Robin's Baskets

Here are some baskets that Robin has made in the past. We still use most of them. They were well maid.

Some pine needle baskets.

Yucca Leaf Basket and Cork Board Trivet.

Colored Bands In Reed Basket.

White Oak Bread Basket.

Rabbits and wine

Getting close to the day the Easter Bunny arrives. How is it that Easter eggs are delivered by a rabbit? Well, here is the tale I've heard told ...Easter often coincides with the 10 days of Passover, a Jewish holiday celebrating the passage of enslaved Jews from Egypt into Palestine, led by Moses who performed a miracle parting the Red Sea, allowing them to walk right across land where there once was water. A special dinner called a Seder is shared amongst family and congregants, with four glasses of kosher wine per adult swallowed quickly at different occasions during the feast, after raising the glass with a toast "La Chaim" = To Life!.
The first course consists of symbolic foodstuffs, Parsley, salt water, bitter fruits and nuts, a lamb shank bone, a honeyed mash of apples and hard-boiled eggs.
Years ago a congregation was making plans for the Seder. All invitees were to share in bringing something. Rabbi Thoshinski volunteered to bring the hard-boiled eggs. He left a note: "Rabbi T bringing the eggs."
As Christians evolved holiday rituals from Jewish as well as Pagan holiday celebrations, the message was interpreted as Rabbit bringing the eggs. To color the holiday as a spring celebration, Easter eggs were dyed lovely floral colors.
Now you know ...
Why there is a Leaping Lapin in front of a Bordeaux vineyard is perhaps just as a creative artistic creation as my colored pencil drawing of Rabbits making Wine.
Cheers

Following up on communion wines and Paris

From my first posting about my first experience tasting wine, I have received information, feedback and comments about the wines served and the personality or lack thereof for the Reverand Mr. Ludlow.

The wines were often Sherries or Tawny Ports, according to my source, who was one of the altar boys. They were never allowed to see the labels as the adults of the Altar Guild filled the glass decanters that were ceremoniously used by the Altar Boys during communion to fill the Chalice. No deep red wines were allowed to be served as representing the 'blood' of Christ to avoid staining the sacred vessels and linens. The main consideration was the price. Often wines were donated by Parishoners. My sister remembers Kosher Concord wines - Manischevitz [Because she saw a bottle in the trash] and that could have been true, as she is 7 years younger than I and they could have taken advantage of some great bargain sales.

A long time friend who also attended St. Thomas, remembers The Reverend Mr. Ludlow as "Staid". In my opinion he had no 'joy' about him; he rarely laughed; he occasionally smiled. Most of the time he looked and acted like a sad bloodhound, down in the eyes and mouth.

From Le Café de Paris, we were delighted to receive a Pâté Maison Terrine and a Baguette from Mathieu - a Christmas gift. Mathieu has since shared his recipe and we may have to work on
perfecting our terrine making. A little more complex and elegant than meatloaf, but very practical daily fare in most of France. Bob has posted the recipe on the Boise Foodie Blog.

Jan thoroughly enjoyed the music - Frim Fram duet keyboard and fiddle/violin. She's thinking about taking lessons after New Years. Her son plays fiddle in a great modern 'pop' group, although trained in classical violin - fiddling seems to be a lot of fun for him.

Barbara gifted us with her latest book, "White Silk, Dark Chocolate, and a Little Bit of Magic." It was her birthday and she enjoys a generosity of spirit, good wine and great food.

Truly a little bit of magic in Boise is the Le Café de Paris!