Details From the Past

This is one of those weeks when I’ve been doing some research in the midst of trying to write. The floor around me is covered with open books. Usually I can’t remember exactly what book I need and once I remember, I can't locate the book. One day I'll come up with an organizational system that works for me.

Unfortunately, when I’m flipping through books trying to find what I need, I get caught up in reading interesting tidbits. And that means I while away several hours enjoying items that I'll likely never use or need. And even if I did want to use it, I'd never relocate the material again. Anyway, I thought I’d share a few of those tidbits. I don’t think they compare with the hog bristles Tammy talked about last week, but they’re still fun.

Rubber Water Proofing for Boots
Two pounds of old rubber boots, 1 pint Neat’s foot oil, 1 oz. Rosin.
Directions: Melt slowly (all together) and then pour off from or take out the cloth of the old boots and apply warm. The boots will be water and snow-proof.

I’m holding my nose just thinking of the stink when you melt that rubber on your stove. Yikes!

Restoring from Stroke of Lightning
Shower with cold water for two hours; if the patient does not show signs of life, put salt in the water and continue to shower an hour longer.

Okay—here’s my question: If the patient hasn’t shown signs of life for more than two hours, wouldn’t he or she be considered dead? And you’re going to shower him for another hour? Hmmm.

Losing Weight
Keep on bearing children as long and often as possible.

Now I’m usually game for any new diet fad, but you can count me out on this one. And I’ve never heard women complain about losing weight while pregnant. Very odd.

Drinking Whiskey
Whiskey cures a great many ailments, infallibly, by killing the patient.

Enough said on the subject of whiskey!

Fruit
Fruit should be eaten ripe, raw, fresh and perfect. It should be eaten in moderation. It should be eaten not later than four o’clock in the afternoon. No water or fluid of any description should be swallowed within an hour after eating fruit.

So all you late night consumers of apples and oranges had better cut it out!

To Broil Robins and Other Small Birds
They should be carefully cleaned, buttered, sprinkled with pepper and salt and broiled. When they are served, butter them again. If you lke, serve each bird on a piece of toast and pour over them a sauce of red wine, mushroom, catsup, salt, cayenne pepper and celery.

Um, um. Supper anyone? That tidbit was enough to make me lose my appetite. Perhaps that should be listed under the how to lose weight section.

And now, back to the research!

May you find joy as you discover new and interesting details about life. ~Judy