Drummer Boys

My nephews Zach and Gavin, playing the drums in the barn.

Antiques

The Brownie Reflex Synchro Model (1941-52)
I went antiquing again today with my sister and her friend Shari in Maine. We actually brought along one of the kids (the 8 year old) with us, and he behaved well and enjoyed himself (for the most part). He made some funny comments such as: "28 bucks for that?"

Despite rain, wind, puddles, and mud, three different antique shops were scoured from top to bottom. We were 3 women on a mission, not to be thwarted. Shari bought a spinning wheel for 35 dollars, (apparently quite a buy) and Jan got a desk and some candle holders. Since she lives in a farm house built in 1860 or so, antiques look fantastic in her kitchen and den (the oldest part of the house). I got a view-master (bake-lite), a brownie camera, and binoculars. These items look good on my numerous bookshelves.
Complete with box

Sawyer's Black Bake-lite View-Master, late 40's, with box & Manual. Reels include Acadia National Park, Maine Seacoast, Franconia Notch, & Old Covered Bridges of New England.
Vintage Binoculars, unknown make. I found another similar style binoculars made in the 1940's.

More on the Neandertals

Here's a short video recreation of what the first interaction of modern humans and Neandertals may have been like. We know eventually the interaction was fatal for the Neandertals, but they did co-exist in Europe with modern humans for 14,000 years. There had to have been extensive interaction, including mating, trading, sharing goods, or fighting. Scientists have shown that the Neandertals' DNA was significantly varied genetically from Cro-Magons. Perhaps they were a sub-species, and therefore offspring weren't likely viable. Even if offspring did survive, they would have been few, and their DNA would eventually be barely detectable, due to modern humans' more viable and populous genes.

Did Man Kill the Neanderthals?

Sister, You Ain't No Hillary

Got together with some friends for brunch today.... We talked politics. I had to look this up after a friend mentioned it. Very funny.

A Few Good Women Part 1

After reading most of Lillian Faderman's "To Believe in Women:What Lesbians Have Done For America-A History," I'd like to highlight a few women that I believe are unsung, outstanding pioneers in American History.

1.Jane Adams (1860-1935).

This remarkable woman was a social reformer and philanthropist extraordinaire. She is most known for founding the Hull House in Chicago, in 1889, a community 'settlement' house. Hull House was innovative for the times, and Adams' services were a front-runner for later community opportunities, such as adult education evening classes and daycare. During the FDR administration, many of Adams' ideas contributed to New Deal policies. Hull House provided classes, a soup kitchen, a gym, library, childcare, a swimming pool, and art gallery to the poorer communities in Chicago. It is still in existence today. Upper middle class, educated women would stay at Hull House, volunteering their money and time. This opened up 'career' opportunities for women in the 1880's, that later became the field of social work.

Jane Adams was also an avid social activist, fighting for the rights of many. She was intricately involved in child labor laws, women's suffrage, immigrant rights, and was a member of NAACP. Adams was also a peace activist during W.W.I. She chaired and founded many organizations, such as "The Women's International League of Peace and Freedom." Needless to say, Jane Adams was vehemently attacked and accused of Communism, Socialism, etc. Her intimate relationships with other women and her 'spinsterhood' also left her open to ugly criticisms. Still, her lifelong dedication to a better society was rewarded and recognized in her later years. In 1931, she was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Hail to this great American heroine!

Hiatus

Wow! It's been awhile since I wrote here on the Quibley Corner. My computer was down & infected with a virus. The virus posed itself as anti-virus ware, then preceded to take over my computer! It was a frustrating march through mini-hell, not having internet access. Anyway, I'm back. This photo, taken by the great artist JD, expresses my angst well.