This might look like a Pyrex dish to you but for our garden fur/feather babies, it’s an infinity pool. They even have a wee towel on the diving rock….
This is my man at work – he is Scottish so that’s why his feet have a blue hue. The original ceramic pool/watering hole froze over during our big freeze and cracked apart.
Katniss’ old house was falling apart, mostly because the squirrels ate the underside of the roof. Que? Teddy suggested that it might have been stuck together with animal glue. Gah! With his retirement imminent, he has decided to take on handyman tasks. His perfect roof repair is below. I did the exterior decoration and very bravely took out all the leaves inside the house. It was a perfect space for a snake to hibernate…
Everything about life is perception. This gave us so much pleasure and made us laugh. We put out the camera trap to see who uses the AirB&B. Isn’t this Eastern Gray Squirrel cute, concentrating on her delicious blackberry while the young ‘uns were scampering around?
On Sunday we had a very sharp morning, 40 F, and for the first time in many months Teddy and I went to the Mall! This was an excuse to wear one of my favorite outfits that must be at least a decade old otherwise called sustainable fashion. The knitted dress is from Max Studio and the jacket is from INC. A couple of years ago, I noticed that the pleather collar was wearing away so I got some fur fabric from Amazon and our local tailor stitched on top. I was so happy at my inventiveness.
As we wandered around the Mall, I noticed that everyone else was wearing high summer clothes but my lizard DNA keeps me cold under 80 F. The very nice lady in the perfume shop thought I looked like a princess – I guess she hadn’t seen many but I will take the compliment. In the next department store I decided to try on a ‘prairie’ dress and I took off my jacket for Teddy to hold. He said, “your jacket is disintegrating all over your chest”. It looked like a Brown Pox!! The ‘prairie’ dress was a bust – I looked like a tired old woman in the Dustbowl Depression which was not the look I was going for… Just needed a goat and a chicken.
Goodbye, Farewell to my favorite jacket. You served me well on cold trips to Scotland/Oklahoma/Colorado.
It was a grand day out, nonetheless, and I felt much less anxiety about being out in public, now that we have both been vaccinated. Almost everyone was wearing a mask and keeping their distance. Teddy bought his summer cologne, Dior’s Fahrenheit, which always smells good. Our lattes from Nordstrom tasted like the best coffee we have ever had. Everything is new and interesting again. Purdah has made the simplest things tremendously exciting.
Now we need to get the whole world inoculated and keep our fingers crossed for herd immunity.
To my complete astonishment, a long-lost cousin found me through this website. She had Googled one of our ancestors and found ‘Postcards from Kerry’. I am a few years older than her but we share the same great grandparents – the Pinkmans – my maternal grandmother’s family. My cousin was brought up in England, north of Liverpool, as was my Nana. It was such a lovely surprise to be able to reconnect. Over the years my aunt and I had been musing on why we had lost touch with that branch of the family and now we are all in contact again.
One of the first photos that my cousin sent was the sepia print above. I think I had seen this photograph before my Nana died in 1974 but had forgotten what my great grandparents looked like. My Nana, Kathleen, is 4th from the right between her brothers and this is the earliest photo I have of her. Her face reflects her soft and gentle nature, although she had a fun feisty side too (I inherited that…) I was looking in vain for a resemblance between us but then I saw a glimpse of her only great grand-daughter, her namesake. Nana died long before she was born as most of our family married a little later than conventionally acceptable in those days.
Nana was the oldest girl in the Pinkman family and lived a life very different to mine as a child. They lived a comfortable middle-class life in a three-story house steps from a beautiful beach. There was a governess and music lessons. Then both of their parents died within a short time of each other. My working theory is that it could have been the last flu Pandemic in 1918 but who knows? Nana looked after the younger children until she was past marriageable age. She joined a convent as a novice nun but left to marry my grandfather Daniel McHugh, who was also older, then they moved to the farm in Ireland.
My cousin and I emailed about some of the family mysteries. The whole family (in the photograph) were ethnically Irish and their original name was McGuire. We are unsure if they anglicized their name to Pinkman or the authorities. Irish settlers were not warmly welcomed in most countries, including England where there were signs on pubs saying “No dogs or Irish”. Ironically my Celtic accent makes me very popular now…dogs like me too.
For some reason Nana was most unwilling to share details of her parents to me or her children despite my interrogation. “What was your Mummy like, Nana?” “Little girls should be seen and not heard” was the frequent response. There was a family disgrace which I blogged about in this post Our Irish Family Secret. Despite that, I remember my Nana’s fondness for her younger brother. Another family member revealed that the family spoke Irish Gaelic at home, which was a surprise. My DNA and records confirm that we are from the Midland region of Ireland – Sligo, Mayo, Leitrim and Cavan. Our McHugh family farm had land in both Sligo and Leitrim.
Our family has been enhanced by this family reconnection; it brought back lovely memories of meeting all my great aunts and uncles in England when I was younger. Looking at the photograph, I think of the sadness that was to follow. My great grandma was a little stouter than I expected but had a sweet face. Great grandpa looked uncannily like one of my Iberian ancestors on the other side – Dark Irish, perhaps?
After the deep freeze in Texas, many of our tropical plants died. Most of mine survived because I have ruthless green fingers. Almost all of the plants that I have put in are precisely for our climate area, sub tropical forest. Our soil is poor, drought and flood are common and so if a new plant dies, I don’t plant it again. The azaleas are not indigenous but they have more blossoms than they usually do. I guess the freeze provoked some growth.
This fern was just cut down a few weeks ago and yet there is still new growth! I love my lichen covered boulders – it usually indicates that the air quality is good. The trees in our forest act as giant filters against truck happy Texas.
Our mountain laurel has three new growths – if I am very lucky they will turn into purple blossoms with a gorgeous scent. The leaves are covered in yellow pollen but they are quite healthy despite that.
Our crimson dwarf crape has survived! They are trimmed every year but should have glorious deep red blossoms in a couple of months. Thank you Mother Nature for the beautiful mood boosting gift.
On a final humorous note, I had a mad half hour after our gardener trimmed all the dead branches, trees and put down new cypress mulch. He also put down some bull rock, as you can see below, to edge the lawn. The architect of our house wanted a wavy driveway which is difficult to traverse. Teddy often gouged the lawn with the big tires on the Dodge Challenger so we added some bull rock. In this part of the world the pebbles are mostly the same sandy color but these ones were almost white. I panicked as landscaping has to follow a set of rules. Initially I thought of calling the gardener and asking him to replace them at my expense. Then I had a crazy idea to replace them with older bull rock in the backyard. After pacing and panicking, I decided that I would hose down the muddy footprints. As I did that the stones miraculously turned a sandy color… I felt like such a fool because they were just covered in rock dust! Can you imagine if I had called Adelfo? He has called me Karen for 16 years and finally I would have turned into one!
America is in the news again, and not for a good reason. Even in subtropical south east Texas, we do get snow every few years. Millions of Texans were without power or water in sub-zero temperatures with two freezing events over a period of 4 days – the snow was the least of it. Our houses are not built for the cold, nor are our bodies which acclimated to the intense heat of summer. Our power went out for 18 hours, we had a gas fire and we were so cold. Usually when we get snow, it is fleeting and we have fun but this year our state was unprepared. There is no excuse – our power grid equipment should be insulated for our extreme heat and occasional extreme cold.
My husband and I both contemplated how we felt; discouraged by our country, our state and getting older. I checked on neighbors, some of whom are elderly or ill. In retrospect, I realize how lucky we were to have a different energy company than the Houston metropolis (and water system). All our freezer food is in the trash but we can afford to buy more. On Tuesday, I went to the store but it was back to quarantine days – empty shelves and too many people in a pandemic. All were wearing masks and considerate of distance. We all looked as though we were in shock. What next – locusts??
Don’t you love my coordination? Ancient pajamas that are too big, industrial rubber boots and my New Mexico jacket. I am leaving black sunflower seeds out for the birdies and squirrels. This is yet another reason why I shouldn’t have cut my hair so short…
This is a funny little tale about my compulsion with scissors and clippers. For reference – Lourdes Water is Holy or Blessed Water from the shrine of Lourdes, France that Roman Catholics visit. Enjoy!
Kiera opened her eyes and couldn’t believe the vista in front of her. She was lying on a sumptuous canopied bed covered in golden silks looking at an oasis. She sat up and saw some wild camels drinking at the pool. Suddenly there was a shimmer and Shula El Masri appeared. He smiled broadly at her and Kiera realized that she was unclothed. With a blush and laugh, Kiera pulled the golden silk up to hide her modesty. “It is a bit late for that, isn’t it”, chuckled Shula. She met his twinkling green eyes and smiled as broadly as he had. “Is this a mirage, Shula?” asked Kiera. “No, this is my home in the Sahara. I whisked you here before you woke up.”
Kiera clapped her little hands with joy – the wonders of a Djinn suitor! Lovemaking with a Djinn was a sublime experience. She felt that they were both transformed into the four elements – fire, water, air and earth. “What do you see in me, Shula?” asked Kiera very aware that she was an older fairy. “I love your essence, Habibti (darling). Your kindness, your laugh, your warmth and those blue eyes”. Shula explained to Kiera, that as a Djinn who was able to shapeshift into any creature, his perception or vision was different from hers. It was though he could see her every molecule and loved her entirety. “Ana uHibbuka (I love you) Shula” responded Kiera with happy tears in her eyes.
Shula had prepared a light breakfast of dates, hummus and bread. Kiera ate with relish; her evening had been more energetic than it had been for years. She was content and warm but aware that they had to get back to the Texas School of Fairies. It was time to get back to work. No one seemed to have noticed their disappearance but they both emanated a subtle golden glow. Shula’s copper treatment for the blight combined with some old potions was working for most patients so there was some reason to celebrate. The survivors of the Fairy Blight, however, were faced with long term problems. The worst was wing drop – their wings desiccated and fell off. This left the fairies unable to live a normal life and they had to rely on others for their care. The Fairy Crafters had been working on prosthetic wings. They had used plant fibers, spider silk and balsa wood but it was as impossible as recreating a dragonfly’s wing.
Fairy Blight
As soothsayer, Kiera was again struggling with the feeling of despair in the school and the entire fairy world – the contentment in her personal life contrasted starkly. Shula noticed how bad she was feeling and asked her to join him in his suite again that evening. “I might have some good news…” Kiera shook herself out of her gloom and later knocked gently at his door. The suite was still transformed into an Egyptian scene but this time it resembled a blacksmith’s forge. Shula’s greatest skill was with metal so she was curious about what he had been working on. She gasped when she saw that he had constructed a fairy wing out of titanium, the lightest of metals. Titanium turns into a rainbow of different colors depending on what level of heat is applied to it. Shula held out prosthetic wing that was colored deep blue. “Stand back, Kiera dearest”. He blew a fiery breath on the wing and it changed color to fuchsia pink.
Kiera looked at Shula with astonishment – what skills this alchemist had. “I think this might work because it is light and flexible yet indestructible”, said Shula. They spent the rest of the night working on ways to attach the prosthetic wings. By morning they were bleary eyed but excited. They flew down to the infirmary to try the titanium wings one of the invalided children. It was attached by a brace around the chest area made of beetle silk, strong but soft. The first little fairy to try it was a Tumbleweed fairy with a mop of white fluffy hair. Her name was Teasle and like all Tumbleweed fairies was pragmatic and straightforward. Her first attempt was a little clumsy but after a few times she was flying around the patio outside the infirmary. “Don’t go too far,” pleaded Kiera. Teasle gently dropped to the ground her face gleaming with joy, then she ran to Shula and hugged him. “Do you like them?” asked the caring Djinn, while gently caressing her fluffy hair. “I love them but could they be a different color, please?” – everyone started laughing and crying. These prototype wings were a deep pink color but Tumbleweed fairies are unusually neutral in color. “How about a nice copper or golden color to match your outfit?” said Shula with a chuckle. Teasle grinned, her amber eyes sparkling; she was wearing mule hide suede pants with a matching fawn cotton sweater.
As the weeks flew past, lucky little fairies were attached with prosthetic wings of their color choice. Kiera’s old friend, Niloufar, a Persian Peri fairy, had brought her granddaughter to the Texas School of Fairies. Little Fariba had lost both her wings to the Fairy Blight. It was with the greatest of pleasure that Kiera fitted her with delicate bright green titanium wings; perfect for a Waterlily Fairy. As Fariba took her first faltering flight, Niloufar burst into delighted tears hugging Kiera and then Shula. Once the excitement was over, Niloufar and Kiera, spent the evening together. It had been years since they had met but chattered happily as though it was yesterday. “So, tell me all about this handsome Djinn, Kiera”, asked Niloufar. Kiera laughingly said, “I wondered when you would ask about Shula El Masri!” Neither of them knew any other Djinn and Fairy unions so Niloufar was fascinated by the details of the courtship. “I think Shula is my soulmate”, sighed Kiera knowing that this might be a fleeting affair. Niloufar’s beautiful emerald eyes looked sadly at Kiera and she reached across to hug her.
Fariba, the little Peri fairy, and all the others with new wings stayed at the infirmary for a few weeks to make sure that they had truly convalesced. The day came when Niloufar and Fariba had to leave for their home in Persia; Kiera tearfully waved them off. Shula spotted Kiera sitting thoughtfully by the fountain. “Would you like to go to the Oasis, tonight, dearest Kiera?” “Yes, please Habibi.” Shula fashioned a golden shimmer around them and in an instant they were at Oasis dipping their toes into the cool water. “Kiera, said Shula, “I need to talk to you about the future.” Kiera’s big blue eyes looked at him with dismay but she understood without words that his time at the Texas School of Fairies was coming to an end. The Fairy Blight was a worldwide pandemic and his skills were needed elsewhere. Tears dripped down her cheeks and he kissed her on the forehead. “Would you come with me?” he asked. She looked at Shula with a tremulous joy. “We could spend years traveling the globe helping our species” said Shula. Kiera whispered “Yes, Yes…”
It had been weeks since Shula el Masri (Fire of Egypt), the visiting Djinn, had arrived at the Texas School of Fairies. He, the healers and Kiera, the Soothsayer, had tried a variety of copper treatments, recommended by Shula, for the Fairy Blight. It seemed to work best in conjunction with the older potions. Slowly but surely the little fairies were beginning to recover from the Blight. They were all still in the middle of a long battle against the disease but this is the story for every species on earth. We fear fungal, virus and bacterial illnesses and are incredulous of their power over us. There is no malice in a Blight’s intent, just a thirst to survive. Fairies understood the interconnections better than humans but they still grieved for those they had lost.
Shula and Kiera were exhausted – Shula with all the alchemical formulations and trials on patient fairies. Kiera was emotionally fraught, her shoulders dropped with absorbing the fear and pain of her students and their families. Shula always looked impeccable with a delightful bow tie but this was not his true appearance because he was a creature of fire and air. Every so often Kiera caught sight of a faint shimmering around Shula and wondered if this was fatigue. Kiera had slipped back into the easiest of outfits with little regard to her appearance. They were all getting closer to a realistic cure for this mutation so Shula suggested that Kiera join him in his suite, provided for dignitaries at the school, for a light meal and some rosehip wine. Keira was a little flustered by the invitation as she knew Shula did not need regular sustenance. Blushing, she said, ‘I would love that’ – Shula’ s green eyes flashed with pleasure.
She ran back to her suite and jumped into a bath scented with night blooming Jasmine oil. Then she chose an indigo blue silk robe embroidered with deep pink hibiscus. Her pink silk slippers matched. She walked past the Hall of Fairies, still resplendent with crimson and gold fabrics but empty… Kiera sighed with sadness but put a genuine smile on her face when she knocked on Shula’s door. He opened the door still resembling a Persian Peri fairy but had chosen to wear an emerald green velvet smoking jacket, subtly embossed with Arabic geometric patterns. ” Please come in my dearest Kiera”, said Shula which made her heart skip a beat. Then she gasped when she saw that Shula had transformed the frankly stuffy suite into a Bedouin tent, resplendent with Arabic rugs, silks for awnings and copper furniture. There were lounging cushions in red and blue velvet.
“It is so beautiful” whispered Kiera. “I feel like I have returned to Arabia, Shula!” “This makes me feel more comfortable in a foreign environment,” replied Shula with a smile. Over the weeks since the Djinn had arrived, he and Kiera had been chattering in both Arabic and English. They both spoke many languages but it helped them bond a little better. Kiera also enjoyed talking in a tongue that was once very familiar. It was obvious to anyone who watched them work together that they also had an unspoken language and were very intuitive. Shula had laid out some plates with pomegranate and walnut pilaf, herb tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and Kiera’s favorite Baladi* bread. Shula poured two glasses of rosehip wine in delicate blue glasses, handed one to Kiera and said, “Mabrouk!” “Cheers!” returned Kiera with a laugh.
Shula was kind enough to join her in eating the delicious dishes. Kiera felt better than she had for many months, if not years. She had never married but enjoyed the company of male suitors from time to time. Now that she was older, it was a special pleasure to be courted by this handsome Djinn. It is uncommon for different species of magical creatures to have a romantic relationship but Kiera and Shula had a natural attraction to each other bound by the Blight. For months their conversations concentrated on the copper treatment and fairy medicine. This evening they started to reveal a little of their souls. Kiera told him about her Baja and Irish fairy forebears. “So, that’s where those beautiful dark blue eyes come from.” Kiera looked at Shula, the green-eyed Djinn, leaned toward him and kissed him on the lips. They were warm and welcoming with that now familiar shimmering. Shula pulled Kiera to him and they fell back onto the velvet cushions. It was a night to remember…
*Baladi is an Egyptian word meaning local. We had ‘baladi bread’ (a fresh delicious flat bread) and ‘baladi dogs’ (street dogs)
Kiera, the soothsayer, was exhausted by the ravages of the Fairy Blight. During this pandemic the healers at the Texas Fairy School of Magic, were struggling to find efficacious potions and treatments. The headmaster had suggested that he ask an old friend of his to visit the school. His friend’s name was Shula el Masri. Keira looked at the headmaster with surprise because it was a curious name. She was familiar with Peri fairies who originated in Persia but they had Farsi names not Arabic. Shula el Masri translates from Arabic to Fire of Egypt.
As a young fairy, Kiera had been fortunate enough to visit the Arabian world. Her best friend was a Peri fairy – Niloufar which means Water Lily. Peris were renowned for their beauty and Niloufar was no exception. Her face was a fair as the Water Lily Blossom with vivid green wings; her hair was black like silk but her eyes were a bright green. As much as Kiera loved her, Niloufar made her feel a little dull by comparison. She was as kind as she was beautiful and made beautiful Persian dishes for them to share. Just a thought of walnuts and pomegranate brought back delicious and happy memories.
“Kiera”, said the Headmaster, “Are you feeling well, my dear?” She emerged from her reverie to pay full attention. “Of course, Sir, I am just weary with the Blight. Who is your friend?” “He is a Djinn from Egypt; an old and dear friend”. Kiera suddenly snapped to attention with excitement and anticipation. Djinn are desert creatures, made of fire and air, able to shapeshift into any form. For the most part, they are benevolent and eager to help. “Shula has been studying the Fairy Blight and thinks he may have a possible treatment”.
The fairy healers had been using so many new and old potions to treat the Black Shade, as it was called, but were struggling to cope with this outbreak. Fairy plagues are transmitted from plants with disease, not dissimilar to the animal to human transmission of the Coronavirus. The Black Shade spreads from Late Tomato Blight much like to the Irish potato blight. This tomato variation has mutated to cause a devastating browning or desiccation of fairy wings and occasional wing drop. A fairy without wings cannot survive.
“Does he have a magical cure?” asked Kiera. “Not exactly magical but alchemic” said the headmaster. He went on to explain that Djinn have an aptitude with metals because they are creatures of fire and air. Shula was a brilliant mind who had formulated a possible cure with copper. In the human world tomatoes affected by the blight is also treated with a copper mixture*. “I can’t wait to meet him”, said Kiera excitedly, vibrant for the first time in months.
Kiera ran to her room to prepare for Shula el Masri’s arrival which was imminent. She looked in the mirror with dismay. So many months of quarantine and work treating patients had left Keira looking care worn. Her hair had more silver and she had cut it into a pixie style to make life easier. This was generally frowned on in the fairy world where beautiful long hair is an attribute. Kiera remembered how charming Egyptians were and was suddenly concerned about her appearance. In her closet she chose a long silver velvet gown, put some golden seed oil on her hair, jasmine oil and a little rouge.
As she returned to the main hall, she noticed a golden shimmering in the air which transformed into a male Peri fairy. Shula el Masri had arrived. His dark wavy hair was dappled with gray but his eyes were a vivid green. The headmaster started to introduce him to Kiera who was flustered when he lifted her hand to kiss it in a courteous fashion. She stuttered, “Salaam Alaikum” and Shula’s eyes flickered with delight as he responded “Alaikum Salaam”. This is a traditional greeting in the Arabic world meaning Peace Be With You. “So… you are familiar with Arabia, Miss Kiera?” Keira told him about her friendship with Niloufar, an old Peri friend. “I chose the perfect disguise, then?” said Shula with a light chuckle. In that moment Kiera remembered that he was a magical creature – the shimmer she had seen before was his true appearance. He had chosen wisely to resemble a fairy so that the young ones were not frightened. Kiera wondered why he had chosen an older appearance but perhaps it was more honest given his immortal life.
The headmaster asked Shula if he would like a repast but he asked to go straight to the healers’ infirmary. In truth, he only ate to be polite as it was unnecessary for him to have nourishment of that type. Human mythology has reduced the remarkable Djinn to an image of a pretty lady Genie jumping out of a lantern but Shula was much more impressive and gifted. The little fairies started to smile broadly at Kiera’s entry into the infirmary – she had counselled so many students and their families. There was a titter of excitement when they realized she was not alone and they looked beyond her with curiosity at the handsome Peri fairy.
Shula warmly introduced himself to all the children, parents and staff and Kiera watched as they responded so well to his natural charisma. Then she let out a sigh of relief – perhaps the worst was over and the Fairy World could hope again.
*Copper treatment only works on tomatoes/fairies…not humans.
**Like Kiera, Kerry has a weakness for green eyed Arabic men.
Do you remember when Dorothy pulled back the curtain on the Wizard of Oz, only to reveal someone pretending to be GREAT AND POWERFUL? Later she said to him, “Oh, you are a very bad man!” The Emerald City has revealed to be an illusion and there are many scary screaming monkeys flying around us with Camp Auschwitz t-shirts, zip ties and pipe bombs. On a very darkly funny note, the t-shirts were sold on ETSY and are no longer available. ETSY, really?
We have to be strong, like Dorothy and her companions. Brave, Smart, Determined and full of Heart. Europe and the rest of the world have been dealing with domestic terrorism for eons, so there is nothing unique about our situation. Remember the tragic bombing at the mosque in New Zealand; the most unexpected of places? We take stock, grieve the dead and learn a lesson. The saddest memorial I have ever encountered is for the Oklahoma City Bombing. I couldn’t get the image of the little chairs for the innocent children in the creche who died.
In all society there are extremists of every type – anarchists, religious zealots and Neo Nazis to name a few. My late father-in-law will be turning in his grave after his efforts in WWII may have been in vain. Despite spending 5 years in a POW camp in eastern Germany, he lived a long full life before dying at 93. His heart was full of forgiveness for the people of Germany and he visited many times after the war.
My neighbors in Egypt went out of their way to protect me when the war broke out. They wouldn’t tolerate anyone treating me with disrespect even though I drove them crazy rescuing wild animals.
Most people are good. Most people are good. Most people are good.
Keep repeating that as a mantra. The criminals will be punished and we, as a nation, are shamed. Humility is a positive quality. We have looked in the mirror and recoiled.
Let’s stop telling the rest of the world how to run their democracies and countries. We can work with the UN to help stop the worst of global crimes such as ethnic cleansing. No one political party or philosophy is entirely guilty or innocent. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to find our decent core; we can be good but we don’t need to be great. Now is the time to be strong and kind. Remember that we all live in glass houses before we cast figurative stones.
Postcards from Kerry 