This morning I’m listening to Sarah Vowell read her book Lafayette in the Somewhat United States—she’s talking about the patriotic fever that welcomed Lafayette’s tour of the US in 1825, the same year there was near-violence over the presidential election—including threats to storm the Capitol.
In the first 15 minutes, she’s already made me laugh out loud.
This:
Americans’ unified enthusiasm for Lafayette, Vowell says, was for the man himself – – it was not a reflection of a simpler, more agreeable time.
“In the United States, there never was a simpler, more agreeable time.”
——
Hopefully today —Thanksgiving in the USA—will agree with us.
M & Q drove down from Duluth yesterday – – even though there’d been a snowstorm the night before. Here, too. This feels early, after years of brown Christmases – – but bink reminds me that when we were kids, risking sliding off snowy roads into ditches —(or dying)—on Thanksgiving was quite normal.
I’m putting a little extra effort into the vegetable dishes for today’s dinner, as one guest is vegan. Roast potatoes dressed with fresh rosemary, onion, garlic, and olive oil; the collards & mushrooms, w smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar, are made with an enriched stock from a small sheet of dried seaweed, dried mushrooms, leeks, parsley, and the usual mirepoix.
The guest is bringing vegan pumpkin pie & ice cream! I am taking a day off from not-eating white sugar.
There’ll be a roast chicken in the Dutch oven too, for those who partake (probably me).
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving – – or, as the case may be, Thursday.
happy thanksgiving! the roast potatoes sound fantastic! i so remember growing up and in our family the weather on thanksgiving was a big deal. if there was any possibility of snow we didn't go anywhere! my dad was super cautious when driving. me --i learned to drive in snow and really don't mind it if someone else is with me in the car. by yourself, it's white knuckle time.
ReplyDeletei really don't know much about lafayette so may have to find this book.
k