the temperature was in there. My hands were dripping with sweat so I dropped a screw for the lampshade, from the top of the ladders. I had to reverse my car out and sweep the double garage for the lost screw. I found it, the bulbs are replaced and the garage has less cobwebs. I must be slimmer!
The forecast is for another two weeks of dry hot weather around 104 F but a hurricane might break that streak. The Farmers’ Almanac has forecast a colder than average winter for us. Then I will complain about the water bowls icing up!
Birthday Twins
Birthday twins are people that share the same month and day but not necessarily the year. I met one of my birthday twins, at work, when I was almost 40. It was the first time I had met someone with exactly the same birthdate, if not the same age. I was very excited; certain that this person was going to be a lifelong soul friend.
Our friendship started off very well and it seemed that we had much in common. We liked the same books, movies and had a similar sense of humor. We even liked the same scents. I am not a particularly religious or spiritual person but am totally hooked on astrology. In my head, I know it’s nonsense but it is much more tantalizing than conventional beliefs. My husband is a Taurus and I am Cancer, so astrologically it was good match. Perhaps, however, we are just compatible – about the same age and brought up in similar homes.
In retrospect, I wonder why I thought it would be a good idea to be friends with someone who was like me. I don’t like me very much! My Mum, Nana and I all had Cancer birthdays. Furthermore we all lived in the same house. Sometimes it was fun, especially when we were laughing together. Other times we could really irritate each other. It’s not easy for three women to live under the same roof.
Now it is 20 years since I first met my birthday twin and we are no longer in touch with each other. Were we really compatible or so alike that it’s unpalatable? I am not an easy person with many negative and positive traits. It is probably not a good idea to be friends at work but that’s another topic…
It was my birthday in July and I received some genealogical hints from Ancestry. To my surprise, I discovered that my most famous ancestor, Capt. Jose Francisco Ortega, was born on the same day as me in 1732. If I hadn’t met my previous birthday twin, I might have been more excited. Now I was apprehensive. Captain Ortega led a scout troop from San Diego to the north and ‘discovered’ San Francisco.
Some of the historical accounts suggest that he was ‘Castizo’ – three quarters European and one quarter indigenous Mexican. His indigenous ancestry helped him communicate with Californian Native people and track effectively. He sounded like an intrepid adventurer – I can be, too. Capt. Jose was made of stern stuff. On a separate mission to find Monterey, he and his party had to eat their mules to stave off starvation. I could do that, if pushed. In Egypt I ate camel and it was tough going. Why do you think we keep our squirrels fattened?? He and his wife, Maria Carrillo, had endless children and one of his sons, Juan de Capistrano etc., is my ancestor. Unlike my fertile ancestors, I am the last Ortega in my particular genetic thread.
On a blackly humorous note, he got fat in old age and wasn’t good with money. He died at age 65 after falling off a horse and walloping his head! Maybe syncope runs in our family?
Captain Jose Francisco Maria Ortega 1732 – 1798
Juan de Capistrano Antonia Maria Ortega 1776 – 1818
Emigdio Miguel Ortega 1813 – 1873
Juan de Jesus Ortega 1843 – 1929
Charles Bartomeo Ortega 1870 – 1920
Juanita Matilda Ortega 1904 – 1967
Earl Houston Dellinger 1929 – 1989
ME aka Kerry Dellinger de Ortega 1960 – ???
I am Captain Ortega’s 5th great grand-daughter and perhaps I inherited his sense of humor. Hopefully, he is laughing while rolling around in his grave. As you can see, I have a Masters in Art… Below is an illustration of him (what a handsome dude!) with his grave marker beneath.
Woven Webs
This is a golden garden spider, Argiope aurantia, native to the Americas. It was over an inch long so probably a female. Their webs are so distinctive with the zig zag pattern – it is a natural work of art. The zig zag may act as a stabilizer or an attractant for prey. I spotted her in the holly bush when I was watering the garden. She was taken by surprise and wildly oscillated the zig zag section to persuade me to move. As a spider lover, I ran inside to get my camera and she had calmed down by then.
In the front yard, I have my last remaining Japanese Yew. The other two Yews died of a disease but this one is healthy with glorious blueish white berries at the moment. Again, I was using the hose when I noticed the web sparkling with the water spray. I didn’t see this web’s occupant but I guess it was very small.
Just like the European Yew, the Japanese Yew is toxic and I assume the berries are too. Nature is very good at showing you what not to eat… I prefer indigenous bushes but this is ornamental. She is 20 years old now so she is part of the family now.
It is hotter than hell here. Endless days of 100 F/38 C heat with no rain. The only exercise I take outside is watering the garden. Every day I fill up all the water bowls for the garden visitors who rush for a fresh drink. Keep cool!
The Mysterious Miaow
We have lived in our house for two decades. In the first few years we noticed a stray Himalayan cat. Then there was a really scrappy grey tomcat with a harem. One of our kindest neighbors took in two of his kitties (a mother and a daughter) and looked after the Himalayan cat, Mr. Fluffs, in his senior years. We looked after a Tuxedo stray that we called Katniss.
Katniss disappeared one day along with all the other stray cats. Since then I have only seen cats that obviously have a home – fat and glossy. But every so often, over the past few years, I hear a kitten mewling. Never could find one…
Finally, I discovered we have a Catbird in our garden gang. No, I hadn’t heard of a Catbird, either. It belongs to the same family as mockingbirds and thrushes, is indigenous to the Americas and is a skilled mimic. Ours are grey and black; in Guatemala they are all black. Catriona visits us on her own sometimes but is usually accompanied by the Blue Jays, Cardinals, Wrens and Squirrels.
This is one of our juvenile male Cardinals. His feathers will be bright crimson by winter. Our pair have one or two fledglings every year.
Mother Carolina Wren with her baby who asks for food incessantly. They have a fantastic hiss for such a wee bird. They are about 3 inches long.
Meet Dolores, our Mourning Dove, indigenous to the Americas. Her song sounds like a mournful coo (very loud in the morning). She is a graceful bird with gorgeous blue eyeliner and bright pink feet.
Dottie, above, is her daughter. Doves stay in the nest until almost full grown.
These are our new Downy Woodpecker twins. They are juveniles.
I have often wondered why our garden gang all visit together, at various times of the day. The Coopers Hawk above explains why. Isn’t he magnificent? He is not much bigger the Mourning Dove but does predate the smaller birds, insects and reptiles. The garden went silent as he arrived – even the Cicadas. Our Blue Jays act as guardians for the little birds.
On a footnote, one of Teddy’s colleagues told us that when she was a child she thought that the sound of the Cicadas singing was the ‘sound of summer’. If summer had a sound in Texas, it would be Cicadas singing. I feel a country song coming on…
Crystal
Crystal stared out of her bedroom window. The year was 2403 and the windows were specially coated to keep solar pollution and heat out. The added benefit for Crystal was that she could see out but the mirrored coating prevented anyone from looking in. Ruby, Crystal’s mother gazed at her youngest daughter with a strange mixture of love and pity. Seeming to sense her mother’s look, Crystal stared back with her unusual piercing gaze. For just a moment her mother flinched but quickly gathered herself with a reassuring smile. It was too late, however, and Crystal’s face fell.
“Why don’t we go to the Aquarium, tomorrow?” asked Ruby in an attempt to cheer her daughter. Crystal’s face showed her conflicting emotions. She adored seeing the now extinct whales and dolphins. “Can we go as soon as it opens?” “Whenever you want to go, my love.” Ruby chose to ignore the elephant in the room. Crystal always tried to visit her favorite places at the quietest times. Then fewer people could stare.
The next morning, Crystal was ready at 6 am. The earth was now so hot that most activities, even inside, took place in the coolest part of the day. Outside clothes were made of a light material that protected your skin from the elements. She slathered sunscreen on and pulled the hood tightly over her head. Ruby was wearing a similar outfit but had yet to pull up her hood. Crystal gazed longingly at her mother’s long dark brown hair which she quickly coiled into a knot. The family’s vehicle was safely enclosed in their attached garage which had to be air conditioned also.
The vehicle was powered by fission and was fully automated. It was manufactured with a material that could resist the deadly heat and protect the occupants from the regular solar flares. Crystal and her family lived in a small satellite settlement on the outskirts of New Atlanta. Driving was quite safe because you followed magnetic tracks which kept your speed at a constant pace. Accidents were rare in this century. The Aquarium was below ground as it would have been difficult to cool such a big building. Crystal started getting excited as soon as they entered the underground parking. Ruby managed to find a parking space very close to the entrance which she knew would please Crystal.
There was no one at the entrance – not unusual in a world that scanned every person. All they had to do was look into the scanner and the door opened automatically. To Crystal’s delight, they were the first people to arrive. She ran straight to the Cetacean section to gaze at the whales. She knew that whales had lived in the oceans all over the world. The oceans had warmed so much that only smaller, tropical fish inhabited the seas. Crystal had read that people used to go on whale watching tours in previous centuries. Now the seas were toxic to humans. Massive cargo ships crossed the world but they were manned by androids.
Suddenly, Crystal’s favorite whale came into view and she ran to the glass to stare at the Beluga whale. The Beluga seemed to recognize Crystal who was a regular visitor and he gently tapped the glass wall with his nose. They were both prisoners in a strange new world that was almost impossible to live on. Every year spacecraft would prowl the galaxies looking for the elusive ‘New Earth’. Mars had a large population but they lived in similar conditions, if not worse, than those on earth. Terraforming new worlds was the ultimate goal but as yet the projects on Mars had failed.
Ruby gently suggested that Crystal might want to visit some of the other animals but she did so reluctantly, waving goodbye to the Beluga. A few people had started to enter the Aquarium and some staff had arrived. Crystal kept her hood closely tied over her head and hid behind her mother. The other visitors were so absorbed in gazing at the long extinct creatures that they didn’t notice Crystal. Only when she was exiting the door did a family notice her. The little boy’s big brown eyes opened widely in shock and he pulled at his mother’s sleeve. His mother sharply inhaled but signaled her son not to stare. Crystal’s eyes filled with tears and Ruby’s shoulders slumped in tired resignation.
Crystal raced back to the vehicle and Ruby paused to reassure her daughter. It was to no avail as Crystal had her face pushed into the passenger window. Like the house windows, they could see out but no one could see in. As they approached their home, Ruby asked her daughter if she would like an oat milk shake. “Yes, please” she said quietly and they stopped briefly at the automated beverage stop. As soon as they got home, Crystal ran to her room to sketch the Beluga.
That evening, after dinner, Ruby broached the subject with her husband, Jasper. “We have been to every doctor, Ruby. When she is older, we can consider a medical procedure.” Ruby took a large gulp of synthetic wine and nodded. They agreed that they would try family counselling again. They tiredly went to bed and hugged each other. In the morning, after home schooling, Ruby broached the idea of family counselling with Crystal. “No! I don’t want to do that again, Mama.”
“I can’t change your genetics, Crystal, as much as I would like to. You are getting older and we, Daddy and I, would like you to come to terms with everything. As you know, Daddy had to have surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture which is hereditary. Many people have to live with conditions and illnesses.” After some discussion, Crystal reluctantly agreed to go back as long as she could approve the counsellor. “Great!” said Ruby. “Let’s look at some profiles.” Ruby let her daughter take the lead and noticed when she lingered over a young woman’s profile. “Shall I book an appointment with Dr. Layla, Crystal?” Crystal nodded silently and went back to sketching the Beluga whale.
A week later, Ruby, Jasper and Crystal made the trip to New Atlanta to see the therapist. Dr. Layla felt that it would be much better to meet in person. Crystal would have preferred a virtual appointment but agreed to meet her. Dr. Layla had a solo practice with a private garage which helped to alleviate some of Crystal’s nervousness. As they exited their vehicle, Dr. Layla appeared in the doorway with a huge smile on her face. “Welcome! Especially you, Crystal. Please follow me.” The family followed the therapist into a large room with comfortable sofas and chairs. It was painted in sunny shades of yellow and Dr. Layla was wearing an intricately embroidered kaftan in a golden shade.
Crystal couldn’t help staring at the unusual garment and at Dr. Layla. “This is a gown made by my Egyptian ancestors, Crystal. Do you like it?” Crystal nodded with a small smile. Dr. Layla had skin the color of coffee, not that anyone had seen real coffee for decades, and it was sprinkled with some freckles. Her eyes were an unusual dark amber color and her dark hair had just a touch of copper. The next hour flew by with Dr. Layla and her parents discussing Crystal’s genetic code and how many doctors they had seen. Dr. Layla attempted to involve Crystal in the conversation but it was too soon.
They made an appointment for the following week and Ruby asked her daughter how she felt. “I quite liked her, Mama. She had unusual coloring with freckles!” Ruby chuckled and said “I thought you might like Dr. Layla. Crystal’s mother and father glanced at each other and tentatively smiled. Jasper asked, “How about Fun Gi Burgers for lunch?” Everyone started smiling with anticipation. Food had become mundane since the interminable heat made it difficult to grow crops. Most evenings they had a simple buckwheat pasta dish and Burgers were such a treat. None of them remembered what real meat tasted like but thoroughly enjoyed the take-out mushroom burgers which were expertly seasoned.
Another week passed, Jasper was busy with work, so Ruby and Crystal travelled alone to visit Dr. Layla. She greeted them with great warmth and was pleased to see a large smile on Crystal’s face. As Crystal walked into the room, she made an abrupt stop. There in the middle of the room was a large mirror. It was covered with a colorful throw. “Don’t worry, Crystal,” said Dr. Layla. “I won’t uncover it until you are ready.” Crystal relaxed somewhat and sat on the edge of the ottoman. Dr. Layla kneeled in front of her and said, “You are beautiful and unique.” The tears started to roll down Crystal’s cheeks. “Let’s do this,” said Dr. Layla and removed the throw covering the mirror. She gently pulled Crystal to her feet and walked her in front of the mirror.
“What do you see, Crystal?”
“A freak. I am a ghost.”
Everyone gazed in the mirror looking at Crystal’s pale skin, the color of alabaster. Her golden curls hid her startling aquamarine eyes. It had been centuries since paleness of skin had been a positive attribute on Earth. Almost everyone strived to have as dark a complexion as possible because it was safest in this cruelly hot environment. Ruby had mocha colored skin with the darkest brown eyes and hair. Jasper was similarly colored but his ancestors were not. They clung to their Scandinavian roots for many years and refused to intermarry even for the health of their future forbears. Jasper’s inheritance was Dupuytren’s contracture which only occurs in Northern European DNA. For some reason Crystal had inherited various recessive genes.
Crystal’s parents were so shocked by her unexpected appearance after her birth. The doctors reassured them that her skin and eyes would darken but they didn’t. Her fairness was a very dangerous condition in this strange new world so the doctors had broached various methods to darken her skin tone and eyes. Dr. Layla softly hugged Crystal. She explained that many centuries ago, Scandinavians evolved to have much lighter skin and hair than other Europeans. That meant they could absorb more Vitamin D through their skin in the dark, cold environment. In time paleness became a desirable look because of its rarity and people who lived near the equators used skin lightening bleaches so they could look less dark.
Crystal looked at her incredulously. Why would anyone want to look paler? All she had ever longed for was dark features like everyone else. Perhaps that was why she was so drawn to the white Beluga whale. Weeks and months passed. Therapy with Dr. Layla continued. Ruby could see a huge improvement in Crystal’s attitude towards her appearance. Dr. Layla’s words had resonated with both her and Jasper. Their therapy homework included watching 20th century movies were most of the actors were white. Even if Crystal couldn’t change her coloring, she was adapting to being different. The next time they went to the Aquarium Crystal’s hood was a little less tight but she still ran to see her favorite Beluga whale who pressed his white nose to Crystal’s through the glass.
The End
Sky Blue
There I was, rummaging through the racks at the thrift store, when I spotted this lovely dress with the label still attached! Unbelievably, it fitted me perfectly. I saw the same dress on Amazon when I was looking for a maxi length with long sleeves and almost purchased it at full price. It was approximately $8 in Goodwill. In the top photo I have styled it with my very old white denim jacket. The jacket is lightweight and perfect for too cool air conditioning.
I believe these frocks are called ‘nap dresses’. There are deep pockets and it is made of soft woven cotton mix. Since my fall, I have donated many of my high heels but I kept my Kanna espadrilles for moments like this. Very comfortable and give me a little height with a long dress.
A dear friend gifted me the pretty Eisenberg diamante clip on earrings. They are from the 1940s or 1950s. I still have virgin ears with no piercings so I gratefully receive antique clip on earrings. Herr Jonas Eisenberg, an Austrian, founded the Eisenberg and Sons Originals in 1914 in the USA. In the late ’40s they started to produce jewelry which was so popular that they focused on jewelry alone.
PS I posed for these shots when it was 99 F/37 C with 50% humidity. That’s when air feels like a sticky substance.
Postcards from Kerry 